MICHIGAN FARM NEWS -= ItIICHIGAN FARM BIJREAIJ May 15, 1997 Vol. 74, No.9 ~I;I~I Basic Formula Price options narrowed down to four O n the heels of another drop in the Basic For- mula Price (BFP) for April milk of $1.05, which brought the price to $11.44 (see Market Outlook, page 6) the USDA's BFP committee sub- mitted four alternatives for further discussion to base the price of all the country's milk. The op- tions include two multiple-component pricing plans, a product price formula and a competitive pay price. The committee based its consideration of possible options on written public comments, input provided during a public BFP forum held in Madison, Wis.; a survey of transaction prices for manufactured dairy products; analysis by a group of university researchers; and extensive study and analysis by the BFP Committee. The BFP Commit- tee evaluated optionS against the criteria of stability, predictability, simplicity, uniformity, transparency, sound economics and reduced regulation. The four options, in detail, are: Option 1 A four-class, multiple-component pricing plan to compute prices for nonfat solids ~',fAi~, ..", ,w', ~ . and butterfat used in butter and powder (Class N) and a second multiple-component pricing plan to This Isabella County farmer - and many other farmers across the state - got a jump on getting their corn in to put the state's compute prices for protein, butterfat and lactose corn crop at over one-.third planted. Michigan farmers hope to have the majority of Michigan's estimated 2.6-million-acre used to make cheese (Class III). Class I and II pric- corn crop in by now with soybeans soon to follow. es could be set independent of the manufacturing prices, or computed by addition of differentials to a weighted moving average of the manufacturing prices or to the higher of the Class III or Class N prices. Governor~ road funding COVERS10RY Option 2 A three-class, multiple-component proposal: A right direction Planting progress report released s of the first week of May, Michigan pricing plan. This option is based on a modifica- tion of the "Benchmark Component Pricing" plan, for Michigan~ roads producers jumped ahead of the five-year planting average for corn in the state, with virtually all sugar beets in the ground, as well. developed by the University Study Committee, which computes a protein price from a cheese A t a May 8 press conference, Gov. John Engler unveiled his transportation reform package called "Build Michigan II" which would reform the es in registration fees for trucks. The plan also in- cludes tort reform and internal reforms within the transportation department regarding insurance on According to USDA's crop planting weekly progress report for May 5, Michigan was about one- price, a butterfat price from a butter price, and an way roads and bridges are funded and calls for a construction projects. third complete in terms of corn planting, up from other solids price from a powder price. The four-cent gas tax increase. According to Goodrich, "It would be naive at virtually nothing in a matter of seven days. Benchmark Component Price is then calculated by "We're extremely pleased the governor has this point to think the governor's proposal is going to "I think we are at least that far along," notes multiplying each of the component prices by a indicated his willingness to go to the taxpayers, the be the final proposal. But, like the property tax issue, MFB Field Crops Department Manager Bob Boehm. standard factor representing the share of each drivers, the users of the roads, and ask for their until the governor got serious about that issue, there "Last week that had us at 0 percent planted and we component in a hundredweight of milk. This op- support to rebuild our infrastructure," said Jack wasn't any real reform. And that's what this issue has had a lot of corn in the ground, so I think that Michi- tion has only one manufacturing class consisting of Laurie, president of Michigan Farm Bureau, the needed; it needed the governor to come forward and gan is off to a good start this spring. Corn planting is butter, powder and cheese. state's largest farm organization. "It is a movement step up to the plate and say that he's willing to go on wrapping up in a lot of areas. People are moving on to Option 3 in the right direction to rebuild Michigan." record for some type of a gas tax increase." soybeans. Some areas of the state where there are A butter/powder-cheese formula to Calling the $570 million package very positive Goodrich said although the 4-cent increase heavier soils, in the central area, the ground is a little compute a BFP that would function as the mini- news, Laurie said the organization was generally will mean motorists who drive 12,000 to 15,000 wetter and corn planting has been held up a little bit, mum price for manufacturing milk used in all pleased with the "Build Michigan II" package, which miles annually will spend, on average, $22 to $30 but there is still 25 to 30 percent completed." three products. It would be the Class III price in a includes several systemic reform measures, a pro- per year, the net impact is a positive one. "Estimates If all continues to go well this spring, Michigan three-class market and possibly the price mover posal to increase Michigan's share of federal high- show right now that motorists are averaging about farmers will plant 2.6 million acres of corn, down for Class I and Class II. The formula uses seasonal way funds, and a 4-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase. $100 in repair costs due to the conditions of the 50,000 acres from last year, according to the Michi- product yields and a California cost-based make Michigan Farm Bureau policy supports a gas tax roads," Goodrich explained. "So while motorists will gan Agricultural Statistics Service. However, 50,000 allowance, and the contribution of each manufac- increase up to 7 cents. see a slight increase at the gas pump, they should additional acres of soybeans will go in the ground tured product is weighted by its U.S. production. "We're still looking closely at the proposed see a decrease at the repair shop." this year in the state, totaling 1.7 million acres. Na- Continued on page 8 distribution system to see if it satisfies the needs of tionwide, corn planting intentions are projected to Proposed Road Funding Sources (in millions) reach the highest level since 1985 at 81.4 million agriculture, because our concerns are, and continue Increased Federal Highway Funding $200 acres and soybeans will follow corn's lead with the to be: What does this do for rural Michigan? Will it 4-Cent Gas Tax Increase $200 largest acreage intended to plant since 1980 of 68.8 address the problems that we have of moving agricul- Ending the Diesel Discount $28 million acres, up 7 percent from last year alone. ture production from the farm to the consumer and Increasing Commercial Truck Registration $38 "I don't know if we have any number on acreage bringing inputs back out to the farm?" Laurie asked. According to Michigan Farm Bureau Associate Creating an Overweight Truck Fee $6 of wheat that was ripped up to go to soybeans," Legislative Counsel Tim Goodrich, the package is Ending the Spillage Allowance $15 Boehm adds. "We have a 56 percent good to excellent General Fund Contribution $43 rating for wheat, down from 71 percent a week ago." relying on $200 million in additional federal high- Insurance Reform Measures $40 This year's sugar beet acres will equal 170,000 way funds; a 4-cent increase in the gas tax, which TOTAL $570 acres across the state now that planting is complete, would bring an additional $200 million and increas- up from 153,000 acres last year .• News in Brief 2 Michigan's first Capitol Corner 3 shrimp operation opens 10 ~11'~~~~?i~~' .~.~.~~~~~.~.~.~~~~~ ..~.i.~ ...18 Farmers, rescue personnel Farm Finance 15 UBest of Beef" recipe attend seminar 4 Consumers Energy sponsors a fragrant originated in Oiethn's kitchen 19 Market Outlook 6 fund-raiser for FFA Foundation ........ 16 Horses and riders: Are you safe? 20 Precision Agriculture 8 MOA provides advice for Discussion Topic 21 livestock management and TB 17 Weather Outlook 24 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 22 1~'JI~~I~ll:tW May 15, 1997 Ne1lUs Counting Michigan's tart cherries T art cherry trees will be blooming soon, and the the release date for the official 1997 tart cherry crop il. Brief Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics estimate. Service wit! conduct its annual Tart Cherry Objec- The Tart Cherry Objective Yield Survey is tive Yield Survey. This survey is unique to Michi- conducted to increase the forecast's accuracy. gan, which historically produces about 75 percent Groundwork for this year's survey began in late of the United States' tart cherries. Last year's total April. Interviewers started the process by contacting Young People's Citizenship Seminar deadline for the state was 195 million pounds, a 37 percent and briefly interviewing about 260 of the state's (art approaching decrease from the previous year. The national total cherry producers. With the grower's permission, was 270.3 million pounds, 32 percent below 1995. two trees are randomly chosen from each of 280 M ichigan Farm Bureau will once again be holding the annual Young People's Citizen- ship Seminar (YPCS) June 16-20 at Calvin College in from throughout Michigan. This is an excellent opportunity for a young person to learn about the complex process of government." During the last five years Michigan's production has averaged 246 million pounds, 90 percent of selected samples and two limbs per tree are then randomly selected for further study. which is utilized. In mid-June, interviewers will return to the Grand Rapids. More than 250 high school sopho- Speakers for this year's event indude Dr. Rob- What will be the tart cherry production for orchards to count and weigh the cherries on the mores and juniors will be invited to take part in the ert Rowland, past president of American Citizenship" 1997? Tart cherry growers, cherry processors, and previously selected tree limbs. The average yield week-long political education program. Center at Oklahoma Christian University, on "The others will have this question answered, when the per tree, along with the number of bearing tart According to YPCS program manager Tom Moral Foundation of Freedom;" Dr. Frank Frick,Albi- 1997 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) releas- cherry trees in Michigan, is used as an indication to Nugent, the 35-year-old program has helped edu- on College, on "South Africa's rrrst Elections;" Erna es its forecast. USDA has tentatively set June 26 as forecast the 1997 tart cherry crop .• cate thousands of Michigan high school students Blitzer, Holocaust survivor; Maxine Hankins-Cain, about the U.S. political process by providing practi- Lansing Public Schools, on the "The Secret Ingredi- cal hands-on experience and top-notch speakers. ent;" and a player from the Detroit lions. MDA director appoints director of ag policy ale A. Sherwin of Lansing has been appointed and transportation. He has also worked as a legisla- "A favorite aspect of the seminar is that participants actually go through the election process, by campaigning and voting in primaries High school sophomores and juniors are en- couraged to attend YPCS.To get an application, con- tact your county Farm Bureau office prior to the May D director of agriculture policy by Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan tive aide to Sen. Nick Smith; Republican staff direc- tor for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture; and general elections for offices and ballot pro- 23 reservation deadline. County Farm Bureau schol- Wyant. and Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Affairs posals," Nugent explained. "Students also have arships are also available to cover the S170 registra- "Dale has vast experience in the agriculture and Commodity Programs, Office of the Secretary, the chance to interact with political leaders and tion fee. For more information, contact your local and legislative arenas, at the local, stare and federal U.S. Department of Agriculture. hear real-life stories of people from all over the county Farm Bureau, or Tom Nugent at 800-292- levels," Wyant said. "I expect him to focus on some In addition, Sherwin worked in the Foreign country. They'll also interact with their peers 2680, extension 6585.• of the most important emerging issues in agricul- Agricultural Service, as a lobbyist and trade special- ture today. We're looking forward to having him as a ist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, legis- member of our MDAexecutive team." lative counsel and field representative for the Michi- MCAIMSUBull Test Sale provides Michigan Sherwin most recently served as a member of gan Farm Bureau, and as a farmer in Davison. producers with quality bulls the House Republican Programs and Research Staff, He earned a bachelor's degree in animal sci- focusing on all issues related to agriculture, forestry ence from Michigan State University .• T he Michigan Cattlemen's Association (MCA)/MSU Bull Test conduded on March 22, 1997 with the and purchased by MLEBeef Improvement Programs of East Lansing for S2,650. annual Bull Test Sale. More than 350 individuals The Test Station for this event has been Stone- Taiwan outbreak bad news for u.S. corn exports turned out to this year's sale at the Michigan livestock man Farms in Breckenridge since the beginning of the Exchange in St. Louis where 36 bulls were sold to 30 different buyers, all from the state of Michigan. program in 1988. Bulls were delivered to Stonemans in mid-October and the official test began in the be- T he recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Taiwanese hog herds will mean the nation will import about 500,000 tons less corn this year, "The discovery of foot and mouth disease on some Taiwanese hog farms has significantly impacted feed imports, specifically from the United States, as The high indexing bull was a Simmental bull ginning of November. Allbulls were weighed on days according to a report released by the Agriculture Taiwan is one of the top three markets for U.S. com," consigned byJones' Simmentals of Clare and bought 28, 56, :ild 84 of the test to determine average daily Department. USDAsaid in its monthly world grain report .• by Kevin Page of Lyons for SI,200. The sale grossed gain (ADG) and weight per day of age (WDA). These S50,350 with an average of Sl,399, a S23 improvement numbers were then compiled to form the index, from last year's average. The high selling bull was an which determined the bulls that would sell and the 'Watchdog' group criticizes estate tax reform Angus bull consigned by Michigan State University order in which those bulls would sell.• S aying Republican proposals to reform the federal estate tax would cost the govern- would escape government collection because the assets are held to the time of death, thus avoiding ORGAN'ZAnONAl8R~FS ment $12 billion each year and let only the most wealthy Americans off the tax hook, a budget watchdog group called the Center on Budget capital gains taxes. The group said "fewer than 2 percent of all deaths result in estate tax liability" and that farms account for "less than 0.5 percent of all and Policy Priorities called estate taxes an im- assets included in taxable estates." Michigan Farm Bureau administrator announces portant progressive tax. "If estate taxes are reduced in large-scale ways retirement The group said in reality the estate tax affects that extend beyond providing targeted relief to "an extremely small portion of all estates" and does small family-owned businesses and farms, that A fter more than 40 years of service, Charles Burkett, administrative direc-tor for the state's largest farm organization, has announced his plans not adversely affect family-run farms and small busi- nesses. Without the estate tax, a report released by would provide a windfall to the wealthiest taxpayers in the country," the report said. to retire effective Sept. 30. His career with the Michi- the group said, millions of dollars in tax revenues AFBFsupports repeal of federal estate taxes.• gan Farm Bureau began in 1957 and was uninterrupted with the exception of a tour of duty u.S. considering lifting Argentine beef ban with the U.S. military. Burkett joined Farm Bureau Services as a T he United States is considering lifting the 67- year-old ban on imports of beef from Argenti- na. The U.S. import ban has been in place since the ture Department's top trade official,said imports of as much as 20,000 tons could be allowed into the United States in the next few months. Drazek said the level management trainee in June of 1957 following his graduation from Western Michigan Universi- 1930s following an outbreak of foot and mouth would have "little impact" on the U.S.beef industry. ty with a bachelor of science degree in agribusi- disease, a livestock sickness the country has been Talks between Argentine and U.S. negotiators ness. He served numerous roles within the orga- certified free of for the last three years. are taking place at high levels and include represen- nization, including nine years as a regional rep- According to the report, Paul Drazek, the Agricul- tatives from the White House .• resentative before being promoted to division director of the organization's field operations division in 1969. He was then promoted to the MFB administrative director position in 1987. ~GRO.(ULTURE ~ "We should all share in the pride of Chuck's accomplishment of being a part of the Farm Bureau family for more than 40 years," said Michigan Farm sized groups. He has served as vice chair of the Puts the Go in Growl Bureau President Jack Laurie. "His service is an ex- board's audit committee as well as vice chair of the ception, not only in our organization, but in all other Blue Care Network (HMO) Management Company, organizations as well. Chuck has agreed to continue and chair of the Blues' delegation on a joint com- serving Michigan Farm Bureau and its members as mittee on hospital reimbursement. Call for your FREE our representative on the Michigan Blue Cross Blue "Charles Burkett brings to the chairman's CATALOG AND RESEARCH BOOKLET "96" Shield board of directors following his retirement." position a wealth of knowledge about the health Burkett was recently elected by the Blue Cross Blue Shield board of directors to serve as its chair- care system and the challenges it faces," said Rich- ard E. Whitmer, Blues president and chief executive 800-678-9029 man. He is the first person from outside of south- officer. "Over the years he has focused on numer- east Michigan to serve as chairman since separate ous ways to contain health care costs while main- Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations consoli- taining high-quality services. He has worked pro- land Cost I~ Machinery dated in 1975. Burkett was first appointed to the Blues' board in 1988, as a representative for large- ductively with all segments of the health care com- munity represented on the board of directors.". Best Seed \ \ Jf? / / / Best Return AGRO-CULTURE I "" 'The Michigan Farm NftWS(ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twice per month except In the months of November, December, \ / .I!I!!!;. June and July when only one Issue Is printed, as a service to ~ular members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subsaiption price of $1.50 Is Induded in annual dues of Best I / Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subsaiption fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to \ nonmembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at lansing, Michigan, and addltlONII fNlllng offkes. t.tters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News. Post Office Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send addrns changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post Office Weed Control "" I / / / / Box 30960, lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager: Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. / Design and Production: Dan Stiles. Contributor: Sue Stuever Battel. Advertising Sales Representative: Joshua Merchant. Officers: President. Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President. Wayne Wood, Martette; Third Member, Jan Vosburg, Oimax; Agro-Culture Administrative Director. Chuck Burkett Treasurer and Chief Financial Offker, Tom Parker; Secretary, David VanderHaagen. Directors: D/strkt " Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2. Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; DIstrict 3, Michael fusilier, Manchester: Liquid Fertilizers District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Alan Garner, Mason; District 6, W~ Wood, Marlette; District 7, Rick Johnson. Leroy; District 8, Don Sutto. ~Inaw; District 9. JOshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret ICJIrtes.West Branch; P.O. Box 150 DIstrict 1 t, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: .Jack laurie, Cass CIty: Faye Adam, Snover: Jan Vosburg. Olmax; Judy St. Johns, MI 48879 Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Mertann Keinath, Deckerville; Young Farmers, Jeff Horning. Manchester. Il'~I~ @JJl] ~ [l'1:trill May 15, 1997 For more information on STATE legislative topics in the Amendments to change milk labeling Michigan Farm News, call 800-292-2680. H B. 4568, H.B. 4569, H.B. 4570, H.B. 4571 and H.B. 4572 are sponsored by Rep. Ilona Varga (D-Detroit). These amend sections of law tered to dairy cows to increase lactation. The sponsor's intent is to provide labeling of milk so consumers have more information and can dealing with grading milk and the manufactured select (he milk of their choice. The committee un- NATIONAL' . " ' milk and milk products. The bills would permit derstands there is no difference in the two prod- Estate tax reform a person to label milk or milk products pro- ucts. However, they still want to provide the label- duced by a cow that was not treated with rBST ing information. he Family Business Protection Act of 1997, H.R. T 1299, has been introduced to reform the feder- al estate tax. The major provisions include the fol- • Indexes for inflation the $750,000 limit on the amount the property value can be reduced to (recombinant bovine somatotropin). The package of bills was referred to the Com- Currently, the Department of Agriculture per- mits labeling if the label follows the federal guide- reflect its actual use under the Section 2032A mittee on Regulatory Reform. "The committee had lines with specific language indicating that there is lowing: spedal use provisions. hearings on April 24 and May 1 and refered the bills no difference in the milk, whether or not the cow is • Changes the unified credit to an exemption, which • Excludes land subject to a qualified conservation to a special work group, which will consist of House treated with rBST. has the effect of reducing the estate tax rate on easement from the estate tax. members to be announced at a later date. MFB position: Farm Bureau does not estates between $I million and $4 million. Reform of the federal estate tax is a priority BST (bovine somatotropin) is a naturally oc- support H.B. 4568, H.B. 4569, H.B. 4570, H.B. 4571 • Increases the estate tax exemption from the issue for Michigan Farm Bureau. The current curring protein that stimulates milk production in and H.B. 4572. current $600,000 to $800,000 in 1998 and to $I $600,000 exemption has been significantly reduced cattle. rBST is a manufactured product adminis- MFB contact: Ron Nelson, ext. 2043 .