MICHIGAN FARM NE~S MICHICAN FARM BUREAU -- Dllrr Slplrpool November 15, 1997 Vol. 74, No. 19 Project GREEENthanks r.trlsov';:l ~ . flclS collapse Dlc~1 Legislature for support I nlate October, representatives from the bulk of Michigan's plant-based agriculture descend- ed upon the state capitol to deliver a basket filled with Michigan-grown food products to legislators to thank them for their support of Project GREEEN. Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs) received a $1 million appropriation from the Legislature earlier this year ($500,000 recur- ring plus $500,000 one-time) to fund research projects on apples, blueberries, cranberries, pota- toes, wheat, sugar beets and tomatoes. "When producers and growers thank legisla- tors for appropriations received, it creates a great deal of curiosity," explained MFBLegislative Counsel Ron Nelson. "Typicallywe ask for things and fail to thank; in this case we're thanking without asking." At the event, an aptly colored green basket filled with dry beans, tulip bulbs, apples, cranber- ries, corn-derived HalsoSalt, baby carrots, dried cherries, soybean crayons and sugar was delivered to key legislators who made the funding of GREEEN possible. More than 60 volunteers from all facets of Michigan agriculture assembled to deliver the baskets. As of Dec. " the voluntary statewide milk marketing over-order premium pool, commonly known as the superpool, will no "It was an excellent representation of the diver- longer be in place as a mechanism to add money to the milk price paid to dairy farmers. The voluntary pool was established five sity of Michigan agriculture, from apples to years ago with every Michigan milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor participating. Recently, two milk handlers pulled zucchinis," Nelson added. "If it weren't for the out of the pool, sending the industry into a debate surrounding the need for the order. Project GREEEN initiative, we would never have been able to assemble such a large cross section, representing Michigan's plant agriculture, united as a group." CFTCissues final order to Chicago Board of Trade on delivery specifications co_S18IY State milk marketing "The idea behind Project GREEEN began order could be only way more than a year ago when Michigan Farm Bureau, commodity groups and food processors asked the T he year-long battle between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBT) came to a final reso- scrutiny over the next several years to monitor CBT corn contract operation under the revised system." ............. t its Nov. 4 meeting, the five representa- university to develop a plan preparing them to One such person upset with the loss of Toledo as - tives comprising the Michigan meet the coming century's economic and environ- lution Nov. 7, as the governing agency ordered a corn delivery point is Michigan Congressman John • Commission of Agriculture voted mental challenges," said Bob Boehm, MFB field proposed changes, which includes retaining Toledo Dingell, ranking member of the House of Representa- unanimously to support the concept of a state milk crops manager. "It's a plan to generate needed as a delivery point for soybeans, to take effect be- tives Commerce Committee. 'The CBT's proposal is marketing order once all other avenues for research and educational programs meeting a wide ginning in the year 2000. short-Sighted and misguided," Dingell said. "It is unfor- Michigan's dairy industry to keep the voluntary range of economic and environmental needs identi- The delivery changes are part ofan ll-month tunate that the CFfC was not stronger in its response. pool have been exhausted. fied by growers and processors. conflict arising from the CFTC desire to improve the This proposal will benefit a few traders and hurt Ameri- "What the commission hoped to do was force "The benefits from GREEEN's plan are not only delivery system for grain and the CBT's proposal based can farmers, producers and consumers." the industry to the table to re-establish voluntary for Michigan agriculture," Boehm said, "but the solely upon delivery points along a 15o.mile stretch of Boehm agrees that the big unknown is how order," explained MFB President Jack Laurie. "If that opportunities in Michigan's plant industry have the the Illinois Riverbetween Pekin and Chicago, Ill.' . volatile the corn market will be once the new deliv- could be done, I firmly believe it would have already potential to create more than 21,000 new jobs and According to the CFfC, the finaI modifications to ery system is in place. "Usually with change there is happened. The effect of this will probably delay any add more than '1.4 billion to the state's economy." CBT's proposed delivery pIan include soybean futures added risk," he said. "In that initial period, the mar- attempt to make a decision as to whether or not we According to Nelson, the funding of contracts retaining the current delivery locations of ket will be unsure about how the new contract will go forward with a statewide, legislated order. GREEEN provided commodity groups, food pro- Toledo and St. Louis in addition to the proposed deliv- perform; typically that means a wider basis to offset "Our members have indicated very clearly that cessors and MSU the resources to continue their ery locations of Chicago and the northern Illinois risk of the unknown. Hopefully, that doesn't mean a they support a volunteer-type order program such research. "Funding of GREEEN has tranSlated into River, and make soybeans at the Chicago and Toledo dramatic shift in price, but that's the concern." as we've had in the past, because of the equity and results for growers, producers addressing ques- delivery locations deliverable at par. The CFTC also found that the lack of price differ- stability and security that a pool program brings to tions, issues and problems. 'This is the finaI rule as issued byCFTC," ex- entials at all river-based delivery locations for both the the whole industry," Laurie said in testimony to the 'There is a need for additional funding to con- plained MFB Field Crops Manager Bob Boehm. ''We corn and soybean futures contracts failed to reflect the commission. ')\})sent a volunteer program, they tinue and expand those projects," Nelson added. are pleased with the retention of Toledo as a delivery differentials in the underlying cash markets for corn would then support a state-legislated program to "We have demonstrated to the Legislature and the point for soybeans, but disappointed that the CFfC and soybeans as required by Commodity Exchange address an over-order premium." governor that, with very limited additional funds, we did not require the same provision on corn contracts. Act. The governing body therefore ordered that differ- "This doesn't preclude them [the commis- have started down the road to results." • ''Through producer comments during the entials be added to both the corn and soybean contracts. sion] from supporting a state order," explained public review process we were able to modify other 1\vo other modifications the CFTC made to the Michigan Milk Producers Assodation General Man- provisions, including basis adjustments on the 15o. CBT proposals revolved around the reliance chiefly ager Walt Wosje. "Basically what it said is the mile stretch of the Illinois River," he added. "The on a single mode of transportation on the lliinois industry should get together and talk it over to see CFTC had never before taken such action against a River for delivery and elimination of the $40 million if there's some unanimity of opinion. I thought we U.S. futures exchange under its jurisdiction. One of net worth requirement of issuers of shipping certifi- had done that and discovered there wasn't. And the things we were not able to prove was the need cates. "This renders the contract susceptible to that's why we're at the table today." to retain Toledo as a delivery point on corn. The significant disruptions in transportation on the Illi- "If the industry comes together, they can CFTC is bound by the provisions of the Commodity nois River, increasing the possibility of price effectively resolve this," said Ken Martin, with Exchange Act and apparently was unable to justify manipulation, market congestion, or the abnormal Quality Dairy, which opposes a mandated state milk the retention of Toledo for corn contracts based, on movement of corn and soybeans in interstate com- marketing order. "It has worked in the past, and I the scope of that authority. There will be continued merce," the CFTC said in a release statement .• Continued on page 7 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN FARM NEWS News in Brief 2 Avery headlines MEGA Conference Precision Agriculture 13 Capitol Corner 3 as main speaker 8 1997 Young Farmer finalists 14 Market Outlook 6 Weather Outlook 9 Agriculture Credit Conference 1997 Census of Agriculture Food entrepreneurs gather focuses on adding value to farms 16 ready to count nation's farms 7 to share their secrets 10 Adjust - Wake up to opportunity! 20 lapeer agriscience teacher finalist Discussion Topic 21 for national teacher of the year ....... 12 I~'ll[-t: I~ November 15, 1997 The proposed rules also change the definition of the reproductive period of plants that have more New sugar beet germplasm released to breeders than one crop or yield and the exception for expens- es incurred when plants are destroyed by disaster. S ugar beet breeders can now get three new sugar beet lines that carry resistance to two diseases that cause much of the disease damage to as well as excellent resistance to rhizoctonia. The third line, FC728,has potential for use as a productive hy- brid parent, because the plants pass much of their The proposed expansion of expenses covered beets worldwide. Unchecked, rhizoctonia root rot and genetic superiority onto the next generation. FC728 by UNICAPis simply an insult to producers who cercospora leafspot have the potential to nearly crip- also has excellent resistance to root rot. often have a significant investment in establishing pie the U to $1.2 billion domestic sugar industry. Individual commercial varieties may be highly new orchards and other high-cost crops, with little The new sugar beets were developed by scien- resistant to one or another of the two diseases. But or no income for three to five years. tists in Fon Collins, Colo., at the Crops Research Labo- the new lines contain better resistance against an Cherry producers, I'm told, often have $3,000 ratory, part of USDA'sAgricultural Research Service onslaught of both the rhizoctonia and the cercospo- to $5,000 per acre invested in establishing a new (ARS).One of the new lines, known as FC725,shows ra diseases. ARSand the Beet Sugar Development block of cherry trees. Apple producers can have excellent resistance to rhizoctonia root rot and some Foundation jointly released the lines after testing by resistance to cercospora leafspot. Another line, ARSresearchers. Commercial breeders can obtain more than $7,000 per acre invested in establishing FC726, possesses superior sugar production potential seed from ARS.