-= ItIICHICJlN FJlRItI BUREJIU June 15, 1997 Vol. 74, No. 11 Farm bill shifts crop insurance sales from USDA to private agents A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman recently ~announced that crop insurance will be available exclusively through crop insurance agents, beginning in the 1998 crop year. Previous- ly, the catastrophic level of crop insurance (CAT) was available through both local USDA Farm Sere vice Agency offices and crop insurance agents in 36 states. Glickman said this decision was made after carefully reviewing the number of crop insurance agents in each state to ensure that an adequate sales force is in place to provide all farmers with CATcoverage. The 1996 Farm Bill requires USDA to transfer the sales of CATcoverage entirely to the private sector if a sufficient number of agents are available in each state to provide this service. "While the sales and servicing of policies will be done by the private sector, " Glickman said, "this change will not weaken the existing safety net for producers. I am determined that everyone will have access to crop insurance -large farmers and small farmers alike, especially those with limited resources, minorities and producers in all areas of thecoumry. Larry and Gloria Crandall, along with their son, Brad, operate a dairy farm that's ranked thirdfn production in ~he "Before making this decision, private com- state among farms on 2x milking. Although they've invested a great deal of time and money mto estate plannmg, the pany representatives gave me their commitment Crandalls fear the death tax could take an irreplaceable chunk out of their farm someday. to reach out to all America's farmers and to as- sure that the highest level of risk management service is extended to everyone," Glickman "ci1<1. " I look forward to this pannership. I also intend to exercise appropriate oversight over the com- State~ PDR program CO~E.R Family hopes estate STORY panies to ensure compliance with their commit- ment." overwhelmed by applications planning can protect USDAwill cominue to subsidize all polides, establish policy terms and conditions, set rates, and M ore than 780 applications to protect thou- sands of acres of Michigan farmland were received by the Department of Natural Resources way, the property is permanently preserved for future agricultural use and the landowner retains all other rights to the land including fee ownership. family heritage he house, the yard, the barns, the farm guarantee funds for the paymem of approved claims. records - all in perfect order. After all, during the recent application period for its Pur- "Currently, the PA 116 lien fund is supplying The transfer begins with 1998 fall planted Larry and Gloria Crandall are not the chase of Development Rights (PoR) program which the money for purchase of development rights. crops. Policyholders will receive a letter informing kind of people to leave things to chance. extended to May 15. That's about U2 million. It's not expected that ail them of this change in about one month. Howev- It's that attention to detail and careful plan- According to Robin Pearson of the Farmland $12 million will be used for this round. Of course, er, producers are to cominue to go to the local ning that the CrandaIls hope will help protect their and Open Space Preservation Unit in DNR the re- whatever applications are selected, it then goes to FSAoffice for service on 1997 policies. This in- centennial farm for future generations. But they fear sponse doubled the expectations of the division. the Legislature for their decision. The Legislature cludes reporting 1997 planted acreage and pro- that if they should die anytime soon, the federal "We are excited by the interest shown in the state's may appropriate whatever they think is necessary duction as weU as any losses. estate taXes would cost so much that their three PDR program," Pearson stated. '~pproximately 780 based on DNR's recommendations. Although a producer's policy will be random- When will .ppllc.tlons be .ccepted7 children would have to sell some of the farm just to applications covering over 86,000 acres were re- ly transferred from USDA to an insurance company, pay Uncle Sam. And that would hinder their ability ceived this year." "From now until the first of next year the PDR producers may select another agem or insurance to carry on the 114-year-old family business. "They were expecting a little over 400," ex- evaluation committee will go through all the PDR company if they do so before the sales closing date The Crandalls milk 220 Holsteins and farm 800 plained MFB Environmental Specialist Jeff Edgens. applications and score them," Edgens explained. "It for the insured crop. To ensure that all producers acres with their 26-year-old son, Brad. Another son, 20- 'The overall participation was much better than will be based on the ones with the highest scores, are served, insurance companies are required to year-old Mark, hopes to join the family operation upon everybody thought it would be." depending on the criteria such as proximity to paved insure all eligible crops, and provide all levels of graduation from Michigan State University. They make Lenawee COunty's 54 PDR applications led the roads and proximity to water and sewer connections, coverage in the states in which they operate. Fur- the fourth generation of Crandalls on this land. state for the most applications. In total, 51 counties and soil characteristics that were in applications." ther, participating companies must insure all quali- Larry Crandall's great grandfather settled in applied for the program and will be reviewed over It is unknown at this time how many applica- fied applicants. Waiver of administrative fees for the area north of Battle Creek in 1883. He settled the course of the next year to see if they qualify. tions the DNR will accept into PDR program, accord- producers who qualify as limited resource farmers within a mile ofSt. Mary's Lake, now a popular spot Michigan's PDR program is administered by ing to Edgens. is required by the Risk Management Agency and is for new home construction. like fellow farmers the Deptartmem of Natural Resources in coopera. available through private companies .• County PDR.ppllc.tlons across the nation, the Crandalls have experienced tion with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, Allegan 40 the effects of inflation and development, causing Part 361 of the Natural Resources Act and Environ- Antrim 7 land prices to skyrocket right underneath them. mental Protection Act, PA 451 of 1994 (formerly Arenac 1 The farm was passed along to Larry Crandall's P.A. 116 of 1974) provides funds for the purchase of Barry 38 grandfather, then to his father, then to him - with no development rights, usually defined as the differ- Bay 4 estate taXtroubles. "The inventory was never great ence between the fair market value of the property Berrien 4 enough up until this generation to be a problem, and and its agricultural value. This program allows land- Branch 7 that's due to inflation and economic growth," he said. owners to sell development rights to the state for a Calhoun 15 "It's amazing how fast your equity builds. The equity fair market value, and the state retains the develop- Cass 11 isn't so much in our buildings, it's in the increased ment rights in order to prevent the property from Charlevoix 3 cost of farm equipment we've had to replace and the land that's just growing under us." being developed for non-agricultural uses. In this Continued on page 5 Continued on page 4 'iNS_iDE"THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHICAN FARM NEWS Sell icia ui e nc ose roducts and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds-Page 18 ~~'ll~~I~~~ June 15, 1997 1360 billion in assets. r-------------, Tickets just $5 Last chance to order From an economic perspec(ive, the correct tax rare for estate (ransfers should be zero. The income available in advance only Agriculture's Summer Celebration tickets! tha( was invested back into (hose operations was taxed when it was originally earned. The estate tax Agriculture's ~is is it - your final chance to order your S5 actually encourages immediate consumption, rather Summer • tickel to the biggest event happening al Ag Expo '97. On Tuesday,June 24 all Farm Bureau members than saving and investing in the fu(ure. On pages four and five of this issue of Michi- Celebration are invited to the official opening of Michigan State University's Anthony Hall- lhanks to the S70 million gan Farm News, you will find additional details about this campaign. More importantly, you'll find Ticket Order Form Uvestock Initiative, which has revamped its facililies, fearures of farm families from Michigan and across Name: Formerly known as Summerfest, Agriculture's (he country that are auempting (0 deal with the Summer Celebra(ion has moved lO (he Tuesday of issue of es(a(e taxes. Take a few minures (0 read Ag Expo week and will offer a steak or pork dinner (heir stories and I'm sure you'll ask yourself, as I Address: and all the extras to fill out the menu while enjoying did, "What can I do to avoid similar problems in the fellowship of other producers and commodity From the transferring my farm operation?" organiza(ions from across the state. You and I can do something abour it. The call City, Zip: Everyone will get their chance to see the new President for estate tax reform is getting louder across the facilities that were created as a result of the initiative country, and in the dties, too. Ir's possible to achieve and (he work done to secure the next generation of It's time to IIKil1the our goal, but Congress needs to hear from you. County: research and education on behalf of Michigan's Death Tax ll Michigan Farm Bureau and your county Farm animal agriculture. Farm Bureau members will gel Bureau are part of a nationwide campaign to "Kill an opportunity to tour new teaching facilities for A merican agriculture is seriously threat ened by one of the most unfair taxes in the Death Tax," a grass roots effort to reform the Dinner Choice(s): dairy, swine and turkey, and the newly renovated the system - the estate tax. Farm fami. federal estate tax. Our campaign will urge Sen. Anthony Hall and Meats Laboratory. # of Beef The celebration, sponsored by MSU,Michigan lies work hard all their lives to build a successful Spencer Abraham, Sen. Carl Levin and your U.S. farm operation that can be passed on to the next representative to reform the estate tax, by either # of Pork Farm Bureau, Michigan Uvestock Exchange and generation. Unfortunately, that next generation is repealing it or raising the per-person exemption Michigan Milk Producers Association, will include a Number of Tickets at $ 5 Each: __ commemoration of the Uvestock Initiative at Antho- often forced to sell all or part of the farm to pay the from $600,000 to $2 million. federal estate tax liability to the Internal Revenue Our organization is commiued to eventual ny Hall. The Michigan Pork Producers, Michigan Beef Mail check,. payable to Indus(ry Commission, Michigan Sheep Breeders, Service. It's particularly insulting to farm families, repeal of the estate tax. At a minimum, however, we believe the per.person exemption should be raised MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU to: United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Country Fresh, because often the entire family is involved in the success of that operation. from $600,000 to $2 million in assets and indexed Agriculture's Summer Celebration Michigan Horse Council, Thorn Apple Valley,Michi- PO Box 30960 gan Potato Industry Commission and Michigan Bean Currently, estates with a gross value over for inflation. We are still a long way from having any S6oo,OOOmust file a return within nine months of meaningful estate tax reform. It is important for all ~ Lansing MI 48909 :::J Commission will also be a part of (he event. the owners death, unless an extension is requested. citizens, not just farmers, to speak out on this issue The tax rate varies from 37 percent after the and demand esta(e tax reform. $600,000 exemption to as high as 55 percent for To participa(e in Farm Bureau's "Kill (he Thefine points of grazing at 1997 grazing schools esta(es worth more than $3 million. Based on Internal Revenue Service figures, Dea(h Tax" campaign, simply wri(e a leuer to your members of Congress, prior to July 8, and send i( F ~ers, agency pe~nnel and. others interest. ed m managed rotational grazmg (MRG) should plan to attend the Great Lakes Grazing economic stability, increased forage yield and qual i- ty, lower herd health costs, lower negative environ- mental impacts, and a high degree of residential Michigan taxpayers shelled our roughly $602 million to your county Farm Bureau. I will personally de- in estate taxes (0 (he national (otal of $17.2 billion liver (he leuers to Michigan Congressmen in Schools, July 9-11, at Kettunen Center, Tustin, Mich.; community acceptance. in 1995. On average, es(a(es ranging from $600,000 mid-July in Washington, D.C., during (he American and Oct 7-9, at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Cost for the school is $195, which includes the to S1 million paid our $47,000 in esta(e taxes in Farm Bureau Federarion's Council of Presidents' Hickory Corners, Mich. manual, meals and overnight lodging. Commuter 1995. Estates over $1 million owed an average of Mee(ing. Topics include setting goals with grazing, de- rates are also available. Registration deadlines are S375,Oooin estate taxes. Take a moment today (0 sit down and write signing a grazing system, paddock layout and w~ter- July 1 (Ke.t~unen Ceme,r) and.Oct. l-CKellogg Bio- According to the 1992 Census of Agriculture, your lawmakers, telling them how this tax affects ing systems, feed and breeding strategies on grass, logical Station). _ . 