• million in 2002. by inflation over the 16 years since it was last updat- • Allows an additional $1.5 million exemption for ed in 1981. STATE family business assets provided the family contin- MFB position: Farm Bureau supports ues to operate the business. One-half of the fami- H.R.1299. Pipeline crews on private land ly business assets over $1.5 million would be excluded from the estate tax. The $1.5 million would be indexed for inflation. Action requested: Please contact your U.S. representative and ask him;her to cosponsor H.R. 1299. MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• 5 B. 262, sponsored by Sen. Joel Gougeon (R- Bay City), Sen. George McManus (R-Traverse City), Sen. Walter North (R-St. Ignace) and Sen. Mat would mean surface soil that was presumed to be fertile as distinguished from subsoil.) • The method by which property will be appraised. Dunaskiss (R-Lake Orion), amends PA. 16 of 1929, • For property used to produce crops prior to which regulates the transportation and sale of crude construction of a pipeline, an estimate of the oil and petroleum through pipelines, to establish value of the loss of the productivity based on Fire blight research funding certain requirements for persons constructing a historic yield of the site before pipeline con- F ire blight is a bacterial disease of apples that is causing severe production problems in Michi- gan, New York and other states. The bacterium The fire blight research is aimed at the following: • Developing methods to identify fire blight quickly and accurately determine when the bacterium is crude oil or petroleum pipeline or facility. The bill requires that a person who conducted survey work for a proposed crude oil or petroleum struction. The agricultural property owner would have to provide historic crop yield values upon request. destroys the tree tissue that it infects. Often it seri- present on apple blossoms. Earlydetection will pipeline would have to notify all affected property • Payment would be made for all damages incurred ously reduces fruit yields by infecting the apple limit the number of Streptomycin applications and owners, in writing, before a survey crew entered the after construction of the pipeline due to the pipe- blossoms and killing branches. Once a tree is infect- delay the development of Streptomycin resistance. owners' property. It also requires that any offer to a line owner's or operator's entry upon the property ed, the bacterium spreads through the tree infect- • Developing methods to delay or prevent fire blight landowner for an easement for the purpose oflocat- to exercise easement rights, except that the owner ing the roots and killing it outright. bacterium developing resistance to antibiotics. ing, constructing, maintaining, operating and trans- or operator would be allowed to maintain a dear A method of controlling fire blight involves • Developing fire blight-resistant apple varieties porting crude oil or petroleum pipelines on agricul- right-of-waywithout further compensation being the use of the antibiotic Streptomycin, which is and rootstocks . tural property in Michigan would have to indude all of due to the landowner. sprayed on the tree. However, new strains of the • Developing techniques for the use of growth regu- the following information: • That the landowner had rights under the Uni- bacterium that are resistant to Streptomycin lators to reduce the vegetative growth of apple • The anticipated physical impact of pipeline con- form Condemnation Procedures Act. A copy have appeared leaving no effective method of trees inJune and July, which should discourage fire struction on the landowner's property. of that act would have to be provided to the control. blight infection of new growth shoots. • Written assurance that any agricultural drainage landowner . Last year Michigan Farm Bureau and the Mich- Efforts are now underway to obtain $375,000 tile that was damaged or removed during the • A pipeline company would have to make a good- igan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association from Congress to fund the second year of the fire construction or repair of a pipeline would be faith effort to minimize the physical impact and worked to have Congress appropriate $325,000 to blight research project. Meetings have been held repaired or replaced to preconstruction working economic damage that resulted from the con- begin a five-year research program to develop solu- with Michigan Congressmen who represent districts conditions. ("Drainage tile" would include any ,struction and repair of a pipeline. tions to fire blight. The appropriation is divided where apples are grown or who serve on the House surface or subsurface system by which the move- S.B. 262 has passed the Senate Economic Devel- between the Michigan State University Agricultural Appropriations Committee. At this time the outlook ment of water was redirected.) opment, International Trade and Regulacory Affairs Experiment Station and the Cornell University Agri- for funding to continue the research looks favor- • Written assurance that topsoil that was disturbed Committee and is pending on the Senate Floor. cultural Experiment Station, which are working able, but anything can happen. due to construction or repair of a pipeline was MFB position: MFB supports S.B. 262. cooperatively on the research. MFB contact: AlAlmy, ext. 2040 .• properly separated and replaced. ("Topsoil" MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• NATIONAL' , ' STATE Self-employment tax on farmers Governmental Immunity Act ist commOI1 for farmers in a partnership to indi- H.R. 1261 has been introduced by Congress- I vidually own some of the assets used in the part- nership business and to rent individually owned manJim Nussle (R-Iowa) and David Minge (D-Minn.) to clarify that lease agreements are the only type of S B.306, sponsored by Sen. Leon Stille (R- Spring Lake), amends the Governmental Immu- oity Act to limit a governmental agency's liabilityto In addition, an individual who was more than 50 percent at fault and was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance would not be assets to the partnership. agreements that can be used to show material partic- $500,000 or less for all bodily injuries or damage to able to sue for pain arid suffering. Prior to 1995, rental income between individu- ipation and trigger liability for the self-employment the individual's property arising from a governmental This bill was part of Gov. Engler's State of the als and partnerships was not subject to self-employ- tax. An identical bill, S. 529, has been introduced in agency's failure to maintain and repair a highway. Any State proposal on tranSportation reform. If passed ment tax. Based on a late-1995 tax court case, the the Senate by Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and individual not carrying no-fault insurance would not by the Legislature, it could save the state between IRS adopted rules making rent from land used in Rod Grams (R-Minn.). be allowed to collect non-economic damages. Under $8 and $12 million per year. farming subject to the 15.3 percent self-employ- H.R. 1261 is pending in the House Ways and this proposal, a governmental agency's negligence S.B. 306 passed the Senate on a straight party ment tax if the owner materially participates in the Means Committee. S. 529 is pending in the Senate would be limited to a highway, road or street, which line vote. All republicans voted "Yes," and all demo- management of the operation. Material participa- Finance Committee. must be kept in reasonable repair and safe for vehicu- crats voted "No." tion means the owner is involved on a regular, con- MFB position: Farm Bureau supports H.R. Jar travel. Agovernmental agency is the state, a politi- MFB position: MFB supports S.B. 306. tinuous and substantial basis. The IRS looks at the 1261 and S. 529. cal subdivision, a dty, village, county or township. MFB contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 .• arrangements between individuals and their part- MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• nerships to determine material participation. STATE STATE Federal gas tax diversion Primary seat belt bill B. 4280 was introduced Feb. 11, 1997 I n1993, the federal government increased the gas tax 4.3 cents per gallon. The revenue State Rep. Terry London (R-Marysville) has ~troduced House Concurrent Resolution (H.C.R.) H by Rep. Fitzgerald (R-Grand Ledge) and has been on the House calendar since April 17, pending effective use of current police powers. In order to preserve individual rights we oppose further expan- sion of police powers." One of the four specific from this increase has been earmarked for feder- al deficit reduction rather than dedicating the 14, which memorializes the U.S. Congress to "...re- turn to the states the revenue collected under the increased revenue for roads. In 1995 alone, mo- gasoline tax increase of 1993." In effect, this resolu- a second reading. When the bill is on the House police powers that should not be expanded is allow- torists in Michigan sent over $331 million to tion requests Con~ to eliminate the diversion of floor it can be taken up at any time. ing police officers to stop vehicles in which persons Washington to be used solely for deficit reduc- gas tax revenue to deficit reduction, and use the This bill r~moves the following sentence: "En- are suspected of not wearing a seat belt. The other tion. The federal gas tax is currently 18.3 cents money for road funding and maintenance. H.C.R. forcement of this section by state or local law en- three police powers that should not be expanded per gallon, but only 14 cents goes into the feder- 14 has passed the State House of Representatives. forcement agencies shall be accomplished only as a beyond what is currently allowed are: no knock, the al Highway Trust Fund. MFB position: MFB supports H.C.R. 14. secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle exclusionary clause and sobriety check lanes. MFB contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 .• has been detained for a suspected violation of anoth- On April 28, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court er section of this act," from the Michigan Vehicle ruled on one of our four issues. WISconsin police STATE Code. When the seat belt law was passed in Michi- had petitioned the high court to grant expanded gan, the Legislature added the above language, police powers to be able to break into a home with- Revise explosives crime penalties which was needed to secure enough votes for pas- out knocking and identifying themselves as police his bill was introduced on Feb. 11, 1997 by Farm Bureau to address how this would affect farm- sage. Farm Bureau has no position on the issue of mandatory seat belt use. Farm Bureau does, howev- officers. The court refused to create a blanket ex- ception to current law in conducting unreasonable T Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) and was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. ers using such items as ammonium nitrate. Lan- guage such as "intent to use unlawfully" will be er, have many general policy statements encouraging searches. The police community in Michigan is The bill deals with explosives and bombs. considered and may protect farmers when using members to use safe practices in home and work. asking the Legislature to grant them more powers. Sending or placing explosives (or things made to explosive materials in a lawful manner. Many of Farm Bureau's policies concerning It is not a safety issue, it is a law enforcement issue. look like explosives) with the intention of hurting Rep. Prusi (D-Ishpeming) has introduced H.B. law enforcement encourage members to support The primary seat belt bill (H.B. 4280) would expand or scaring someone, or making or having explosives 4218, which also increases penalties as does Sen. law enforcement efforts in controlling crime. At the police powers by allowing police to stop vehicles with the intent to use them unlawfully, is a crime. Byrum's (D-Lansing) bill, S.B. 97. same time, Farm Bureau has opposed further ex- under the suspicion of a violation. The bill increases the maximum imprisonment from MFB position: Farm Bureau has no policy pansion of police powers. In the 1997 Policy Book, MFB position: Farm Bureau opposes HB-4280. the current two- to five-year felonies to 10 years. directly addressing H.B. 4289. two policies (Law Enforcement #93 and Narcotics MFB contact: Howard Kelly,ext. 2044. The bill also would re-write much of the current MFB contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044 .• and Harmful Drugs #96) state that: "We support act's now-outdated language. The sponsor invited rl'm 3': I @J:fi!] ~ I~,I::t'lf1 May 15, 1997 Farmers, rescue personnel NIOSHlaunches national research attend safety seminar program to protect children on farms I? {+ t from injury, death J~~, ~. T he National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the U.S. Departmem of Health and Human Services launched on April able illnesses, injuries and deaths among children in farm families, the children of migrant and seasonal workers, and children visiting farms," Rosenstock 21 a national research program designed to protect said. "When we know more about these factors, we children on farms from illness, injury and death. can help parents and employers determine which Under the program, NIOSH will conduct tasks and activities are appropriate for children of and support research to identify factors that put different ages." children at serious risk of injury on the farm, Studies estimate that about 100 people and to develop better information nationally under 20 years of age are killed on farms each about the prevalence and circumstances of such year and more than 100,000 injured in agricul- injuries. The program also will foster new ap- ture-related activities. Agents associated with proaches for raising the awareness about safety these deaths and injuries include tractors and risks for children on farms and providing infor- other farm machinery, livestock, building'struc- mation to help farm families, communities and tures and falls. organizations safeguard young people. The NIOSH initiative is funded at $5 mil- "This national program recognizes that farm- lion. Most of the funding will be awarded by ers and their children embody a unique tradition of NIOSH in competitive grants for research by hard work, responsibility and love for the land," said outside institutions. Also through competitive Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human grant funding, NIOSH plans to establish a na- Services. "This is a heritage that we want to nurture tional center to facilitate activities toward child- while assuring safety and health for a new genera- hood agriculture injury prevention. The remain- tion of farmers." der of the funding will support internal NIOSH Details of the program were announced by research. NIOSH published a request for appli- NIOSH at a town meeting today in Marshfield, cations for competitive research grants on Wis. Speakers included Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.) March 10, 1997, and expects to issue another and NIOSH Director Linda Rosenstock, M.D., request for applications to establish a national Rescuepersonnel prepare for an extraction demonstration as part of the seminar. M.P.H. This program builds on previous NIOSH center. Program focused on life-saving skills The program was coordinated by Roberta research and on recommendations in a national Further information on NIOSH's initiative by Kara Endsley Beck, a registered nurse and farmer in Ogemaw action plan for child agriculture safety and health on safety for children on farms and its other released last year by a broad-based coalition of O gemaw County Farm Bureau teamed up with the local Emergency Medical Service and the County; Greg Clark, Ogemaw County emergency management coordinator; Rob Lacey, Ogemaw farmers, agricultural groups, safety and health professionals and government officials. activities in agricultural safety and health is available by calling toll-free 1-800-35-NIOSH (1- 800-356-4674) and on the NIOSH home page on sheriff's department in an effort to educate rescue County emergency medical service director; and personnel and farmers about agriculnJraI accidents. Peggy Miller, Ogemaw County Farm Bureau Promo- "This initiative places NIOSH at the forefront of the World Wide Web, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ More than 150 people attended the April 19 tion and Education Committee chairperson. determining the factors that contribute to prevent- homepage.html. • Agricultural Accident Rescue Seminar at the Oge- "It created an awareness of what needs to be maw County Fairgrounds. The day familiarized res- cue personnel with farm equipment, pinpointed done, focusing on pursuing rescue techniques more diligently," Beck said. "It pulled community Capitol Corner Continued from page 3 machinery danger zones and addressed agricultural organizations - the police, fire departments and chemical safety issues. emergency service - together." ~"'};.:.'1.~ Birger Anderson and Donald Gailey, Mason, Group organizers hope to continue the pro- instructors for the Michigan Fire Fighters Training gram next year, possibly focusing on farm safety for Snowmobile ID numbers Council, led the rescue seminar. children .• H B. 4522 was introduced March 19 by Rep . Bobier (R-Hesperia) and was referred to the House Committee on Conservation, Environment • Numbers shall contrast so as to be distinctly visible and legible. • Under no circumstance should other numbers Farm Bureau establishes relief fund for and Recreation. be attached or otherwise displayed on any part Red River flood The bill provides that snowmobiles having been issued a certificate of registration, shall paim of the snowmobile. • The current registration decal shall always be T he American Farm Bureau Federation re cently established a relief fund to aid rural victims of the Red River flood in North Dakota shifted away from that area," states MFB Presi- dent Jack Laurie, "the devastating effects of the on or attach to each side, the registration number on the belly pan immediately in from of the foot- affixed to the right of the registration number. Farm Bureau Policy #93: We recommend the flood on Red River Valley agriculture will last well in the following manner: reinstatement of required snowmobile and personal and Minnesota. According to AFBF President well into this summer. This fund will be there Dean Kleckner, the fund will be used to provide • Number must consist of block-style characters of watercraft 10 numbers for identification purposes. for fellow farmers in need for the long haul and not less than three inches in height, reading MFB position: MFB supports H.B. 4522. relief in farming and rural areas affected by the hopefully get them back farming as soon a pos- devastating flood. from left to right. MFB contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044.• sible." "There are heavy property losses along the "Cash donations are the quickest way to flooded Red River in Minnesota and North Dako- get necessities in the hands of those who need ta," Kleckner said. "While most of the news con- them. We are sure that farmers from the affected Senate and House resolutions on deer damage centrates on destruction in Grand Forks, tragic losses in more rural, agricultural areas of the two affected states have touched thousands of areas would appreciate any assistance that is offered," Kleckner states. Funds will be distributed by charitable or- S R.45, sponsored by Sen. Joanne Emmons (R- Big Rapids), and H.R. 35, sponsored by Rep. Larry DeVuyst (R-Ithaca), encourage the Department mission to increase efforts to reduce agricultural, forestry and automobile damage caused by deer. MFB position: MFBsupports both resolutions. lives and livelihoods." ganizations, including churches, in the affected of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Com- MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• Tax-deductible donations to the fund are states. Donors may earmark their contributions being coordinated by the American Farm Bureau for the general fund, which will be divided ac- Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA). Flood relief cording to need between the two states, or di- donations may be sent to: AFBFA Disaster Relief rectly to either of the states. Fund, 225 Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068. Due to this year's harsh blizzards, a relief "Americans, especially those in rural areas, fund has also been established for disaster vic- always come together in critical times of need," tims in South Dakota. Michigan Farm Bureau Kleckner said. "Now is one of those times. Many members wishing to contribute to this fund may farmers and ranchers are hurting and will be for send donations to: South Dakota Livestock a long time due to this flood's lingering effects." Foundation, c/o South Dakota Department of "Even though the flood waters may be sub- Agriculture, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SO siding in that area and the media spotlight has 57501-3182 .• When it comes to quality and durability, an AUTHORIZED INDEPENDENT WEDGCOR DEALER all steel structure will outperform a pole "1' barn every time. And when n comes to all steel structures the WedgCor metal build- ing systems are known in the industry as the standard of excellence. Rural Builder Magazine has awarded WedgCor the Gold Steel Building Systems Key Excellence Award 14 years in a row Engineering • Selection • Accessories for their commitment to quality. Pre-engi- Certified Loading • Delivery • Assembly Time neered to meet any local wind and snow Quality • Material Cost • Service loads, these buildings can be custom Call today for more information: designed to meet any needyou mighthave. You work hard for your money so make your next investment work for you. WedgCor building systems because you K.A. HElM ENTERPRISES deserve the best. (810) 798-8337 ITffi~~~~.~~ May 15, 1997 Up To $500 Cash Back To Farm Bureau@Members . .....~."" ...::::J: . :.::tfW~....,....,: . . ~.h::::: :..:::::~::::::::;::%mt~:h~::;:::.:.. . ...... $500 cash back on '96 and '97 Ram Vans and Ram Wagons. That's on top of any other national Dodge cash back offer.t All you need to do is get a certificate from your state's Farm Bureau validating that you've been a member for at least thirty days. Then stop by your Dodge dealer. Where you'll discover it pays to be in the Farm Bureau. tThis cash back offer is valid for members of participating Farm Bureaus, is scheduled to expire 9/YJ/97, and is subject to change. It may not be used in combination with any other Chrysler Corporation certificate program or certain other special programs. Ask for restrictions and details. Farm Bureau~ is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation. America's Truck Stop " The New Dodge h'll[~ ~ h~l3~ May 15, 1997 The question is, how high do soybean prices Consider doing some forward pricing if offered when Seasonal Commodity Price Trends have to go to call it an explosion? In the not-too-dis- the futures are near the top of these fairly wide trad- Corn f ~ tant past, taday's prices would have fit that definition. ing ranges. To give you some idea of where these are Soybeans (explosive) f ~ As with corn, if you want to play with the last 10 to 15 if you don't have charts available, for June and August Wheat - f percent of your old crop, go ahead. Just do it with a this would be near $66 per cwt., for October $69-70, Hogs - f basis contract or call versus paying any storage. and for December around $71. Forward pricing is Cattle - ~ Don't let the huge spread between old and new harder with cattle than other commodities, the basis Index: - = stable prices; f = higher prices; ~ = lower crop soybean futures fool you into thinking that new is less predictable and forward contracts harder to prices; TP = topping; BT = bottoming; 7 = unsure crop prices are not good. November soybean futures find. However, check out your options .