• new, high-density apple orchards. Asparagus grow- ers, likewise, can have over $1,250 per acre invested From the in just rootstock alone. The IRS proposal would Michigan corn growers to vote on referendum President deal a deathblow to the state's cranberry industry, still in its infancy. Costs to establish a cranberry bog can be as high as $25,000, not including land costs. B eginning Dec. 1 and continuing through Dec. 12, all Michigan farmers who have sold $800 worth of corn in at least one of the past three years varieties of corn grown in Michigan and sold as corn are included, except sweet corn, seed corn, popcorn and corn grown for silage. IRS proposal on new Without the ability to cash-expense develop- will have the opportunity to vote on the one-cent- "The outcome of the vote willdetermine if the capitalization rules mental costs, or what I consider cash expenses, per-bushel checkoff. prog,~m ~ta~:d in 1991will c?ntinue,:' added ~ux- an insult producers will have yet another disincentive to invest According to the Michigan Department of Agri- culture ballots will be mailed in November to all who low. Their VISionof the corn Indu~try s ~ture ~st~e core of the checkoff program and Its fate IS,agaIn, In I RS bashing appears to be a favorite pastime these days among both taxpayers and Congress. for the future, which will have a direct and detrimen- tal impact on our state and local economies. have q~alified. "The purpose of the Corn Marketing Program the votin~ hands of Michigan's corn producers." Dunng the county ~ar~.Bureau annual process A recent proposal on how farmers treat pre-produc- Consider also the bookkeeping nightmare that such a proposal would create for producers. Under is to enhance the economic position of Michigan I? throughout the state, Ind~Vldualcounty Farm . tive expenses on many specialty crops such as fruit corn growers by providing for the growth and re- Bu~eaus passed resolutIons I~ support of the contIn- trees, asparagus, cranberries and nurseries, is yet this proposal, producers would have to itemize all search that will stimulate the demand for corn " said uatIon of the program. The Michigan Farm Bureau another glowing example of why the agency is quick- costs and keep cash expenses for established crops Keith Muxlow, executive director of the Corn Market- board of directors also passed a resolution in support ly fallingout of favor with even its staunchest allies. separate from cash expenses for new crops. ing Program of Michigan. The one cent per bushel of the checkoff .. The Internal Revenue Service has proposed The public comment period on this proposal funds the activities of the Com Marketing Program. Ifyou have any ques~lOns about the r~fe~en- changes in the uniform capitalization (UNICAP) faces a Nov. 20 deadline. Rest assured that Michigan The checkoff applies only to corn sold. The first dum, call the Corn MarketIng Program of Michigan rules that apply to farmers. UNICAPrules determine Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federa- purchaser is responsible for collection. Allkinds and office at 1-888-323-6601.• if pre-productive expenses can be deducted imme- tion have voiced their opposition to this diately or whether the expenses have to be ill-conceived proposal. Let me suggest, as added Panel: EPA overestimates atrazine risk insurance, that you let your U.S. congressman know depreciated over the life of a plant or animal. UNICAPrules apply to farmers who grow plants with a pre-productive cycle of more than two what a disaster this proposal will be for Michigan agriculture, particularly for our state's $200 million- T he Environmental Protection Agency overesti- mates the cancer risk posed by the widely used herbidde atrazine, an internal panel ofEPA toxicolo- agency to relax its current drinking water and water quality limits for atrazine. "Traditionally, chemicals that are found to years and to producers of plants and animals who plus fruit industry. With the second most diverse gists has conduded. Agency sources say the finding have a threshold at which there is no effect tend to are required to use accrual accounting. Fortunately, commodity mix in the country, this proposal will could spur EPAto reassess the way it regulates atrazine. be regulated with less scrutiny," said one EPA they do not apply to dairy and livestock farmers, have a far greater impact on our agricultural industry. During the past several years, environmental source. Another source, however, said it was too who are not required to use accrual accounting. Even if your farm enterprises don't include any groups have pressured the EPAinto tightening its early to assume that the panel's finding will lead to Under current IRS rules, affected producers of these specialty crops, let me suggest that you still regulation of atrazine. They claimed runoff of the relaxed regulation of atrazine. must capitalize "preparatory" expenditures, which be concerned. Other tax provisions such as income chemical is a major source of drinking water con- The panel's recommendations are under re- include the costs of clearing, leveling and grading averaging and deferred payment contract provisions tamination. But the panel's report could push the view by upper level management at EPA.• land; drilling and equipping wells or acquiring irri- can and will likely receive additional IRSattention. gation systems; seeds, seedlings and budding trees; If there is a silver lining in this proposal, it lies Conservation tillage growing in United States and acquiring animals. The IRSis now proposing that affected produc- ers also capitalize "developmental" expenditures, in the fact that it adds one more nail in the coffin of an agency that's long overdue and ripe for reform. Let's hope our elected officials follow through on T he number of acres of conservation-tilled farm- land continues to grow on U.S. farmland, ac- cording to the Conservation Technology Wormation ture generations," said John Hebblethwaite, execu- tive director of the center. "There is also growing evidence that these systems can even help us com- which include the costs ofirrigating, fertilizing, their rhetoric and make those changes reality. Center. A county-by-county survey shows 109.8 mil- bat the potential for global warming." spraying, cultivating, pruning, feeding, providing veterinary services, rent on land, and depredation allowances on irrigation systems or structures. g~!~ lion of the nation's 292.6 million acres of crops were planted this year using conservation tillage. That's a 6-million-acre increase from last year. "These systems not only replenish and build Conservation tillage leaves crop residue such as stems, stalks and leaves on 30 percent or more of the soil surface from harvest time to planting. The crop residues slowly decompose to add organic organic matter in the soil for improved future food matter to the soil. Such tillage practices reduce soil ORGANIZADONAlBRIEFS productivity, but they will also protect water quality and enhance wildlife and the environment for fu- erosion by up to 90 percent and also provide habi- tat for wildlife.• 1998 AFBF annual meeting to feature Dole Potash in short supply in some areas F arm Bureau leaders and members will gather in Charlotte, N.C.,Jan. 11-15 for their 78th annual meeting with this year's featured speaker Elizabeth world's foremost hu- manitarian organization. The Gatlin Broth- S ome areas of the country in need of potash this year are facing shortages due to the clos- ing of a Canadian mine and rail car shortages Potash supplies have been low since last spring but the closing of the Potacan mine in Canada following flooding has only enhanced the Dole. ers, a Grammy caused by the swift soybean harvest. situation. Prior to closing in mid-June, Potacan Charlotte, considered the stock car racing capi- Award-winning group, "We have some of the lowest inventories annually produced 1.3 million tons and exported tal of the world, is also looked upon as a hotbed for will headline Tuesday we've seen in many years, and right now it's peak about half of that to the United States. The situation some tasty, authentic down-home southern cooking. evening's entertainment. potash purchasing time," said John Douglas, a fertil- is expected to get even worse after a mine in New Elizabeth Dole, president of the American Red Terri Clark, one of coun- izer industry consultant in Alabama. Mexico closes in December. • Cross and wife of former senator and Republican try music's rising female presidential nominee Robert Dole, will deliver the mists, will be the open- keynote address Thesday morning. Dole, a North ing performer. AGRO.CULTURE Carolina native, held two cabinet posts during her career. She served as secretary of transportation un- der President Ronald Reagan, and she served President George Bush as secretary oflabor. During Dole's tenure as transportation secre- This year's slate includes the annual Elizabeth Dole Young Farmer contests. Some of the top Young Farmers in the nation will participate in the Discus- sion Meet and the final rounds of the achievement UIIII'. Puts the Go in Grow! tary, the United States enjoyed the safest years in its awards. FERTILIZERS history in all ~hree major transportation areas - rail, Monday's and Thesday's sessions will be high- air and highway. She led the crusade to raise the lighted by President Kleckner's annual address, Call for your FREE drinking age to 21 years old, directed the overhaul issue and commodity conferences, and the 1998 CATALOG AND RESEARCH BOOKLET "96" of the aviation safety inspection system and im- Farm Bureau Showcase. posed tougher aviation security measures at U.S. airports. As labor secretary, Dole helped increase The 1998 AFBFannual meeting will round out the week with state Farm Bureau delegates discuss- 800-678-9029 safety and health in the workplace and upgraded ing and voting on AFBFpolicies that will guide the . ~ the skills of the American workforce. organization in 1998. ( IDEAS~ Dole, as president of the American Red Cross, oversees nearly 30,000 staff members and more For information, ca1l Mary Jane Millerat Michi- gan Farm Bureau by Dec. 1at (BOO)292-2680, ext. Land Cost \ . I "'/' / I. Machinery than 1.5 million volunteers who comprise the 2201.. Best Seed \ '.t! - / / Best Return AGRO.CULTURE The Michigan Farm News (ISSN:0743-9962) Is published twIce per month except In the months of November, December, June and July when only one Issue is printed, as a servke to regular members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West '\ \ I / Saginaw Highway. lansing, Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of 51.50 Is included in annu4l1 dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan farm News to nonmembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at lansing, Michigan, and additional mailing Best '\ '\ \ I / UIII',. offices. Weed Control '\ I / FERTlLlZ ERS Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be 5ent to: Editor, Michigan farm News, Post Office Box / / 30960, lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMAmR - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau. Post Office Box 30960, lansIng, Michigan 48909-8460. / Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent, Associate Editor. / Contributor: Sue Stuever Battel. Advertising Sales Representative: Joshua Merchant. Officers: President, Jack laurie, Cass City; Vice PresIdent. Wayne Wood, Marlette; Third Member, Jan Vosburg, Oimax; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and ChIef Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, DavId VanderHaagen. Agro-Culture Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2. BlaIne VanSickle, Marshall: DIstrict 3. Michael fusilier. Manchester; Liquid Fertilizers District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Alan Gamer, Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood. Marlette; District 7, Rick Johnson. Leroy; District 8, Don Sutto, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch. Traverse City; District 10. Margaret Kartes, West Branch; P.O. Box 150 District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg. Climax; Judy St. Johns, MI 48879 Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education. Mertann Keinath, Deckerville; Young Farmers, Jeff Horning, Manchester. 1~'~I[tf~~I~ll=l..W November 15, 1997 Capitol For more information on legislative topics in the ro: - Pipelines I -I C.r•• r Michigan Farm News, call 800-292-2680. S en. Joel Gougeon (R-Bay City) introduced S.B. 262. It has passed the House and Senate and has been presented to the governor for signing. due to construction or repair of a pipeline was properly separated and replaced. ("Topsoil" would mean surface soil that was presumed to be NATIONAL The bill would amend PA. 16 of 1929, which fertile, as distinguished from subsoil.) regulates the transportation and sale of crude oil • The method by which property will be appraised. Apple fireblight and petroleum through pipelines, to establish cer- • For property used to produce crops prior to con- T here is good news to report on congressional action to appropriate money for the second The House ofRepresentatives and the Senate have approved the conference report. The bill is now on its tain requirements for persons constructing a crude oil or petroleum pipeline or facility. struction of a pipeline, an estimate of the value of the loss of the productivity based on historic yield year of apple fireblight research. way to President Clinton for signing into law. A person who conducted survey work for a of the site before pipeline construction. The agri- Earlier this year, the House and Senate However, President Clinton has requested a list proposed crude oil or petroleum pipeline would cultural property owner would have to provide approved separate agricultural appropriations bills for of projects contained in the appropriations bill that were have to notify all affected property owners, in writing, historic crop yield values upon request. FY1998, which began Oct. 1, 1997. The bills contained not included in his request to Congress. The apple fire- before a survey crew entered the owners' property. • Payment would be made for all damages in- $325,000 for the second year of the apple fireblight blight money was not requested by the president. There Any offer to a landowner for an easement for curred after construction of the pipeline due to research project, which was the same amount appro- is speculation he may line-item veto some of the spe- the purpose of locating, constructing, maintaining, the pipeline owner's or operator's entry upon priated for the first year of the research. cificprovisions in the bill that he did not request. operating and transporting crude oil or petroleum the property to exercise easement rights, except Because of other differences between the MFB position: Farm Bureau strongly sup- pipelines on agricultural property in Michigan would that the owner or operator would be allowed to $49.5 billion agricultural appropriations bills, they ports the money appropriated for apple fireblight have to include all of the following information: maintain a clear right-of-way without further were referred to a joint House-Senate Conference research. Fireblight is becoming resistant to strepto- • The anticipated physical impact of pipeline con- compensation being due to the landowner. Committee to reconcile the differences. The Confer- mycin and poses a serious threat to the apple struction on the landowner's property. • That the landowner has rights under the Uniform ence Committee has completed its work. The good production in Michigan as well as other states. • Written assurance that any agricultural drainage Condemnation Procedures Act. A copy of that act news is that the $325,000 was increased to $500,000! MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040 .• tile that was damaged or removed during the would have to be provided to the landowner. construction or repair of a pipeline would be A pipeline company would have to make a NATIONAL repaired or replaced to preconstruction working good-faith effort to minimize the physical impact OSHA reform conditions. ("Drainage tile" would include any and economic damage that resulted from the con- surface or subsurface system by which the move- struction and repair of a pipeline. T he Senate Labor and Human Resources Com- mittee has approved S. 1237, known as the Safety Advancement for Employees Act. • Allow for OSHA safety reviews of workplaces by safety professionals, certification of workplace safety ment of water was redirected.) • Written assurance that topsoil that was disturbed MFB position: Farm Bureau supports S.B. 262. MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• and exemption from OSHA inspections for two The bill makes specific reforms to OSHA rath- years. If this provision were to become law, it would er than widespread, sweeping reforms. The two be a very valuable service that could be performed reforms that could be beneficial to farmers are: by user-friendly entities such as state Farm Bureaus, • Require a scientific peer review of new OSHA state Farm Bureau Insurance companies and others Oversize permit fees standards to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences. not permissible under current law. MFB position: Farm Bureau supports S. 1237. MFB contact: AIA1my, ext. 2040 .• S en. Bullard (R-Highland) has sponsored S.B. 613 dealing with oversized permit fees. Originally, the bill established new reporting for a single trip and $30 for a multiple trip. It is esti- mated this cost the state 13.5 million in lost revenue for the roads. NATIONAL requirements for leased vehicles. An amendment Currently, special permit fees for the hauling of was adopted on the Senate floor to reduce the fees farm implements, both to and from the farm, Canadian dairy subsidies for oversized trucks. The fee was recently raised "... shall not exceed the administrative costs incurred from $5 to $50 for a single trip and $100 for multi- by the jurisdictional authority in issuing the permit." R ecent actions by U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R- Midland) have resulted in action by the U.S. a case against Canada. Examples of the Canadian milk subsidy include a 717 percent increase in Cana- ple trips. The amendment reduces the fees to $15 MFB contact: Tlffi Goodrich, ext. 2048. • Trade Representative (USTR) to address Canada's violation of a milk export subsidy agreement. dian cheese exports to Japan in the last six months, two customers in Korea buying mozzarella cheese mzm Canada is believed to be violating the agreement by from U.S. companies being taken away by Canada in Oil and gas post-production cost update using subsidies to artificially reduce the price of its 1997, and the United States losing a Chinese cus- ep. Larry DeVuyst (R-Ithaca) has introduced Rights Committee. The intent may be to move all dairy exports. The subsidies take away U.S. dairy exports to international markets. tomer to the Baskin Robbins Toronto plant. R consecutive bills H.B. 5261 and H.B. 5262 dealing with post-production cost legislation (see oil- and gas-related legislation as a package. MFB position: Farm Bureau supports H.B. MFB position: Farm Bureau supports the The USTR has agreed to a petition by the U.S. action by the USTR against Canada's milk export Oct. 30 Michigan Farm News). The bills have been 5261 and 5262. dairy industry for action against Canada's milk ex- subsidies. placed on the House calendar but are being delayed Action needed: Continue to call or write state port subsidy. The U.S. government will now prepare MFB contact: AIA1my, ext. 2040.• because of other oil- and gas-related bills being representatives supporting both H.B. 5261 and 5262. NATIONAL worked on by the House Forestry and Mineral MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• Foreign trade barriers U S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) has intro- duced H.R. 2596, known as the Agricultural Market Access Act of 1997. The bill is designed to give required, with limited exceptions, to initiate a streamlined case to be concluded within six months against the unfair and illegal practices. the federal government an important tool to break The bill may be added to the fast-track legisla- down foreign trade barriers to u.s. farm products. tion when it is voted on by the House. H.R. 2596 would require the U.S. Trade Repre- MFB position: Farm Bureau supports H.R. sentative (USTR) to each year designate as priority 2596. It would be a cornerstone in establishing countries, those foreign countries whose unfair and agricultural trade priorities and removing market ince its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only illegal trade practices have the greatest adverse barriers in a timely manner. objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This impact on U.S. farm products. After identifying a MFB contact: AIAlmy, ext. 2040.