20 to 25 percent of the 46,000 farms in Michigan you on the farm and your planning for the furure, nutrient cycling in pastures, ~utdoor fencing dem- For ~ore information, t:all t~e-Michigan Graz- exceeded the $600,000 exemption threshold, which how it devastates not only grieving farm families but on~trat!rtation,t\\Q nights hotel accommodations, Friday Jackson 23 Sl Clair 26 organization, tour Ohio farms and, enjoy the typical and Saturday lunch and dinne1; educational programs, Kalamazoo 3 Sl Joseph 5 Round-Up activities. registration for 00th Round-Up and the NCBARegion I Kalkaska 6 Tuscola 2 MCA has scheduled a bus tour to take any meeting, and all of the funn stOlli. There is still time to Kent 28 Van Buren 23 interested individuals to Ohio. The bus will be leav- reserve }OOI" seat on the bus, but they are ~ing quickly Lapeer 16 Washtenaw 40 ing on the morning of Friday, June 27, 1997 and on a first come, first served 00sis. Leelanau 38 Wayne 1 picking up participants at designated stops in East For more information, please contact the MCA Lenawee 54 Wexford 1 Lansing and Ann Arbor. The bus will be returning to office at PO Box 387, DeWitt, MI 48820 .• Uvingston 28 Total 784. Market Seasonal Commodity Price Trends SOYBEANS priced very linle, consider getting on the ball and pricing some when November is around $6.90. The Corn 7 S oybeans have been and will continue (Q be the new crop basis appears to be near normal; if true in Outloak Soybeans Wheat Hogs Cattle (explosive) f ~ - - f - ~ most volatile of the three major crops. Lots of thing; are going on and it will be interesting to see the USD~s read on them in their June 12Supply/ your area, use forward contracts versus HTAs. HOGS Indf!x: - prices; TP = stable prices; t = higher prices; • = lower = topping: BT = bottoming; 7 = unsure Demand Reporl. Old crop supply continues to be very tight as demand stays strong. Crop estimates coming out of South America are lower than the May I orf when will expansion take place, and when will the numbers start coming? The June 1 Hogs and Pigs Reporl, to be released onJune 27, should you only have a bit left, then shoot for $2.90-3.00. USDAestimates. The spread between old and new shed some more light on this question. The packers Has new crop hit at least a temporary bottom? crop soybean prices is huge, July futures at $8.60 hope soon - gross margins have been below zero The most likely scenario is we wiDhave a good crop minus November futures at $6.90 equals $1.70. since April, and they have the excess capacity. The by Dr. Jim Hilker, and fallcorn prices willbe in the 12.30's, but there is Exports keep moving along and it appears recent drop in lean prices (futures) has been due to Department of considerable risk in both directions. If you have already they will meet expectations by the end of August. weak demand from the retail level, not an increase Agricultural Econom- priced 25- 35% of your new crop, consider waiting for a Crush is finally showing some signs of slowing in the farm-packer spread. Demand has been hurt ics, Michigan State rally in December futures to approach $2.80. However, down, and it will have to in order not to run out of by cool weather, beef specials, and cheap broilers. University if you have priced very little, consider staning to price beans. The June 1 Stocks Reporl, to be released The bright side of the story is prices are still aggressively if December rallies to $2.70 and continue June 30, could be a shocker in either direction. good and cash prices will get higher this summer. to price into a rally.~ can't afford to deliver all of our Tight U.S. old crop stocks, along with huge new The lowering of the Japan price gate will take place corn this fall for $2.20 or below and the odds are prob- crop acres, i.e., large potential new crop supplies, is July 1 which should help with demand in a fairly big H EAT,WARMTIf,but not too hot, and perfect rains please. Is that asking too much? After May ably over 30% that could happen. The new crop basis is still on the wide side of causing the huge old crop/new crop price spread. This is then causing the market to make adjustments way. Exports are expected to increase significantly in the third quaner. This should bring prices back temperatures in Michigan averaged 10 degrees below normal, so consider using 1997 HTAsversus a for- and rationing. It also creates a situation that makes it to the $60 area. nonnal and 2 degrees below the previous coldest May, ward contract if it is true in your area. But be ready to profitable to ship Brazilian soybeans into the U.S., There is the chance that the report will show I think not. While Michigan was cold, so was most of fix the basis if we see a 5 cents or so tightening. even though they will need beans themselves in the this expansion is closer than expected, sow slaughter the Com Belt. Corn sat in the ground for up to +5 weeks before emerging in many areas. While planting; WHEAT, . fall to keep their crushing plants going and filling that has run below the previous year and 5 year average demand. What they are doing is selling high priced for the past year. Consider locking in prices on some ran well ahead of the 5- year average over most of the he u.s. wheat crop seemed to be making a Com Belt, emergence was only a little ahead. Generally, early planting; increase the odds for T comeback as we entered June in a production beans to the U.S. market now and repladng rhem with our new crop beans which they will impon later. of your production out through the next year if you have not already. The August $80 lean futures trans- sense, prices are the pits. Check to see what the June The spread will not only pay for transportation, but lates to 159 live and (he December '70 is nearly'52 above average yields, and the USDA raised their ex- 1 USDA Crop Production Reporl for wheat showed will make them close to a dollar. This is also why we live. With the likely price of corn those are very prof- pectations 2 bushels per acre above trend in their which was releasedJune 12. The May report showed will see some unwinding of this large spread. It also itable prices. If you need to buy corn taday's prices May supply estimate for the 1997 corn crop. It will be lower than trend yields for winter wheat, partially due means more U.S. exports in the next crop year. for both old and new crop aren't bad. interesting (Q see if they left it there in their June 12 to the earlier freeze damage, but that was early and Old crop soybean prices are good, the basis is estimate after the cold spring has the crop condition this report should give us a better feel for just how tight. It's hard to justify holding on to much, if any. rating; below normal and flooding in southern Ohio and Indiana have probably lowered their potential. On the other hand, a couple of warm weeks much winter wheat we can expect. Demand has not been strong, and with a de- cent crop coming on and more than adequate car- Use a basis contract if you do, and don't play with a lot, the price will come back together. New crop could be fun, we have reasonable prices now, and T he effects of high placements since last fall are beginning to show up in cash prices. And, the relatively poor demand with a cool spring hurting over the whole Corn Belt, and a warm rain over the ry-in, it appears we will increase ending stocks again odds are low that prices will fall under effident pro- cookouts and the effect of cheap broilers aren't western areas, and we could be looking at record this next year. At this point, while there are down- ducer's costs of production with reasonable yields. helping either. Packer returns were not very good corn production with the huge acreage. On the side risks, I would be tempted (Q hold on any fur- Also, there is upside potential on weather scares. through April, but have done okay since then. This other hand, we have most of the growing season to ther forward pridng. It appears the market has put If you have 25-30% of your new crop priced, con- is the normal panern as you go from tighter to go. What would a drought do or continued cold in at least a temporary low and we really don't know sider holding a bit (Q see how your crop is coming more plentiful supplies. weather? I'm now out of hands. much about the world wheat crop. along and if we have a rally. If November futures Heifer and cow slaughter continues to run If you have old crop corn left, the basis is very However; watch the markets - it wouldn't take a prices do rally back over $7.10, then be ready to above the 5 year average, this is on top of the liqui- tight so don't be paying storage; have it on a basis whole lot of negative news to make it jump. Be watch- start pricing some more. You may also want to de- dation we saw in the January Inventory Reporl. This contract and strongly consider being ready to move ing the Chicago September wheat futures for a rally cide on a downside pricing signal as well. For exam- would indicate the longer-run price picture next it on the next rally. If you have much left, consider towards $4.00. Consider starting your pridng a dime or ple, if November falls below $6.75, it may mean a year will improve, but at the expense to feedlots of moving most of it ifJuly furures recover (Q 12.80. If so below that, as that level may also act as a lid. run in the other direction. For those who have higher feeder prices. What would be preferable is to raise prices by increasing demand here and abroad COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS versus shrinking the industry, and that is what the industry has been working towards. ...••......... 'JtDO ........................... 460" Look for opportunities to price summer cattle •••••.•. 71f1O near $65 or above, it wouldn't take much of a rally, ..•.• " JSOO .62 cattle for a time wouldn't surprise me. October futures at '68 and December's at $70 aren't bad if you can't afford all the downside risk. If a rally gives you $1-2 more, consider it. .......•.•...•............. w.0- by Larry G. Hamm . :~~ ..".S. ~ ~"!'r~9! .. ::.. ::.... ~ D airy product markets are beginning (Q show some improvement. However, past declines in dairy product prices will be working their way to 8fi.00 lower milk prices over the next few months. The uncertainty as to the replacement of the National ~ Cheese Exchange (NCE) price in calculating the ~ c: Basic Formula Price (BFP) has been settled by the ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture. 18.00 ~ The May 1997 BFP (announced June 5) will be . 1&.00 ~ about $11.00 per hundredweight (cwt.). The April 74.00 .~ BFP was $11.44. The continued weakness in the BFP 1Z.oo ~ B is a direct result of lower cheese prices reported in 210.00 10.00 j the Chicago Mercantile Cheese Exchange and the USDA-NASScheese price series. The last time dairy markets saw BFP prices this low was in early 1993. It appears, however; (hat dairy product markets Table 1- Corn Table 2 - Wheat Table 3 - Soybeans are beginning to move. Over the last two weeks in Estirnmd Projected Hilker EstimIted Pnljed!d Hilker EstImated Projected Hilker May, wholesale butter prices on the Chicago Mercan- (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 (MIllion acres) 1995-1996 1~1997 1997-1. (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 tile Exchange increased $.20 per pound, reflecting a Acres set-aside/diverted 6.2 0.0 0.0 Acres set-aside & diverted 5.2 0.0 0.0 Acres planted 62.6 64.2 68.8 positive demand-supply balance for cream supplies in Acres planted 71.2 79.5 81.4 Acres planted 69.1 75.6 69.2 Acres harvested 61.6 63.4 67.5 Acres harvested 65.0 73.1 75.1 Acres harvested 60.9 62.9 61.0 the U.S. cheese markets, however, continue to hold BuJ1larvested acre 35.3 37.6 38.5 Bu./harvested acre 113.5 127.1 131.0 Bu./harvested acre 35.8 36.3 37.1 Stocks (mUlion bushels) at their mid-May levels. Nonfat dry milk prices contin- Stocks (million bushels) Stocks (million bushels) Beginning stocks ue to weaken to the point where during the last week 335 183 125 Beginning stocks 1,558 426 909 Beginning stocks 507 376 465 Production 2,177 2,383 2,600 in May, the USD~s CCC purchased the first govern- Production 7,374 9,293 9,840 Production 2,182 2,282 2,262 Imports 4 10 5 ment surplus powder in several years. Milk produc- Imports 16 10 10 Imports 68 90 90 tion patterns indicate that the large surpluses of milk Total supply 2,516 2,576 2,730 Total supply 8,948 9,729 10,759 Total supply 2,757 2,748 2,817 Use: coming from the West and Southwest U.S. may be Use: Use: adversely affected by high temperatures. If so, it ap- Crushings 1,370 1,425 1,450 Feed and residual 4,696 5,325 5,600 Food 883 895 910 Exports 851 895 890 pears that the recent crash in farm-level milk prices Food/seed & Ind. uses 1,598 1,670 1,760 Seed 104 102 100 Seed, feed & residuals 112 131 130 may be coming to an end. Total domestic 6,294 6,995 7,360 Feed 153 300 250 Total use 2,333 2,451 2,470 With the May BFP, the USDA will need to re- Exports 2,228 1,825 2,050 Total domestic 1,140 1,297 1,260 Ending stocks 183 125 260 Gi place the NCE price quote in determining the BFP Total use 8,522 8,870 9,410 Exports 1,241 985 1.000 Ending stocks, % of use 7.8 5.1 10.5 ~ Regular loan rate $4.92 $4.97 $4.97 :i and the values of the various components in Feder- Ending stocks 426 909 1,349 Total use 2,381 2,282 2,260 Ending stocks, " of use 5.0 10.3 14.3 Ending stocks 376 u.s. season.ver. ! al Orders with component pricing. The USD~s 465 557 Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, " of use 15.8 20.4 24.7 Farm prke, $/bu. $6.72 $7.35 $6.25 ~ National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began u.s. season .w~ Regular loan rate S2.58 S2.58 $2.58 ~ keeping a cheese plant survey series in early April Farm price, $A>u. $3.24 $2.75 $2.45 u.s. seaon .wrage Sti 1997. On May 30, the USDA announced that the Farm price, SIbu. $4.55 $4.35 $3.90 j U.S. average transaction price for cheese as report- Continued on next page Precision Tips for getting started Market Outlook Continued from prevlou. ~g. Agriculture with precision ag ed in this new price series would replace the NCE price quote for the U.S. dairy industry. Predicting the BFP's movement will become more uncenain over the next several months as market panicipants age crop inputs. into grids no larger than 2.5 acres. GPS also pre- and analysts adopt to a new method for calculating Terra tells farmers who want to take advantage cisely "marks" the location of each soil sample taken the BFP.A similar adjustment period took place in of our Precision in Agriculture program that there within the grid system. May 1995 when the old Minnesota-WISconsin are basically two ways to get staned with precision Information from an analysis of each soil sam- (M-W) price was replaced with the BFP. agriculture: collect site-specific, georeferenced yield ple forms the basis of an extensive database that The May drop in the BFP will result in farm data in the fall or collect detailed grid soil sampling documents such variations as nutrient level, soil pay prices that are below the cost of production for Perry M. Petersen, data in the spring. type and pH across an entire field. The farmer or a significant number of producers. This situation CP. Ag.