• back into the $3 area. Remember, you have several over $6.50 are good prices, and at the beginning of DAIRY tools to price and can use more than one of them. May,we were near $7. Again, we are in an explosive Consider such things as the basis; how much down- situation, but the downside risk gives you a price level Larry G. Hamm by Dr. Jim Hilker, Department of side risk you can, or want, to handlej and the cost to keeping some upside potential. The USDA released their first estimate of the much lower than the downside price risk of old crop soybeans. There is about a 10 percent chance prices could fall to or below $5.50. A pril brought price disaster to the dairy prod- uct markets. As a result, near-term farm level milk prices will be going down. Dairy market funda- Agricultural Econom- supply/demand estimates for the 1997-98 crop year If you have not priced any new crop, mentals, however, still seem to indicate that 1997 ics, Michigan State on May 12. Compare them to mine in Table 1 below. consider pricing at least 15 percent soon. If you will be relatively good milk price year. University If they are greatly different, then the market has have already priced about that much, consider . During April trading on the National Cheese CORN probably moved significantly. This means updating watching for November futures in the $7.10 to 7.15 Exchange (NCE), the average wholesale price for 40- your pricing plan. area, and then move to 20 to 30 percent priced. If pound cheddar blocks dropped 13.5 cents. In trad- A s you all know, the month of May is high- intensity time for corn farmers. It's not only critical with respect to getting the corn in the prices jump to the $7.25 level, consider having a plan in place to price more into the uptrend. ing on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Grade M butter dropped 24 cents per pound. The ,. fheat seems to be on somewhat of an up- Basic Formula Price (BFP) for April is adjusted by the ground, but it is also an important month to keep •• trend. This would be expected with the late change in the product values for cheese, butter and an eye on the markets. Pricing decisions need to be made and executed in a timely ma~ner, at the same time the corn has to go in the ground. That's why it freeze in the Plains and Southwest, and the question- able planting progress in the spring wheat areas. How- ever, as with all agricultural commodities, that can M arch weekly slaughter being down 1.5 per cent was near expectations, but April weekly slaughter being down 4.8 percent was below what the powder between March wholesale price levels and April wholesale price levels. The dramatic drops expe- rienced on the dairy product market exchanges guar- is important to have a pricing plan in place that will quickly change. Again, compare my 1997-98 wheat March repon indicated would be the case. And it does antee that the BFP will fallwhen announced May 5. be executed if prices hit certain levels. supply- Continued on page 7 ~:; Farm price, $/bu. $4.55 $4.35 $4.20 ~ ~~1~11:t'~ May 15, 1997 Market outlook Agriculture's Summer '-------------, 1 Tickets just $5 Continued from page 6 available in advance only BROILERS Celebration set for June 24 Agriculture's B roiler prices averaged nearly 4 cents a pound (Midwest, U.S. Grade A, 2- 3 pounds at Michigan State University Summer . fresh, ready-to-cook, in ice) above 1995 even though the number of chicks placed was almost 8 percent up from the previous year. Broiler prices in the first 3 Event to focus on state's livestock Industry revitalization efforts Celebration S everal Michigan agricultural organiza. months of 1997 averaged about 3 cents a pound tions will join forces Tuesday,June 24, to Ticket Order Form above the same months in 1996, while the number of host Agriculture's Summer Celebration on Name: chicks placed was up 2 percent from a year ago. the campus of Michigan State University. Farmers are It should be recalled that the number of invited to help celebrate the completion of the Animal chicks placed will increase during the summer Industry Initiative, a $70 million effort to revitalize the Address: months with prices increasing several cents a state's livestock industry. pound from the same months in 1996 .• Participants may take guided bus tours of new MSUlivestock facilities from 2 to 5 p.m. Stops will in- City, Zip: Potato growers seek dude the dairy and swine facilitiesand the new Pavilion feeders for oversupply for livestock and Agriculture Education. Aspecial com. T he largest potato crop on record will mean a significant tonnage of potatoes be directed memoration of the livestock initiative will take place at 4 p.m, and dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. County: toward livestock feed in order to clean up the bins. The event coincides with the opening day of Ag Potato growers from Maine to Washington are Expo, the annual agriculture trade show held at MSU. Dinner Choice(s): facing a serious disposal problem. Michigan growers A free shuttle will transport visitors between Ag Expo # of Beef will still dump approximately 130,000 cwt. with a and the celebration. Look for the tent near the comer farm gate value over S500,000. of Shaw and Farm Lane in East Lansing, behind the # of Pork livestock feeders or potato growers are urged Farrall Agricultural Engineering building. Number of Tickets at $ 5 Each: to contact the Commission office for information. To order tickets (available in advance only), send Ben Kudwa, Executive Director of the Michigan S5 each payable to Michigan Farm Bureau to: Agricul. Deadline for ticket orders - June 12 Held in conjunction with Ag Expo, Potato Industry Commission indicated "that deaning ture's Summer Celebration, P.a. Box 30960, Lansing, Agriculture's Summer Celebration will bring Mail check. payable to up the 1996 Michigan potato crop, no matter how MI 48909. For more information, call (BOO) 292-2680, Michigan agriculture organizations MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU to: painful, must be done in a prudent manner to avoid ext. 3204. Deadline for ticket orders is June 12. together for an afternoon of fun and food. disease contamination of the 1997 crop with 1996 crop Agriculture's Summer Celebration is sponsored AgrlcuItuN's SU".".,. C.'-bratJon Look for the big white tent behind the potatoes being discarded. reeding potatoes to livestock by Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan State University, PO Box 30960 agriculture engineering building at MSU is an excellent way of avoiding the spread of blight and Michigan Milk Producers Association and Michigan Lansing MI 48909 June 24. L.: =.J disposing of unmarketable potatoes," he said.• livestock E.xchange.• FFAbreaks ground in northwest Indianapolis T he National FFAOrganization held a ground. breaking ceremony Monday, April 21 for its Goldsmith said that the city worked to attract FFApartly because of the economic impact, but "Moving our business operations to Indianap- olis better JX>sitionsthe FFAand agricultural educa. John Hagaman, president and chief executive officer of DowEl an co. "We have long believe that new National FFACenter in Indianapolis. The orga- more importantly because of the civic impact. "FFA tion for the future," Case said. "Indianapolis pro- supporting FFA is the best way to make that nization announced that it purchased a five-acre members have leadership skills, the right values, all vides a better quality of life for our staff, puts us investment. The return is evident in our own plot of land near 86th Street and Interstate 465 at a the things that will make our country great in the closer to the majority of our members and helps employees, many of whom are former FFA mem- reduced price from The Dow Chemical Company, future," he said. reduce operating costs. The supponive local agri- bers, and in the young students we meet Midland, Mich. Construction of the building is ex- Rosenbusch, speaking on behalf of the more business community and youth. focused state phi- through involvement in FFA. These students will pected to be completed by spring 1998. than 452,000 FFA members nationwide, acknowl. losophy also will help us achieve our mission of become [he industry's next leaders, and they More than 75 FFAmembers from Indiana and edged the significance of the day. "It's true that making a positive difference in the lives of students are well-prepared." state officers from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky from this ground a new building will rise to house through agricultural education." The 40,000 square-foot Frank lloyd Wright and Ulinois joined the six national FFAofficers and the National FFAOrganization," he said. "But be. The National FFA Foundation, Inc., has prairie-style building design reflects the strong histo- local dignitaries to turn the first ceremonial shovel of yond the building, this day signifies a reaffirmation initiated a national capital campaign, themed "I ry and bright future ofFFA, with a solid, stone foun- soil at the new site. Speakers included Joseph Kernan, of FFXs commitment to changing the lives of young Believe in the Future," to help finance the land dation rising to a more modern, glass atrium. A high- Indiana lieutenant governor and commissioner of people. When we build young people we build and building. FFA has received local leadership light of the building is the Hall of Achievement, set in agriculture; Stephen Goldsmith, Indianapolis mayor; families and communities. And when we build C9m. gifts totaling $1.5 million from The Lilly Endow- a rotunda just inside the main entrance. This display Wayne Beck, vice president, supply management, munities we build a nation." ment, DowElanco and The Lilly Fund on behalf of FFAhistory, mission and future goals is expected Pioneer Hi.Bred International, Inc., and chair of the Later in the day, Indianapolis welcomed FFAto of Elanco Animal Health. to be a popular site for FFAmembers visiting from National FFAFoundation Sponsors' Board; Corey the city with a reception at the State House. The Dow Chemical Company is one of the across the country. The surrounding area will in- Rosenbusch, national FFApresident; and Larry D. The FFA,a national organization for high school parent companies of DowEl an co, both long-time clude a pond and natural area created through an Case, chief executive officer and national advisor of students preparing for careers in the business, science supporters of FFA that sponsor several educa- FFAstudent landscape design competition. the national FFAOrganization. and technology of agriculture, announced last Sep- tion and leadership programs, The land sale, FFAis a national organization of 452,885 mem- "The business FFAis involved in, preparing tember that it would move its 8O-employee business partly made possible by a gift from DowElanco bers preparing for leadership and careers in the sci- young people to be leaders is the most important and foundation operations to Indianapolis from Alex. and Dow Chemical, is an extension of that sup- ence, business and technology of agriculture. The business," Kernan said. "These young people will be andria, Va, and Madison, WIS. The FFAheadquarters port. 'The most important investment we can organization has 7,263 local chapters located in charge and will bring their skills to the table for the will remain a part of the U.S. Department of Educa- make is in the future of our young people and throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and next generation. They will make things happen," tion in the Washington, D.C. area. the future of the agricultural industry," said the Virgin Islands .• ""- ""~<' '"\' \ :\i;." \ l~~f~\.,~"'l.tf"/ '~e\" .\.:, .. "",. #:~«:~". 1 y./ . ~'}<"~~':.(~~ ""'~~<~~i~ q":., Technology, Quality, and Value-That's Morton Buildings . ,\J~-'" 824,195 • 27' x In" Double End Door • I.White Walk.ln Door (no glass) • Heavy Gauge Commercial Quality Steel • G-90 Galvanizing mx.q • 50-year Snow Load Warranty (no weightlimitl • 5-year Wind Warranty Basic Machine Storaoe 54' 113' 190' with 1'8" • White Polyester Paint Finish • KYNAR 500"/HYLAR SIXXl' (no MPH limit) • Free Morton Weatheryane Truss & Column Spacing Color Trim • Fully Erected • Gutters & Downspouts Tax Included • 50-year Column Warranty 831,995 Deluxe Machme Storage 54' 113' 190' with 7'8" Truss & Column Spacing - m. • 1.24' x 14'6" AlumaSteel' Quality Steel • Re\olutiOl1ar)' Auoronex on AlumaSteer Doors Double End Door • Continuously Vented Ridge 2lXXlTlI Paint S)stem on Roof (no MPH limit) • 1-22'6" x 13' AlumaSteel' • 2' Gable Overhangs • 2O-year Red Rusl/Fade • 5.)ear Wmd Warranty on Members of the Michigan Association of FFA state officer team assisted with the Double Side Door • I' Vented Eave Overhangs Warranty (including acid rain) entire structure (no MPH limit) groundbreaking ceremony for the new National FFA Center in Indianapolis on Apri/21, • 1.3' x 6'S" 9-lite WaiL: Door • Interior Protecti\e Liner • 5O-year Column & Snow • Free MOlton Weathervane 1997. From left to right: Charlie Jones, national FFAsouthern region vice president; Kevin • 1-4' d' 9-lite Sliding • Exterior Steel Wainscot Load Warrant) • Fully Erected Tax Included Window wI screen & shutters • Gutters & Do\mSpouts (no weight limit) Nugent, Michigan FFA president; Holly Bentley, national FFA secretary; Kyle Fiebig, Michigan • S-SL:ylights • KYNAR 500'/HYLAR 51XXl' • IO-)-ear Wind Warranty 800-447-7436 FFA Region III state vice president; Ray Starling, national FFA eastern region vice president; Kristin Prelesnik, Michigan FFAsecretary; Teresa Swamba, Michigan FFApresident; Corey • Heavy Gauge Commercial All ~ Paint System on Sidewalls include nwerials and labor and arr lIOl JmUed The ~ia1 ~ on bolb ItA. MORTON Rosenbusch, national FFA president; Kerry Ackerman, Michigan FFA reporter; Rachel blUIdinp in this aI UlCludes taxes. 11lIItriaIs.1Ibor. nI delivn) WIlhin 40 miIrs of I Monoo Buildinp' COIlSlIUCtion mucro CUSlOl1lef mu;l pIO\"Jdc IIMI ~ SIft .,111 no undef!lOODd oIlsIructiom •• 1Iich 'IOOUId aeue the nml for exlrl cqwpmclll. nI JlIIIIClpIIC in the thret SlCp ~BUILDINGS P. O. Box 399, Morton, IL 61550 o 1997 MooOfl Build",,,. Inc. Fehringer, national FFA western region vice president; Charles Arensmeier, Michigan FFA pI)1IItIll pIm Prices may \'II)' dur 10 Ioca1tlJilcq codes. Olfrr upim -lI.1OI97. advisor; Melanie Endres, Michigan FFA Region V state vice president; and Brad Montgomery, .\d,'i:1Il ;;17-2h.l-O;;.II. BJ"Own City "1O-.l-H)-2702 .1\:lII.a,l,;a ()J()-2;;."-2;;~() national FFA central region vice president. Roc!. fonl () 1()-" 7 -t-()-too . St. .John, ;; 17-22-t -("")2. Th rcc R her, (II ()-271)-527I ~:I~~I~'I=l~ May 15, 1997 Variable-rate seeding technology Basic Formula Price Continued from page 1 decade. Modern hybrids, especially those in the of a given environment and optimum corn pop- Option 4 shorter maturity range, show continuing re- ulations. Note that these are final populations, A combination of a competitive pay sponse seeding rates beyond 30,000 seeds/acre. and seeding rates would likely be 10 percent price series and a product price formula. The Thus, even before they use variable rate tech- higher. competitive pay price would be the national weight- nology to optimize populations on a site-specific The most common way to document varied ed average price paid for Grade A milk used to pro- bNleil R. Miller basis, many producers will benefit by simply yield potential within fields is to map its various duce manufactured dairy products for the preceding odern planter equipment now allows increasing their overall seeding rates. soil types. If you plan to use NRCS soil survey month, less performance premiums, plus hauling pro-ducers to vary seeding rates con Soil characteristics, especi~lly water-hold- maps to do this, be sure to verify their accuracy subsidies. A product price formula would be used to tinuously as they move across a field. ing capacity, will be the dominant factor deter- ahead of time. Many counties in Michigan now update the competitive pay price information to the Several of my clients have been using Rawson hy- mining site-specific corn populations. Fields have digitized, geo-referenced versions of these current month. The competitive pay price would be draulic drives on their corn planters for years. Many with higher moisture-holding capacity, and high- maps that can be easily imported into site-spe- collected by the National Agricultural Statistics Ser- new planters now come with factory-installed vari- er yield potential, will often continue to re- cific farming software. However, the NRCS has vice for a representative sample of stat~s that account able rate drives, and in 1998 John Deere and possi- spond as seeding rates increase above 30,000 not carried our field validation of these maps, for the majority of Grade A milk used to produce bly Case IH will tie their controllers to GPS so that seeds/acre. In contrast, yields on sandier, rela- and my experience suggests that their accuracy manufactured products. The price series does not populations can be varied according to a pre-pro- tively low-potential soils tend to peak at seeding varies widely. Before they can be used for pre- currently exist and would have to be developed. grammed computer generated map. (Rawson has rates of 26-29,000, and decline above this, espe- scription writing, they should be taken to the Included in the university study of pricing had this capability for several years.) cially in dry years. The accompanying figure field and edited using GPS data logging equip- alternatives was Michigan State University Agricul- What benefits can producers expect to illustrates the relationship between productivity ment. Contact me if you are interested in details tural Economics Department Chair Larry Hamm. reap from this new technology? As with other on how this can be done. According to him, "When you strip all of the details aspects of site-specific management, our agro- Variable rate seeding apart, you fundamentally have to have a price that nomic knowledge lags somewhat behind our Corn Population Responses In of soybeans will likely pro- reflects what consumers are willing to pay for manu- engineering capabilities. We simply do not know Different Yield Potential Environments duce fewer benefits. Most factured products that are made from milk." the optimum seeding rates for the myriad of soil soybean varieties exhibit a "As a group we looked at 32 to 34 different types, varieties, management systems and remarkable ability to adjust options," adds Hamm, "but one of those is valuing weather conditions we may encounter. Conse- 220 their growth habits to vari- milk on the value of the products that are made - quently, it is difficult to estimate what the bene- fits of this technology will be in the future. Nev- ertheless, the following generalizations appear -.. CD Co) 200 ous environmental condi- tions. Thus, even when seeded at a uniform rate, using a product price formula that basically weighs the amount of milk that goes into butter, powder and cheese, and then adjusting that value by how to hold true: ~ 180 plants will produce more "'i much it costs to manufacture products." For many producers, optimizing corn pop- .z= branch stems and produce According to MFB livestock Specialist Kevin en 160 - ulations will involve an across-the-board in- ::::I or abort pods as needed to Kirk, option four - the product price formula - .a crease. Recommended corn populations in 140 take advantage of differing carries the most merit of the four alternatives. "I "C Michigan have increased steadily over the past "'i conditions within a field. I think that is the most fair way to do it," he adds. >:c 120 l\~~\~ .. 0 0 100 have talked with some pro- ducers who are interested in holding back populations "When you look at the things that they were talking about in the criteria - stability, simplicity, uniformi- ty, sound economics, reduced regulation, predict- ~~~\\\~~~ 80 on their most productive ground in order to decrease ability, and a recognizable replacement for the basic formula price - that's what we need to do is it has " Q\\~~\\'Q\\\~:\\\,-. 18,000 22,000 26,000 Harvest Population (plants/acre) 30,000 lodging and white mold to be something that the industry can recognize Specialists In Crop potential. However, I have and understand. It has to be broad across the entire Production and Protection not seen research to docu- United States - we can't take one designated area, Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 ment whether or not this because as things change, production changes, we Optimum corn populations tend to be highest in high- E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com would be beneficial. • have to take that into consideration." • productivity environments (source: Pioneer Hi-Bred, 1978-93 UNMATCHED CAPACITY DRy HAY! BALAGE! ~UE Gehl forage harvesters get the job done faster with these performance features: _ Exclusive Auto-Max Load-Sensing System - CRoPS! 0% Increase capacity by up to 20%. Lets you operate at top capacity without the fear of downtime due to overloading. for 36 months on _ Metal-Stop Metal Detector - Prevents machine damage and hardware disease. GEHlFORAGEHARVESTERS _ In-head Hydraulic Knife Sharpener - Lets you sharpen knives in the field. 011 _ Patented One-Sided Cutterbar Adjustment- Makes adjusting the cutterbar quick and easy. June 30, 1991 _ Three Models To Choose From - Including the largest capacity pull-type forage harvester on the GEHL BALERS MAKE HAY YOUR WAY! market. Exclusive Total Density Control (ILC'-) system lets you build the best possible bale in a wide Cii:HL. variety of crops and conditions. You easily rustom-build bales to maintain maximum nutrient value. With nx: you can crank up the density to pack more hay into every bale for fewer bales to make, move, store and feed. You save valuable time in every step of your round baling operation. GehJ's electronic bale control system monitors the entire baling process and makes adjustments oner applies onll to on-the-go. It all adds up to the ultimate in round baler performance and convenience. Michigan Dealers and Your Gehl dealer can show you the model that's right for you. Michigan Residents See your local dealer Charlotte Jonesville Martin Rosebush now and save with Snyder Farm Supply Inc. Godfrey Bros Inc. Leep Farm Equipment Inc. McConnell Farm Supply Inc. "Gehl Great Rate Financing" 517.543-0070 517-849-9966 616-672-5200 517-433-2171 Alto Coldwater Lake City Nadeau Ruth Snyder Farm Supply Bates Ford Tractor Inc. Northern MI Harvester Systems Inc. Linder Implement Company Inc. Cooperative Elevator Co. 616-868-6115 517.279-9179 616-839-3030 906-639-2185 517-864-3760 Athens Elmira Manchester Pickford Springport Spoor & Parlin Inc. Zaremba Equipment Inc. S-K Sales Inc. Skinner's Garage Inc. Vem Losey & Son Inc. 616-729-5471 616-546-3331 313-428-7182 906-647-5655 517-857-3340 Bannister Fremont Marlette Reese West Branch Hofferbert Sales Inc. Pellis Farm Service Inc. Thumb Area Harvester Systems Inc. Heindle Implement Sales Inc. Willard's Equipment Co. Inc. 517-862-5300 616-924-2510 517-635-3636 517-868-4149 517-345-3128 .... " .... ~ Each day we light the way for you your productivity and profitability. and other farmers across the state - We're proud to serve 20,000 farms- providing the power that keeps you in more farms than any other utility in business. But our commitment to you the state - and we're committed to doesn't stop there. helping you succeed every step of the We have a 24-hour, toll-free number way. to answer your energy service ques- tions. Plus, we've established a dedi- For stray voltage questions cated, toll-free number so we can call1-BOO-252-VDLT respond to your questions about stray voltage. And, with 39 Customer For other service questions Service Centers state-wide, we're call1-BOO-477-5050 ready to serve you. We're also working with key agricul- tural organizations like Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan FFA on issues that impact Count on Us May 15, 1997 Michigan's first shrimp operation opens First business registered under new law ing the Michigan Department of Agriculture as its M ichigan's first shrimp production facility is also the first business registered under a new state law that will help expand the aquaculture regulator. Aquaculture is expected to be a major new agricultural growth industry in the 2151 century as industry in Michigan, according to Michigan Depart- the demand for fish increases. The United States ment of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan Wyant. has a major opportunity to develop an internation- Wyant's remarks came during a reception ally competitive aquaculture industry to serve na- at the facility, Seafood Systems, Inc. of Okemos. Wy- tional needs and the global marketplace. ant was joined by legislators, agriculture industry Michigan already has 51 commercial trout leaders and Seafood Systems President Russ Allen. operations, which sold over 723,000 pounds of fish "Michigan agriculture entrepreneurs, like Russ in 1995. Production value was nearly $2 million, Allen, are venturing into businesses unheard of in ranking Michigan 10th in the nation for the value of Michigan just a few years ago," said Wyant. "MDAis trout sold. working in pannership with the industry and aca- The goal of Seafood Systems, Inc. is to pro- demia to create a climate that encourages such duce 50 million pounds of shrimp annually through agricultural entrepreneurship and growth. the completion of four project phases using state- According to Wyant, it was a pannership that of-the-an construction techniques for thermal effi- helped create the "Michigan Aquaculture Develop- ciencies. The company is currently a pioneer in the ment Act," providing the basis for development of development of production systems for indoor, the aquaculture industry in the state, and designat- closed-cycle rearing of marine shrimp .