• country as a priority country, the USTR would be dedication to serve agriculture is shared by 27 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these stations, Michigan Farm Radio Network Join our 300,000 provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: plus satisfied customers ... and enjoy the '1Jistinct Advantage" of owning a Morton Building! Station WABJ WATZ WTKA City Adrian Alpena Ann Arbor Frequency 1490 1450 1050 Morning 5:45 am 5:30 am 6:05 am Report Noon Report 11 :05-12:00 pm 11:30 am 12:00-1:00 pm WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm Founded in .1903 . Company.Owned and Operated WKJF Cadillac 1370 5:45 am 11:10 am Our top-quahty people, products and sefY1~esare Unique to our industry, all of our sales consultants, backed ~y ~xpenen\e a,nd~hestrongest wntten office personnel, plant workers, engineers, WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:10-1:00 pm warranties m the butldmg mdustry. estimators, architects and construction crews are WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am 12:00-1 :00 pm employed directly by Morton Buildings, Inc. This WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:05 am 12:15 pm protects the customer from the uncertainties of WGHNAM Grand Haven 1370 5:45 am 12:15 pm working with a dealership network - you have the WGHNFM Grand Haven 92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm distinct advantage of working directly with the company. 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WKHM Jackson 970 5:45-6:00 am 12:30-1 :00 pm WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:00-1 :00 pm WPLB FM Lakeview 106.3 6:15 am 12:15pm WOAP Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15pm WMLM St. Louis 1520 6:05 am 12:20 pm WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 11 :30-12:30 pm WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm WKJC FM Tawas City 104.7 12:40 pm WLKM Three Rivers 1510 5:45 am 12:15 pm WTCM Traverse City 580 5:45 am 11:10 am Visit our web site at: www.mfrn.com ~~~:~~'il~ November 15, 1997 Dairy industry leaders join forces to Biodiesel considered, critics unhappy help producers plan for the future T he Energy Department is considering allowing the use of biodiesel fuel as an alternative fuel 90 percent of all cars and trucks used by gas and electric utilities, must be fueled by alternative fuels airy industry leaders will be preseming edu- D cational seminars across the coumry for dairy producers considering expanding their currem them co develop long-term growth plans and profit- ability strategies. The topics co be covered include farmstead for governmem vehicles. The fuel, which is a blend of 80 percent standard diesel and 20 percent soy- by 2001. The law is expected to put 500,000 addi- tional clean-burning cars on the road. Critics of the bean-based biodiesel, has been criticized by some proposal to allow biodiesel into the fray say biodie- facilities or building a new facilicy.Bou-Matic, Five G layout, the planning process, building and remodel- as a dirtier fuel than natural gas, alcohol or electricity. sel will defeat some of the purpose of the law Consuhing, Agpro, Inc., and Lester Building Sys- ing options, parlor outfitting and comparisons, the Under the federal Energy Policy Act, 75 per- because biodiesel gives off pollutants similar to tems have joined forces co help dairy producers complete dairy, common oversights, housing con- cent of all new state and federal cars and trucks, and standard diesel fuel. • plan for the future. siderations, and waste managemem systems. "Dairy producers from around the coumry are Participants will take part in technical discus- STATE very imerested in this educational information," sions, question-and-answer session, and will hear said Five G Consulting Engineer Donald Gribble. from featured dairy producer speakers. Everyone Pain management bills H.B. 4681 through H.B. 4686 "Most coumy Extensions are stretched co their limit and the dairy producers planning big-dollar expan- sions need co educate themselves. Proper planning will also receive a copy of the planning manual "De- signing Today's Dairy To Meet Tomorrow's Requirements," complete with detailed information S ix bills addressing pain management are in the House Health Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Joseph Palamara. The issue is controversial, with intractable pain if all of the following are met: _ Prescription is for a legitimate and professional therapeutic purpose can help avoid costly mistakes in the fmure." on design considerations and photos of working and meetings of the committee are likely to be held _ Prescribing the controlled substance is within the The special Dairy Design Seminars will edu- facilities. A nominal seminar fee will be charged. sometime this month. The bills have bipartisan scope of practice of the physician cace dairy producers on planning a facility that will The Dairy Design Seminars in Michigan will be support. Most of the concerns and recommenda- _ Physician holds a valid license to prescribe con- meet their currem and future production goals. The held Feb. 25, 1998, in Lansing. For more informa- tions established in Farm Bureau policy are trolled substances. knowledge will benefit dairy producers by helping tion, call (800) 527-1030.• comained in these bills. The bills also require insurance companies The package of bills recognizes the evaluation and HMOs to state clearly in their certificates that and treatment of intractable pain as a fundamental they do or do not provide coverage for evaluation Capitol Corner component of health care and patients should have access to coverage under insurance plans. This will and treatment of intractable pain through a pain management program. be opposed by many who see this as a new state MFB position: Farm Bureau recognizes the. STATE mandate. Intractable pain is described as pain that need and controversy surrounding the concept of is severe, persistent or recurring that is disabling, pain management. Pain can be disabling and, as Amendments to the Recreational Trespass Act impairs activities and is incapable of being signifi- reported in the news, result in extreme measures 5 B. 767, sponsored by Sen. Mat Dunaskiss (0- Lake Orion), and S.B. 768, sponsored by Sen. Loren Benneu (R-Camon), were imroduced and the ability to execute actions themselves either through small claims court for less than $1,750 in damages or in circuit court for greater than $1,750 cantly reduced by reasonable treatment. The bills expand the advisory committee on pain and s}mptom management to include repre- (e.g., assisted suicide). Patients and family should be provided with standardized counseling and infor- mation regarding all treatments and options pro- referred co the Senate Natural Resources Committee. in damages. For example, it would cost a trespasser sentatives of everyone involved in pain manage- posed for their particular case. This should include The following is a summary of S.B. 767 and a minimum of $250 if found guilty of trespassing, or ment. This includes doctors, licensed professionals all aspects of pain management, e.g., the potential explanation of the key amendments being pro- more if found guilty of damages more than $250. such as nurses and psychologists to insurers, health for addiction, other medical complications and posed to the Recreational Trespass Act: S.B. 767 would increase the penalties for tres- groups and the general public. It will act as a watch- death. Farm Bureau recommends greater emphasis Definition of navigable passing, which would change the first offense of dog. The governor will appoint most members. on physician education in pain management and A "navigable public stream" has historically trespassing from not more than $100 to not less The bills recognize that the use of controlled relaxing existing laws as they apply to physicians been defined as a river, stream, creek or drain able than $100, but not more than $500. substances is appropriate in the medical treatment prescribing pain medication and their dosages. Physi- to float a log, which in some circumstances has Property, other than fish or animals brought of intractable pain. It provides administrative and dans would be relieved oflega! liabilities resulting become a "stick" rather than a log. This definition omo the property of another person while commit- civil immunity to physicians prescribing controlled from the prescribed pain management treatments. dates back to the logging days in Michigan and is a ting a violation, may be seized by peace officers. substances for a patient who has been diagnosed MFB contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044.• very difficult definition to understand. The bill pro- Animals or fish taken while trespassing may be con- STATE poses co define water as navigable when a person fiscated, with mandatory reimbursemem to the can float in a vessel of the lightest nature. state for the value of any animal or fish taken while Primary seat belt bill The definition of navigable is important. When individuals are wading or floating in a navigable public stream for recreational activity they are al- trespassing. For example, deer would cost $1,000, bear $1,000, and fish under 1 pound $10 per fish, greater than 1 pound $10 per pound. O n Oct. 28, a primary seat belt bill, H.B. 4280, sponsored by Rep. Frank Fitzgerald (R-Grand Ledge) passed the House of Representatives on a usage be passed on to insurance consumers. A pro- vision in this bill would prevent insurance companies from raising insurance rates for the first lowed, under current law, without wriuen or oral Second and subsequem offenses within three vote of 63 to 47. Farm Bureau opposed this bill. In police warning for not wearing a seat belt. H.B. consem to emer omo the property within the clear- years of previous violation would change from not May,an attempt to pass the same bill was defeated in 4757 was tie barred to the seat belt bill, H.B. 4280. ly defined banks of the stream or walk a route as less than $100 and not more than $1,000 to not less the House by a vote of 56 to 47. The bill is now in the MFB contact: Howard Kelly, ext. 2044.