-CCA, Site-specific yield monitoring is accom- his ag retailer can use GIS to conven this data into a cannot continue and milk prices will recover over Corporate Manager, plished during harvest when a combine is map that provides a detailed picture of soil condi- the next several months. This recent rapid drop in Precision Agriculture, equipped with a yield monitor and a global posi- tions. This allows the farmer to begin identifying milk prices is a direct response to a small increase Terra Industries Inc. tioning system. As the combine moves through and managing a majority of the variables in the field in surplus milk production coming from the West- the field, yield data is recorded on a hard card in with precise applications of fenilizer, lime, micronu- ern pan of the U.S. Once again, the dairy industry is I ncreasing numbers of farmers are adopting the yield monitor and georeferenced by the global trients, seeding rates, pesticides, etc. - all guided by technologies associated with precision agricul- re-learning as to how vulnerable dairy markets are positioning system. The farmer or his ag retailer GPS and an application prescription developed by ture and taking their crop production systems to just a small amount of extra milk. can later retrieve the data from the hard drive to the ag retailer. into the 21st century. Touted as the most signifi- create a map that visually shows yield variations Precision agriculture technology helps a farm- EGGS cant crop production advance in the last 50 years, within the field. er identify and quantify variability in his crop pro- by Henry Larzelere precision agriculture has the potential to revolu- A qualified ag retailer can provide the farmer duction system. It also helps a farmer manage that t the end of May, egg prices were about 11 tionize the way farmers collect, analyze and use information about their crops and land. But farm- ers eager to jump on the precision agriculture band- with valuable advice and expenise on setting up, calibrating and operating the hardware and soft- variability to improve his bottom line. The key to effectively identifying, quantifying and managing A cents a dozen below a year ago. During May, feed ingredient costs were nearly 9 cents a dozen ware required for georeferenced yield monitoring. the variability is an extensive database of georefer- eggs below last year, nearly enough to offset the wagon may wonder how to get staned. On many issues, such as the source of the differen- enced information. An adequate database must lower egg prices. The first step is finding an ag retailer who tial GPS signal Oocal FM stations or U.S. Coast contain information collected over three to five can put this new technology to work for the farm- Egg prices inJune will probably average in the Guard beacon), the farmer can rely on the experi- growing seasons. Each year that passes without low 70s for New York wholesale Grade A white eggs er. The retailer must have technical expenise to enced ag retailer's knowledge of what has worked collecting precise, georeferenced information rep- help the farmer understand and use the key preci- in canons. In the July, August and September quar- best for other farmers. resents a lost opponunity. ter, prices will likely average in the upper 70s, with a sion agriculture tools: geographic information Pat Trail, Terra's cropping systems adviser So when it comes to adopting precision few days in the 80s in September. systems (GIS), the global positioning system based in Marshall, Mich., tells farmers not to wait agriculture technology, ~ooner is better than The number of layers on May 1 continued (GPS), variable rate technology, database manage- until fall to stan implement georeferenced yield later .• about 2% above last year. Total egg and table egg ment and grid soil sampling. These tools allow monitoring. He says late spring or early summer is production in April were about 1% over 1996. Layer farmers to collect huge amounts of detailed, site- when a farmer needs to begin pulling together the numbers will continue above last year as the num- specific data. The retailer should have skilled system he will use in the fall. database managers and interpreters, with agro- Spring gives the farmer an opponunity to take ..,Terra ber of egg-type chicks hatched in April was up 9%, and the number of layer-type eggs in incubators was nomic knowledge, who can work with the farmer advantage of another component of precision agri- PRECISION IN AGRICULlURE~ up 8% on May 1. on analyzing the data and making effective crop culture: grid soil sampling data. This is probably management decisions. The retailer also should Perry M. Petersen, c.P. Ag.-CCA, Since the slaughter of spent hens has in- the most imponant pan of precision agriculture. Corporate Manager, Precision Agriculture creased in the last few months, the hatch increas- have the ability to create site-specific management Soil variability within a field has an impact on yield Terra Industries Inc. es will not excessively affect the total number of plans with tailored cropping prescriptions de- variability. GPS technology allows the farmer to Phone: (800) 831-1002 & (712) 277-1340 signed to maximize production and precisely man- Fax: (712) 277-7383 layers and egg production in the next several accurately map the outline of a field and to divide it months .• The Wheat Team••• .. Whether it is wheat Red Wheat: Mendon, Genesis 9511, Brandy, Casey, Wakefield White Wheat: Ramrod, Diana, A.C.Ron, Harus LSI A TRADEMARK OF LAKESIDE STATES, INC. or soybeans, LSI, your regional seed company, has what you need! P.O. Box 21085 Lansing M148909 White Wheat: Ramrod, Diana, A.C.Ron, Harus, Lowell 2586 Bradleyville Rd. Reese Ml48757 (517) 887-1684 Red Wheat: Mendon, Emily,Foster, Elkhart, Freedom, Wakefield (517) 868-4750 LSI is owned and Red Wheat: Mendon, Wakefield, Freedom, Cardinal, Patterson managed by: MENDON White Wheat: Ramrod 6500 Downing Rd. Britton Ml (517) 451-8358 High yielding with superior Genesis Ag lid. winter hardiness developed Lansing, MI by MSU. (517) 887-1684 Red Wheat: Mendon, Brandy, Freedom, Wakefield, Cardinal CF Braun Farm 62450 Hoagland Rd. Deerfield Ml 49238 (517) 447- An1.lArbor, MI CASEY (313) 663-2717 High yielding, excellent Red Wheat: Mendon, Brandy, Wakefield winter hardiness and LSISoybeans Woods Seed Farm, Inc. lodging resistance. Britton, MI 796 Warren Rd. Ann Arbor Ml (313) 663-2717 (517) 447-3701 A&K Seed Farm BRANDY Ann Arbor, MI High yielding, high test Ask about RAMROD ... (313) 662-8992 weight and superior winter hardiness. the soft white wheat developed by MSU exclusively ... from GHG* Ivan Farms, Inc. Britton, MI o Highest yielding soft white wheat in the 1996 MSU trials (517) 451-8358 BIN BUSTING BEANS DHighest two-year average of the white wheats DHas superior lodging resistance to Lowell and Chelsea Gries Seed Farm Fremont,OH Lakeside States 1900, Lakeside States 2400, Lakeside o Good winter hardiness *G~n~sisAg Ltd (517) 887-1684 States 2900, Genesis 9630 (800) 472-4799 Callfor more information ... *Grow~rS~rviu Corporation (517) 333-8788 *Harrington S~edsInc (517) 868-4750 Precision Farmer independence and data Agriculture compatibility by Neil R. Miller Once they are processed by a GIS, however, they often will not transfer to another GIS. Thus, make YIELD MONITOR DATA SOIL TEST DATA VRT INPUT APPLICATIONS J USl a year ago, only one elevaror in Michigan offered a variable rate application service sure ro always keep backup copies of your origi- using GPS for guidance (Grower Service in nal, unprocessed yield data. Birch Run). Today there are nearly a dozen, using loll fertility data compatibility various software/controller systems. Yield monirors Goo-referenced soil test data mayor may not have also proliferated with at least six different transfer to GIS software programs. For example, brands currently used by farmers in the State. What Agris software, being used by various panies in the AgLink, RDI, issues do these new options raise? state (see figure), can expol1 many data fonnats, SGIS,Vision, etc. F.rmer In.pendence but it has a limited ability to take in data generated from other systems. Rockwell and Soil Teq soft- FieldLink Let's say you're a 1500 acre farmer. You've spent $8.00/acre ro have your soils sampled with GPS ware, on the other hand, can take in various data (Andersons, and $8,000 on a yield monitor. Your crop consultant sources, but have few expon options. Micro-Trac IMC, Grower produces fenilizer recommendations that your local VHTcontroller softw .... compatibility Service) elevator can apply using a variable rate (VRT) spread- Prescription maps used in VRT spreaders must er. Several months later the elevator manager leaves, be generated by a GIS. These data transfers are and you don't see eye to eye with his replacement. limited by the same compatibility limitations as soil Other area elevarors also offer custom VRTservices test data. Software developers are working hard on AgLeader but their systems aren't compatible with your data. ' both impol1 and expon capabilities, but at present You're forced to work with an unacceptable supplier one needs to plan carefully if they intend to write Geographic Soil Teq. or walk away from a $20,000 investment! prescriptions for different systems. We as a compa- ny have gone to considerable expense to develop a Information (CPS,Star Before you invest in GPS equipment or services, of the West) make sure you understand what other systems your system that is compatible with all VRTservices cur- GreenStar System (GIS) data will be compatible with. This issue is complex rently available in the state. enough that your local consultant or elevator may nO{ Record-kHplng softw .... compatibility even know who all they are compatible with. The Most farm accounting and record-keeping following sections provide some general guidelines, systems cannot currently transfer data to and from but I would be happy to answer specific compatibility GIS programs. Several companies, including Agri- . Case AFS questions to help you profit from this technology with- Logic/CASE and Agris, are working hard and will Vision out unknowingly sacrifidng your independence. likely achieve this in the next few years. At present, (Terra) aeographlc Information .pte"" (GIS) however, your options are limited .• These are compmer progrcuns used to take in gecrreferenced data from various sources, process Ashtech them, and generate recommendations or prescriptions which can be applied with VRTequipment. A GIS l\~~\~ Accounting and functions as the central clearinghouse through which ~~~\\\~~~ Record-Keeping data must flow (figure 1). To understand your specific compatibility issues, therefore, you must first find out " Q\\~~\\'Q\\\~~\\\,. what GIS software your local providers are using. SpecialiSts In Crop Yield monitor d.t. compatibility Production and Protection Vinually all yield moniror systems produce Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com - Figure 1. Given the proliferatiol) of GPStechnology and services now available, one needs files that transfer easily to most GIS programs. to plan carefully in order to maintain compatibility and farmer independence. Pump up value of vacation dollars and have more fun with farm Bureau's theme park discount program. How btId, SeaWOikI or Cedar Point sound? Or ."the Henry Fottl Museum or Greenfield Village? ~ your membership,you can receive dscounts on adtrission forthSse parks and many more. Fof'111OI9 infonnatiotJ1.contact county Fann Bureau or caJ/ 8()()"292-2680, ext. 323r: Don~ forget I book your trips with Farm Bureau Travel. ~I~ June 15, 1997 Wealll:er .:.... :.