• RussAllen (left), Seafood Systems, Inc. of Okemos, accepts his license from MDA Director Dan Wyant. Farm Bureau opposing truck weight legislation L egislators in Lansing are making another run at reducing legal maximum truck weights. Rep. Burton Leland CD-Detroit) has to the roads than the trucks at 80,000 pounds." Michigan law allows the operation of com- mercial vehicles with gross weights over 80,000 increased trucking costs." Goodrich says that •• introduced House Bill 4613 to reduce legal pounds if the weight is distributed over 11 or an additional 16,000 truck weights from 164,000 pounds gross vehi- more axles, compared to just five axles on trucks would be needed cle weight down to just 80,000 pounds. While it 80,OOO-pound trucks. to haul the equivalent may prove politically popular, Michigan Farm According to Goodrich, Michigan Farm Bu- payload of multi-axle Bureau Associate Legislative Counsel Tim Goo- reau is working with a coalition of interested par- trucks. "This would add 17.000 LBS/AXLE drich warns the legislation would actually in- ties, including the Michigan Milk Producers Associa- considerably to road 50'-0. PLUS crease truck traffic, worsen road wear, and ulti- tion and the Michigan Manufacturers Association, to congestion and the ALL HIGHVAYS , 80.000 LBS. , 40 TONS mately prove costly for truckers and consumers. make sure the bill never passes the House. probability of truck- "The key issue here is that the gross vehi- '~I of these industries are hauling or are re- related accidents," he cle weight is not as important as the per-axle cipi~nts of materials that are hauled," Goodrich said. 'The higher energy weight," Goodrich cautioned. "Research has explained, "and they'd see their business costs in- and environmental costs shown that the trucks running over 80,000 pounds have a lower axle weight than the trucks crease. The Michigan Milk Producers Association, for example, has estimated that just to eliminate the in the form of increased fuel consumption and " 13,000 LBS/AXLE , L-1 16,000 LBS/AXLE: , 18.000 running at 80,000 pounds. Even though they're old trucks and put in new trucks would cost them exhaust emissions 59'-0. LBS. heavier trucks, their poundage is spread out about $7.2 million. And their operating costs would shouldn't be overlooked ALL HIGH'JAYS , 154,000 LBS. , 77 TONS over more axles. And they're doing less damage increase about $6.2 million due to smaller loads and either." • Member ision Care Plan from Michigan Farm Bureau The Importance of Eyecare uVision was founded on the principle that great eyewear starts with professional eyecare. That's why you'll find an independent licensed Doctor of Optometry in every NuYisiotl office. Comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings are easily arranged. Simply caU ahead for an appointment. Once your ~ have been examined by a Doctor of Optometry at NuYision, your vision records will be maintained on file for your convenience. We invite you to compare our service. You'll find that what others call special care, NuVision provides as standard procedure. Family Plan Benefits: • 20% to 50%off frames • 20% off lenses and lens tteatments • I0% off contact lenses • I5%off non-preKription items • FREE UV protection on plastic lenses Don~ forget Member Dental or Blue Cross Blue Shield for more health care savings. I Insig~hton eyesight: Seven vis;on myths - - Blind spots about vision can cause Myth: Once you develop a cataract, it must • Position the screen. Keep the top of the screen However, beta carotene and other carotenoid needless worry, wasted effort and be removed. at or slightly below eye level. (Gazing upward can nutrients in fruits and vegetables do fight oxidation, unnecessary treatment Truth: Most cataracts (clouding of the lens of the strain muscles in the eye and forehead.) chemical changes than can damage cells in the T hrowaway your glasses!" urged the ads for eye) are so minor that they cause little loss of vi- • Take a stand. Put a stand for reading matter next body. One large observational study from research- laser eye surgery. For millions of nearsighted sion, and many of them never will. Even when ob- to the screen, at the same distance from your eyes. ers at Harvard Medical School found that women Americans, that prospect seemed like a jective tests show a substantial drop in visual acuity, • Keep your screen and glasses clean. Dust whose diet supplied the most antioxidant nutrients, dream come true. But last year, the U.S. Food and surgery may not be required. That's because subjec- and grime can blur the images. particularly beta carotene, were 39 percent less Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Com- tive factors matter more: If the loss of acuity does not If those steps don't reduce the strain from ei- likely to have cataracts than those who consumed mission sent a letter warning physicians that un- significantly affect your everyday activities, you don't ther reading or computer work, have an optometrist the least. Further, a multi-center observational study qualified promises for such an outcome are "mis- need surgery, regardless of what any test shows. or ophthalmologist check whether you need to start found that people with the highest dietary intake of leading and deceptive." wearing glasses or have your prescription changed. carotenoids, particularly from dark-green leafy vege- Myth: Straining your eyes - for example, by tables, had 43 percent less risk of macular degenera- The notion that you'll never wear glasses Myth: The more you rely on your glasses, the working in dim or glaring light, reading fine tion, a potentially blinding breakdown of the retina, again after laser surgery is just one of many myths faster your eyesight deteriorates. print, wearing glasses with the wrong pre- than those with the lowest intake. Other research about eyesight that can lead people to waste time, scription or staring at a computer screen- Truth: That notion is based on the misconception effort and money - and sometimes even expose suggests that antioxidant supplements may reduce can damage your eyesight. that glasses do the work of the eyes, which then the. risk of cataracts and slow the progression of them to needless danger. Truth: Prolonged use of the eyes under those con- supposedly grow lazy and weak. But glasses merely Myth: You'll never need glasses again if you macular degeneration. ditions can all cause eye strain, since it makes the compensate for a structural defect - an improperly undergo surgery to correct nearsightedness. shaped eyeball or excessively stiff lens - that pre- Myth: The darker the sunglasses, the better the eye muscles struggle to maintain a clear or unwaver- protection against harmful ultraviolet light. Truth: Surgery can reduce or eliminate nearsighted- ing focus. In addition, prolonged staring can dry the vents proper focusing despite the best efforts of the ness, by flattening the cornea. But there's no guaran- front of the eye somewhat since it reduces blinking, lens muscles. When you wear glasses, the muscles Truth: Prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays in tee that surgery will eliminate the need for glasses. which helps lubricate the cornea. But fatigue and no longer need to be tense or relaxed (depending sunlight increases the risk of cataracts and possibly In the traditional operation, called radial kera- minor dryness, no matter how uncomfortable, can- on whether you're farsighted or nearsighted) more macular degeneration, in theory because the UV totomy, the surgeon makes several pie-shaped inci- not permanently harm your vision. often than usual. Instead, they simply work as hard rays oxidize tissues in the eye. But the darkness or sions in the cornea. Ten years after surgery in the Of course, it still makes sense to minimize the as the muscles in a normal eye. tint of the sunglasses has no effect on how much largest study so far, 30 percent of patients were still discomfort. Here's how: Myth: Eye exercises can help many people LN light they absorb. So you need to check the label wearing corrective lenses for distance vision at least • Brighten up. Age tends to cloud the lens of the see better and perform better . - or, if possible, have the eyeglass shop test the sometimes - while driving, for example. Even if the eye and shrink the pupil, sharply increasing the lenses - to ensure they provide adequate protection. Truth: Eye exercises help some children whose At the very least, look for sunglasses labeled operation works perfectly, a number of patients will need for light. So if reading strains your eyes, eyes have major "binocularity" problems, such as "Meets ANSI Z80.3 General Purpose LN Require- eventually need reading glasses, because the lens of consider installing brighter lights, or at least mov- significant crossing, misalignment or inability to ments." They block at least 95 percent of the high- the eye stiffens with age. ing the reading lamp closer to the page. converge. But claims that the exercises can help energy lNB raySand 60 percent of the lower-energy In addition, surgery can result in problems • Cut glare. Position the reading lamp so light many children read better are unsubstantiated. Only LNArays. If you spend lots of time in the sun, particu- with glare that may persist for months, sometimes comes from over your shoulder, and keep back- a small number of children have clearly abnormal larly if you have light-colored eyes, seek stronger even longer, and visual acuity may fluctuate for ground lights on when you use the lamp. If you binocularity - and most of those children have no protection. That's indicated by the label"Special years. More im~rtant, 3 percent of patients could read by the light of a single fluorescent bulb, trouble reading. In fact, only one carefully controlled Purpose LN Requirements," which means the glasses not see as clearly with glasses as they could before which may flicker, consider switching to multiple study in the past twO decades has suggested that eye the operation. More serious complications, such as fluorescent bulbs or to incandescent illumina- block at least 99 percent of the UVBrays. exercises might improve reading - and the apparent Certain medications may make the eyes more infection or rupture of the cornea, are rare, but tion. Don't read or do computer work near an improvement was not statistically significant. susceptible to damage from light, including psoralens potentially blinding. And the surgery weakens the unshaded window. And wear sunglasses if you're Some optometrists and "holistic" practitioners (forpsoriasis),aIIopurinol(.Z~oprirn),phenoth~ne cornea, so a subsequent blow to the eye theoretical- reading outside . claim that eye exercises can not only help children compounds (Compazine, Thorazine), tretinoin (Ren- ly could have devastating results. • Stop and blink. When you're working at the read better, but also sharpen visual acuity, boost ova, Recio-A)and the antibiotics doxycycline and A newer method, called photorefractive kera- computer or reading, pause frequently - say, athletic performance and help correct numerous tetracycline. If you take any of those drugs, choose tectomy, uses a laser beam to shave an automatical- every 15 minutes or so - to close your eyes, or problems in both children and adults. Those addi- sunglasses that either indicate 100 percent LN block- ly preset sliver off the surface of the cornea. The gaze away from the screen or page and blink tional claims are unsupported and implausible. age or say "blocks LN up to 400 nm." The glasses laser reduces the chance of overcorrecting or un- repeatedly. Every hour or so, get up and take a dercorrecting, fluctuating vision and excessive glare. Myth: The more carrots you eat, the better should also wrap around or have side shields. longer break. And it doesn't weaken the cornea. your eyesight. Dark sunglasses do have one potential The following steps apply only to computer use: But some 20 percent of laser patients still Truth: Carrots are rich in beta carotene, an orange advantage over paler pairs: They block more visible • Get the distance right. Keep your eyes at the need glasses for distance vision at least occasionally pigment used by the body to manufacture vitamin light, which creates glare and may possibly same distance from the screen as you would - and again, a number of patients will eventually A, which is essential for night vision. But a reason- contribute to macular degeneration. However, from a book. If that's uncomfortable, buy a pair need reading glasses. Vision is sometimes hazy for ably well-balanced diet supplies enough beta caro- nearly all sunglasses block enough visible light for of glasses with a prescription designed just for months or longer after the procedure. And there's tene for the eyes. Extra doses of that nutrient - or safety and comfort under ordinary conditions. Only computer work, or use "progressive-addition" still a remote (1 to 2 percent) chance that vision of vitamin A itself - do not improve vision. people exposed to brilliant sunlight - on ski slopes bifocals, which have gradually changing power with glasses will be worse than before. or tropical beaches, for example - may need extra- from the top to the bottom of the lens. ---------- •• dark, wraparound glasses .• ---------- Source: Consumer Reports on Health, April 1997 HEALTH HARVEST Do you give your t e e t h the royal treatment! O f course we're supposed to brush 5. If you can't brush your teeth after a meal, 2. d Toothbrushing removes plaque and prevents 5. b Chewing gum stimulates copious secretions every day. But how many of us what's the best thing to do? cavities on the gum line, but not below. When of saliva, and saliva's chemicals neutralize tooth- know why? Take this test to find a Eat a banana plaque isn't cleaned out, the gums fall away, al- decaying acids. Pop in a piece when you finish a out if you're truly treating your teeth well. b Chew gum lowing germs to get at your roots and even at the meal. Sugarless gum works much better than c Use a toothpick bone anchoring the teeth. Gum disease is the regular, and gum containing xylitol works best of 1. You can catch gum disease from nation's leading cause of tooth loss. To prevent it, all, reducing tooth decay by as much as 85 per- a Kissing 6. The minimum time for a thorough tooth- you have to floss regularly. cent. (The sweetener keeps bacteria from mass- b Sharing a toothbrush brushing is producing.) The gum is sold mosdy in health c Both a One minute 3. b Sugary foods, including candy and chocolate, food stores. d Neither b Three minutes are cleared from the mouth more quickly than c Four minutes starchy foods. Raisins are a special case because 6. b To make this task seem less daunting, try 2. Toothbrushing prevents they stick between teeth so tenaciously. dividing your mouth into ten sections. (Include a a Detached gums 7. Which will relieve toothache pain fastest? section each for the roof of your mouth, your b Root decay a Aspirin 4. a Nearly all pregnant women get some signs of tongue, and the inside of your right and left c Stained decay b Clove oil gum disease because hormones associated with cheeks, all places where bacteria congregate.) d None of the above c Saltwater pregnancy increase swelling, bleeding and tiny Then count to 20 alligators as you brush each infections in the gums. There's an old saying: section. The average American spends about 30 3. You're least likely to get cavities Lose a tooth for every child. To keep it from seconds brushing. from eating Answers coming true, brush after every meal, floss daily a Raisins 1. c By age 35, three in four Americans have at and see a dentist at the beginning of your preg- 7. b If your dentist can't see you right away for a b Pure sugar least the beginnings of gum disease, an irritation nancy. painful cavity or infection, saturate a cotton ball c An English muffin and infection below the gum line caused by cer- in oil of clove (sold at many pharmacies) and put tain bacteria in dental plaque. But occasionally it on the aching tooth. The anesthetic oil should 4. Who's especially susceptible to getting bacteria transmitted via the saliva of someone ease the pain in a couple of seconds. gum disease? with gum disease can bring on gum disease in Source: HEALTH magazine a Pregnant women someone who doesn't even have plaque. So if b Menopausal women your partner isn't taking care of his or her teeth, c Teetotalers take the problem seriously. Your own gums may be at risk. HEALTH HARVEST Human ailment wrongly called "mad cow" Heart-smart pork Reach out and hit disease Long touted as "the other white meat," lean cuts of someone W pork are just now ith increasing frequency, we're seeing proving to be as inaccurate news reports of people healthful as poultry in who have died of "mad cow" disease countering cholester- or the disease linked to it, Creutzfeldt-Jakob. Here ol, say researchers at are some commonly asked questions and answers Duke University Med- on this issue. ical Center in Durham, NC. Over a Pregnant? What is CID? In 1995 almost 10 million people acquired car Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare de- 28-day period, 51 men and women with elevated phones in the United States - more new phones Get your calcium cholesterol levels consumed two large servings of A serious pregnancy complication, preeclamp- generative brain disease found in humans. It occurs than newborn babies. In a new study, epidemiolo- either skinless chicken breast or lean pork each day. sia (once known as toxemia), which is characterized at a rate of approximately one in a million world- gists at the University of Toronto examined a total of Both meats helped to lower cholesterol levels by 7 by high blood pres- wide. It is one of a number of transmissible spongi- 26,798 calls and learned that phoning from the car or 8 percent. sure, kidney malfunc- form encephalopathies (TSEs) that infect humans quadruples the risk of a crash. Ironically, there's and animals. CJD typically occurs in individuals one offsetting factor: you can call for help on the tion and swelling, older than 60. It progresses relatively rapidly and is We're almost there car phone after the crash. (The crashes under study could be prevented always fatal. Polio is targeted for global eradication by the did not involve physical injury to the driver or pas- more than 60 per- year 2000. There are now 145 countries that are free sengers, but only material damage.) Oddly, a hands- cent of the time if What is BSE? of the disease. free phone offers no advantages. It's the distraction pregnant women that causes the crash, not one-handed driving. would simply get Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a enough calcium. TSE that has been found in cattle. It was first identi- Hand-to-hand combat - Some countries (such as Brazil and Israel) have Study findings show made it illegal to talk on a phone while driving. If fied in Great Britain, but a limited number of cases against germs you have a car phone, keep your calls short. Hang pregnant women have been found in other countries, as well. It has Children who who took 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg of calcium supple- never been found in the United States. More than up if you're in a tight spot. When making a long or wash their hands ments a day were 70 percent less likely to develop 168,000 cases have been reported in British catde potentially upsetting call, pull over. four or more times high blood pressure and 62 percent less likely to since it was first identified in 1986. Animals with the during the school develop preeclampsia. Preeclampsia and other disease are not "mad," but do suffer from a degen- day get sick less No more finger blood pressure problems affect 15 percent of preg- erative brain disease. They become nervous, lose pricking? than other kids, nancies. body weight, lose control of their legs and die. Like according to a re- In the future, implanted glucose monitors might CJD, it is always fatal. It appears that the disease was spread by feeding rendered animal protein to cattle. cent study right spare some people with severe diabetes the pain Adults: Avoid the here in Michigan. and inconvenience of pricking their fingers up to a One difficulty with identifying BSE, and any other The hand-washers doze." rir.KS d^iiy to measure their blood sugar itchy, scratchy TSEs, is that there is no live animal test for it. In had 24 percent fewer sick days due to colds and flu, levels. Implanted Biosystems, Inc., of Yellow chickenpox order to confirm the presence of the disease, brain If you managed t o avoid the chickenpox and 50 percent fewer days lost because of stomach Springs, Ohio, is developing one such monitor, tissue needs to be examined. when you were a kid, you may want to get die new illness. Numerous studies, in children and adults, which the company plans to test in humans within have shown that hand-washing is one of the best the next two years. The monitor, about the size of a varicella (chicken- Is there a link? pox) vaccine now - ways to prevent the spread of colds and other infec- pocket watch, will be implanted under the skin in Concerns were raised when the United King- tious diseases. especially if you live the abdomen to detect blood sugar (glucose) levels dom's Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Com- or work with chil- and send signals to an external receiver that resem- mittee indicated that BSE might account for 10 cases of a variant form of CJD that had been found Five a day for better bles a pager. That device will display or record the dren. Adult cases of person's blood glucose levels on demand or accord- chickenpox can be in the country. Since that time an additional six health, Michigan ing to a preprogrammed schedule - and sound a severe and lead to cases have been confirmed. The new variant CJD Only about 22 percent of Americans eat the serious complica- warning if blood sugar levels reach dangerously (nv-CJD) is different from the conventional form in recommended five or more servings of fruits and tions. Adults need high or low levels. Potential downsides include die that it affected younger people (average age less vegetables a day. States with the most five-a-dayers two doses of the minor surgery to install the device and die cost, than 30), takes longer to progress and shows some- (at ieast 30 percent): Connecticut, Kansas, Massa- vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. Women who did which will likely be in the $3,000 range. According what different damage to the brain tissue when chusetts, Michigan and New Jersey. States with the not have the disease as kids should get vaccinated to the company, the monitors may be particularly autopsies are conducted. The possible link between fewest (less than 19 percent): Alaska, Delaware, at least three months before they become pregnant; valuable for people who have difficulty controlling nv-CJD and BSE caused beef sales to plummet in Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, North pregnant women should get their shots after they their diabetes and find the multiple finger sticks Great Britain and in Europe. Dakota and Utah. On an upbeat note, the propor- deliver. especially troublesome. tion of high school students who ate at least five Do w e have CJD or BSE in the servings a day doubled between 1993 and 1995, United States? from 14 to 28 percent. We do have the conventional form of CJD in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control I have in Atlanta indicates that we have had from 0.8 to 1.1 cases per million people per year from 1979 to the hypoglycemia present. This would mean that approximately 200 deaths per year would be attributed to CJD. There and crave sweets, is no indication that any of the deaths have been nv- CJD or that there is any link to any other TSE-relat- but my doctor ed disease. The Agriculture Department has in place an told me to stay active surveillance program for BSE in the United States. Since 1990 it has examined approximately away from 2,800 animal brains that were likely BSE suspects. None have been found positive for BSE. Together refined sugars. half of a lean meat sandwich or low-fat bean dip with dietitian individually for a meal plan. He or she with the industry, USDA has initiated programs to baked corn chips. A piece of fruit plus an ounce of would look at your calorie needs, activity level and prevent the introduction of the disease to the U.S. cattle herd. CJD is often associated with BSE. While any case of CJD is unfortunate, the urge to tie it to BSE can lead to sensational headlines and raise undue A There are many things to do to im- prove your eating habits when you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) besides avoiding refined sweets. The dietary goal for people low-fat mozzarella cheese would work, as well. In years past, the dietary recommendations for hypoglycemia were different; protein foods were heavily emphasized and carbohydrates were dis- current eating habits to help you fine tune your eating plan and feel better. 