• approximate to the clearly defined bank as possible than $250 and not more than $1,000. Senate Transportation and Tourism Committee, to avoid a natural or artificial hazard or obstruction. If passed, the amendmem would require the where a similar bill, S.B. 750, sponsored by Sen. Joe STATE The bill will cominue to allow this activity without it mandatory revocation of huming or fishing license Conroy (D-Flint), also resides. being considered trespassing, unless damage to for not less than one and not more than three years. H.B. 4280 would expand police powers by Prescribed burning "farm products" takes place. Currem law does not mandate the revocation of the allowing police to stop vehicles under the suspicion update Landowners would have the ability to pursue license but does allow the judge the option to re- of a violation of not wearing a seat belt. Please refer to the Oct. 30 Michigan Farm court actions against a trespasser: voke the license through semencing. Farm Bureau has for the past four years op- News for a brief summary of the provisions The bill would authorize a property owner co The S.B. 768 amendments provide for instruc- posed further expansion of police powers. of H.B. 4049, sponsored by Rep. David An- bring a cause of action in the courts against a per- tions to small claims courts in order for landowners The Legislature for the past several years has thony (D-Escanaba). son who violates the Recreational Trespass Act for to pursue civil action against trespassers. consistently rejected primary seat belt bills. B. 4049 has passed the Senate Natural either $250 or actual cost of damages, whichever is greater. A landowner would no longer have to rely MFB position: Farm Bureau supports S.B. 767 and S.B. 768. On Oct. 30, the Michigan House of Represen- tatives passed H.B. 4757, sponsored by Rep. Burton H Resources Committee and is headed to the Senate floor. exclusively upon county prosecutors to bring ac- MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046 .• Leland (D-Detroit). This bill calls for any reductions MFB position: Farm Bureau supports H.B.4049. tions against trespassers. Landowners would have in insurance costs as a result of increased seat belt MFB contact: Scott Everett, ext. 2046.• Increase Yield Potential with ACA@Plus @ ACA Plus can be impregnated on dry or blended into liquid starter fertilizers, placed in furrow or on the side at planting, broadcast pre-plant, or top-dressed on a wide variety of crops to help boost yields. See the difference in yield with quality, user-friendly products Better Root Systems, More Vigorous Plants, Easier Harvesting, Increased Profits from Increased Yield Potential -- Proven Performance! When it comes to quality and durability, an AUTHORIZED INDEPENDENT WEDGCOR DEALER all steel structure will outperform a pole barn every time. 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Michi an 517-333-8788 (810) 798-8337 r?IT1t1:I~~~'I~W November 15, 1997 :.:;~The peifect truckfor all you farm animals is Magnum \1-.6 or \1-.8 engine. Even our Rain Vans a Dodge. And if you 're a member of a partic- and Ram Wagons are part of the deal }vith $500 ipating state Farm Bureau, this is the peifect back. All this cash is on top of any other ...:.:.:::::::::.:.::: :.::.:.::~:~:)::::::::::: time to buy one. national Dodge consumer incentiveoffer, too.** As a member, All you need to do is get a certificate fro111 you qualify for $400 your state's Fann cash back on Ram 1500 Bureau validating that Regular and Club Cab you've been a lne111berfor Pickups.*And $500 back on ..... :.:.:.:: ..:.::.: ..::.: ...:.':.:.~:::::~:ttmf~IIrIImmmfmmmI~~I1\~~I~\I~\1\~fJ\1\lh~: {":/:/ at least 30 days. Then stop b.\' Ram 2500 and 3500 Plckups and" N •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• :••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~••••••••••••• ..:::: ' your Dodge dealer. Where you'll <..:::::: Chassis Cabs, and including our new ?'<"";::::~'~!"~:~:~!~~ j"'/? find a line of trucks that work ~~o;I7:i:~~~ ;~~uC:::;:~~~::; ~~~:;::~~e ..?,<"",,~<,<,// as hard as vou do. ll6 ll8 ll10 d h C 'rr, b D. l *Excludes Quad Cab. **This cash back offer is valid for members of panici- y- , y- ,y- an t e UmmlnS.1ur 0 lese. pating Farm Bureaus, is scheduled to expire 7/3l/98, and is subject to change. We're also giving cash back on select It may not be used in combination with any other Chrysler certificate program or certain other special programs. Ask for restrictions and details. Farm Bureau@ Dakotas. Get $400 back on models with a is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation. This offer ; is not available to Farm Bureau members in CA, HI, OK and TX. Ram • .:.:.•• Up to $500 Cash Back to Farm Bureau@Members ..................... Ilj.t.;.:I ....... .............. .... :.:-:.:.: " ' ...... :.:.;.:.7 ;.;.: •.il.; The New Dodge . . .................. , For 1110reinfonnation, call1-BOO-WORK RAM or visit Ollr Web site at ~vwH,:4adodge.co'n IL'~I [Ij: I ~ ~ IL'I ::t~ November 15, 1997 L~9:»'UMJ~lIlIiItI'lii7rn2m~ ], pricing of your 1998 crop. SOYBEANS At this point, it is important for the industry to keep very current into February. With the large Com - t number on feed we don't need extra pounds. Feb- Soybeans Wheat Hogs . - t~ T he soybean market is gi\~ng us a lot of excite- ment just on the demand side, and that doesn't ruary futures at $68-69 are not real interesting, but if they jump over $70, check out the forward pricing even count the added excitement we will get as we opportunities. Watch the April contract as well; if it Cattle - start the South American production season. reaches $73-74, you want to consider putting a pric- 'nd~}c: stable prices; t .. higher prices; l ..lower As mentioned in the section on corn, U.S. ing plan in place. prices; To .. topping; 8T .. bottoming; 1 .. unsure livestock needs will be growing through the year With prices seen at some Michigan feeder could use the com sometime later this year. and my estimate is we will use about 5 percent, 50- auctions, some feedlots are probably going to do While prices are still a bit lower than my analy- 60 million bushels, more bushels for meal pretty well when those cattle are ready for market. sis would indicate, the ending stocks projection has domestically. Then, we have to estimate meal ex- portS. Meal exportS in the first two months of the HOGS by Dr. Jim Hilker, grown some and may grow more if exports don't Department Agricultural Economics, of Michigan pick up. Consider having a good portion of your crop priced or have a floor under it. Consider hav- marketing year are up 43 percent year-to-date. Meal export sales year-to-date, again only two months in, are up 61 percent. While these levels will not con- H og slaughte~ continues to grow and indica- tions are that will continue through next year. I expect prices to move sideways, in a seasonal pattern, ing another sizeable portion unpriced or have State University upside potential. The size of the portions should tinue, it does show strong growth. Prices being with a slight downtrend over the next year. That vary with the farm's ability and willingness to take offered for soybeans indicate that the trade believes would put us in a price range of $41-46, with "lows" risk. Those with on.farm storage should use it for meal exports will be up significantly as well. in the spring and fall and "highs" in the summer. CORN their unpriced portion. Those who need to use As shown in Table 3, I have increased soy- We need additional demand, which is expect- s the production numbers become known commercial storage should consider a basis contract beans used for meal by 6 percent, domestic use by 5 ed, in order to be at these levels. We will need a big A with more certainty, we switch our attention to the demand side. This isn't to say we won't get to eliminate most of the storage costs. percent and export use by 10 percent. While this estimate is above the October USDA estimate, it is jump in exports to exceed them. While we won't reach first-of-year expectations, Japan has been in another surprise in the size of the U.S. corn crop. below many trade estimates. There are lots of un- the market at a pretty good level since April. We just he wheat situation has not changed much in knowns in this meal estimate number, which didn't have the big spring surge we had last year. At And, as we look at the demand for the U.S. crop, we still must remember how greatly it is affected by T the past couple of weeks, other than Australia continues to get some rain. Exports and export translates into price risk. This lowers projected ending stocks to 240 million bushels, or 9.2 percent this point, I don't see any great forward pricing opportunities. coarse grain production in the rest of the world. As can be seen in the Corn Balance Sheet (Table 1), my sales continue to run just below last year's levels, of use. This equates to prices being in the $6.70 analysis still indicates that even with the larger sup- and last year was a poor export year. While we ex- range where we now are. pect exports to pick up a little, ending stocks are The market continues to say it would prefer by Larry G. Hamm ply this year, ending stocks will be near or below this past year. On Nov. 10, the USDA comes out with their expected to grow significantly as shown in Table 2. It's hard to get exdted about holding on to any 1997 wheat. If you have some in on-farm storage, you not to pay storage, but the carry in the futures has increased. The market also continues to tell us there is both upside and downside potential, Le., F arm level milk prices continue to rise as sea- sonal demand factors push dairy markets. The recent rise in the October Basic Formula Price updated supply/demand estimates. My analysis of the situation is seen in Table 1. I have left the size of might consider holding on to it until January if you lots of risk. Consider having a big portion of your (BFP) appears to be the last increase for this year. the corn crop the same as the USDA's October esti- have extra space; it appears the market is willing to price risk covered and using a basis contract on Seasonal decreases in milk prices are on their way. mate. With expected growth in hog production at pay storage. If I had a choice to use my on.farm stor- your unpriced soybeans. The October BFP (announced Nov. 5) showed around 8 percent and broiler production at around age space to speculate on com versus wheat, I would CATTLE' its fifth consecutive increase from the disastrous 5 percent, I have increased year-to-year feed use by use the space to speculate on com. If you insist on low point that it reached in May 1997. The October 5 percent. Beef production is expected to drop a bit. I increased feed use 15 million bushels from my speculating on wheat prices, and you are using com- mercial storage, consider moving to a basis contract T he cattle market continues to drift sideways and will probably continue that pattern into early winter. October marketings appeared to have BFP of $12.83 for 3.5 percent milk is a modest in- crease from September's level of $12.79 per previous estimate. or MPC and stop paying storage. hundredweight (Cwt). The lagged price structure of The 1998 U.S. wheat crop is looking quite been strong, which hopefully means we are current. the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system My optimism on exports being a lot higher good according to the crop progress reports. It will As recent Cattle-On-Feed Reports have shown, we assures that farm level milk prices will continue to than a year ago is being tempered a bit. Physical be interesting to see how many acres were planted. will have plenty of cattle for a while. However, Octo- rise over the next two months as these price in- exportS are about the same as last year at this time Keep an eye on the September Chicago wheat fu- ber placements are expected to be down, creases work themselves through the FMMO and forward sales are lagging behind. While I still tures. If it moves over $4, check on forward confirming the September trend away from huge pricing system. see substantial growth, I have dropped the estimate contract prices being offered for the 1998 wheat placements. Look at the Nov. 14 release of the No- The modest gain in the BFP reflects the fact 30 minion bushels. 