-.:.:.1 ..,.,,,,+.-:.l " ..... ~....!!!ll -....~ ."r.~ -.... ~ ... :d """",,,,J -,._.. ~vvv'."~ + • .] Mi2an We Summary er Sault Ste. Marie Lake Oty Pellston Alpena Houghton Lake 44.9 46.6 46.8 46.0 47.0 -4.7 -71 ~.7 -6.1 -7.5 69 139 116 96 126 164 297 297 276 276 2.95 147 1.75 2.53 2.93 3.01 2.61 2.61 2.76 2.76 Grand Rapids South Bend Coldwater Lansing Detroit 52.9 -63 481 -6.2 51.0 -7.4 48.8 -8.5 51.8 -6.7 272 441 89 230 431 187 431 230 414 211 3.10 3.01 1.47 3.42 1.10 2.92 3.15 2.92 4.85 2.85 0'11 k Tempenbn Glowing ~Days(.) ~ 1 Cbs. Ow. from Actual Actual NarmII Muskegon 48.9 -7.3 167 356 212 2.67 Flint 49.2 -7.4 185 414 3.23 2.85 \,iUl t... i•• ) J 511191-5I31m mean llClfllIII 45.6 -3.9 kL kL flllCh) (ilCh) Vestaburg 48.3 -8.7 192 381 3.61 2.79 Toledo 52.9 -6.0 267 414 112 2.85 •...• _ .............. .J ....... __~ .•....~ .. J!V ._-.- ...,._., ,., ,.... Houghton 82 252 2.12 3.37 Bad Axe 47.5 -8.0 134 314 5.05 2.63 * Growing degee day aco.rnuIations are calculated with the Marquette 44.4 -5.9 98 252 101 3.37 Saginaw 50.4 -6.5 212 374 4.44 2.63 Wj() -com- method and are sunmed begmng April " 1997. by Dr. Jeff Andresen, Agricultural Meteorologist, Dept. of Geography, Michigan State University N ewMay climatological were set acrossrecords the northeastern U.S., as mean temperatures Michigan for the and month much of of dropped as low as 9 degrees F below normal. Com- bined with cooler than normal temperatures in April, the spring season of 1997 (March-May) will likelyalso go into the record books as among the coolest on record. The cool weather has delayed growth and development of most crops, with sea- sonal growing degree day totals falling3-4 weeks behind normal by the end of May. On the bright side, several dry spells during the month allowed spring planting to proceed at a rapid pace, and warm weather in early June finallyled to germina- nutrt-plac''- 3250 nutrt-plac'r 4300 tion and emergence of many crops. mounted applicator pull-type applicator The cool weather across Michigan during the past several weeks isdue primarily to persistent northerly or northwesterly flow aloft,allowing a series of cool, Canadian-origin airmasses to move into the region. The persistence of the pattern has been extremely unusual for this time of year, as evidenced by the record nature of the temperature anomalies for the month. At the beginning of June, the basic features of the upper airflow were still -- LIB. present. However, most recent medium-range guidance suggests a change may not be too far nutrl-plac'r 9000 away. Given the current growing degree day defi- nutrl-plac'r 2800 dry fertilizerapplicator liquid fertilizerapplicator cits,one should expect (0see a much wider time window for upcoming phenological events (e.g. bloom stage lastslonger than in most years) than in 'normal' years, ancla rapid burst of growth and Precision Nutrient Placement is an important component of the complete DMI yieid-tillesystem development should the current cool weather be that is now available through your DMI farm equipment dealer ...an agronomically based system of tillageand replaced by heat. •. root zone banding solutions that maximize soil productivity to increase the yield potential of your crops. Glickman names new FSA administrator A griculture named Keith Secretary Kelly asDanthe Glickman new administrator has of the Farm Service Agency. Kelly isformer director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. "Keith was born on the farm, and he's been fighting for American agriculture ever since," said Glickman. "Given allthe challenges facing the agen- cy - from civilrights to reorganization (0 the new farm bill- FSA needs strong leadership. They will get that in Keith." Kelly, a graduate of Montana State University, has spent a good portion of his career working in the public~r. (Or of the Ariwna Department of Agriculture in 1990. From 1981 (0 1988, Kelly served as deputy He was appointed the firstdirec- lDMI( ,;, Placement Systems - - --- - -- - '7- - - . Precision The DMI yleld-tllI3system ...Helping Plants Thrlvel Nutrient director and director of the Montana Department of Agriculture. He also served as administrative assis- tant to the Montana lieutenant governor from 1977 .CaU (309) 965-2133 to 1980.• 1DU3:1@JE~J~'I:t'm June 15, 1997 This crummy spring may cause problems later in the season . es, this is one crummy spring ... maybe V "The odds of verification of this prediction are one for the record book. Yes, the cold not high, but growers should be aware that there is weather may cause crop problems before the potential for some problems with some crops and at harvest. Yes, meteorologists know the mech- by fall," Andresen says. anism causing this weather, and no, they don't He says that one effect of the cool weather to know why it's happening .. date on overwintering crops, particularly fruit "As of the third week in May, our growing crops, could be substantial unevenness in growth degree day accumulation (an index indicating how and maturity. much warmth has been available for crop develop- "Many crops have been in a state of suspend- ment) was from two to three weeks behind normal, ed animation because of cold temperatures, and and that may be somewhat conservative," says Jeff many of the stages which would normally last a Andresen, Michigan State University Extension agri- week have persisted for two or more weeks or cultural meteorologist.. longer," Andresen explains. "The variation in phe- "We are behind about a week from where we nology induced by the cool weather will mean were last year at this time, and for some crops in problems with pesticide application and even an some cases, the phenology (rate of de~elopment) is extended harvest because of a wide variation in the most delayed since the early 1980s," he adds. crop maturity." The reason for the coolness is the north- It seems that more years than not since the westerly to northerly flow of the jet stream, beginning of the decade have been unfavorable to which has funneled northern Canadian and even crop production in Michigan - as if the state has Arctic air masses over the Great Lakes because entered an unkind era of weather. the jet stream has not yet contracted into Canada 'This weather variability in agriculture has to allow air masses from warmer origins to over- become an issue, but we cannot find a major Cold weather has delayed crop growth throughout the state. Farmers were recently able to flow Michigan. change," Andresen says. "It has not been demon- cut hay but much other field work will have to wait. Andresen believes that the current period of strated in the statistics, although as we continue to cool, damp weather, now some six weeks long, will gree temperatures should be not uncommon, and overwhelmed." search, we may find an indication of a shift or soon change, and when it does, it could bring errat- everything is pushed back several weeks," Andresen The latest long-lead outlook by the Climate Pre- change. At this point, we don't know." ic bursts of pests - insects, plant diseases and weed says. "Should conditions change rapidly from below diction Center in Wdshington, D.C.,suggests that the He says, however, there is evidence that Michi. growth - that could have growers scrambling to normal temperatures to above, events may happen next few months will consist of normal temperatures gan is having more wet days than it did 50 to 60 keep up with crop management demands. so rapidly that there may not be time to get every- and rainfall,but then a return to below normal temper- years ago and that rainfalls tend to be heavier when "Here we are at the end of May when BO-de- thing done that needs doing. Growers could be atures and above normal precipitation will occur theyoccu. Post-harvest High corn borer numbers don't necessarily chemical use mean big problems on apples T hough a number of growers have found large numbers of the European corn borer (ECB) in "The overwintering numbers tell there is a potential for a large number of adult moths, but it of the Corn Belt. "They tend to run in a five. to lO-year cycle, and potatoes old cornstalks, this does not necessarily forecast a replay of the borer problems throughout the state does not help us predict what will happen with the first generation of larvae," DiFonzo says. with a couple of years being really bad before the population declines to a point where it is not new survey to measure the usage of post- 1996. A harvest chemicals on apples and potatoes is slated to begin July 9. The purpose of the sur- in Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State University Extension field crops entomologist, says the last She adds that the ECB problem last year was one of the worst on record in Michigan and the rest really a problem for five or six years, DiFonzo says. II vey is to gather reliable, objective information stage of the ECB larvae (the fifth instar) overwin- about chemicals used on apples and potatoes ters in cornstalks, cobs or week stems. When tem- after harvest. The National Agricultural Statistics peratures rise above 50 degrees F, the larva pu- Service (NASS) of the United States Department pates into an adult. of Agriculture (USDA) will be surveying apple DiFonzo says that because the ECB popula- and potato growers, storage operations, packers tion was so high last year, many more larvae than and processors in major producing States. The normal are present and are, therefore, being no- Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statistics ticed more often. Service will be conducting the survey in Michi- "However, a large overwintering population gan. The information gathered will be used to set does not necessarily mean that we will have a com State and national estimates of post harvest borer problem this summer," she says. chemicals used. Many of the main factors critical to population Currently there is little date available on the survival- such as the insect's natural enemies, extent of pesticides applied to apples and pota- weather during moth flight, egg-laying conditions Because the European corn borer population was so high last year, many more larvae than toes after harvest and prior to consumption. and larval hatch - are yet to occur. normal are present this year, according to MSU Extension entomologist Chris DiFonzo. Because apples and potatoes are widely con- sumed, the public has an interest in what chemi- cals are applied after harvest. These chemicals are relied on to retard spoilage and to enhance appearance. The information requested includes chemicals used, amounts applied and when and how chemi- cals are applied. Accurate and timely information on actual usage will help clarify the facts. There are very few products registered for use as post harvest chemicals. Most of these are important fungicides with few alternatives available. Their use could be restricted if good information is not available. Important benefit's growers, storage opera- BADGER tors, packers and processors gain from responding FARM to the survey are: SYSTEMS • They have a chance to tell how they use post work and harvest chemicals responsibly to produce a safe work and and abundant food supply for America and the work and World. work and • The survey results are official USDAestimates work and work. and help to clarify the faCts about chemical use . • Accurate and timely information on actual usage can be used in the decision making process for product registration, re-registration and product --t - I.,.." ~ .-. --#-~:, alternatives . This survey is supported by the U.S. Apple ..~ ..~ W --- Association, the Michigan Apple Committee, the National Potato Council and the Michigan Potato barn cleaners ...manure augers and rams ... pit Industry Commission. Individual operator informa- and lagoon pumps ...and liquid nutrient transports tion is strictly confidential and individual reports Front & rearun/oading tomge boxes ..to~g~adCJ~ with injection systems ...work...and work... will be combined to set state and national estimates. blowers, distributors, spreaders and un/oaders... - l!!l NASSwill publish the resulting State and national BADGER FARM SYSTEMS • 511 E. Main St. feeders and conveyors ...waterers ... St. Nazianz, WI 54232. Tollfree 888-322-3437 estimates in late 1997.