9 with hypoglycemia is to keep blood sugar relatively couraged. At that time, people were told to eat lots concerns. There is no evidence that BSE has oc- even throughout the day. of cheese or a spoon of peanut butter or a handful curred in the United States or that any case of nv- For most people, that means eating a meal or of nuts for a between-meal snack. You may hear this CJD, the disease of concern in Great Britain, has snack about every three hours. If you wait longer type of suggestion from someone now, but it is not occurred here. The cattle industry, in cooperation than that for food, you may start to feel the symp- the most current advice. with the Food and Drug Administration and USDA, is toms of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweatiness, Another helpful hint for those suffering with working to assure consumers that the U.S. food sup- confusion, irritability, headache). hypoglycemia is to avoid alcohol; alcohol tends to ply is safe and they have no reason for concern.a? It is helpful to include both a carbohydrate food keep blood sugar low, triggering a headache or Author Ken Olson is animal health policy specialist for the and a protein-containing food at every meal and sleepiness. You'll also want to limit caffeine, because American Farm Bureau Federation. snack. This could be snacks such as peanut butter on when the effect of the caffeine wears off, you'll feel crackers, half of a cheese sandwich or a bowl of cereal. like your blood sugar is dropping, even if it isn't. If someone needs to limit fat because of a cholesterol If you still don't feel well after trying some of or weight problem, then we'd suggest something like these ideas, you may want to meet with a registered I----------------------- ~~ Medical us Sur~ery for skin cancer achieves high cure rate M ohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized method for treating the two most common types of skin cancer- basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Il is particularly effective for skin cancers on the ing outside the margin of the specimen, he or she knows exactly where to go back on the patient's face (0 take another specimen. In most cases, Dr. Nelson says, tak- ing one skin section from the patient is adequate, although a surgeon may have to take a second or third specimen (or more) if the tumor is particularly deep or ag- gressive. face because it precisely locates the extension of a The key difference between Mohs surgery and other methods of removing cancerous tumor on the face and spares as much skin lesions is that the skin layers are cut horizontally rather than vertically. The healthy skin tissue as possible. Mohs surgery has standard vertical cutting of specimens in a "broadleaf" fashion examines approxi- also been shown to have a higher cure rate than any mately 0.1 percent of (he true surgical margin, according to Dr. Nelson. In other other treatment for recurrent skin cancers. words, horizontal slices of the specimen offer a more effective way to see whether "The most important objective of Mohs sur- all the tumor is being removed. gery is to make sure you get the tumor out with as The procedure, which is performed in an outpatient setting, typically takes much accuracy as is available today in medicine," about three to four hours. It is more time-consuming than other forms of skin-can- says Bruce Nelson, M.D., associate professor of cer surgery. Il is more expensive than curettage and electrodessication (scraping off dermatology at The University of Texas-Houston the tumor and burning the remaining skin surrounding it with an electric current) Medical School. "The second objective is to con- and less expensive than plastic surgery in which the cost of the operating room serve tissue in areas where you don't have a lot to alone may be $1,000 to Sl,400. spare, such as eyelids." With Mohs surgery, removal of the first skin section layer from the face can The Mohs technique is more time-consuming cost about $700; removal of a second layer (if needed) costs about $350, and there's and expensive than other forms of skin cancer treat- an additional charge if reconstructive surgery is needed. By contrast, a typical cost ment, so it is critical for a patient and physician to for scraping and burning that same lesion may cost $200 to $300. Mohs surgery can understand when it should be used. Mohs surgery be considered cost effective, however, because it is effective in preventing recurrent is generally not used to treat malignant melanoma, tumors, says Dr. Nelson. the most deadly form of skin cancer, because the "Mohs surgery is one method whereby we try to get all the tumor out the first Skin cancer, often caused by exposure to the sun, has reached cancerous tissue that is removed must be frozen, time on the first visit," he says, "so that we don't have to deal with tumors that have almost epidemic proportions and it's the most common form and freezing makes melanoma tumors more diffi- been treated and keep coming back over and over again. Even with our procedure, of cancer in the United States with about one million new cas- cult to interpret under the microscope. However, we have a recurrence rate of 2 to 5 percent, and this is the best procedure known." es diagnosed each year. But a new medical procedure may some Mohs surgeons are strong proponents of Cure rates help treat the two most common types of skin cancer. Mohs for the treatment of melanoma. Dr. Nelson There have been no standardized and randomized clinical trials comparing uses (he (echnique primarily for non-melanoma Mohs micrographic surgery vs. non-Mohs treatment such as scraping and burning of cancer such as basal ce/J and squamous ce/J carcino- the lesion. However, in 1989 a retrospective review of all studies involving Mohs ma and for some other rare forms of skin cancer. surgery since 1950 showed some remarkable statistics. The five-year cure rate for How the surgery Is performed Mohs micrographic surgery is named after Frederic E. Mohs, M.D., professor of surgery at the University of WISconsin who pioneered the proce- primary (first-time) basal cell carcinomas treated with Mohs micrographic surgery was 99 percent. This was based on 7,670 tumors. This compared to a 90 to 93 per- cent five-year cure rate obtained by standard treatments. However, with recurrent Skin cancer basal cell carcinomas (skin cancers that have returned after treatment), the Mohs • prevention dure in the 1930s. It differs from other forms of skin technique showed a 94 percent cure rate compared to a cure rate of only 60 to 84 cancer treatment in that the surgeon is also the percent for the other standard treatments. pathologist. Instead of sending a skin tissue sample An additional review published in 1992 compared cure rates for squamous cell ofTto a laboratory and waiting for results several carcinomas treated by Mohs surgery vs. cure rates by standard treatments (see days later, the surgeon examines the tissue under a chart). With low-risk basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas it appears It's always better to prevent skin cancer than microscope, typically 10 to 15 minutes after it has there is very little difference between cure rates for Mohs and non-Mohs treatment. been removed, frozen and processed on slides. The Therefore, Mohs is not indicated for all non-melanoma skin cancers. "There are a lot to treat it. When going out into the sun, always patient's wound is kept open until the surgeon is of tumors that are amenable to scraping and burning," says Dr. Nelson. "It depends wear a wide-brimmed hat and a sun screen with satisfied that all the cancer has been removed. on the patient and the type of tumor." an SPFof at least 15. Then, the patient can be sutured or have recon- However, for high-risk tumors, Mohs micrographic surgery is a superior me(h- structive surgery to repair the wound. Skin cancer has reached almost epidemic pro- od of treatment High-risk tumors may include: Mohs surgery employs a unique method of • Tumors located on the head and neck portions. It is the most common form of cancer in cutting a tumor from the skin. The surgeon injects a • "Large" tumors, greater than 2 cm the United States with about one million new cas- local anesthetic around the skin cancer and cuts a • Aggressive tumors such as morpheaform basal cell carcinoma with scar-like fea. es diagnosed each year. Fortunately, ~ost skin can- disk-shaped section of skin around the tumor, bev- tures eling the edges of the disk at a 45-degree angle so • Recurrent tumors that re(urn after any treatment cers can be cured if detected early. (hat when the skin specimen is removed, the edges • Tumors arising in areas of previous radiation May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and of it can be curved up and brought into the same • Incompletely excised (cut out) tumors Prevention Month. Some 3,000 volunteer derma- plane as the inner section of the specimen. This • Tumors with clinically ilI-defined borders allows horizontal slices of the specimen to contain • Tumors with perineural (nerve) invasion tologists are offering free screenings for early skin both outer and inner layers of skin so that the sur- • Tumors that occur in patients who have had organ transplants. cancers, many at local hospitals. To find a free geon can see the direction in which the tumor is screening near you, check your local hospital or growing. The disk of skin taken from the patient is Low-risk tumors such as shallow basal cell carcinomas can be removed by your dermatological society. then nicked with a scalpel and color-coded so that it primary care physician or dermatologist For information on where to find a sur- can be oriented (or "mapped') to the patient's face; geon who performs Mohs micrographic surgery in your area, contact your primary if after looking at a slice of skin under the micro- care physician or the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutane- scope, the surgeon sees (he cancer tumor extend- ous Oncology at (847) 330-9830 .• Source: Lifetime Health Letter. The University of Texas Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) recurrence rates Mohs vs. non-Mohs surgery High-risk lesions Mohs Non-Mohs Primary see of the skin and lip 3.1% 10.90/0 Primary se e of the ear 5.3% 18.7% Locally recurrent se e of the skin (not site-specific) 10% 23.30/0 see with perineural (nerve) involvement 0% 47% sees greater than 2 cm in size 25.2°10 41.7°10 Poorly differentiated se e 32.6% 53.6% Source: Rowe DE, Carroll RJ, Day CL. Prognostic factors for local recurrence, metastasis and survival rates in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, ear and lip. Journal of the American Academy of D~rmato/ogy 26:976, 1992. Working outdoors in the full sun calls for added sun protection. \ Far. Operating loans help farmers make FI.aace it through the peaks and valleys I is tcommon knowledge that the shortest dis- tance between two points is a straight line. Any business person would agree, applying that axiom to his bottom line and pointing out that in the spring and don't see dime one until fall. This gives them some cash flow during the growing sea- son with which to pay for short-term expenses." Hox- ie defined short-term expenses as things such as Using a draft plan, a borrower can write checks - issued by his lender - against his revolving or bud- get line of credit. In effect, the draft plan is a pre- approved line of credit the borrower can access any- who repeatedly use operating loans that they should try to build up their cash reserves as they make use of the loans. "I believe operating loans are of the biggest use flattening the peaks and valleys provides a much feed, seed, fertilizer, repairs and other living expenses time, anywhere. It allows the borrower to pay for his to young farmers and to farmers who are undertaking shorter route to profitability. Those whose business that have a useful life of less than one year. Tom Judd, purchases immediately and saves him the time he large expansion projectS," saidJudd. He encourages is particularly seasonal may attest to the fact that branch manager at Farm Credit's Hemlock branch, would have spent having his lenc~inginstitution issue potential borrowers - no matter what type of loan the inevitable peaks and valleys can make for a wild has this rule of thumb: An operating loan can be used the check to the recipient. The amount of the loan is they're applying for - to put together a business plan, ride. to pay for anything that can readily be listed as an pre-determined and the borrower has control from complete with projections before applying. ('I tell Some of those business owners, though, have expense on a farmer's Schedule F tax form Otemized that point on. them to assume average weather when they make learned how to break the seasonal bronco through income and expenses). '~ut 85 to 90 percent of our revolving line their projections," he mentioned.) He then inspects the use of operating loans. Businesses as wide-ranging Hoxie added that livestock farmers also are customers take advantage of our draft plan," said those plans and looks at the grower's history, a bal- as greenhouse manufacturers, equipment dealers, excellent candidates for the revolving line of credit, Hoxie. "These checks are as good as cash and are ance sheet, financial statement, three years of tax seed companies and agricultural producers frequently although they typically use the line on a more fre- the most convenient way for farmers to take control returns and his ability to repay before a loan is written. rely on the stability an operating loan can provide. quent basis as they buy and sell their livestock. of where their money is spent." Hoxie added that some lenders now offer Typically,financial institutions - as well as some "Virtually anyone who plants crops for feed or . Ellis added that the most significant advanrage quick financing options, ~uch as Farm Credit's "On suppliers - offer two types ofloans for operating sale can benefit by taking out an operating loan," of this direct draft draw plan is the way it allows bor- the Spot" financing. An "On the Spot" loan requires purposes: the budget note and the revolving line of said Ellis. He urges his customers to secure their rowers to save their money. "Because a borrower answers to only about a dozen questions from ap- credit, according to Rodger Ellis, account executive operating loans as early as December in order to withdraws only the amount needed for a specific plicants, which include limited financial and earn- for Farm Credit Services of East Central Michigan in take advantage of the discounts - typically ranging purchase at a specific time," Ellis said, "interest ac- ings information. The responses to these requests Lapeer. A budget note - the kind of operating loan from 5 percent to as much as 12 percent - available crues only on the funds spent ... not on the unused for quick financing are known within minutes. If a most commonly offered by some suppliers - allows early in the year from seed, feed, fertilizer and other portion of the credit line." Keeping track of the funds lender offers this type of "quick-step" financing, it is growers to borrow a specific amount of money, which suppliers. Ellis explained that farmers usually can spent is usually very easy, since many institutions that typically offered on loans under a certain dollar is to be repaid in full on a certain date, with interest. If offset their operating loan interest payments signifi- offer this service include carbon draft copies and amount; $50,000 to $100,000 is common. the grower repays any amount of money before that cantly through these early discounts. issue monthly account updates for customers. The bottom line to the operating loan question, date, it cannot be withdrawn again for harvest or oth- The ability to take early advantage of dis- Although the convenience and utility of operat- then, is a straight one: it smoothes the transition from er costs. Once paid, in other words, the money can. counts is only one of the advantages of securing a ing loans is obvious, Judd uses this analogy to explain season to season and allows growers greater control not be retrieved. revolving line of credit for operating, according to how growers should ideally use them: "If you're going of their cash flow. Whether an operating or capital Another type of operating loan - one that has Judd. Tractors break down, fences need mending, on vacation and you know you won't have enough loan is the right thing for a particular grower's opera- evolved with customers' needs - said Ellis, is the children represent all typeS of unexpected expens- cash, you'd be sure to bring credit cards with you for tion is a question best answered after looking at that revolving line of credit. It is a more "friendly" loan es. An operating loan gives farmers the safety net emergendes. When you're talking about operating operation's ability to handle risk, its working capital for borrowers and gives them more control over they need to deal with the unexpected. loans, it works this way: Ifyou're not sure you're not position and its goaIs for the future .• their cash flow by setting a certain credit limit and For more long-term or larger expenses, Hoxie going to have enough cash to carry you allowing them to pay against their debt as they are explained that a capital line of credit may be more through the year, you'll want to take out able. The most significant difference between the pseful than a typical operating loan. These typeS of an operating loan for emergendes." Judd budget note and the revolving line lies in the fact loans usually are written for terms of up to five added that he frequently suggests to that borrowers are able to withdraw money repeat- years and may be used for longer-term equipment customers edly, up to their limit, as they repay against the purchases. Hoxie mentioned that capital lines revolving line of credit. This flexibility takes advan- can be used by farmers tage of the "peaks and valleys effect" and decreases who make equipment the amount of interest that must be paid on the purchases at auctions. loan. These features make it a valuable management The borrower nor- tool for growers - one that lets them control their mally is billed for 20 operation's cash flow and financial position. percent of the out- Both the budget note and the revolving line of standing balance of credit are typically written for a term of 12 months the loan every year, or the selling cycle of the product for which the plus interest, until it is loan is initially written. However, some revolving paid in full. lines can be written for a term of up to three years, If a straight line is which is convenient for borrowers, Duane Hoxie, the shortest route be- senior loan officer in Farm Credit's Schoolcraft of- tween two points, fice, added, because all that usually is required from drawing that them every year, during the term of the loan, is line yourself updated financial information. maybe the "The revolving line of credit," said Hoxie, "is most satisfy- perfect for cash grain operators who plant their crops ing way to get to your desti- A Fann Credit Services nation. For this reason, -"At the heart ci a growing America.. some financial institutions have instituted draft plans to be used in tandem with their revolving 1-800-444- FARM credit lines. Farmworker legal services announces new name USDA:Don't let up on foreign market development and affiliation of migrant law project T he Agriculture Department's top marketing a trade surplus. The United States is the second F armworker Legal Services (Fl.S). formerly part of Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project Inc. (MMLAP), announced in early May its new Office locations and staffing The Berrien Springs office is located at 4445 East Shawnee Rd., P.O. Box 208, Berrien Springs, MI official said for American agriculture to remain the nation's biggest export outlet, the industry must continue to focus on developing more foreign mar- largest exporter of agricultural goods behind the European Union, which is made up of 15 different European nations. Declining wheat prices, not de. name and affiliation with Legal Service of Southeast- 49103-0208, Tel (616) 471-2819, fax (616) 471-7664. kets with an emphasis on growth. clining demand, will force the trade surplus down ern Michigan, Inc., located in Ann Arbor. Bilingual full-time staff include: Angela Walker, para. "If we want to grow, we have to be looking to about $56.5 billion this year, Schumacher said. Services provided by FLS legal; Joseph Hughes, attorney; Tom Thornburg, overseas," said August Schumacher Jr., administra- Schumacher listed Japan and other Pacific Rim Fl.S will provide statewide individual repre- managing attorney; and Victor Rodriguez, intern. tor of the department's Foreign Agricultural Service, nations among the best areas for market share sentation to eligible farmworkers in civil legal mat- A new Kent County office will be opening by who noted that the domestic market for farm goods growth for U.S. farm goods. He also noted that Cana. ters including: employment and wage claims, hous- May 1997, with bilingual full.time staff including: is relatively flat. da and South America have potential for market ing problems, health and safety conditions, public Janice Morgan, managing attorney; Jose Sandoval, Last year, U.S. agricultural exports reached a growth. Rising incomes and increasing demand in the benefits, consumer complaints, educational issues law graduate; and support staff (to be hired). The record $59.8 billion - the 37th year in a rowagricul- Middle East and North Africa will make those areas and civil rights. Fl.S will continue to provide brief new address is: 668 Three Mile Road, Walker, MI ture marked a trade surplus. American agriculture future strong markets for American goods, he said .• advice and referrals in other areas such as criminal 49544, (616) 785-8840. Both offices are currently was just one of four U.S. industries last year to have matters, workers' compensation and immigration seeking bilingual legal interns for the migrant presentations. season. According to sources with Fl.S, agencies and Services provided by MMLAP Bugs captured on CD-ROM growers should continue to refer farmworkers with legal problems to one of Fl.S' offices to determine According to Kelly, in 1995-96 MMLAPconduct- ed a long-term planning process to decide how best F armers will soon have computer technology at their fingertips in the battle against insects. for about a year. The project was originally based on the structure of a summer short course the two men their eligibility for services or possible referral. Staff to serve the legal needs of farmworkers in the future. 1\vo University of Illinois professors are in the pro- taught on biological control. But the two entomolo- are also available to conduct community legal edu- It determined that two separate legal services organi- cess of publishing a computer CD-ROM program gists quickly saw other audiences for the material. cation presenrations. zations could serve the full range of farmworkers' that will help crop growers identify insects. The Information about biological control. fighting "This is another aid to farmers to possibly legal needs more effectively than a single organization. software also will help growers determine whether pests with natural tools, such as introducing a pred- assist them in securing legal representation for The transfer of most direct client service functions to the bugs are beneficial and, if not, whether they can ator insect species. has not been easily accessible their workers," explains MFB Legislative Counsel FIS is a result of that process. MMLAPwill continue to be controlled using biological methods. to farmers, gardeners and crop consultants. A CD. Howard Kelly. "Farmers now need to \qlow that provide statewide legal support, training and coordi- The two professors, Rob Wiedenmann andJoe ROM allows users to interact with the graphics, there are two specific legal firms supponing farm- nation, and direct services to farmworkers who are Maddox, say they have been working on the project rather than just study a picture in an insect book .