1 expect the growth in exports to crop. You may want to start doing some forward vember 1 USDA Cattle-On-Feed Report to help that the wholesale cheese markets, both on the come later in the year. China is still a wild card; they pricing of your 1998 crop. confirm or reject the above marketing and place- cash trading at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange are still exporting even though it would appear they ment estimates. (CME) and as measured by the National Agricultural COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS Statistics Service (NASS) cheddar cheese price sur- vey, had been essentially flat. During the last several weeks, the wholesale butter markets at the CME have been extremely volatile. For all of October, the average wholesale price of butter increased close to 20 cents per pound. Because the wholesale butter price is not a significant factor in the BFP, the strength in the butterfat markets has not shown in a higher BFP level. However, the butterfat differential has increased to reflect the increased value of but- ter and will result in some of the highest butterfat Corn • :Dec.'97 " : . ~o~f!at:J$ ~ "No,?-.' .. : : Wheat. Pe.c.. :'97 : JlOO payments to producers since 1986. J... Fell nar Apr n.v Jun JIg lklg Sep lkt Nou Dairy markets are approaching the end of the peak demand season. As holiday wholesale dairy ... " '" Z48.oo product orders are shipped to retail customers and as schools begin adjusted schedules for the holi- ~ days, fluid milk and soft manufactured milk product ~ demand drop significantly. Excess supplies of Class I Z16.oo ~ and Class II milk flow to manufacturing plants caus- zoo. 00 ~ ing the increased production of butter, powder and zoo. 00 .c cheese. The increased supply of these products ...................... 6fJ.00 1'32:00 E usually causes a drop in the wholesale prices of "Live" Cattle • Dec. "'97 " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 65aOO : : ~eat:J :H~9S. • p~c:.~~7:: : : : : . ~ manufactured dairy products, which then feeds 11I4.00 58.00 ~ back on to the BFP in the months ahead. The good J... Fell nar Apr n.v Jan JIg fk1g Sep lkt Nou news is that dairy markets have continued to show Table 1- Corn ~ • ~~ I strength through the first part of November. EGGS Table 2 - Wheat Table 3 - Soybeans Estimated Projected Hilker Estimated Projected Hilker EstImated Projected Hilker by Henry Larzelere E (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 gg prices in October were about 14 cents 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 70.9 dozen less than last October. Feed ingredient Acres planted 71.2 79.5 80.2 Acres planted 69.1 75.6 70.8 Acres harvested 61.6 63.4 69.8 Acres harvested 65.0 73.1 74.0 Acres harvested prices were nearly 2 cents a dozen eggs less than a 60.9 62.9 63.5 BuJharvested acre 35.3 37.6 39.0 BuJharvested acre 113.5 127.1 125.8 BuJharvested acre 35.8 36.3 39.7 year ago. Stocks (million bushels) Stocks (million bushels) Stocks (million bushels) New York wholesale prices for Grade A large Beginning stocks 335 183 132 Beginning stocks 1,558 426 884 Beginning stocks 507 376 443 Production 2,177 2,383 2,722 white eggs in cartons are expected to average in the Production 7,374 9,293 9,312 Production 2,182 2,285 2,527 Imports 4 10 5 upper 70s during the last two months of the year. Imports 16 13 10 Imports 68 92 95 Total supply The number of layers on farms on Jan. 1, 1998, will 2,516 2,576 2,859 Total supply 8,948 9,732 10,206 Total supply 2,757 2,753 3,065 Use: probably be slightly Oess than 1 percent) less than Use: Use: Crushings 1,370 1,436 1,525 one year earlier, most likely because the rate of Feed and residual 4,696 5,368 5,640 Food 883 892 900 Exports 851 882 960 slaughter of spent hens has been exceeding last Food/seed & Ind. uses 1,598 1,690 1,775 Seed 104 103 100 Seed, feed & residuals 112 126 134 year and lower egg prices will probably modify any Total domestic 6,294 7,058 7,415 Feed 153 314 325 Total use 2,333 2,444 2,619 expansion plans. Exports 2,228 1,790 1,995 Total domestic 1,140 1,309 1,325 Ending stocks 183 132 240 Ending stocks, % of use 7.8 5.4 9.2 lii TURKEYS Total use 8,522 8,848 9,410 Exports 1,241 1,001 1,075 :!!5. Regular loan rate $4.92 $4.97 $5.26 ~ Ending stocks 426 884 796 Total use 2,381 2,310 2,400 Turkey numbers have been running nearly Ending stocks, % of use 5.0 10.0 8.5 u.s. season average ~ Ending stocks 376 443 665 'C c: • 4 percent less than last year. Midwestern prices Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, % of use 15.8 19.2 27.7 Farm price, S/bu. $6.72 $7.38 $6.70 10 ct for hen turkeys are currently above 1996 levels, but u.s. season average Regular loan rate $2.58 $2.58 $2.58 0 V\ :::J tom turkeys of comparable size have been below Farm price, $/bu. $3.24 $2.70 $2.80 U.S. se~son average e:; last year. • Farm price, S/bu. $4.55 $4.30 $3.45 0 V\ 1997 Census of Agriculture ready to count nation~ farms eo@@~ Census of Agriculture F arm operators across the nation are about governments plan programs ro help farm opera- forms by Feb. 2, 1998. Volume I to participate in a statistical portrait of U.S. rors get the most for their investments. Many questions will be similar to those asked GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERIES agriculture through the 1997 Census of • Farm machinery manufacturers more effectively in the 1992 census. Data will be collected from all Part 22 Agriculture. This portrait will provide a clear picture target their industries ro where they are needed farmers on land use and ownership, crop acreage Michigan of agriculture at the county, state and national lev- by using county and state statistics, resulting in and quantities harvested, numbers of livestock and State and County Data els, showing in detail how farmers stand today economic benefit for farm operators. poultry, value of crops and livestock sold, and oper- compared with five years ago. • Seed and fertilizer producers can compare yields ator characteristics. New items include area and The picture will focus on key information, and other information to help operators do the value of cut Christmas trees harvested, acres of including the number of farms, farm size, operator most effective job. maple trees tapped, and number of taps. characteristics, crop and livestock production, agri- • Irrigation specialists, water resource developers The agriculture census has been conducted 25 cultural products sales, and production expenses of and irrigation equipment manufacturers can learn times since 1840. It was conducted every ten years farmers and ranchers. much from census data and convert that knowl- until 1920 and typically every five years since 1925. Data reported by individual farm operators in edge into practical advice for farm operators. The census is the only source of uniform, compre- the census is held confidential by law (Tirle 7, U.S. • State and national lawmakers can determine hensive information about agricultural production, Code). Data are summarized to prevent identification where ro allocate funds that will benefit agricul- inventories, sales and expenditures, and other items of individual farms. Statistical results are analyzed and tural producers. for each county and state. made available in printed and electronic form. • Farm broadcasters and agricultural editors can Don Bay, the NASS administrator, stresses that Data was collected from farmers five years Farmers can do several things to make this convey census results to their audiences and use the same law requiring a census of agriculture also ago for the 1992 Census of Agriculture. census an effective rool to help chart the future. the data to help focus their stories. forbids revealing information about individuals. They can return their census forms and make sure • Researchers and legislators can use county-level "We publish only county, state and national statisti- forms are tailored by region to make them less bur- the information is complete, accurate and timely. data to define problem areas and help farmers cal totals, and only sworn NASS employees see the densome on respondents. They can also use the statistics to plan practical recover from outbreaks of disease and pests. completed forms," Bay said. Advice from farmers, farm organizations, agri- improvements in U.S. agriculture . • Census information is used for evaluating pro- Report forms sent to 25 percent of farmers cultural universities, members of the Census How do Census of Agriculture numbers pro- grams affecting agricultural production. include additional questions on production expens- Advisory Committee on Agriculture StatistiCS, and vide practical information to improve farm opera- Report forms will be mailed late in December es, fertilizer and chemicals, machinery and state and federal agencies was used in developing tions and agribusinesses? Here are some examples: to the nation's farmers to collect data for the 1997 equipment, market value of land and buildings, and the report forms. Farmers represent a major sector • Farm organizations, Congress, and state and local calendar year. Farmers will be asked to return their income from farm-related sources. The report of the nation's economy .