• a MILLER-St. NAZIANZ company Feasibility of alfalfa processing to be conducted ince 1990, sugar beet yields have fallen off been awarded to the MSU Extension-Project tive over a year ago to process alfalfa. They try representatives to review the feasibility S by as much as four tons per acre in the Saginaw Valley and Thumb Areas of Michi- gan. As a result, the Sugar Beet Advancement Office in Huron County to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing an alfalfa process- ing facility in the area. The 1unds for this study bought an existing pelletizing plant at Priam, Minnesota, and received a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department to look at study later this year. If the feasibility study ap- pears positive and if there is positive producer and industry support, the committee will con- • Committee was formed in December 1996, to were provided by Project GREEEN. Michigan utilizing the stems in the production of electri- tinue to plan the project, including the devel- identify possible causes for this decline in yields plant commodity groups and food processors cal energy. More than 800,000 shares have opment of a business plan. and to look for possible solutions. are working with Michigan State University to been sold. Their pellets are being sold to feed If the alfalfa venture proves to be feasible, - Producers are also concerned about the develop a plan to help prepare the agriculture companies and shipped overseas. it could have an important economic impact on increasing compaction in the fields as a result industry to meet the economic and environ- According to the American Alfalfa Proces- the region. In 1995, there were 190,000 acres of the utilization of the corn, dry bean and mental challenges. facing them in the years sors Association, the average processing opera- of sugar beets grown in Michigan. If a crop sugar beet rotation. This short rotation com- ahead. One area of special interest is Added- tion processes 20,000 to 25,000 tons per year such as alfalfa was to be reintroduced into the bined with the elimination of legume produc- Value and the alfalfa processing concept fits with a few in the 50,000 to 100,000 ton range. rotation, restoring the soil tilth and regaining tion and heavy trafficking has resulted in tight- into that category. A committee representing producers, two tons per acre, an additional income of ly compacted soils. In Nebraska, there are 18 pelleting/cubing sugar beet processors and ag industry was $15.2 million per year could be realized by area One solution offered for improving the operations. Their primary markets are direct- formed to oversee the project. The committee producers from enhanced sugar beet yields. -soil's condition and re-storing lost sugar beet market to feedlots and protein supplement has selected AgriTech, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, to This is based on a per ton income of $40. In yields is to reintroduce alfalfa into the rotation. manufacturers. There are two products pro- conduct the feasibility study. Additional finan- addition, alfalfa at six tons per acre, can com- Over the years, alfalfa has been excluded from duced at these processing facilities. The first is cial support for the study is being provided by pete economically with dry beans, corn and the rotation due to the move away from live- "dehy" which is a product produced from alfal- the Huron County Economic Development soybeans. stock by many farmers and to reintroduce alfalfa fa that is field wilted, and the second type of Corporation. For more information, contact the MSU into the rotation, a constant profitable market product is called "sun cured." Both are artifi- The goal is to have the final feasibility Extension-Project Office in Huron County at must be established such as processed alfalfa. cially dried and pressed into pellets. report available by early- to mid-September. A 517-269-6099 .• In response to these issues, a grant has Farmers in Minnesota formed a coopera- meeting will be held with producers and indus- Call your Tou Cleaning Problem? independent Alfa Laval Agrf™ dealer: Need a Super, Extra Strength, Central Dairy or Supreme cleaner? Supply Lansing, MI Della~delivers maximum 517 -322-2083 strength at minimum costs. Della-Super@ Della-Extra Strength™ Van Strien Sales and Service Liquid C.I.P. Cleaner Powder C.I.P. Cleaner Hudsonville, MI • Powerful, high chlorine/alkaline 1:4 formulation • Low foaming 1:4 chlorinated alkaline formulation 616-896-9946 • Adjusts easily to water hardness changes • Effective even in water with 45+ grains hardness • Prevents tough milk soils from redepositing • Specially formulated to fight iron • Works harder, goes farther, saves you money • Lower cost per use compared to other products • Reduces work required to maintain clean systems • Mixes easily and quickly Great Lakes Dairy Supply Falmouth, MI 616-826-4143 Della Supreme@ Della Super@ Variable Temperature Powder C.I.P. Liquid C.I.P. Cleaner Cleaner Great Lakes • Formulated for use • Effective at dilutions of Dairy Supply in less-than-desirable water I ounce to 3 gallons water temperatures Remus, MI • Rinses free for pipeline and tank use 517 -967 -8233 • Cost efficient - I ounce to 3 gallons dilution • Removes butterfat and protein effectively • Ideal for use where build-up problems are related • Mixes easily and quickly - no clogging to water temperature • Cleans in a wide range of water hardness • Cleans in a wide range of water hardness Call your independent Alfa Laval Agri dealer for a cleaning system analysis. TN Great Lakes Dairy Supply DellaTMperformance products work harder for you. Sandusky, MI 810-648-3333 @ Co ri ht 1997. Alfa Laval A ri Inc. AL02-97 o'jl[ 3 : I @JJi!] I~ =l'~ June 15, 1997 Fund for Rural MDA to assist Michigan potato growers who participate in USDA's Potato America to assist Diversion Program new value-added T he Michigan Departmem of Agriculture (MDA) will waive charges to poraro growers for MDA potatoes from the 1996 crop. The USDAannounced rhat the amount of by MDAor USDAinspecwrs. Growers are responsible for transportation and cooperatives inspecwrs' travel time and mileage if those growers potatoes in storage (as of May 1) in 15 states are 32 other costs when diverting potatoes to livestock feed. participare in the 1997 United States Departmem of percem grearer than the same time last year. Stor- USDAwill arrange and pay for the transportation of T he U.S. Departmem of Agriculture is accept- ing proposals for $1.7 million which will be Agriculture's (USDA) Potato Diversion Program, age reports indicate that production this year is up potatoes diverted ro charitable organizations. used to support developmem of coopera- announced MDADirector Dan Wyam. 65 percem compared to last year. USDA began accepting applications May 29. tives (hat produce value.added products. The mon- The Poraw Diversion Program pays potaro The 1997 poraro Diversion Program went into The program will run for 60 days. Approval of a ey is being made available through Presidem Clin- growers to divert 1996 fresh Irish potatoes (all types effen on May 29. In order for producers to be eligi- request will be based upon the availability of ton's Fund for Rural America - a rhree-year, $300- and varieries except sweet potatoes) to charitable ble for payment under this program, the potatoes funds. million effort to improve the economy and living institurions and livestock feed. The USDAactivated must be donated to a USDA-designared charity, or For additional information growers should srandards in the narion's rural areas. the program to take care of a nationwide surplus of used for livestock feed. Allloads must be inspected comact their local USDAFarm Service Agency.• "USDAhas a long hisrory of supporting coop- erarives that help farmers and mher rural residents Gempler's new F.A.R.M. reflector kit helps reduce roadway accidents help rhemselves by marketing and processing their own crops, livestock, seafoods and crafts," said Agricuhure Secrerary Dan Glickman. "The Clinton E ach year, B,OOO highway accidents involve farm equipment, according to the National Safety Council. Many of these accidents are attributed to that can be placed directly over old, faded SMV signs. Its fluorescem, triangular cemer is made of a new, long-lasting material that glows nearly one. and provides up to one mile of viewing distance. For SI8.50, farmers can get a FAR.M. kit that will mark one piece of machinery. Adminisrrarion and USDAare increasing federal increased farm sizes, requiring farmers to travel third brighter during the day and resists fading and Contact Gempler's, Inc., P.O. Box 270, Mt. support for the developmem of new cooperatives longer distances to the fields; larger implements; cracking. The new, red SMVborder of retroreflec- Horeb, WI 53572. Ph. (800) 382-8473, Fax (800) which produce value-added products, thereby en- and an increasing population that is unfamiliar with tive tape is 10 times brighter than the older tape 551-1128 .• abling rural people ro keep more of rhe profits de- the size and speed of farm equipment. rived (rom their labor." Gempler's, Inc. offers the latesr in reflective Federal, state or local agencies and institu- marking kits for slow-moving vehicles to help reduce rions of higher learning or nonprofit developmem the number of these accidents by enhancing visibility. organizations can apply through July 31, for the The FAR.M. (Fewer Accidents with Reflective competitively awarded, cooperative agreements. Material) kit includes: one enhanced Slow Moving Funds may pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of Vehicle emblem, two 2x9 inch strips of red retrore- a development project. The applicams must make flective tape, two 2x9 inch strips of orange fluores- a cash or in-kind comribution derived from non. cent tape, six 2x9 inch srrips of yellow retroreflec- federal funds. tive tape, and mouming instructions. With the left side properly marked using tape from F.A.R.M. kit and the right side unmarked, Proposals will be evaluated based on merit, The SMVemblem is a self-adhesive triangle see how the retroreflective tape strips and fluorescent oranae SMV center improve visibility: quality and rhe relevance of a project to creating increased economic opportunities in farming and rural communities through expansion of value- added processing and product development. The Fund for Rural America is providing $100 million annually in each of the next three years for a wide variety of rural economic programs. "This program delivers on Presidem Climon's commit- JUSTA FEW MORE mem to expand economic opportunities for rural Americans," said Jill Long Thompson, under secre- tary for USDNs Rural Developmem mission area. "The future of small farmers in this coumry can be enhanced by value-added cooperatives, keeping more of their profits at home in cooperative busi- nesses farmers own." SEASONS Cooperarive developmem proposals should be sem ro: Dr. Randall E. Torgerson, Deputy Admin- isrrator for Cooperative Services, Rural Business- AND HE'LL BE OFF TO Cooperative Service, USDA,Stop 3250, Room 4016-S, 1400 Independence Ave., SW,Washington, D.C. 20250-3250. For more information, call John Wells at (202) 720-3350 and request information on the Cooperative Value Added Program .• Wheat 2000 sponsors COLLEGE ... technology tour BEITER CAlL YOUR FARM A unique tour on Wednesday, July 9 at 9 a.m. will be held looking at production prac- tices and research related to high managemem BUREAU INSURANCE AGENT wheat production. Large and small plm trials will be RIGHT AFfER mE GAME. toured on a 40 acre field. Stations to be toured: • Wheat 2000 Grower Records and Scouting, By starring now, you can give your What have we learned? family the kind of future you want them Jim Howe, Star of the West Milling Co. to have... a future that includes college, a Stuart Reinbold, Plot Cooperator • MSU Wheat \ariety Trials paid-off mortgage, and enough money to Dr. Rick Ward, MSUWheat Breeder keep the family together. 10 Be Announced, Pioneer Wheat Breeder • Wheat Disease Control Trials Even if something happens to you, Dr. Pat Hart, MSU Plam Pathologist a plan from Farm Bureau Life Insurance Brick Goldman, Novartis of Michigan can make sure your dreams • Tramlines, Nitrogen Strategies, and Infrared Photography live on. Dr. Larry Copeland, MSU Crop & Soil Science We are the only Michigan-based Marc Hooper, Grower Service company named one of the top 50 Jeff Reinbold, Terra Imernational • Wheat Population, Clover Establishment outstanding life insurers in America, and Soll Health based on safety, security, and financial Dr. Richard Harwood, Mon Sustainable Ag Chair performance. Call your Farm Bureau Steve Poindexter, MSU Field Crops Agem • Wheat Market Update. Using the Crop • Insurance agent today. Pmel of End Users and Processors Dr.Jim Hilker, MSUAgricultural Economics Making your future more prediaable Jim Thews, White Wheat CoordinatorlWheat 2000 • Wednesday, July 9 • Starts promptly at 9 a.m. umil12:30 noon • Reinow Acres, Located 1 mile north of M-46 on M-83; 1-1/2 miles west on Janes Road (9434 Janes Road) • Ribs will be served at 12:30 noon. Call by Monday, July 7 for reservations - (517) 7CJ1- 2233.• ,,- Weput a lot of ene" into farming Each day we light the way for We're proud to serve 20,000 farms- you and other farmers across the more farms than any other utility in state - providing the PQwer that the state - and we're committed to help- keeps you in business. But our ing you succeed every step of the way. commitment to you doesn't stop there. FDr questions about animal contact We have a 24-hour, toll-free current, call1-BOO-252-B65B. number to answer your energy service questi9ns. Plus, we've For other service questions, call established a dedicated, toll-free 1-BOO-477-5050. number so we can respond to your questions about animal contact current. And, with 39 Customer Service Centers state-wide, we're ready to serve you. We're also working with key agricultural organizations like Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan FFA on issues that impact your produc- tivity and profitability. 