• worker rights and labor issues in the state instead not eligible for assistance from FlS .• of the one." llllJet:I~~m~r:l.,'0 May 15, 1997 Consumers Energy sponsors a fragrant fund-raiser for FFAFoundation Spruce up your yard with -Grow Wild with FFA- O ne 14-ounce bag of impatiens or wild- flower mulch can make your spring landscaping a breeze. Amturf, a prod- uct manufactured by Ampro Industries in Brad- ley, Mich., is being sold through Consumers Energy as a fund-raiser supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation. Each bag contains mulch, seeds and fertilizer. Ampro uses approximately 14 million pounds of recycled, shredded newspaper each year to create the mulch used in Amturf. One 14-ounce bag of Amturf covers a 15- square-foot area. Follow the three-step planting instructions included in the bag, and look for growth in 15 days. Each bag costs $5.99, plus $2.95 for shipping and handling. Since the fund-raiser is in its first year, the Grow Wild with FFA program was only offered to 400,000 Consumers Energy customers. "If this year goes well, we plan to offer it to more of our Instructions: customers in the future," said Consumers Ener- 1. Loosen soil for gy Agricultural Services Director James planting Schrandt. All proceeds will go to the Michigan FFA 2. Apply flowers right Foundation where the funds will help create an from the bag endowment intended to support Michigan FFA programs. 3. Water immediately, "The money will go toward annual events- then twice daily. New those events dedicated to the FFA's career de- growth will velopment contests," said Julie Chamberlain, appear in 5-15 days FFA Foundation executive director. The FFA helps youth develop technical skills in agricul- ture and natural resources while expanding upon their leadership abilities. To order, call toll-free: 1-888-826-8688. The offer ends May 31, 1997.• Michigan floriculture sales down ichigan placed fourth narionally in value lion in sales up, 5 percent; M of wholesale of floriculture products in 1996, according to the Federal/State Michigan • Third, cut flowers with $10.4 million in sales, up 2 percent; and $17.7 million . • Bedding Petunias with 1.4 million flats sold, val- ued at $8.6 million . Nationally, the value of floriculture crops continued upward in 1996. The total value of all crops at wholesale for all growers over $10,000 Agricultural Statistics Service. California, Florida • Fourth, foliage for indoor or patio use with $3.7 .Cut Gladioli with 36.2 million spikes sold, valued of sales is estimated at $3.42 billion for 1996 and Texas reported larger sales than Michigan. million in sales, down 1 percent. at $5.5 million. compared with $3.33 billion in 1995. Area in Reports from Michigan's 536 commercial grow- Michigan leads the nation in value of sale for • New Guinea Impatiens Hanging Baskets with production for the 36 states totaled 843 million ers indicated an estimated wholesale value of four floriculture crops. They are: 435,000 baskets sold, valued at $2.7 million . square feet of covered area and 31,100 acres of $182 million for all surveyed floriculture crops, • Potted Geraniums (seed) with 17.7 million pots • Bedding New Guinea Impatiens with 98,000 flats open ground in 1996. The large'lt valued prod- down 1 percent from last year. This estimate sold, valued at Sl3.8 million. sold, valued at $978,000 . ucts were bedding and garden plants which in- includes summarized sales data as reported by • Bedding Impatiens with 2.4 million flats sold, .Cut Sweetheart Roses with 1.5 million blooms creased 4 percent in 1996. Michigan ranks sec- growers with $100,000 or more in sales plus a valued at S14.5 million. sold, valued at $833,000 . ond nationally in this category. At $1.41 billion, calculated wholesale value of sales for opera- • Potted Easter lilies with 1.5 million pots sold, .Petunias Hanging Baskets with 108,000 baskets this category contributed 45 percent of the total tions with sales from $10,000 to $99,999. Crop valued at $5.2 million. sold, valued at S623,000. wholesale value of production for operations category breakdowns for Michigan operations • Geranium Hanging Baskets with 451,000 baskets Total greenhouse cover for all operations in over $100,000 in size. with over $100,000 in sales and the percent sold, valued at S2.8 million. the state rose 2 percent to 32.9 million square feet. A commercial grower is defmed as someone change from 1995 were as follows: Other notable Michigan crops that ranked This includes both rigid and film plastic greenhous- who has S410,000 or more in gross sales. Growers • First, bedding/garden plants with $129 million in second in value of sales nationally were: es as well as glass greenhouses. Only the states of with gross sales of SlOO,OOOor more provided data sales, down 2 percent; • Other Potted Flowering and Foliar Type Bedding California and Florida have more 'total greenhouse for cut flowers, potted flowering plants, bedding • Second, flowering potted plants with $27.4 mil- Plants with 13.9 million pots sold, valued at cover than Michtocffi. plants and cut cultivated greens .• Revolutionary "2-in-1" Increase Yield Potential with ACA@Plus TRIMMERIMOWERTM! ACA@PIUS can be impregnated on dry or blended into liquid starter Takes the place of both your hand-held trimmer and rotary mower! fertilizers, placed infurrow or on the side at planting, broadcast • Perfect for ALL pre-plant, or top-dressed on a wide variety of crops to help boost yields. • The DR~ TRIMMERIMOWER TW rolls light as a featherTW on two mowing See the difference in yield with BIG WHEELS! and trimming • TRIMS far easier, better, around smaller quality, user-friendly products properties, vaca- more precisely than hand- Better Root Systems, More Vigorous Plants, Easier Harvesting, tion homes, etc., held trimmers. PLUS, MOWS everything from or for finish-up Increased Profits from Increased Yield Potential-- Proven Performance! whole lawns (even wet!) mowing and to tough waist-high trimming after growth with ease! riding mowers on larger parcels. • Rocks, roots, stumps, A delight for etc., do it no harm anyone to use! because the "DRfI" has K:A~/us no steel blades to bend or dull. Please call or mail coupon below today for FREE DETAILS about the Revolutionary DR- TRIMMERIMOWER'''! jVESI- pi~;s~ -r~;h- ~;~p"'jct~-F-R-E-E-DETAILS-of -.heI IRevolutionary DR- TRIMMERIMOWER~ including prices andl At:A~/US_j~J-.5 For more information please contact your local :specifications of Manual. Electric-Starting and Professional Models: @ ~ : and "OfT-Season" Savings now in effect. I Name ~ n:- A CA dealer or call: Marc Hooper ~ ..:;J.i0. I ~x Grower Service Corporation ;r~.!iff::::#2 I Address u I ~ 'J/~. ..Pound for pound the best piece of : City State ZIP 0 A United Agri Products Company ~ equipment we ever bought!" ITo: COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS., Dept. 2690 I Lansin Michi an 517-333-8788 -Lloyd Cestare. RD#J. Perkasie. PA I --_~~[~~~~!~~~~~~~Y~~!~~~Y!_~~~~ __J May 15, 1997 Michigan Farm MDA provides advice- for livestock management and Bureau joins tuberculosis in northeast Michigan estate tax reform S tate Veterinarian Mike Chaddock and his staff provided the Michigan Farm News readers campaign to "Kill with management and husbandry suggestions to the Death Tax" help reduce the risk of cattle and deer contact for tuberculosis control. M ichigan Farm Bureau has joined the Ameri- can Farm Bureau Federation in a nation- The greatest risk would appear to be contami- nation of feedstuffs or pasture by infected deer wide campaign to "Kill the Death Tax," a grass roots rather than direct deer-livestock contact. The em- effort to reform the estate tax. The two-month cam- phasis, however, should be to reduce all forms of paign will urge the Michigan congressional delega- direct or indirect livestock-deer interaction to a tion to reform the estate tax, by either repealing it minimum. or raising the per-person exemption from $600,000 According to Chaddock and his staff, the follow- to $2 million. ing is a summary of possible actions that producers In making the announcement, Michigan could take to reduce the risk of introduction of M. Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie said the es- bovis tuberculosis into domestic livestock herds from tate tax is nothing more than a penalty for farm- the endemically infected white-tailed deer population. ers and other family-owned small businesses • Reduce livestock-deer contact who have invested in their operations . • Feed livestock only by or in barns, outbuildings, "The estate tax is particularly insulting to or other high human traffic areas. farm families, because often the entire family is • Keep livestock out of high-risk/deer traffic areas involved in the success and growth of an opera- either voluntarily or mandatorily. This might be tion," Laurie said. "Estate taxes add an unneed- seasonal or year-round as the circumstances • Other possible deterrents or deer repellents • Provide feed for deer, but well away from live- ed financial burden to the remaining family dictate. such as chemical or ultrasonic repellents at stra- stock-utilized lands. members attempting to keep the operation in • "Deer proof" fencing of livestock yards and enclo- tegic or widespread points . • Issue open permits for producers to hunt deer business and intact." sures at a minimum, and possibly entire fence lines • Dogs kept with livestock or outside livestock on their property. Laurie said surviving members of a farm or fields in high risk or high deer traffic areas. areas but confined by an invisible fence. • Reduce deer-livestock feed contact partnership often must sell all or a portion of • Confme livestock to barns and/or fenced enclo- • Eliminate any baiting or other feeding of deer on • Fence and securely cover stored livestock feeds . the operation just to settle the estate tax liabili- sures during times/seasons when livestock-deer agricultural, more specifically, livestock utilized • Fence livestock feeders that are not by barns, ty. "Estate planning doesn't work in all situa- interaction is most likely. land. etc., leaving a limited entry way for cattle .• tions, especially in unexpected and accidental deaths," he said. The incidence of farm liquidation, due to estate taxes, could actually accelerate in the near future, cautions Laurie, noting that nearly Roundup Ultra' with IransSorb"lechnology. 47 percent of all farm operators nationwide are 55 years or older and control about $360 billion in assets, according to the 1992 Census of Agri- culture. "From an economic perspective, the cor- rect tax rate for estate transfers should be zero," lhere's no other herbicide like it. Laurie said. "The income that was invested back into those operations was taxed when it was originally earned. The estate tax actually encour- ages immediate consumption rather than saving and investing in the future." Estates with a gross value over $600,000 Roundup Ultra™herbicide offers something no must file a return within nine months of death, other herbicide can claim- TransSorb™Technology. unless an extension is requested, according to Ken Nye, director of the Michigan Farm Bu- It's what gives Roundup Ultra improved uptake, reau's Commodity and Environmental Division. allowing quick penetration into the weed. For the "The tax rate varies from 37 percent after the $600,000 exemption to as high as 55 percent for superior weed control you expect from Roundup@in estates over $3 million." Based on Internal Revenue Service figures, one complete, convenient formulation. Nye said Michigan taxpayers shelled out roughly $602 million in estate taxes to the national total • One- to two-hour of $17.2 billion in 1995. Nye estimates that 20 to 25 percent of the rainfastness. 46,000 Michigan farms identified by the 1992 Census of Agriculture exceeded the $600,000 • No surfactants exemption threshold, which would mean that at some point in time, those operations could be needed. subject to estate taxes. "On average, estates ranging from $600,000 • Less waiti ng after to $1 million paid out $47,000 in estate taxes in 1995," Nye said. "Estates over $1 million owed application. an average of $375,000 in estate taxes." Chances of an outright estate tax repeal Ask for Roundup Ultra may be slim, according to Michigan Farm Bu- reau Public Affairs Director Al Almy. He says the with TransSorb recent budget compromise leaves little hope for Technology. The elimination, but it does create an opportunity for other reform measures, including raising the next generation of exemption. Although not specified, the budget agreement reached last week calls for a total of Roundup. $135 billion in tax cuts from five different taxes, including the estate tax. "Our organization still remains committed to eventual repeal of the estate tax," Almy said. "At a minimum, we believe the per-person ex- emption should be raised from $600,000 to $2 million in assets and indexed for inflation. We are still a long way from having any meaningful estate tax reform. It is important for all citizens, lhe Next Generation of Roundup~ not just farmers, to speak out on this issue and 'demand estate tax reform." To participate in Farm Bureau's "Kill the Death Tax" campaign, simply write a letter to your member of Congress and send it to: Michi- gan Farm Bureau, Attn: Jack Laurie, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing MI 48909-8460. All of the letters received will be hand- delivered to Michigan's congressional delegation in mid-July following a news conference to be Always read and follow the label directions. Roundup~ Roundup Ultra'" and TransSorb'" are trademarks of Monsanto Company. held in Washington, D.C. • @1997 Monsanto Company. . IJlliII: I (!YJJi!] ~ l~~ May 15, 1997 FB: IShotgun approach to clean air will backfire l T he "shotgun" approach to proposed new most blatant example, which would have cost the clean air standards will not result in signifi- agricultural industry thousands of dollars, was the cant change, but instead will only hun initial emission inventory for combustion engines American agriculture, Farm Bureau told a Senate used to operate irrigation pumps." panel recently. He said the original inventory estimated California Farm Bureau President Bob Vice, emissions of nitrogen oxide, a precursor of particu- testifying before a Senate Environment and Pub- late matter, at 626 tons per day from all the pumps lic Works clean air subcommittee, said the agri- in the San joaquin Valley. This would have exceed- cultural community supports efforts to improve ed all mobile sources including cars and trucks, air quality. The Environmental Protection Agen- which together emit 353 tons per day. Prompted cy's (EPA) proposal to revise the National Ambi- by agricultural inquiries, a new study was commis- ent Air Quality Standard for particulate matter, sioned based on actual interviews with 360 farm- however, raises many concerns because it would ers, Vice said. The new study determined the nitro- impose severe restrictions on farming and ranch- gen oxide emission rate for the pumps is only 32 ing practices, Vice said. tons per day. The Farm Bureau leader said farmers "Make no mistake: we are all for clean air," and ranchers should get credit for the many con- Vice told the panel. "This debate today is about servation practices they've undenaken that have how to continue to achieve those goals." improved air quality. Vice cautioned the panel Vice, a Fallbrook, Calif., citrus and avocado against "wasting money on control measures that grower, said he is concerned that EPA'sstudies have little or no effect on cleaning up the air of this blame agriculture and forestry for a disproponion- nation," but impose costly regulations on agricul- ate share, 34.3 percent, of "fine paniculate matter" ture. (PM) emissions. Experts have questioned the accu- board member, said the emissions inventory "Inaccurate estimates of the number of times "The concerns of America's farmers and racy of this large estimate, he told the panel, noting used by EPA in a central and southern California a farmer drives his tractor over a field is one major ranchers must be addressed by the EPA in order that EPAdata was based on erroneous factors. air district "has proven that it has many flaws" example: eight times for an alfalfa crop, 13 for rice to ensure a continued safe, abundant, healthy Vice, an American Farm Bureau Federation regarding agricultural practices. and two for rangeland," Vice said. "But probably the and affordable U.S. food supply," Vice said .• u.s. Naval Academy agrees Senators consider changes to crop insurance S enate Agriculture Committee Chairman Dick • Whether the USDA Risk Management Agency's dairy farming is tough Lugar said in a news release that the commit- tee will discuss legislation to change the Agriculture approval process takes enough consideration of actuarial information. Late last year, Chairman A t the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the nation's best and brightest learn many skills, from basic leadership to the latest principles simply costs fOO much to feed cows and pro- duce milk. Last year it cost us 50 cents a gallon Depanment's Risk Management Agency's adminis- tration of crop insurance programs. Lugar questioned whether a new Crop Revenue Coverage proposal was being approved without more to produce milk than we could buy it from "Crop insurance and new revenue insurance enough information, which might put the federal of naval combat. However, they can't seem to keep a large distributor." programs are vital risk management tools for farm- government at risk to lose money in a subsidy of their dairy operation afloat. Dairy farmers can relate. For years they have ers," Lugar said. "Long term, it is fair to ask whether it insurance companies and agents. According to Naval Academy spokesman Capt. tried to balance increasing production costs with is necessary to provide large subsidies for revenue • Whether there is enough evidence that a federal Tomjurkowsky, "We have asked Congress to let us stagnant consumer milk prices. No longer able to insurance permanently. Market-based commercial subsidy to the insurance industry is necessary. It .. , do away with the dairy because, frankly, we can buy squeeze a living out of dairying, many dairy farmers reinsurance could be developed based on exchange was suggested that commodity market hedging milk cheaper than we can produce it and serve it to have been forced to quit production . traded futures and options contracts." might be used to offset the insurance policy risk. midshipmen. " Capt. jurkowsky said, "My-hat is off to the men The committee heard testimony from witness- • USDA's inadequate financial data on federal The Academy got into the dairy business in and women who make a living in the dairy business. es from USDA, the General Accounting Office spending on the crop insurance program. 1911, after an outbreak of typhoid fever was traced to We know first-hand how tough it is and can appreciate (GAO), the crop insurance industry and the com- Lugar said, "The crop insurance program may milk from a commercial supplier. Congress wanted to what is involved in modem dairy production." modity trading industry. Senators and witnesses face a budget crisis later this year. In order for the make sure the brigade of midshipmen had a safe milk Milk builds strong minds and bodies, but even said the following issues should be addressed: program to be in place for the 1998 crops, approxi- supply, so it provided them with their own dairy. the best minds at the U.S. Naval Academy cannot • Whether some federal reimbursements for ad- mately $200 million in discretionary funding must be Today a herd of 321 Holsteins provide overcome basic economic realities. When produc- ministrative expenses are issued for illegitimate provided in this year's agriculture appropriations bill 4,000 midshipmen with their daily rations of tion costs continually exceed the break-even point, expenses. The GAO cited lobbying expenses, a to fund sales commissions of crop insurance agents. milk, but the dairy continually operates at a loss. something must be done. Simply put, ifyou are to baseball stadium sky box and other questionable At the moment, it is unlikely that additional funding of Capt. jurkowsky said, "This is not a reflection on have dairies, farmers must receive more for their expenses. Industry witnesses said about 1 per- this magnitude can be provided without at least some our management, because we have the best. It product.. cent of all reimbursements are illegitimate. changes in the crop insurance program.". Scher nominated for ag ambassador ct MFiNj RADIO NETWORK Serving Michigan fann families is our only business U nited States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky crushed the rumor mill in mid- April by formally nominating Peter Scher to the position of special trade ambassador for agriculture, which would make him the senior U.S. agriculture trade negotiator. Scher's nomination must be ap- farm goods - a priority she called "key." Scher also will work on agriculture-related trade issues in oth- er key U,S. markets and negotiate vigiliantly in up- coming NAFfA expansion and World Trade Organi- zation meetings, Barshefsky said. "He will be a valuable leader in the administra- S ince its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agriculture is shared by 27 local radio stations proved by the Senate. Barshefsky said Scher will begin by focusing tion's efforts to promote agricultural trade around the world and fight unfair trade restrictions," said on persuading China to drop trade barriers to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman .• in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network 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 SOLVE HARD WATER PROBLEMS WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 11:05-12:00 pm "'" WITHOUT SALT, CHEMICALS OR ELECTRICITY WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 11:30am For City or Well Water WTKA Ann Arbor 1050 6:05 am 12:00-1:00 pm SoPhTec Physical Water Conditioning System for the HOME WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm and AGRICULTURE. Controls hardness. calcium scale and WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:45 am 11:10am corrosion. Removes existing scale. Helps control sulfur odor. WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:10-1:00 pm Saves energy costs. Installs easily. Maintenance and service WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1:00 pm free. Use 50% less soaps and detergents. SoPhTec conditioned I WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15pm water acts like rain water. WGHN AM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15 pm OTHER APPLICATIONS: WGHN FM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm Irrigation Systems Farms WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 11:50 am Dairies Greenhouses WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm Plus many others WC~R Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm Extends equipment life. Prevents clogging of valves. fittings. WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm spray heads & controls. Safe for soil. plant life and animals. WION Ionia 1430 6:45 am 12:30-1:00 pm WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:00-1:00 pm SoPhTec is a cost effective alternative to a salt water system. WPLB FM Lakeview 106.3 Total system cost for the home is $359 plus $8.50 shipping. 6:15 am 12:15pm A 90 day money back guarantee plus a ten year warranty. WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15pm To place your order or to receive more information, call or write: WMLM St. Louis 1520 6:05 am 12:20 pm CARL KNIGHT WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 11:30-12:30 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm SoPhTec Inti. Distributor WKJC FM Tawas City 104.7 4860 QUARRY LANE 12:40 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510 5:45 am CLEVELAN~OH ~M3 12:15pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:45 am 11:10am Toll Free 1-800-708-2872 Visit our web site at: www.mfrn.com ~- IT. ID I[tI : I (?