• State milk marketing order could be only way Continued from page 1 would believe that the producers in the state of Michigan can be very well supported by this action." The Lansing-based dairy resigned from the volun- tary pool earlier this fall. A representative from Dean Foods declined to comment on the commission's action. • What does the superpool mean to Michigan dairy producers? Laurie pointed out the magnitude of the value of the over-order premium to producers. "Accord- ing to the MSU ag economics department, in 1996 there was approximately 64 cents a hundred gener- , ated in premiums and, of that 64 cents, about 40 cents came from over-order premiums. That 40 cents translated into nearly $22 million that went to producers. " Testifying on behalf of the Independent Cooper- ative Milk Producers (ICMPA),President Bob Naerbout explained that the ICMPAboard of directors "looked at the issue, and we said, no, we don't feel there's a chance for voluntary pool. What's important is that we're still generating premiums. You have to realize that this is really not a consumer issue, because what we're looking at generating is no different from what we've done for the last five years. But it is a lot of money - $1.8 million to $2 million a month. You use a multiplier effect of five, and you're looking at SIO million through the rural communities per month." New STS@solutions, now under $20/acre. Naerbout also represents the Rural Development Council of Michigan and serves as the president of that organization. "The bottom line is that the dollars are not only for our farmers, but for stability in the rural areas. It's in the best interests of the producers that we represent, and of the producers of Michigan, ro sup- You asked for an honest-to-goodness soybean herbicide you'll have a proven seed/herbicide system. Which port the state-mandated order. Ifwe could have a voluntary, we'd rather go that way. But that does not program that leaves you more room for profit. means you'll be growing some of the highest-yielding seem at this point to be an option." That's why we're rolling out new STS~ solutions that varieties available today-STS~ varieties. Plus, you'll The ag commission approved this motion: "The Michigan Commission of Agriculture en- give you what you really want: control of both have a system that delivers clean fields without courages milk producers of this state to utilize grass and broadleaf weeds-including tall the crop stress associated with traditional mechanisms to enhance individual producer returns provided that any action is the will of the waterhemp and black nightshade-now for herbicides .• You get all these advantages majority of producers, includes features that allow accommodation of marketplace changes under $20 an acre. * • Until now, it's been at a new low price. It's our way of proving and ensures periodic individual producer review virtually impossible to get good broadleaf that DuPont and its dealers are committed of any plan by specific vote to initiate, continue, alter or discontinue such action. Furthermore, and grass control without running the cost to bringing you new ways to farm profitably. that the Michigan Department of Agriculture bring the Michigan dairy industry together up to $25-$35 per acre. Take advantage of an STS~ New products. New technologies. New possibilities .• through meetings ro identify the appropriate solution and there's no technology fee. No complicated Get the full details now from your DuPont Ag Retailer mechanisms that will allow Michigan dairy pro- ducers to enhance individual producer returns legal contracts. Just great control. • And best of all, or DuPont Field Service Representative. and allow Michigan to be a leader in all aspects of U.S. dairy production and marketing." • Book your favorite STS~soybeans now! Michigan Farm Radio Network contributed to this story. C[(1PO~ .Specific weed control programs and prices will vary. See your dealer. DuPont Agricultural Read and follow the label. C \997 DuPont Products Visit us on the World Wide Web at: http://www.fb.comImlfb IUJ[~~l~ November 15, 1997 Avery headlines MEGA Conference as main speaker A son of Michigan agriculture is returning to his home state to deliver a message of oppor- tunity for the American farmer at a time of growing will not have from here on out. "We've got a saturated farm product market in the U.S.," he continued. "Our productivity keeps American farmers don't lead this, it won't get done in time to prevent all of Asia from developing the kind be environmentally sound, productive and of fortress farm policies that]apan and South Korea make a living at the same demand worldwide for agricultural products from rising at about 4 percent a year, and we've just add- developed. It won't get done in time to save the wild- time. He will share how the United States. ed another 15 million acres of crop land back from life, and it won't get done in time for them to pass we can produce enough Dennis Avery, a food policy analyst for more the government programs. But if Asia doesn't im- profitable businesses on to their sons. food to meet a growing than 30 years and former senior agricultural analyst port food, then they're going to destroy thousands "The food challenge for the 21st century is, world demand while with the U.S. Department of State, will kick off the of wildlife species clearing tropical forest to grow how do we triple farm output without using any preserving our farms for 1998 MEGA Conference at its opening session on their own." more land?" Avery asked. "We've got to have high future generations." Thesday, Jan. 20, at the Lansing Convention Center. Avery is passionate about the need for the yields and free trade, and American agriculture has Avery is the Avery will bring to the conference a message American farmer to step forward and continue to to lead it." director of the outlining the most dynamic opportunity in the his- feed the world through increased productivity, "Asfarmers continue to work harder at being Indianapolis-based Dennis Avery tory of U.S. agriculture. "With farm trade therefore protecting millions of acres worldwide good stewards of the land, Dennis Avery's message Hudson Institute Center liberalization, biotechnology, the huge surge in from going into production. "Farmers should look at will be timely," explained Keith Muxlow, executive for Global Food Issues and is the editor of the incomes in Asia, which is critically short of farm- this moment as the greatest opportunity in farming director of the Corn Marketing Program of Global Food Quarterly newsletter. He has also land," Avery said, "for the first time in 120 years, the history," he said. ''I'm going to talk to them about Michigan, which is sponsoring Avery's appearance authored the book Saving the Planet with Pesti- world does not have any farmland surplus, and it immediate strategies for taking advantage of it. But if and MEGA Conference. "Farmers will learn how to cides and Plastic .• "q/'tl ;Vtl~~ gaJ'Hlin(J qtlntlJ'a~UJn~~ January 19.21, 1998 Michigan Agricultural MEGA-Conference Lansing Center Easy Access and Parking - US-27, Downtown Lansing I&RICULTURAL The 4th Annual MEOI-COIIFEREICE Michigan Agricultural MEGA-Conference & Trade Show a TRADE SHOW offers something for everyone. Kicking off the program on Monday, January 19, is a legisla- tive seminar, "Pending Legislation Affecting the Farm." Panelists include State Representatives John Gernaat, Michael Green and Howard Wetters; State Senator Walter North; and U.S. Repre- sentatives Nick Smith and Debbie Stabenow. Moderated by Pat Driscoll, of the Michigan Farm Radio Network, the panelists will cover topics like: revisions in the drain code, minimum use pesticides, proposed changes in property rights, deregulation of electrical co-ops, and efforts to reduce legal truck weights. This year's theme is "The Next Farming Generation." Speakers include Dennis T. Avery, author of "Saving the Planet with Pesticides and Plastics; the Environmental Triumph of High- Yielding Agriculture." Mr. Avery's presentation is sponsored by the Corn Marketing Committee of Michigan. The latest in precision agriculture technology will be the focus of an educational class sponsored by DuPont. Join Doug Hart- ford, The Innovator in Precision Agriculture, on Tuesday. We're also pleased to welcome Mark Hooper, of Grower Services, for an informative session on the use of infrared for the identification of pests and fertilizer needs. Our banquet speaker, Mark Mayfield, will address stress management from a humorous and motivational perspective. His ,------------------- presentation, "Keeping Balance," is sponsored by the Michigan REGISTRATION FORM Soybean Promotion Committee. Print legibly for nametag(s): I AM A MEMBER OF: I GROW/RAISE: Livestock producers are all too aware of manure manage- Individual attending o Ag Stewardship (MASA) o Beef ment issues. Join Dr. Wendy Powers, of Iowa State University, for Spouse/Farm Partner o Cattlemen (MCA) o Corn odor reduction techniques. Address o Corn Grower (MCGA) o Dairy Brand beef, heat detection methods including devises, City/State/Zip o Hay & Grazing (MHGC) o Forage reproduction in dairy herds, parasite identification, and vaccination Phone o Prof. Dairy (MPDFA) o Soybeans schedules, are just some of the livestock topics slated for the o Soybean (MSA) Conference. Complete registration includes meals as indicated, conference o Noba/CRI lAM: proceedings, Trade Show access, refreshments, annual meetings o Not a member of these o Full-time Farmer Alfalfa producers won't want to miss "Dealing with Potato and educational programs. organizations o Part-time Farmer Leaf Hoppers in Alfalfa," "Practical Pasture Improvement Meth- o Industry Rep. ods," and "Disease Identification in Alfalfa." MEMBER RATES: Spouses and employees of members are also eligible for member rate. NON-MEMBER RATES: Numerous Weeds, Diseases, and Pests classes are offered for field crop producers. COMPLETE- MONDAyrrUESDAY/WEDNESDAY $50.00 x =$ $60.00 x =$ MEGA-Conference is pleased to be holding the district Includes lunch TUE & WED and banquet TUE DAY RATE - MONDAY $20.00 x =$ $25.00 x =$ membership meeting of Noba/CRI. An artificial insemination Includes meetings and legislative seminar member-owned cooperative, Noba sells dairy and beef semen DAY RATE - TUESDAY $40.00 x =$ $45.00 x =$ under Stud Code One. We welcome their members to the Includes lunch and banquet Conference. DAY RATE - WEDNESDAY $25.00 x =$ $30.00 x =$ Includes lunch Our Trade Show features over 100 exhibitors, with 15+ new EXTRA TUESDAY BANQUET TICKETS $25.00 x =$ $25.00 x =$ to the 1998 show. TRADE SHOW ONLY $5.00 x =$ $5.00 x =$ CPR Class book charge (required by Red Cross) $10.00 