3328-E Ford announcement good news for corn MAES and MSUE producers and the environment name joint administrator T he Ford Motor Company announcement it'll promote the development of an expanded of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gas or it to produce 250,000 E-85 vehicles over the number of fueling stations throughout the can operate on 100 percent straight, unleaded arry Olsen, associate professor of entomology, next four years is good news for Michigan corn producers, according to Michigan Farm country." Currently, the only E-85 fueling station in fuel. The announcement is expected to stall L was named interim assistant vice provost and associate director of Michigan State University Ex- Bureau Commodity Specialist Bob Boehm. He Michigan is located in Lansing at the state's sec- congressional efforts to eliminate the excise tax tension (MSUE) and the Michigan Agricultural Ex- predicts the Ford E-85 vehicles, which can burn a ondary complex to provide fuel for a fleet of E- exemption for ethanol-blended fuels. Congress periment Station (MAES) in May. Olsen was most mixture consisting of up to 85 percent ethanol, 85 state cars. Boehm says Michigan corn grow- will reject an effort to repeal ethanol's three- recently the integrated pest management (lPM) will prompt Chrysler and General Motors to fol- ers are working to establish a station in Detroit cent-per-gallon excise tax break. A concerted coordinator for MSUE. low suit. close to the fleet in that area as well as another effort by farm state lawmakers stopped Rep. Bill "We are pleased to have Larry in this posi- If so, Boehm predicts that it will mean a station in the Lansing area to service a broader Archer's plans to eliminate the tax break. Archer tion," said J. Ian Gray, director of the MAES. significant upswing in demand for ethanol fuel state. Eventually, Boehm hopes the demand for (R-Texas) is chairman of the House Ways and "First, he strengthens our linkages with Exten- and an increase in the number of stations that ethanol-blended fuels will encourage conven- Means Committee. sion, and secondly, he provides much needed offer the ethanol fuel mix. tional gas stations to offer consumers the etha- "As the volume of ethanol increases and we assistance so the MAES can effectively fulfill its "It's been a long-standing battle, kind of nol alternative. continue to improve the technology to produce mission." the chicken or the egg question, to try to "It (ethanol availability) will have to be ethanol and we continue to improve the tech- "Larry brings unique qualifications to this have enough fueling stations to support a transparent to the consumer," Boehm said. nology on the farm to produce the corn more position," said Arlen Leholm, MSUE director. fleet of cars or to have enough cars to sup- "They'll need to be able to pull into a regular efficiently, the price of ethanol prices will be- "I'm very excited about the position," Ols- port a number of stations," Boehm explained. gas station and buy an E-85 blended fuel just as come an even more competitive vehicle fuel," en said. "I think this will further the coordina- "Ford's decision to go forward with a broader they would buy a different grade of gasoline like Boehm said. "We need to retain the ethanol tion between the two groups." production of flexible fuel vehicles will put a they can today." production incentives long enough to keep eth- Olsen's responsibilities include liaison large number of vehicles on the market and in The Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) will rely on anol in volume to be able to support the new work with the MSUE area of expenise teams in the hands of general consumers, as opposed a V-6 engine capable of running on any combi- demand that will arise from these added vehi- agriculture and natural resources; representing to just the current fleet market. Ultimately, nation of ethanol and gasoline up to a mixture cles on the market." • the MAES and MSUE on field crop issues, includ- ing overseeing calls for research proposals; de- MDA division directors accept new responsibilities veloping and coordinating a new natural re- sources coalition; overseeing the Southwest ichigan Depanment of Agriculture (MDA) throughout the department. The office will Pike, who has worked in state govern- Michigan Research and Extension Center re- M Director Dan Wyant today announced that several MDAdivision directors have accepted aggressively pursue new economic opportuni- ties for the food and agriculture industry as ment since 1972, has served as Director of the former Finance Division since September 1995. search and outreach programs; and represent- ing MAES and MSUE at appropriate meetings, new responsibilities as pan of the depanment's well as working to retain and expand existing Prior to that, he was Director, Office of the Bud- including North Central Region committees and reorganization. businesses. Craig formerly served as the de- get, Michigan Department of Education. commodity advisory councils. "Some appointments were made to replace partment's Director of Agriculture Policy and • Tom Whalen, Director of the MDALaboratory "I won't be doing IPM work at all any- career employees who have chosen to panici- Special Projects. Before coming to MDA in Division. MDXs Geagley Laboratory, located in more," Olsen said. "My job is to help other peo- pate in the stare's early reriremenr program, 1991, he worked as an agricultural economist East Lansing, provides analytical support to ple do their jobs better. One of my goals is to while others take on new responsibilities as pro- for the Michigan Farm Bureau. MDXs regulatory divisions. This division recently strengthen ties and outside communications grams are linked and streamlined in an effort to • Katherine Fedder, Director of the new Food added responsibility for MDXs Motor Fuel Quali- with commodity groups and governmental agen- address current and future issues in agriculture and Dairy Division. The Food and Dairy Division ty and Weights and Measures programs, previ- cies." and related industries," Wyant said. combines the resources of the former Food Divi- ously housed in the Food Division. These new Olsen has a strong background in facili- The appointments included: sion and Dairy Division into one unit with the programs will be housed at the new E. C. Heffron tating communication between educators, • Margaret Cooke, Director of the new Market- primary responsibility for food safety, MONs Metrology Laboratory in Williamston. Whalen growers, researchers, specialists, consultants ing and Communications Division. The new number one priority. Programs that ensure the was Director of the Dairy Division and prior to and consumers, especially with regard to pesl division links the former Market Development quality of the state's dairy products, and maintain that, he served as Deputy Director of the labora- management issues. Before being mmed IPM Division and the Communications & Emergen- quality standards at food processing facilities, tory. An MDAemployee since 1966, Whalen coordinator in 1995, he was the MSU pesti- cy Management Division, for which Cooke grocery stores and restaurants are all housed in served as analytical coordinator of a special PBB cide education coordinator for seven years. served as Director. The emergency manage- this division. unit during the 1970s and was then promoted to From 1981 to 1988, Olsen was a field re- ment function is included in the new division Fedder formerly served as Director of Chemical Coordinator. searcher for the MOBAY Chemical Co. in along with responsibility for marketing Michi- the Market Development Division and Manager A new division of Environmental Stewardship Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. From 1972 to gan's food and agricultural products, agricul- of Pesticide Programs for the Pesticide and Plant has also been formed combining programs related 1979, he worked as an IPM technician and ture tourism, media relations and public infor- Pest Management Division. She has been with to pollution prevention, soil and water conserva- scout supervisor at MSU. mation. Cooke has been with MDA since 1984 MDAsince 1980. tion and inter county drains. Barbara Hensinger is Olsen is the president-ele( t of the North when she was appointed Director of the Press • David Pike, Director of the Finance and Tech- serving as Acting Director of this division until a Central IPM Extension Coordinators, the associ- & Public Affairs Division. Prior to joining MDA, nology Division. The new division brings togeth- permanent director is chosen. ate editor of "Hort Technology for Plant Health" she was Executive Director of the Michigan er the former Finance Division, which handled all "These individuals bring a wealth of experi- and the treasurer of the American Association of Women's Commission and held several posi- MONs financial transactions, purchasing and ence and strong management skills to their new Pesticide Safety Educators. tions in the private sector. accounting functions and the Internal Opera- responsibilities," said Wyant. "They are helping to He received his doctoral and master's de- • Robert Craig, Director of the new Office of tions Division, with primary responsibility for reshape government for the new century by mak- grees in entomology from MSU in 1982 and Agriculture Development. The Office of Agri- MONs technology needs. The combined division ing it more responsive to the needs of Michigan 1975, respectively, and his bachelor's degree in culture Development brings together a vari- will be responsible for all administrative func- citizens and the agriculture industry." biology from Adrian College in 1969. ety of economic development programs that tions, except Human Resources, and will en- These new appointments go into effect im- Olsen's office will be in 108 Agriculture had been housed in several divisions hance MONs technology efforts. mediately .• Hall .• Join our 300,000 Increase Yield Potential with ACA@Plus plus satisfied customers .•. and enjoy tbe "Distinct Advantage" of owning a Morton Building! 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It is their highest C2ting givro for both customers' benefit, 1SSUriog prompt and efficient eredl! appraisal and filUlld ..l strength. delivery of materials. 800-447-7436 ~MOITON ~BUILDINGS For more information please contact your local ACA~ dealer or call: Marc Hooper Grower Service Corporation A United Agri Products Company Lansin Michi an 517-333-8788 Flycontrol The great American housefly: aka the barnyard pest by Kara Endsley will take three to four weeks until a decrease in [he they'll kill them. If there's nothing else there, they'll by Maury Kaercher subsist on the nutrients in the medium," Hogseue said. housefly population is noticeable. "We are not killing MSU Extension Livestock Agent W ith the onset of summer comes a myriad of houseflies. Not only do they invade your the adult flies. We are killing the offspring, so you "If other houseflies show up, they'll take care of them." N oWis the time to start thinking about fly have to allow [he adult flies to die out," Verkerk said. Housefly populations are best controlled in homes, they are a nuisance for animals and caretakers. control for the 1997 season. There are a Dump fly populations may need to be replen- poultry and swine operations. "Black dump flies Entomologists and commercial insectories are couple of things you need to know be- ished every few months to every few years. "We seem to do best in manures that are low in fiber and offering a biological control alternative: the black fore purchasing proper fly control material. In par- don't think that each place will be exactly the same high in moisture," Hogseue said. Cattle, horse, sheep dump fly. This shiny black fly is comparable in size ticular, you need to know which flies you are con- because there's different management practices and goat manure is too high in fiber and low in mois- to the housefly, but their indifferent behavior leaves trolling. Remember, a fly is not just a fly. Basically, influencing the insects," Hogseue said. ture to adequately suppon dump fly populations. them quite inconspicuous. you are dealing with Face, Horn and Stable Flies. All Michigan winters bring some relief from bother- There is still hope for dairy producers. "Calves "They don't tend to bother humans or animals. of these flies have some economic impact and, some houseflies, but they survive the cool months are essentially animals that put out very low fiber ma- If you walked into a room with them, they could care depending on their numbers, may also influence only to arrive in full force in the spring. Unfortunately nures, so dump flies do very weD in calf manure. We're less if you were in there," said Jerry Hogseue at the how your non-agricult.ural neighbors think of you for them, the dump flies survive as well. starting to test the flies on dairies with the hopes that USDAAgriculture Research Service Center for Medi- and your operation. "We have seen the dump fly establishing itself we could establish them on farms," Hogsette said. cal, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology. The first thing you need to realize is that you more or less. The numbers may not be high enough The black dump fly thrives in large manure pits The black dump fly larvae kills housefly larvae. will have a fly problem if you own cattle, so don't lull in the next spring, but you can get away with fewer that are not frequently emptied. Farms that clean "They will feed on a number of houseflies, and once yourself into thinking that this summer will be any introductions the next year because there's always them out once a week or every two weeks can't really they get past the point of being full, they'll continue different from previous years. Fly control startS now, some that stay around," Verkerk said. use this fly because it cannot complete it's life cycle. to kill," Hogsette said. not in the middle of the summer when your cattle The black dump fly and the common house The dump fly life cycle is 10 to 14 days. Aies The black dump fly has