{JJi!J ~ May 15, 1997 h'l ::t 't'i:.i Michigan's IIBest of Beef" recipe originated in Dietlin's kitchen FB: CRP cut violates commitment to ftatti Dietlin of Kewadin, impressed the judges Biegas, livonia, for her "Italiano Burgers" and hon- agriculture r with her original Mediterranean beef sandwich recipe at the Michigan Beef Cook-Off. Her winning orable mention went to Ron Cubberly, Brooklyn, for his "Pepper Loin and Cheese Pasta" and linda Ack- A legislative proposal that will potentially re- duce the Conservation Reserve Program re- enrollment by one-third is "a violation of the com- need to be moving ahead with both the re-enroll- ment and new enrollment to help our farmers and their lenders plan for future use of their land," entry, "Patti's Pesto Beef Hoagies," features thinly erman, Portage, for her "Mexicali Meatba1ls" entry. sliced roast beef served in a hollowed-out round The Michigan Beef Cook-Off is sponsored by mitment Congress made to America's farmers and Kleckner said. bread loaf that's been brushed with a pesto-mayon- the Michigan Beef Industry Commission, which ranchers," according to American Farm Bureau "We can't let the appropriations process de- naise mixture and topped with roasted red peppers, works on behalf of Michigan's beef producers to Federation President Dean Kleckner. dde what land should be farmed and what needs to mixed salad greens and feta cheese. This easy meal promote beef and beef products through research, 'This is not the time to make significant changes remain out of production," the farm leader said. idea is especially colorful when it's sliced into serv- education and promotion programs. To receive the that will delay the Agriculture Department from meet- "We have been involved as USDA has carefully de- ingwedges. top five beef recipes, send a self-addressed t ing the mid-June deadline it has set for signing up veloped sound criteria to determine which land Judges for the event included: Nancy Johnson, stamped business-size envelope to: Michigan Beef qualifying farmers who have offered to take 26 million needs to be in a conserving use and which can be Food Science and Human Nutrition instructor at Industry Commission, 2145 University Park Drive, acres out of production as a means of improving envi- brought back into production. That effon needs to Michigan State University; Shannon Kopke, co-host Suite 300, Okemos, MI 48864 .• ronmentally sensitive land," Kleckner said. proceed and it is premature to judge the outcome." of cable cooking show '~t Horne Cooking with Stel- The House Appropriations agriculture sulxom- Farm Bureau is committed to using the CRP to la Cash;" and Dennis Rudat mittee voted 6 to 5 to limit the amount of acreage that protect fragile soils and improve water quality. USOKs with the Michigan Farm can be enrolled in the current CRPsign-up. The lan- Natural Resources Conservation Service is slated to News. The entries were guage does not save money since the CRP re-enroll- begin a major promotional effon next month. AFBF evaluated for taste, ease of ment payments will come in the next fiscal year. will encourage farmers to sign up filter strips along preparation, overall appeal The proposal evolved from northeastern and waterways in an ongoing enrollment section of the and appearance. western congressmen seeking to redirect the use of CRP.It has been estimated that up to 8 million acres Prior to moving to the CRPprogram to their states to protect water quali- will be needed for water quality purposes. Michigan, Patti competed in ty. ~ farmers in those states offered bids because The sulxommittee also authorized moving the llIinois Beef Cook-Off. they were either unaware of the current sign-up or S20 million from the agricultural research ponion of However, this is the first time historically have not partidpated in farm programs. the farm bill's rural development program to pro- she has been awarded the "With 22 million acres coming out of the CRP vide additional funding for the Women, Infants and grand prize. She received this fall and another 5 million acres for which 10- Children nutrition program .• S500 and will advance to the year contracts are scheduled to expire next year, we National Beef Cook-Off con- test. If her recipe is selected as one of the top 15 in the Ban lifted from most of Arizona~ wheat crop nation, Patti will be invited to ~e Agriculture Depanmem lifted a year-old realizing the test for the fungus was unreliable. participate in the National • quarantine on most of Arizona's wheat. The Nonetheless, the quarantine is still in place for areas Beef Cook-off event in Tam- quarantine, which has crippled the state's wheat known to have had infestations of Kamal bunt. pa, Fla., Sept. 18-20. Partid- industry, had been instituted after the discovery of Andy Kunz, executive secretary for the Arizona pants in the national contest KarnaI bunt during a March 1996 inspection. Farm Bureau, said 21 fields in La Paz, Maricopa, and compete for more than Arizona officials said the federal government Pinal counties were found to have the fungus. Farm- $45,000 in cash prizes, indud- had overreacted to the discovery of the fungus. Rep. ers are prohibited from growing wheat on those ing the S25,000 Grand Prize. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) announced he has amended a bill fields for the next four years. The second prize win- to require USDAto treat Kamal bunt less drastically. The state's 1996 durum wheat crop has been ner at the Michigan Beef The amendment read that "this minor wheat disease sitting in warehouses or turned into animal feed, Cook-Off was awarded to has caused major problems in the international trade resulting in losses from S30 million to S100 million Richard Rizzio, Traverse City, of wheat, thus impacting the domestic wheat indus- to the industry. Ken Evans, president of the Arizona for his "Beef with Currant- Patti Dietlin, Kewadin, (center) displays her award-winning try. Farm Bureau suppons the bill. n Farm Bureau, said, "We need to restore the excel- Glazed Carrots and Onions." beef hoagie with Michigan Beef Industry Commission's Maggie USDA spokesperson Larry Hawkins said the lent reputation our designer durum wheat enjoyed Third prize went to Wendy Nelson (left) and Kathleen Hawkins. depanrnent decided to lift the restrictions after before the federal quarantine." • All Telmark reps start out in the same place. So we know what it's like to be in your place. GIVE ME Talk with us about lease financing and you'll come away feeling confident that we understand the realities of farm life. That's because we, too, grew up on the farm. But our customers don't utilize us just because of our farm heritage. We've made sure our managers have the best LIBERTY! products and the highest level of knowledge available in the agricultural leasing business. Just ask them to explain our tax guaranteed leases and customized payment schedules. In addition, we do more than just equipment, we also lease buildings and vehicles. Total Post-Emergence Weed Control If you're looking for a financing source that understands the farm industry better, talk with Telmark. And don't be surprised by how much we know about your industry. Now waranted lor use Rob Render Southwestern MI 616-659-8915 517-349-8698 Ann Briggs Southeastern MI Luann Kubacki UP &Northern MI 906-283-3878 Clem Power UP &Northern MI Jack Cripe 517-345-4734 219-894-7362 Northern IN on NKBtCorn Jerry Johnston Central MI Colin Zehr Grand Rapids Area & West Central MI Jim Mac Kay Thumb Area & East Central MI Nancy Blaauw ThurnbArea& East Central MI 517-466-6796 616-281-9745 517-743-4630 517-862-5192 For more information call: 61 6-679-2063 TEIMARKlNc. ~ www.telmark.com ask for Mark Gearhart 800-451-3322 lTIJJtiI:I[~~1~11~ May 15, 1997 Horses and riders: Are you safe? by Kara Endsley es noted that 15 percent of children hospitalized for A s springtime sets in, Michigan's more horse-related injuries were kicked. than 40,000 horse riders are anxious Ground injuries can be prevented by using (Q enjoy the fresh air, but in their a little common sense and extra caution. First, cabin.fever haste, they should remember safety. avoid a horse's blind spots, which are located "Horses reacr on a fight or flight.type mecha- about 6 feet directly in front of or behind the nism, and thal's just what they're born with," ex- animal. A horse may be startled if approached in plained Christine Corn, MSU horse specialist '1\11 of these zones. When leading a horse, walk along- the training goes (0 try (0 tame that initial instinct side the horse's shoulder to avoid being (0 reaction, bur sometimes it creeps up on us when stepped on. we least expect it" Since horses are easily spooked, avoid sud- According (Q a study by Dr. David Nelson den movements. Never wrap lead ropes around in the American journal of Preventative Medi- your hands or neck. A scared horse may bolt, cine, more than 27 million Americans ride hors. making it impossible to unwrap the rope. A sad- es each year, an activity which results in as many dle with break-away stirrups will also prevent as 92,000 emergency room visits in a single year. dragging. If the rider falls and his or her foot is Twenty percent of those injuries were (Q the caught in the stirrup, it will detach from the head and neck. saddle. The Harborview Injury Prevemion and Re- Another important factor in safe horse riding search Center found that head injuries account for is (0 know the animal. "Horses have bad days, just more than 60 percem of equestrian-related deaths. like we do," Reed said. "That's why it's so important "Head injuries are probably abour third on the to know your animal; know the body language of list of horse-related injuries, but they are by far the your animal." most serious," said Deborah Reed, assistant profes- ment for life. account. '1\11 participants in hunter and gymkha- The age of the horse is yet another factor. sor at the University of Kentucky's Sourheast Center Equestrian helmets meeting the American na classes are required to wear an ASTMISEI "You need to have a mature horse. Most horses for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevemion. The Society for Testing Materials and the Safety certified helmet," said Stacey Doumit, MSU reach a mature, trained age at 8 to 12 years old," two most common injuries are soft tissue lacera- Equipment Institute standards are designed (0 equine Extension youth specialist. Some Michi- Reed said. A well-trained horse is an important tions and fractures. withstand a triple gravity impact - an impact gan counties require youth to wear helmets in match to make with a rider lacking in experi- According (Q Nelson, although 70 percem three times the force of gravity. They closely all events and while practicing. "Some counties ence. of riders own a helmet, only 35 percent actually resemble bike helmets, but Reed strongly cau- have a more encompassing rule," she said. The most important factor in avoiding horse- wear one regularly. Of the helmet owners, 41 tions against mixing sports equipment: "Eques- At present, no statewide mandate has been related injuries lies in taking time to make rational percent believe their helmets prevented at least trian helmets cover a larger portion of the head, established regarding helmet use. "It's an arena decisions. An anxious or hurried rider only creates one injury. and they withstand much stronger impacts." that needs to be addressed," said Barb Heyboer, more opportunity for accidents. Why the reluctance7 Buyer beware: not all equestrian helmets are Michigan Horse Council president. "We're actu- "I don't know how many times I've heard The top excuses for not wearing a helmet are ASTM/SEI certified. Only labeled helmets meet ally the spokes organization for the industry, someone say 'If I had only waited two seconds,'" that they're (00 hot, too heavy and too unattractive. the safety standards. and hopefully the issue will be addressed in the said Heyboer. "Those who've had accidents are very Equestrian helmet manufacrurers have worked to According to Nelson, 67 percent of all persons future." aware of safety issues. It's those who've never had make them more comfortable. They're lighter, have younger than 15 and 60 percem of all 15- (0 24-year- Although head injuries are the most seri- an accident who think they're safe." more ventilation holes and come in a range of new olds belong to riding clubs. Some riding clubs do ous, injuries to the arms, legs and torso are Additional safety suggestions: styles, including helmets that look like the western mandate that riders wear helmets, but that choice is more common. According to the American Med- 1. Provide experienced supervision for young and cowboy hat left up (0 the discretion of the club. "These clubs ical Equestrian Association, 32 percent of horse- new riders. An experienced aide better under- Prices range from $40 (Q $100. Many manu- may provide the best opportunity for educating related injuries are to the arms, hands and stands how horses act and behave. facturers will replace any helmet that is cracked riders about helmets." shoulders, 21 percent to the legs and feet and 2. Work in pairs. If an accident occurs, having or damaged, so a $100 investment is an invest- Michigan's 4-H program takes safety into 25 percent to the torso. someone close by will make valuable use of time Finding equipment that fits is important in through quicker medical response. Kleckner disappointed over EUagreement reducing all accidents. "It is important to have 3. If you plan to ride alone, let someone know your equipment that fits both the horse and the rider. route and when to expect you back. A merican Farm Bureau Federation President Dean Kleckner recently said he was pleased with the agreement the United States had made The EU has objected to the U.S.poultry indus- try's use of chlorinated water and anti-microbial agents Buy a small saddle for a smaller rider," Reed said. 4. Be aware of rough terrain or any event that could spook your horse, such as a passing car. to decontaminate poultry carcasses. On April 1,the EU Corn cautions that equipment is not the only Know the area and plan routes around rough with the European Union on the matter of meat imposed striaer rules, haIting imports from the U.S. safety key. "Sometimes people use equipment as a terrain. import regulations, bur that did not outweigh his The American poultry industry could lose $34.2 million bandaid and still go on and practice unsafe horse- Stable and ranch owners can protect them- disappointment over the failure (0 resolve the poul- in broiler trade with the EU, SIO million in turkeys and manship." selves from lawsuits claiming someone was injured try issue. $8 million in spent hens, according (0 the National Leather footwear, helmets, heavy jeans, on their property or while using their horse or "We are pleased with the agreement on the Broiler Council, the National Turkey Federation and the long-sleeved shirts and even chest protectors equipment through the Michigan Equine Activity framework for recognizing veterinary inspection USAPoultry and Egg Export Council. help reduce injuries, but too often protective Liability Act. Unless negligence can be proven, own- equivalency. This involved three years of difficult Kleckner said, "It is a great disappointment gear is associated solely with riding. "People ers can protect themselves by posting this sign: negotiations. However, all of this effort is overshad- that the European Union has not been able to forget that ground work is a leading cause of WARNING:Under the Michigan Equine Activity owed by the failure to make sufficient progress on recognize that the poultry industry's decontami- injury," Reed said. Liability Act, an equine professional is not liable for the poultry issues." nation method and inspection system for poul- Many people are injured during non-riding an injury to or the death of a participant in an U.S. and EU negotiators reached an agreement try in the U.S. is as safe as their own. We still activities such as leading, grooming and feeding. equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the in the "veterinary equivalency" talks, averting a trade believe the EU continues (Q demand changes in The U.S. Department of Health and Human Servic- equine activity.• war. Washington had threatened to halt abour $300 the U.S. inspection process that are not consis- million worth of meat imports from Europe. But the tent with science and do not recognize the agreement leaves the poultry issue unresolved. Milk production slips equivalency of our standards." • SUPER TARP 1M SLEEVE STYLE TIE DOWN METHOD D airy herds in Michigan produced 465 million pounds of milk during March, down 3 per- March was 11.5 billion pounds slighuy above produc- tion in these states in March 1996. Production per cent from a year ago according to the FederaJ;State cow was 1,491 pounds in March, 22 pounds above A QUALITY Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Milk per March 1996. The number on farms in the 20 major PRODUCT AT cow was 1,520 pounds compared (0 1,485 last year. states was 7.73 million head, 90,000 head less than The dairy herd was estimated at 306,000 head, march 1996 and 11,000 head less than February 1997. A down 4,000 head from last month and 15,000 head Dairy manufacturing plants in Michigan pro- :I REASONABLE below March 1996. duced 1.5 million pounds of butter in February, 14 , PRICE The preliminary value of milk sold was $13.60 per percem less than a year ago. Ice cream output (Otaled SLEEVE GOES FULL LENGTH OF THE SUPER TARP" hundredweight in March, 30 cents less than in March 1.65 million gallons compared to 1.8 million gallons in SO PIPE CAN BE USED TO TIE DOWN TARP 1996.The mid-month March slaughter cow price was February 1996. Nonfat dry milk production was 1.36 S36.20 percwt, compared to S32.4Oin March 1996. million pounds, compared with 3.58 million pounds a • 5 to 7 seasons of service (when secured properly) • Reinforced seams Milk production in the 20 major states during year earlier.• • Light color on outside to reflect sunlight • Long life UV fabric Poll to chair Hamilton Farm Bureau board • One of the heaviest materials on the market R andy Poll of Hamil(On has been elected chair - man of the Hamilton Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Elected as vice chairman was John Zaet, since 1993, has a farrow-ta-finish hog operation and raises corn and soybeans. Recenuy, two new board members were elected • Large inventory next day shipping Holland, and elected (0 serve on the executive com- by the HFB membership. They are John Bussis of SUPER STRUCTURE minee was Paul Lubbers, Hamilton. Hamilton and Gale Loew of Byron Center. Rounding The Affordable Poll has been on the HFB board since 1992, out the Board of Directors are: BillGruppen, Zeeland, Building of the Future serving as vice chairman since 1993. Poll is involved and Dr. Dave Steenstra, professor of management at with Poll Farms, a family corporation with two Davenport College in Grand Rapids. brothers and their father. Zoet was elected (0 the HFB board in 1995. Hamilton Farm Bureau, a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Hamilton, provides ADVANCED SCIENTIFICS, INC. He and his wife, Beth Ann, own Zaet Farms, Inc., a the following services for the community: feed, 163 Research Lane, Millersburg, PA 17061 grain and poultry farm. lumber, Chevrolet, petroleum and propane, 1-800-724-4158 • 1-717-692-2104 Lubbers, who has been on the HFB board hardware, eggs and agronomy .• Dealers Wanted In Many Areas Plant industry hopes to improve state~ Coalition touts u.s. l overseas economy through MSU's Project GREEEN lengagement "We've had a four- to five-ton-per-acre loss in the sugarbeet yields," LeCureux continues, poiming the program through the university," Boehm said. The plant based industry is working diligently to U nilateral sanctions and secondary boycous have created havoc in agricultural markets whenever they have been enaaed, American Farm out how adding alfalfa to a sugarbeet rotation can increase funding from the state. They hope to show Bureau Federation President Dean Kleckner said increase the beet yield by two or three tons. 'i\t S40 the governor and legislators the successes of recently at a Capitol Hill news conference. Kleckner a ton, that's about S1.5 million a year. If we can Project GREEENso far, and garner their support for spoke during the kickoff of USAEngage, a coalition of increase that yield by a couple tons per acre, that's more funding. groups representing business, agriculture and trade significant." Michigan farmers already grow a diverse array associations committed to American "engagement" 1.... '997 LeCureux says research and educational of crops, and our state is home to many processing overseas. The groups are pushing for steady, firm and A monthly resource projects like this boost Michigan's economy. "Any companies that add value to plant products by turn- principled foreign policy, and against unilateral eco- for the Community time the farmers make money, the small towns ing them imo baby food, cereal, pickles, potato nomic sanctions. "Farm Bureau believes that all agri. Action Groups around here are better off. The shoe stores, the chips and a host of other food and non-food prod- culrural products should be exempt from all embar- of Michigan Farm grocery stores - they're all better off because when ucts. Proponents of Project GREEEN say that for the goes except in cases of armed conflict," Kleckner Bureau the farmers make money, they spend it," he says. industry to thrive, research is essential to generate said. "The Freedom to Farm legislation of 1996 makes According to Bob Boehm, commodity special- new products, ingredients and processes, along producers more dependent on, and supportive of, ist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, that type of eco- with new technologies that allow growers to remain open and freer world markets. We support this new nomic growth is exactly what Project GREEENis competitive and protect environmental quality. farm program, which leaves no room for unilateral H uron County Extension agent Jim intended to foster. "Project GREEENwas started in "The key word in Project GREEEN is flexibili- sanctions." Other spokespersons for USAEngage LeCureux knows full well how ag research response to a need by the crop industry to focus on ty," Boehm says. "We want to demonstrate that included Senate Agriculture Commiuee Chairman can benefit farmers in his area and, in broad issues of crop commodities," he says. "It's not dollars invested through Project GREEEN to ad- Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), Reps. Doug Bereuter (R-Neb.) turn, improve the economy of the entire state of a program for brick and monar - it's for people, vance and sustain plant-based agriculture in Michi- and Lee Hamilton (O-Ind.), Caterpillar Inc. Chairman Michigan. programs, research projects and ongoing funding for gan pay back big dividends to producers and the and CEO Donald Fites, and National Foreign Trade While that may seem like a big task, it's one those kinds of projects. And it's designed to be cross- general public in Michigan." • Council President Frank Kittredge .• being taken on by the organizers of Project GREEEN commodity, not necessarily focusing on anyone." - Generating Research and Extension to meet Eco- Many people have drawn comparisons be- Discussion Quest.ons nomic and Environmental Needs. tween Project GREEEN and the Animal Industry 1. Plant-based agriculture was responsi- ble for $ 11 billion and 125,000 jobs in North Carolina hog Project GREEEN is an effon to boost the econ- Initiative. "The Animal Industry Initiative was de- omy by expanding plant-based agriculture and pro- signed to address animal agriculture issues at Michi- the state in 1993. How might Project industry facing criticism cessing systems, all while preserving the quality of the environment and the safety of our food supply. gan State University, with the major portion of fund- ing used to upgrade the university in terms of infra- GREEEN increase those numbers? 