proven to be an effec- are covered with flies. Normally, you need to start fly fly have similar predators, such as beetles, mites and produced commercially are grown on artifidal, grain- tive housefly control. Large poultry, swine and dairy control measures in the southern part of the state parasitic wasps. An existing predator may kill the based diets in laboratories. The flies are grown in the operations can spend $5,000 to $10,000 each year in about the third week of April or the first of May. dump fly, but it wiJI also kill the house fly, thus elim- United States and Europe. Koppert, in Ann Arbor; re- chemical pestidde control. An Ann Arbor company, These controls can be feed-through products, fly inating any need for the dump fly. ceives flies from their mother company in Holland. Koppen Biological Systems, sells the black dump flies tags, backrubbers, dust bags, ete. In many cases, the Since the dump fly doesn't bother humans or Although the dump fly is often grown abroad in two packages at a cost of $14.74 for a 807 square best fly control program is sanitation. Remember, flies animals, they offer little threat for disease transmis- and shipped to the United States, it is a native fly. foot building and $7.70 for a 430 square foot building. start out from over-wintering and they are just waiting sion. "They could potentially transmit the same "This fly was originally found to be native between Koppen General Manager, Willem Verkerk, for the temperatures to rise so they can start to re- diseases as the housefly, but they are not as likely to Argentina and Oregon," Hogseue said. "In the 60s it recommends releasing the flies four to six times in populate. Any cleaning around your fadlities that you because of behavioral differences," Hogseue said. was taken to Europe through commerce." order to establish the population. The total cost of can do will help minimize future fly infestation. The black dump flycan continue to survive even Anyone interested in purchasing the flies can implementing the dump fly with six applications Let's talk about where flies will locate on your after the housefly is eliminated. The larvae lives in a have them sent to them by mail. For information, con- would be roughly 11 cents per square foot. cattle. The Horn Fly locates around the back and substrate. "If there's other fly larvae in the substrate, tact Koppert Biological Systems at (313) 998-5589 .• Once the black dump flies are implemented, it shoulders of cattle whereas the Stable Fly locates on the lower legs. These two types are biting flies and probably cause the greatest economic impact. If you have livestock around buildings, the Stable Fly startS here because it needs organic matter in order to reproduce. Therefore, sanitation is an effective tool in decreasing fly numbers. However, for cattle on pasture, the Stable Fly is difficult to control using PERMlT@ FIGHTS TOUGH sanitation methods alone. The Horn Fly reproduces in fresh manure dropped in pastures and can be controlled by using feed-through products without WEEDS, TOOTH AND NAIL. developing resistant flies. Face Flies, like the Stable Fly, breed near buildings as they also need organic matter to reproduce. Face Flies do not bite but they Safe on corn. All-ways crop safe Call1-800-CORN-SAFE are a transmitter of disease, particularly pinkeye. Rip through broadleaves, with Because Permit combines excep- Discover how Permit can help Next, le(s talk about what you can use in addi- the unmatched performance of tional control with crop safety, you bear down on tough weeds, tion to sanitation to help control flies. It is impor- Permit herbicide. You can use it you can tackle large or small without the fear of com injury. tant to note that fly control is just that - control, weeds in large or small com. It For more information, in com or grain sorghum to con- not eradication. For many of our producers that are call1-800-CORN-SAFE trol a broad spectrum of tough extends your application window moving cattle on a rotational grazing system with- weeds, including: velvetleaf, from spike all the way through (1-800-267 -6723). out a single watering source, using fly tags may be the best alternative. Fly tags are treated with either cocklebur, pigweed (even tri- canopy closure. /UfiA'iS READ AND FOlLOW WlEI.. DIRECJ1(JlS FOR PERMIT HERllIODE. !'I!nnI" is a regis\l!Rd IIallemalt Ii.. ;n1 used IDirr Iil:mIe from. N"lSS8I\ a pyrethroid or an organophosphate material. azine-resistant varieties), com- Yet, Permit does not cany over 0lenic:aI1nduslnes. LId. ~ is a lr3demart a CD Crop ~ These tags can be used for both Face and Horn mon ragweed and sunflower. from one season to the next. CMoosanlD~ 1!9i Vll per~ if Flies and, if properly used, do a good job of mini- Unlike atrazine or Exceed, Permit mizing fly numbers. Stronger, longer degrades in both low and high It is imponant to note that these two types of Its unique chemistry and two-fold pH soils. It also does not pose tags (pyrethroid and organophosphate) should be action allows Permit to move into volatility problems, eliminating alternated from year to year so as not to allow flies an both the leaves and roots of worries of damage to adjacent HERBICIDE opponunity to build up a resistance to one of these labeled species, attacking weeds crops from vapor drift. materials. There is some research that indicates that immediately. Then, its residual Stronger. Longer. Safer. having two tags (one each of organophosphate and soil activity keeps Permit working pyrethroid) in one animal is an effective management all season long. procedure for redudng resistant flies. Generally Monsanto The Agricultural Group speaking, putting in more than one fly tag per animal A Unit r:i Monsanto Company is not cost-effective, panicuIarly for Horn Flies. From strictly an economic standpoint, using dustbags or backrubbers may be the best method of fly control. However, this method is limited by the tact that you must force cattle to use them and cannot just Savage on broadleaves, place them in the middle of your pasture. As cattle must drink, using the water source can be an effective way to force your livestock to use these devices. Feed-through products are very useful controls for Horn Flies and offer the average stocker or cowl calf producer additional flexibility. Pour-ons can be used in combination for fly and internal parasite con- trols. In addition, there is now a slow release bolus that can give nearly a full season of control. Spraying the animal directly is another alternative, but not very manageable. The release of natural parasites for the control of flies is increasing in popularity. However, identifying which flyyou are attempting to control is critical to the success of this method as these tiny parasitoids are specific in regard to the type of fly that they attack. This program is an effective tool bur, like everything, there is no magic for success. The number of animals, sanita- tion, and timing are what makes these small fly parasi- toids successful in redudng fly populations. In conclusion, fly control is generally a cost- effective measure that will provide cattle an oppor- tunity to spend more time eating rather than look- ing for a place to hide from flies. The less stress that cattle are subjected to, the better they will perform. For more information on fly control, contact your safe on corn. county Extension office .• Record hay prices Choosing the best herbicide additives djuvants like crop oil concentrate (COC) or "Oils are nm as good as surfactants for im- P rices received by Michigan and U.S. farmers for April 1997 and mid-monrh prices as of May 15, winter wheat were down from the previous month. Steer!heifer and hog prices were higher in May, A methylated seed oil (MSO) can make paste- mergence herbicides work better, especially under proving droplet retenrion," says Nalewaja. The main function of oils is to enhance uptake of according to the FederallState Michigan Agricultural while egg and milk prices decreased since April. Statistics Service are given in the table below. Hay prices continue at record levels and exceed the adverse weather conditions. But with almost 300 the herbicide after it hits the leaf. 'The right oil with Mlchlg.n Highlights previous records established in the winter and differenr adjuvants on the market, choosing the the right herbicide will help the active ingredienr get May price increases were noted for hay, pma. spring of 1989. Potato prices remain well below last right one isn't always easy. into the plant faster and do a better job," Nalewaja toes, and soybeans, while dry beans, corn, oats, and year. "There is no Consumer Reports rating individ- notes. 'That's also an advantage for herbicides that sit ual adjuvants," says John Nalewaja, a researcher in the sun and can be broken down by IN light." with North Dakota State University who has worked Fertilizers make up the third category of adju- PRICES RECEIVED BY FARMERS, MAY 1997 with adjuvants since the 196Os. vant. Like oils, nitrogen fertilizers can improve her- According to Nalewaja, the performance of an bicide penetration inro the leaf. Ammonium sulfate UNITED STATES adjuvant varies according to the herbicide used. In and nitrogen solutions are particularly effective COMMODITY AND UNIT May 1997' May 19962 May 1997' May 19962 the case of Assure, for example, Nalewaja says pe- when certain herbicides are mixed with hard water. Dollars troleum oils work best, but vegetable oils are antag- To choose the best adjuvant for your poste- onistic. B1adex, on the mher hand, works very well mergence herbicide program, Michigan State's Don with vegetable oils, but not petroleum oils. Penner advises starting with the herbicide label. Beans, dry edible, cwt. 20.00 20.90 21.00 23.50 24.80 Variations in adjuvant performance also occur When the label gives you more than one option, Corn, bushels 2.75 2.90 4.44 2.68 4.14 because some herbicide formulations already contain Penner and Nalewaja offer these guidelines for Hay, all, tons 123.00 117.00 79.00 118.00 95.50 enough adjuvants to improve uptake. Other herbicides choosing the best adjuvant. are specially formulated to enhance the performance • Use MSO if it's on the label and you're spraying Oats, bushels 2.30 2.49 2.77 1.81 2.48 of additional adjuvants. For example, Flexstar herbicide grasses. Penner has found that MSO works better Potatoes, cwt. 6.20 6.10 8.20 4.87 8.09 is formulated with Isolink technology. According to than other adjuvants on grass species. The exceJr Soybeans, bushels. 8.40 8.26 7.63 8.42 7.69 Chuck Foresman, technical specialist with Zeneca Ag tion is when you're tankmixing a postemergence Products, Isolink forms a unique link between the grass herbicide with a postemergence broadleaf Wheat. winter, bushels 3.50 3.73 4.14 5.81 herbicide. "Don't use MSO if it's not specifically active ingredient in Flexstar and the adjuvant that is Calves, cwt. 56.00 57.00 58.00 83.40 54.40 added to the tank. As the adjuvant facilitates move. recommended on both labels," says Penner. The Cows, slaughter, cwt. 37.50 38.20 32.30 38.10 30.40 ment through the cuticle, the linked active ingredient ideal situation, he adds, would be to tankmix her- rapidly penetrates the underlying leaf tissue. bicides that are labeled for the same adjuvants. Eggs, dozen 0.460 0.480 0.490 0.511 0.569 While no two adjuvants work exactly the • If the label gives you a choice between MSO and Hogs, cwt. 58.30 53.90 55.50 58.00 58.80 same, most fall into one of three categories: surfac. NIS, choose NIS under normal weather conditions tants, oils and fertilizers. and MSO if the plants suffer from drought stress. Milk, all, cwt. 13.40 13.60 14.30 13.10 14.30 SurfaCtants, also known as wetting agents, in- "MSO will give you greater penetration under SteersAleifers, cwt. 63.50 6330 49.60 68.80 57.60 clude non. ionic surfactant (NIS). These help spray conditions of drought stress when the plant de. 1 Mid-month price. 2 Entire month weighted average price. 3 Not published due to insufficient data. droplets stay on the leaf surface instead of bouncing velops a thick, waxy cuticle," explains Penner. off. Some surfaCtants also make it easier for the drop- • When using NIS, Penner says you should get the N.tlon.lly loupes, sweet corn, grapes, and wheat more than let to spread out on the leaf, which can be benefidal final concentration in the spray tank up to at The All Farm Products Index of Prices offset the relatively lower marketings of cattle, milk, depending upon which herbidde you use. least 0.25 percent. For MSO, get the final concen. Received in May was 107 based on 1990-92 = 100, cotton, and corn. These changes contributed virtu. "With oil-soluble herbicides like Fusion, tration up to at least 0.5 percent. up 1 point (0.9 percent) from April. Price increases ally all of the one paint increase in the overall index. spreading can help," says Nalewaja. "With water • Don't add fertilizer unless it's specified on the from April for hogs, strawberries, cattle, and lemons Compared with May 1996, the All Farm Prod- soluble herbicides like Touchdown, you're better off label. "The addition of fertilizer seems to help were offset by price decreases for lettuce, milk, ucts Index was 5 points (4.5 percent) lower. Price with a surfactant that does not promote spreading." most on velvetleaf and sunflower," says Nalewa- corn, and broilers. The seasonal changes in the mix decreases from May 1996 for corn, wheat, milk, and Asecond category of adjuvants is oils. There are ja. "You can also get big enhancements in con- of commodities farmers sell also affect the overall potatoes more than offset price increases for cattle, petroleum based, vegetable based Qncluding COC) trol by adding ammonium sulfate to Roundup index level. Higher seasonal marketings of canta- soybeans, hay, and calves. and methylated vegetable based oils Qncluding MSO.) or Touchdown." • Mail harmacy Discou gram elps You \Ie Money rescription drugs often play a crucial role in our everyday lives, even thou care costs continue to escalate and pharmacies are not al niently nearby. Hicb. pharmacy discoun rogram is only a phone call away. He Service, located in Omaha, Nebras ph cy needs. They carry over 5,000 prescription, n ostomy and incontinent supplies, and durable medical e Heartland not only helps you to lower your pharmacy cos the convenience of having the order delivered to lqu The next time you need a prescrlption filled, take' benefit by calling Heartland Prescription Service for sure you ask for their free catalog that contains coupo (aJl 800-228-3353, between 8 a.m. 