2. Besides alfalfa in sugarbeet rotations, what are some other cultural practices L arge-scaIe hog farms in eastern North Carolina have residents there stirred up and fearful their property values will continue to drop. They blame Funding is provided to Michigan State University by structure," Boehm says. "In plant agriculture, we that Project GREEEN should evaluate a combination of industry investments and appro- the hog operations for environmental problems and have the infrastructure in place at MSU; Project and promote? What new crops could priations by the state legislature. be planted in your area that need tourism officiaIs are concerned about expansion of GREEEN focuses on procedural and organizational Research and educational programs are the research to bring them to reality? the industry and its affect on the tourism industry changes to improve the university's response to tools used to meet project objectives, and that's What types of new or updated pro- due to public perception. industry needs and to bring in additional dollars to cessing is needed in Michigan to stim- where people like LeCureux fit in. He and a group The uproar has one state lawmaker fighting provide flexible funding for projects on the crop ulate new crops or to revitalize pro- of Thumb-area farmers submitted a proposal to use mad. Richard Morgan, a Republican state legislator, side of agriculture." duction of existing crops? Project GREEEN money for a research project. introduced a bill that would halt new large-scale The state legislature has added a S5oo,000 3. How could Project GREEEN aid the "We're doing an alfalfa study, looking at the hog lot construction for one year and allow county standing appropriation to the budget to fund development of successful producer- feasibility of an alfalfa processing plant," he says. processor integration, or value-added, commissioners to decide where big farms could Project GREEEN. Another one-time appropriation of "We need to extend the rotation of the sugarbeets "new-wave" cooperatives? open and triple the space between hog waste la- $500,000 came in a supplemental budget. in the area, and one way to do that is to put alfalfa 4. Is Project GREEEN a valid use of gov- goons and nearby property. North Carolina Gov. Jim "Ultimately, the goal is to have $6 to S7 million into the rotation." ernment funds? Is it financing for a Hunt (0) recently said he would suppon a two-year on a continual, annual appropriation basis to fund select few farmers, or is it a good pro- ban on new and expanding hog operations, but he gram for all Michiganders? Why? would not endorse wning authority for counties .• • • 1 0((1 e Memb alth Insuran from an Farm Bureau or over 40 years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates with the personalized service you would expect from 8ureau 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. r;\~ ~~l=/. l \.:; .. u 'f\.' /., f:~-';./ c,- I -. '" rl _0 I ~. ~t:'-' ~~~ rT;-R£"7E;;D;~~=~;N-:-PlEASE CA COUPON TO: MFB HEALTH SERVICES, _ ~U • cOYerage - for people who don't ( ) t AV •. Conveniently located to all attractions: Pigeo~ Forge & Gatlinburg • Kitchens' Fireplaces • Mortgagepaymentsand bills overwhelming? I ~ • Hot Tubs' Large Pool 300 GALLON Wil- ANGUS & GELBVlEH: I ·Want someonewho understandslenders? LOG CABINS Open Year Round Needed son milk tank, $500. Breeding stock. ·Want someoneto talk to your lender? I Call Toll Free Gehl grinder mixer, Free delivery! I • Do you understandyour optionswith P.A. 116? IN THE 1-888- 200-0625 Livestock Hauler $800. Surge SP-II vacuum pump, Border Collie Stock Dogs. I ·Do you need to restructureyour farmingbusiness? I SMOKIES for a FREE color broc:hulT • Do you need to consider changingyour vacation? Small Family Business $200. Vacuum milk Call today. I Wecan, we have and we do all ofthe above. I conveyor, $100. Requires Semi Driver Badger gutter Bordner Farms Sturgis, MI I Let us help tum your life around. I Home Weekends cleaner, $300. Good Wages, Good Benefits 1-810-727-7218. 1-616-651-8353 L _C.!~ 1:~Q..~~~ ~ _..I GOLIATH 20' un- ANGUS BEEF: Contact: loader. Good chains Bulls, heifers and R.J. Kamp Farms and sprockets, cows with calves . EXPERIENCED BUYING FARM LAND $5,000. 20x60 har- Performance test- 8460 112th Ave. vester, make offer. ed, semen tested. ~VestDck Michigan agribusi- and recreational ness attorneys with property throughout West Olive, Michigan 49460 20x60 Smith silo, Free delivery! Call farm backgrounds. northwest Michigan. free Fox Super 0 anytime. Knowledge and ex- Call Ron McGregor 616-875-8489 forage harvester, 4 SHAGBARK LLAMAS: REGISTERED perience in all farm at 1-616-943-7709 heads, $10,000. FARMS North American Sit- TEXAS 1-800-750-4754 1-810-727-7218. Alto, Michigan ting Bull and Essex LONG HORNS, areas; restructure, for details. weanlings, heifers, stray voltage, bank- 1-616-868-6040 bloodlines. Pet FARMS AND LAND yearling heifers and ruptcy, estate plan- males and weanling throughout Michi- bred cows. ning. EAST SIDE: BULLS FOR SALE: females. Reasona- gan, agricultural 1-616-676-1462. Thomas J. Budzyn- Two year old Divi- bly priced! and recreational. ski, 43777 Grose- dend son. Low birth Call for more infor- Large parcels pre- SIMMENTAL BULLS: beck Highway, Mt. EPD. Thick and full mation and visit. ferred. We have Purebred red year- ~Iemens, Michigan. of muscle. Inter- 1-517-645-2719. buyers! ling; 7/8 blood black 48036. mediate reserve Miller's Uamaland 3 year old, and 1/2 Call Dan VanVal- Potterville, MI 1-810-463-5253. FARMERS: CASH IH MODEL A trac- Champion 1997 Fu- blood black white WESTSIDE: kenburg, Rural NOW! Enrolled in tor. New paint and BOWERS BARLEY. turity show. Semen NINE REGISTERED yearling. Robert A. Stariha, Property Specialist. 1996 FAIR Act? tires. IH 4-row bean Bulk delivery availa- tested and ready to Polled Hereford 1-517 -689-4696. 40 West Sheridan, Faust Real Estate Why wait? Sell fu- puller and cultivator. ble. work. $1500. Also, breeding age bulls Fremont, Michigan, Adrian ture Production 1948 Pontiac Silver 1-517-733-2782. May yearling, Great . for sale. Optimum TOP QUALITY HOL. 49412. 1-517-263-8666 Flexibility Contract Streak with good Western son. Guar- and Rocky Banner STEIN breeding age 1-616-924-3760. payments, all/part. body. HIGH MOISTURE anteed breeder. bulls, from high pro- blood lines. Cash for any pur- 1-517 -874-5340. corn. Delivery avail- $1000. ducing cow family. pose. No fees! able. Merriman Farms Rye Hereford Top AI sires, $800- IWanted t~easel Farm Tom,1-8()()'942.2274. JD 4440: Cab, air duals. JD 336 baler 1-517-733-2782. 1-616-868-9948 Rogers City $900. I hunting rights to I FOR SALE: 3 SEMI ejector. JD rake. 1-517-734-3005 Pasch Farms 1-517-644-3519 ~alEstate I prime wildlife I trailers for storage, NH 488 haybine. Steel rack wagons. FOR CURRENT LIST of available Angus Pledmontese Cattle: I habitat - Small I full size two truck boxes 14' and 18', 400 gallon sprayer ~ Seeds Cattle, write: Secre- Lean, tender, dou- I Christian Hunt I two Clark equip- on wheels. VGC. t~ry, West Michigan Angus Breeders, ble muscled, good calving ease. Quali- 18 ACRES, POND. I Club Incorporated I ment fork lifts, six Linden. 1-810-735- Spacious 1 1/2 9054. 585 36th Street ty registered breed- story brick home, 2 and Insured trailer axles, one BAYSIDE SEED GMC truck 16' box, JOHN DEERE 25KW corn. All maturities! SW, Grand Rapids, ing stock. Also avail- Purebred Border Collie 1/2 car finished at- I wishes to lease I M149509. two ton, runs good. One Iveco van, 12' PTO, three phase Dairybrand alfalfa. able, embryos and semen. black and white tached Large rooms, hard- garage. I hunting rights to I box, one ton. For generator, has 220 and 110 outlets, like Bayside beans. 169 soy HEREFORD CATTLE: Yearlings, bred Redbird Farms male puppies sale. Both parents for wood floors, 3 bed- I 100-1000 acres. I more information. new. $1500. 1-517- B&MSEED cows, bulls. Howell Lapeer, Michigan 1-810-667-7389 trained as working rooms, 2 1/2 baths, den, dining room, ICall 313-388-6427 I 1-616-347-9399. 1-517-463-2846 area. dogs and are regis- 874-5340. Lawn Locust Farm sun room. Kitchen ~r 313-243-2090.:.J FORAGE BOX.2.GEHL tered by no papers. UQUID MANURE 1-517-546-9754 has eating area. 970, 18', 12 ton tan- POLLED HEREFORD Ready first week of SPREADERS: MICHIGAN CERTIFIED Basement has rec dem, 12.5L 16 tires. BULLS Calving, June. Asking $100 New and used. SEED: Bowers bar. L1MOUSIN BULLS, room with fireplace, HUNTING LAND Good wagons, ease/75 pounds each. Call 1-616- Balzer, Better-Bilt ley, Newdak, Prairie bred cows, heifers, caning kitchen, wanted to rent in $5200. Badger 18', birth weights. 378-4159. parts. UPS daily. oats, Felix soy open heifers, both laundry area and Jackson and/or 15 ton tandem gear, Growth-up to 1230 Also, grain dryers beans. red and black, reg- work areas. New Washtenaw area or 12.5L 16. Good pounds yearling and handling equip- B&MSEED istered. Excellent roof, furnace, well southern Michigan. wagon! $5500. weight. Halter ment. 1-517-463-2846 pedigree! Good dis- and more! Out 40 acres or more, Changing opera- broke. Call Phil and Hamilton Distributing position and buildings. 20 miles responsible hunter. tion. MICHIGAN CERTIFIED Chris Rottman, 1- E.P.D's. east of Lansing, Call after 5pm, 616-924-5776. 1-517 -644-3519. 1-517 -644-5140. 1-~g:lo70 SOYBEAN SEED: Har- din-91, Kenwood- 1-616-751-5373 evenings and week- POLLED SIMMENTAL convenient to 1-96, 1-313-379-4875. FREE HOME DELlV- 1-69 and M-52. 94, Conrad-94 and ends. Bulls. A fine selec- ERY!Simply the $194.900. MASSEY.FERGUSON BSR-1 01. Also New- 1-616-393-1 029 tion of yearling, two FORD, NEW HOLLAND best! Complete 1-517-468-3944 175 tractor, 2200 dak certified oats. weekdays. and three year old tractors and equip- Horse Feed. ELITE days. 1-517-655- hours. New Holland Call Schmidt Farms proven bulls. Bred ment from Symon's of Auburn, 1-517- +, 10% or 12%. 2593 evenings or 1- in Gaines. For 43 273 baler with for calving ease and Dealer inquiries 517-522-4807. thrower. 6 1/2 x 18 662-6705 or 1-517- HORTON BAY LLA. performance. Call years your best 662-2695. MAS is reducing welcome! For infor- deal for the long tandem axle trailer. Spring Pond Farms at mation or delivery, JD 1/16 SCALE herd size. Four bred run! 5x8 heavy duty trail- females available. 1-616-899-2978. Mathie Energy Supply When contacting 720-NF, 620-NF. er.1-616-754-6969. Farmall M's, super Symon's Due this spring and Co., Inc. advertisers, 1-517-271-8445, SMITH STAVE SILO, fall. We also have 1-800-467-7340 M's Wand NF's. Gaines 20x70 with roof, 20' weanling males. PUREBRED BOER tell them you SASE and $2 for silo unloader, Van ~VestDck Photos sent on re- GOATS. MichFlock. saw their ad in list/prices. IH 1300, 7' bal- Stud Service availa- NORWEGIAN SJORD James Whelihan, Dale. Grain auger, quest. anced head mower. 8", 59' long. Call 1- Jack & Barbara Danly ble. HORSES: Perfect Michigar. 2301 Huron City Quick coupler set 612 North Madison, horse for farm and Road, Filion, MI up. Nice! $800. Two 517 -864-5412. BEDDING: dry kilm 06300 Boyne City Lapeer, MI 48446. family. Good blood Farm News! Road 48432-9790. 750x16, 6-ply WINPOWER 50 sawdust shaving. 1-810-667 -0169 lines! Yearling stud Goodyears 0n 6 100 and 120 yard Charlevoix, MI KW: 1000 PTO 3 any time. colt, 8 year old bolt wheels, 90%. loads. 49720 phase generator. Gelding. Must sell. $135. Deerfield, Call for prices. 1- 1-616-582.7473 REGISTEREDMINIA. $4750. Call Clark, 1-616-533-6959. 1-517-447-3897. Fax 1-616-582-6540 TUREDONKEYS: 1-810-627-3329. 616-688-5832. Breeders, pets, geldings. Nicely LLAMAS ARE Duilt, very friendly. GREAT, and now $450, up. Great for they're affordable! driving, showing, STILL LOOKING FOR GOOD HELP? These docile, intelli- gent animals make guard animals. FY~m'y 9oa!~. SAVE MONEY. Re- wonderful pets for cycle your diesel When you invest in a Shiwers Automatic Acker'. Ass-Key Acres hiking, packing, pic- 1-517-547-4118 and industrial air in- nicking, pulling take filters using the Continuous Grain Drying System carts, or to just plain Sonic Dry Clean with a Comp-U-Dry, The system enjoy. Their wool is REGISTERED SCOT. System. Wick Columns Are Guaranteed valuable and they TISH HIGHLAND CAT. No liquids or deter- For 50 Years. includes a hired man, also make out- TLE, breeding stock gents used. 50% Wick pressure-treated columns are standing guard ani- and semen for sale. savings over new who's main job is mals. Call for a visit Visitors welcome! filters. backed for 50 years against decay and today! Call evenings or to please you at 1-616-677-3309. weekends. Rec;ycle No'!l0 Inc. insect damage. That gives you an idea of Holland, MI Ron & Nancylaferriere. 1-517 -543-7979. 1-616-396-n24 how Wick buildings are made. all times during Laferriere LLamas Charlotte, Michigan 616-396-8102. Fax Theyre constructed with roof and wall your drying Marne, Michigan (Just northwest of steel screw-fastened for added strength and structural integrity. And these colored season, is ~DB. lBI Grand Rapids) ~MERBANIRUPTCY panels are tough, full-hard base steel. never late for work, LLAMAS: Herd re- To learn more about strong Wick build- and documents all his work duction due to job promotions. Peruvi- IMMIGRATIIN LAW ings, contact us today. an Chilean Bolivian Throughout and domestic blood WHO SAID GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND! lines. All ILR regis- Michigan and Ohio tered. Call for more Lawrence Dick Alwood, Wick Buildings Dealer FREY CONSTR.UCTION information. 202 Pearl, Charlotte, MI 48813 !SH/WERSt TlJe Uama Zoo G. Reinhold, Attorney at L~w - Lake Odessa, M I Wauseon,OH Kalamazoo Office: (517) 543.0996. Home: (616) 623.8780 616-374-8027 419-446-2791 1-616-372-2863 810-350-2250 Fax: (517) 543.9475 . If Micbi'gan Farm News Classified MICHIGAN FARM NEWS HERITAGE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LAND CON. BUILDING SYSTEMS TRACT? Michigan Farm News 800-643-5555 Late payments? BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE Back taxes? Prop- has joined USAgnet, your one-stop Internet 30 x 40 x 10 $4.189 50 x 75 x 12... $9.979 erty damage? 9 of address showcasing ag classifieds! 40 x 60 x 12 $7,487 60 x 90 x 12 $13.191\ 60 x 60 x 12 $9.380 120 x 200 x 14-m2 $47.913 10 qualify for pur- Commercial steel buildings featuring easy bolt up assembly from chase. We can America's largest distributor. We have over 10,000 standard help. sizes of shop, farm. industrial, commercial and mini-warehouse buildings. All arc complete with engineer stamped pennit 1st NATIONAL 1-800-879-2324. Your classified line ads in drawings. 20 year roof and wall rust warranty. Call us for a free infonnation package and a quote on our component pans. Michigan Farm News :\Iini \\'arehouse Sale $9.999 111' , 1111' \\ ilh 14 ullit~ CIlIl1J1I1'1l'\\ ith l),lrtitill1l51 ~hiCles can now appear on the h till :11111'" "Ihld ;.:.ni.l1l.t 1966 FORD 700 for sale. 16' flatbed, Internet! body good, motor Ask our classified personnel excellent. $3800 or trade for Allis for more information Chalmers 0-17 with loader. Call 517- or visit our site at http://www.usagnet.com 291-3044. r- General STOCK-UP: advance! WANTED STANDINGTIMBER: Buyers of timber of all types. Cash in 1-517 -875-4565, ask forlim. ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET: Sunday, May 25. Bring the family and view 300 exhibitors. picnic areas. Show rain or Food, shine! -------------------, Deadline for next issue is Noon, May 22, 1997_ I ARTHRms OR GOUT? Maple Rapids -- Sheepskin mittens, 7:30am to 4:30pm. Michigan Red Cher- ry Concentrate. hats, gloves, slip- Lumber Mill, Inc. St. Johns, MI $3 admission. Free Call1-80o-968-3129 to Place Your Four-8 ounce bot- tles, $17,95 post pers, woolen gar- ments, yarn. Cata- log available! WANTED TO BUY: parking at the fair- grounds, right in Al- legan, Michigan. Classified Ad Today! - paid. Each makes Standing timber. 64 ounce juice. Or- der toll free. Bellair's Hillside Farms 1-313-429-4322. or use the coupon below and mail or fax your I and WANTED: classified ad to Michigan Farm News Kern Farms 1-800-243-9868 The Sheep Shed Old motorcycles, I 8351 Big Lake snowmobile and off Buy Line/Daily News Road, Clarkston. 1-810-625-2665. road vehicles. 1965 and older. Call JD FAX: I FISH FOR STOCKING: P.O. Box 6, Stanton, MI 4881J8 1-517-831-5063 Giant Hybrid Blue- gills, Walleye, Rain- Visa/Master Card at 1-517-676-0583. I STRAW CHOPPERS: bow Trout. Large- mouth, Smallmouth We rebuild and bal- CAMPERS! I ance. Some ex- Fun place for Bass, Catfish, Fat- head Minnows, changes. We stock We Buy family. Watersled, I chopper parts. swimming, fishing. Perch. ENGINE REBUILDING Damaged Cabins and RV I Laggls' Fish Farm 09888 35th Street our specialty. Grain rentals. Call, ask for calendar of events Classified Ad Codes Gobles, MI 49055 Auto- Truck- Tractor- I Days, 1-616-628-2056 Antique-Continental- Kohler-Onan-Wis- lover and Monroe KOA Kamp- ground 1. F:mn M:lchlnery 10. Work Wanted 20. W:lnted To Ouy Evenings, 1-616-624. 6215. consin engine deal- seller 0': US 23 at Exit 9 2. Livestock Equipment 11. Agricultural Services 21. Special Events I er. 1-800-562-7646 70 years of service! • Cash grains J. F:mn Commodities 12. Buslnoss Services 22. Recre:ltlon I FISH FOR STOCKING: HARTS AUTO • Feed Ingredients 4. Seeds 13. Duslness OpportunlUes 2J. Financing Hybrid sunfish, cat- fish, bass, trout and PARTS Cecil, OHIO • Milling quality 5. Livestock H. Real Estate 24. Investors W:lnted. I grains feed minnows. Free information. Locat- 1-419-399-4n7 6. Poultry 15. Real Estate W:lnted 25. Oulldlng s I ed near Ann Arbor. TRAILERS: Ucensed and bonded Spring Valley Complete Avenger enclosed line of with over 20 vears 7. Dogs :snd Puppies 16. ESbte S:lles 26. lawn And G:lrden I Trout Farm 12190 Island Lake cargo units availa- 01 experience 8. PonlesIHorses 17. Auctions 21. Announcements I Road. Dexter, MI ble at low prices. 9. Help Wanted , 8. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give Away Sizes range from 48130. 1-313-426-4772. 5x8 to 8x48. 800-818-8900 19. Gencr.l1 29. Vehicles I TAG-A-LONG Loans For TRAILERS Michigan Agricultural I HYDRAULIC CYLIN- 1-800-515-6846 Homeowners Name Phone ( )-- DER and hydraulic pump repair. Seal 517-659-3478 Munger, Michigan Commodities, Inc. I Address kits and chrom.; work, all makes. 445 North Canal Regardless of I Strawchoppers bal- Lansing, MI 48917 credit history, City Stale Zip I anced and rebuilt. Open 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wanted To Buy Mon.-Fri. call for same- Venture Tool & Metallzlng Classified Ad Code Requesled Number of Issues day approval. Sebewaing, 1-517-883-9121 MI BUYING OLDER printed matter. Pre- 8Q1IM~ Desired Insertion Dale(s): -I 1960's magazines, PROFESSIONAL CAT- sheet music, news- Ce.CASH Method of Payment I TLE HOOF TRIMMING. papers, calendars, WANTED: Statewide! Over 16 catalogs, etc. Will Used irrigation ~ FAST! I years experience. pickup. Pay cash! equipment, alumi- Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) Prices start at $8. Call, Richard 715 Luce, Fremont, Harris, num tubing, pumps, hard hose PTO CommonPoint Visa Card Number Exp. Dale I Norman Beale and soft hose trav- 1-616-n5-0488 49412. 1-616-924- 6788. Save this ad! elers. Buy, Sell or Mortgage Master Card Number I Trade! Call Exp. Dale CASH, NOT OPINION Rain Control I for quality tractors, 1-800-339-9350 1-800-968-2221 Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words - 30 cents each additional word SAVE 75% ON combines, and round balers. heads Write your ad here. including phone num~er and area code I WORK CLOTHESI Good, clean, recy- cled in very best 1-517 -439-2440 evenings. 2 3 4 I quality. Money back guarantee. Free STANDINGTIMBER AND VENEER: Call 1-800-968-3129 To Place 5 6 7 6 I brochure Suntex Recycling Black River Hard- woods, Inc. Your Classified Ad Today! 9 10 I 11 12 Toll Free 1-800-909-9025 1-810-657-9151 ,days. Call 1-517-845-3345 I 24 hours-7 days. evenings. 13 14 15 16 .J()II:'\:S():\1 I ~SYSTE~: 17 16 19 20 I 21 23 INVENTORY MUST BE SOW! Complete Grain System • Grain Bins • Hopper Bins 22 24 I STEEL BUILDINGS • Bucket Elevators • Dryer Service 25 26 27 26 I SUPER HEAVY STEEL • Millwright Service • Crane Service 25 x 3D (2 LEFTl • Airstream Auto Dryers • GSI Top Dry 29 I :.~Ca:::n.o~::::.lnC, 40 X 50 11LEFT! 50 X 100 (1 LEFT! 30 31 32 30 X 40 (3 LEFT! 42 X 64 (2 LEFT! UP TO 400/0 OFF!!! 20 Year Warranty • L~.s9 33 35 I United Steel Span, Inc. Marshall, MI 49068 I 800-951.5669 o Circulation over 46,000 In State of MIchigan. ~ Ask for Regional Manager 1-800-962-1495 L_ ----------------- - I Wi--oj.a III e,:!!J ~~erj ~ Mic~~aner ~.$.k: Wea Sault 5te. Marie lakeCrty 35.9 -2.2 18 24 2.10 2.43 Saginaw 44.4 -1.1 91 97 1.89 2.55 III Summary Pellston 40.0 38.1 -2.0 -1.8 49 33 68 68 2.00 2.20 2.69 2.69 Grand Rapids South Bend 43.7 45.3 -2.4 -3.8 79 98 124 124 1.75 1.54 3.41 3.41 Alpena 38.9 -1.5 40 60 1.92 2.52 Coldwater Q II Temper&tln Growing ~ Days Pledpitation 44.7 -2.6 83 122 1.96 3.19 OIls. On. from AdUaI Actual Norma/ Houghton lake 39.8 -3.1 46 60 1.87 2.52 lansing 42.6 -3.3 71 122 1.75 3.19 4/16/97-5115197 mean I1ClnMI AlL AlL fmch) fIlCh) ( ..• 1 l Muskegon 42.3 -3.1 58 90 1.60 3.16 Detroit 45.8 -1.6 87 111 1.51 3.21 -. ";;V w. j ...'#vJi ...~ .._~ ~ 'w._ Houghton 36.0 -1.4 17 55 0.33 2.28 Vestaburg 42.4 -3.3 85 101 2.24 3.07 Flint 42.6 -3.4 72 111 1.24 3.21 Marquette 34.8 -2.1 24 55 1.03 2.28 Bad Axe 41.5 -2.6 65 97 0.90 2.55 Toledo 46.8 -0.9 100 111 0.50 3.21 by Dr. Jeff Andresen, Agricultural lor Meteorologist, Dept. of Geography, Michigan State sensalllonaL University I was very similar tonterms of temperature, April of 1996, a year withAprilmany 1997 agricultural weather challenges. In terms of precipitation, howev- retatle aclilovIl1Y9 !oo~ er, the comparison isone of contrasts. Drier-than- normal conditions developed early in the month statewide and continued through month's end. April temperatures averaged much cooler than normal (l to 40 F below normal), while April precipitation averaged much less than normal (precipitation totals generally from 25 to 50 percent of normal). The drier- than-normal weather allowed a rapid start of spring fieldwork, including early corn planting in many sec- tions. Severe thunderstorms caused at least two tor- no /ur/~er I~an nadoes and wind damage on the 30th. By month's end, seasonal growing degree day accumulations (summed from March 1st) and vegetative development had generally fallen to seven to 10 days behind normal. The near-term outlook is for an active jet Bplamo stream through the middle of North America, lead- ing to above-normal precipitation totals and to field- work delays. In this transitional season, you may see a reversal of temperature patterns between April and May, suggesting warmer-than-normal condi- tions in the weeks ahead. National Weather Service long lead outlooks call for increased odds of below- normal temperatures for May, with near-equal prob- abilities ofbelow-, near-, and above-normal temper- atures and precipitation. For the May-July early sum- mer period, the outlook is stillfor equal odds of all three scenarios of temperature and precipitation. NWS outlooks call for increased odds of below nor- mal temperatures and above normal precipitation by late summer into the early fall.• You don't have to go to Yellowstone to witness sensationaL Potato stocks down reliable activity. Just make EPTAM the foundation of your weed F allpotato placed at stocks in Michigan 2.5 million on April (cwt), hundredweight percent below stocks on hand lastyear, according to 1 were 7 control program. EPTAM* herbicide consistently protects dry beans and potatoes the Michigan Agricultural StatisticsService. This year's from over 44 broadleaf weeds and grasses, including nightshade, wild stocks represented 18 percent of the total production, 1 percentage point above a year ago. Fall potato pro- oats and quackgrass. Used at full-rate, EPTAM prevents weeds from get- duction for Michigan neared 13.8 million cwt. in 1996. ting a toehold in your fields, so dry beans and potatoes are free to thrive. Michigan disappearance of this year's crop, from harvest to April 1, totaled 11.3 million cwt. Yet EPTAM treats your young dry bean and potato seedlings gently, Disappearance from last year's crop during the just as carefully as it treats your herbicide budget EPTAM is cost-effective, comparable time period was 13.65 million cwt. It included sales, shrink and waste. tankmix compatible and can be applied in a variety of ways. What more Nationally, potato stocks totaled 143 million could you want from your herbicide? cwt. on April 1, 1997, up 23 percent from last year and 11 percent above two years agQ. Disappearance for the season was a record high 298 million cwt. of potatoes, 7 percent above the past two years. Great controL Every time. Shrinkage and loss of 29.3 million cwt. was 5 per- IINICA C1997. ZenKa Inc. Zeneca 1.9 Products IS a busmess unit of ZeneCJ Ine. EPTAM- is a tllldemarle of a cent above a year ago .• 1Ie .... _ ZeneCJ Group Company. Farm Safely. Always read and follow ~bet directions. 02-2612-o14Rl