'and ~ p.m.) Monday tiwllgh Friday. It's a simple teleptrone t will save you time and money! t BelenaingIdles 0 Differen(e. Discussion How value-added co-ops are really Topic working in Michigan brought them an idea. that he and fellow farmers may have found a way ue growing their apples while, at the same time, ,_1ft7 "Last September, the Innovative Farmers group went to Ontario to look at tillage practices to increase their profits by cutting out the people in the middle. "Alot of the money is between the getting the value from grading, sorting and pack- aging their produce. A monthly resource in dry beans and manure management issues," farmers and the consumers," Sheridan said. "We'd A handful of other cooperative ideas are for the Community recalled Pat Sheridan of Fairgrove, a member of like to retain at least part of that money in the being tossed around the Great Lakes State, includ- Action Groups the group. "We went to one farm and they men- community." ing that of a canola oil refinery in the Upper Penin- of Michigan Farm Alfalfa peU.tlng tioned they sent their soybeans about an hour sula and a soy oil refinery in Gratiot County. In Bureau down the road to be crushed and got the same Farmers in Huron County are also consider- central Michigan, a shrimp producer is consider- I seems t the agriculture industry has been inun- amount of meal back." ing the idea of an alfalfa pelleting cooperative. ing the cooperative concept. dated with information about "value-added" or The group wound up touring that soybean Sugarbeets are a top commodity in the Thumb, Bob Boehm, Michigan Farm Bureau com- "new-wave" co-ops lately. These cooperatives extruding/expelling operation. "What was so im- but yields are beginning to drop and worry some modity specialist, says the idea of farmer-owned may sound like a great idea for someone else, but pressive to me was that the place was unimpres- producers. It's known that adding alfalfa to a sug- cooperatives in Michigan is moving much closer to might seem far off for many farmers. sive, ..Sheridan explained. "I was expecting to arbeet rotation will increase beet yields, but there reality. "Value-added cooperatives are based on Basically, a value-added cooperative is a busi- come in and see a whole bunch of smokestacks." isn't currently a good market for the excess alfalfa. the principle that growers could own a facility that ness that in some way processes a commodity to In reality, the group saw a man operating a soy- Huron County MSU Extension was awarded a could process their commodities into something add value to it. A good example is a factory that bean crushing plant using old equipment with grant to study the feasibility of an alfalfa process- further than just a raw commodity," he said. "In a processes soybeans into soy oil. The oil and nothing new but the cement floor. It made Sheri- ing plant, with money coming from Project time with Freedom to Farm where they need to byproducts are more valuable than the raw soy- dan realize such an operation was actually possible GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to get more of their income from the market, it al- beans that originally entered the plant, therefore, in his own area. Meet Economic and Environmental Needs). In lows an opportunity to go beyond the farm gate value has been ad~ed. As a result of the visit, the group of Thumb- Nebraska and Minnesota, more than a dozen alfal- and hopefully gather some of the profitability The latest trend is for farmers to own the area farmers decided to dig into a new venture of fa pelleting/cubing plants are up and running. through the value-added process." • cooperatives, so they control the production all their own. "It was kind of dumb luck," Sheridan Aquaculturw cooperatlv.- the way from the farm to the end product. It's said. Although just an idea at this point, there has Discussion Questions one step closer to vertical integration, or moving In a nutshell, that's how the Thumb Area been talk of aquaculture becoming an opportunity their involvement in the food chain closer to the 1. What value-added processing ideas does Oilseed Producer's Cooperative (TOPC) was for a new cooperative in Michigan. The Michigan consumers. your group have based on the experi- formed. Now, Sheridan sits on the board of direc- Department of Agriculture is working on develop- Enough about the theory behind value-add- ences of these producers? tors for the lOO-plus member TOPC, which is con- ing an Aquaculture Initiative to improve that in- ed cooperatives. How do farmers get involved in 2. Are value-added cooperatives a fad or ducting feasibility studies to find out how to best dustry. Keep an eye out for farmers interested in are they here to stay? Why or why not? them? Do they really work in Michigan? Here's begin their operation. producing yellow perch to fill the strong market what's going on right here in our own state. 3. Are value-added co-ops the right answer They plan to take the soybeans grown in for those fish in the state. for farmers to accessthe consumer mar- Soybean processing the area and crush them locally, rather than pay Appl. processing ket? Why or why not? The Innovative Farmers of Huron County freight costs to ship them away. Livestock farm- After shipping their apples out of the area for 4. Has there been any discussion about have been active in finding ways to make farm- ers will be able to make use of the locally someone else to package and profit from, 15 Mich. value-added processing in your area? ing more efficient and agriculture more profit- crushed meal while avoiding transportation igan apple producers decided to band together to What are some of the ideas you've able. When working on one special project, costs. The soybean oil also produced during the purchase land and build their own processing heard? Are they reasonable? they explored ways to foster economic devel- crushing process will need to be refined in some facility near Sparta. The equipment required to opment in their area. After several discussions way. The TOPC is attempting to find a market for process apples can require a substantial cash out- and a great deal of research into niche market- that oil now. lay - one that's often too large for individual farm- ing ideas that might work in Thumb, chance According to Sheridan, the bottom line is ers to handle. But together, they're able to contin- R,I [~I ~ ~ IL'I :t'{f1 June 15, 1997 Conveniently located ~VestoCk to aU attractions: ~esWck Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg TN • Kitchens • Fireplaces 1974 MODEL 6060 ALUM-LiNE'S THE BULLS FOR SALE: Piedmontese Cattle: SAVE MONEY. Re- • Hot Tubs • Large Pool Speicher tiling ma- ONEl Livestock, Open Year Round chine for sale. horse and combina- Two year old Divi- dend son. Low birth Lean, tender, dou- ble muscled, good cycle your diesel and industrial air in- LOG CABINS Also 1974 John tion models. Flat- Call Toll Free Deere 310 backhoe bed and cargo, EPD. Thick and full of muscle. Inter- calvin~ ease. Quali- take filters using the Sonic Dry Clean IN THE ty registered breed- 1-888-200-0625 $13,000. 1-616-527-6438. pickup bodies and tool boxes. Service mediate Champion 1997 Fu- reserve ing stock. Also avail- able, embryos and System. No liquids or deter- SMOKIES for a FREE color brochure r and rescue bodies, turity show. Semen semen. gents used. 50% r FARMERS: CASH 5th wheel and tested and ready to Redbird Farms savings over new NOWl Enrolled in bumper pull. All alu- work. $1500. Also, Lapeer, Michigan filters. 1996 FAI R Act? minum, all built to May yearling, Great 1-810-667-7389 Recycle Now, Inc. Why wait? Sell fu- order! Zandbergen Western son. Guar- Holland, MI General Genera, ture Production Trailer Sales anteed breeder. 1-616-396-n24 Flexibility Contract 1-616-698-6840 $1000. POLLED SIMMENTAL 616-396-8102, Fax payments, all/part. Merriman Farms Bulls. A fine selec- Bus & Legal service Cash for any pur- USED CLAY honey 1-616-868-9948 tion of yearling, two STOCK-UP: BUYING FARM LAND CASH, NOT OPINION pose. No fees. wagon pump, hog and three year old Sheepskin mittens, and recreational for quality tractors, Tom, 1-800-942-2274. feeders, Mirafount 4 proven bulls. Bred hats, gloves, slip- hole cattle waterer. for calving ease and Business & property throughout combines, heads northwest Michigan. pers, woolen gar- and round balers. FORD, NEW HOLLAND New Mirafount cat- performance. Call Legal Services FOR SALE: (4) reg- Call Ron McGregor ments, yarn. 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COSt. I habitat - Small I STRAW CHOPPERS: Boverand gear, $1500. N.H. 1-517-546-9754 For info. contact: I Christian Hunt I We rebuild and bal- ance. Some ex- seller 0': 802 chopper, both heads $1800.Gehl 3001 SQUARE bales of bright, clean straw LLAMAS: Herd re- duction due to job REGISTEREDMINIA- TURE DONKEYS: Southeastern I Club Incorporated I changes. We stock • Cash grains 125 grinder $6000, for sale. Housed in- Dispute and Insured chopper parts. • Feed Ingredients promotions. Peruvi- Breeders, pets, ENGINE REBUILDING two year old. side! Will load on an Chilean Bolivian gelding9 . Nicely Resolution Service I wishes to lease I our specialty. • Milling quality 309 Gehl spreader truck/trailer. $10 per 517-784-4800, $4000 1-81 0-653- bale. and domestic blood lines. All ILR regis- built, very friendly. $450. up. Great for ext. 2276. I hunting rights to I Auto- Truck- Tractor- Antique-Continental- grains 1355. Omega Farms tered. Call for more drMng, , shOWing, I 100-1000 acres. 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Spring Valley 517-659-3478 Munger, Michigan /OllIB~ Lauer Farms MICHIGAN CERTIFIED Charlevoix, MI old, former 4H proj- SEED: Bowers bar- 49no ects, $150 each. 4H 1-616-924-3760. Trout Farm tthaca 12190 Island Lake 1-517-875-2129 ley, Newdak, Prairie 1~16-582.7473 Paint Pony with WEST MICHIGAN Road, Dexter, MI oats, Felix soy Fax 1~16-582-6540 saddle, $600, OB. BARN RESTORA- 48130. beans. 1-517-875-2373. TION: We repair or 1-313-426-4772. UQUID MANURE B& M SEED LLAMAS ARE replace founda- SPREADERS: 1-517-463-2846 GREAT, and now tions, roofs, floors, HYDRAULIC CYLIN- New and used. STANDINGTIMBER they're affordable! beams, walls and DER and hydraulic Balzer, Better-Bilt ANDVENEER: These docile, intelli- REGISTERED doors. Structural pump repair. Seal parts. UPS daily. Black River Hard- WANTED: gent animals make TEXAS strengthening and kits and chrome Also, grain dryers woods,lnc. 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Housed and all in North American Sit- Top AI sires, $800- cows with calves . Property Specialist. good condition. ting Bull and Essex $900. WANTED: New Performance test- Faust Real Estate Holland 455 and When contacting 1-517-781-1214. ed, semen tested. bloodlines. Pet Pasch Farms Adrian SAVE 75% ON males and weanling 1-517 -644-3519 456 hay mowers advertisers, MASSEY-FERGUSON Free delivery! Call 1-517-263-8666 WORK CLOTHES! females. Reasona- and 402 hay crimp- tell them you 175 tractor, 2200 anytime. Good, clean, recy- bly priced! ers, ground driven saw their ad in hours. New Holland SHAGBARK SHOP EQUIPMENT: cled in very best Call for more infor- manure spreaders, 273 baler with FARMS 16' metal lathe, 60" quality. Money back Michigan mation and visit. New Idea and Inter- thrower. 6 1/2 x 18 Alto, Michigan bed, $2500. 4' radi- guarantee. Free 1-616-868-6040 1-517-645-2719. al arm drill press, brochure national hay load- Farm News tandem axle trailer. ers. Miller'. Uamaland $5500. 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Mathie Energy Supply • Grain Bins • Hopper Bins 40 x 60 X 12 58.322 J&L Cattle Farm Co.,lne. • Bucket Elevators • Dryer Service 50 x ()() X 10 S 13.023 60 x 75 x 10 S 13.040 1-517-864-3611 NINE REGISTERED • Millwright Service • Crane Service 100 x 200 x 1-800-467-7340 14-M I 550.082 Polled Hereford • Airstream Auto Dryers • GSI Top Dry Commercial steel buildings fealurlng easy boll.up assembly from America'll largest distributor. We have over 10,000 FOR CURRENT LIST breeding age bulls standard sizes of shop. farm. Induslrlal. conunerclal and LIVESTOCK TRAILER: 1986 Chamberlin cattle/hog combina- of available Angus Cattle, write: Secre- tary, West Michigan for sale. Optimum and Rocky Banner blood lines. HORSE PONYwagon, Selle running gear, $450. Pony har- • L~.9 :.reJCe::hn.o~::::. Inc mini-warehouse buildings. All are complele wllh engineer stamped permll dmwlngs. 20 year roor and wall ruSI wat- mnly. 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