x =$ $15.00 x =$ Early registration discounts apply. Contact the MEGA- Conference for more information at 517-224-0930 or by Mail check and make payment to: MEGA-Conference, Amount enclosed $ e-mail atbdriscoll@voyager.net 1100 West Taft Road, SI. Johns, MI 48879-<)104 Rates if/crease after December /5, /997 Michigan Weather Sault Ste. Marie 46.0 0.2 1697 1697 2.06 2.57 Grand Rapids 51.1 1.0 2519 2918 1.98 2.99 45.4 -2.2 1831 2237 2.75 South Bend 52.9 ..0.1 2785 2918 2.14 2.99 Weather Lake City Pellston 47.7 1.0 1924 2237 2.68 1.76 2.75 Coldwater 49.6 -3.0 2493 2831 2.00 2.41 ~ Lansing Summary Alpena 47.2 ..0.5 1949 2159 1.27 2.40 49.2 -1.4 2338 2831 1.55 2.41 Od_1I Temperature Growing Degree Days/*) Precipitation Houghton Lake 47.2 -1.5 1954 2159 1.83 2.40 Detroit 52.5 0.7 2728 2857 1.90 2.33 Obs. Dev. from Actual Normal Actual Normal Muskegon SO.8 ..0.6 2333 2484 1.34 2.94 Flint 49.5 -1.4 2362 2857 1.56 2.33 10/1197-10131/97 mean normal Ace. Act. Cmch) (inch) Vestaburg 47.4 -3.1 2157 2561 1.14 2.59 Toledo 52.8 0.8 2716 2857 1.32 2.33 Houghton 45.7 0.8 1805 1947 2.05 2.57 Bad Axe 49.5 -1.4 2130 2617 1.87 2.41 * Growing degree day accumulations are cakulated with the Marquette 45.1 0.7 1720 1947 3.47 2.57 Saginaw 50.8 ..0.2 2532 2617 1.99 2.41 86150 corn method and are summed beginning April 1. by Dr. Jeff Andresen, Agricultural Meteorologist, Dept. of Geography, Michigan State University C old stateandby wet weather the end developedin response of October formation of a large upper air troughing pattern across theto the across the Great Lakes region. The inclement weather brought harvest activities to a halt after several weeks of warm, dry and favorable condi- tions. Heavy snow fellin many sections of the central and southern Lower Peninsula on the 26th and 27th. The wet, heavy snow (among the heaviest on record so early in the season) led to major elec- tricalpower disruptions and likely caused lodging of crops stillin the field,especially soybeans, and corn weakened by earlier corn borer infestations. For the 1997 growing season as a whole, tem- peratures and growing degree day accumulations averaged significantly below normal. Abnormally warm and dry weather and a later-than-normal first killing fallfreeze late in the season helped most field crops reach physiological maturity before the end of the season. Precipitation totals ranged from above normal in east central and central sections of the Lower Peninsula to much below normal else- A year ago, we introduced FullTime™ forage. A where. Persistent dry weather early in the season, while favoring winter wheat yields and grain quality, remarkable new feedstuff that can dramatically may have also led to reductions in the yield poten- boost a herd's milk production. Now, a year later, tialof some summer crops. Most recent medium-range forecast guidance university trials show that feeding FullTime to top suggests a very active jet stream pattern across the central and eastern United States, with a mean producers on a high-fiber diet can increase their troughing pattern across the Great Lakes region. This would result in a relatively cold, unsettled already high production levels by as much as 10%. weather pattern across Michigan during the next few weeks, with temperatures remaining below So, ifyou're feeding a high-fiber ration, consider normal. Precipitation levels are likely to remain at FullTime. Nothing can match itsdigestibility,forage normal to above-normal levels, especially in lake effect areas, where significant snowfall is possible. quality or increased milk production. No wonder we Looking further ahead, NOM Climate Predic- tion Center outlooks continue to call for say it'sthe biggest thing to hit dairy since automa- greater-than-normal odds of above-normal tempera- tures by late in the year, and for lower-than-normal tion. To learn !T10re about FullTime or any of our other precipitation amounts by mid-winter. This pattern is expected to continue through spring of 1998, fol- forage quality products, see your nearest Cargill lowed by near-equal odds of alltemperature and dealer or visitour Web site,www.cargill.com/seed. precipitation scenarios (Le., climatology) by early summer as conditions in the equatorial Pacific re- turn to normaVneutralleveIs .• Hog inventory up M ichigan's up 2 percent hog from and pig inventory Sept. lastSeptember, 1 was according to the FederallState Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Total inventory was estimated at 1,150,000 head. Market hogs totaled 1,010,000 head, un- changed from a year ago. Breeding inventory CCorgill, Incorporated oCARGILL 1997. All products Hybrid Seeds subject to Cargill's limitation of warranty and remedy. increased 12 percent to 140,000 head on Sept. 1.. ~~~!'t:) November 15, 1997 Food entrepreneurs gather to share their secrets New fish company one of many unique ing technology first was made available, they were businesses showcased vacuum packing fish. There were no smoked fish regulations at the time." . E veryone has to eat. More than 60 people attending the first-ever MSU Food Entre- "What vacuum pack does is it prevents any preneur Day are better prepared to take aerobic microorganisms from growing," Bentgen their ideas about the food they produce and bring it said. "Therefore it allows the anaerobic microorgan- to the end consumer. isms to grow without being challenged by Individuals from every level of the food- competition from other microorganisms, what hap- processing chain attended the event, from farmers pened in the '60s is that botulinum was formed, that looking for a niche for their products to restaura- toxin was formed in the package, and several people teurs, bed and breakfast owners and fledgling actually died from botulism in the early '60s." companies that have established their own market. According to Bentgen, the vacuum-packing "We see this as phase one," explains Dr. P. technology and safety measures put in place now Vincent Hegarty, MSU's director of the Food Indus- prevent such tragedies from happening. "It was a try Institute. "Bring people together; you give them result of some very abusive conditions in vacuum- a resource book. In that book there's names and packed fish. Michigan, along with a number of addresses of lots of places in Michigan, testing labs, Great Lakes states, put in some very stringent packers, and a variety of other things. Phase two is smoked fish regulations to prevent that kind of in how we follow up with each of these people, problem in the future. And they had never been because you go home and personalize your oppor- updated and challenged in light of all the new tech- tunity, because you're getting general information ing they can be not only producers, but they can "Smoked whitefish is a traditional product of nology, new equipment, new distribution systems, here. The questions will become more specific and also be processors, and be pan of the entire chain nonhern Michigan," Bentgen explained. 'i\nybody new consumer needs. more personal. until it actually gets into the supermarket." that goes up here buys their whole smoked fish, it "One of the problems we had is that you "It doesn't make much sense to ship beans or The success of Mackinac Straits Fish Co. was one of these historically available produces that could order vacuum-packed fish out of the catalog corn or any other commodity out of state to have Once such entrepreneur attending the one-day is consumed pretty much on-site." and get it shipped to you in Michigan/' she ex- Illinois or Texas or New York get the benefit of the conference shared her unique story detailing not But before she could complete her work detail- plained. "But me, as a Michigan producer, could not value-added," Hegarty added, "then for us to go only how she entered the food business, but also the ing how to smoke fish, she had to work on the repeal make it and sell it to a Michigan customer. I couldn't back into the supermarkets and buy that product law that had to be passed for her company to exist. of a decades-old law against vacuum-packed fish. even make it and ship it out of the state." that was grown in Michigan but processed else- Jill Bentgen, founder of Mackinac Straits Fish "One of the reasons that there has not been So Bentgen went to work proving her point to where. With the growth of the cooperative Company, worked for more than a year-and-a-half any value-added smoked fish in Michigan goes back the Michigan Legislature and exhibited facts that movement for farmers, they're now seriously realiz- perfecting her whitefish smoking technique. to the early '60s," she added. "When vacuum pack- confirmed that the latest vacuum-packing tech- niques are not only safe, but widely used throughout the United States. "1 did not proceed to buying equipment until 1 knew the regulation was going to change," she added. "1 waited, did lots of other work, but 1 wasn't going to invest until I knew it was going to change. When 1 finally saw a rough draft of the bill and knew that this was going to happen, I started to put my equipment in place." "I put in my smokehouse in December of '95," she continued. "Began producing in June of '96, and it took me until December of '96 before I felt I knew how to smoke whitefish fillets, do it consis- tently, and then 1 discovered that my smokehouse had some limitations to it that wouldn't allow me to DIGESTIBILITY do it as consistently as I wanted to. 1 had to upgrade the mechanics of that smokehouse, then this past August 1 took that one out and put in a larger one with a lot more capability, and now 1feel like I can smoke whitefish." Bentgen maintains the consistency and quality of the fish she uses by only using fish from the Mackinac Straits area. "I buy strictly from local fish- ermen or processors," she said. "It's all fresh, it is filleted and shipped to me the day it's caught. I don't deal with any fish that's over 24 hours old." According to Bentgen, about 10 million pounds of Michigan whitefish is caught per year out of the Great Lakes. "Acompany like what I'm doing eventually will probably use a million pounds of that a year," she concluded. "I would expect it to have an impact on the price of fish eventually. Even though I may only use 10 percent of what's coming out of Michigan, it will affect the dock-side price, and eventually where I'll probably provide 20 to 30 jobs in the area." Hegarty notes the success of the Mackinac Straits Fish Company and many others like it as the driving force behind bringing other food entrepre- 24X 620&645 neurs together to share their experiences. "Bythat synergy that develops we can better assist the new entrepreneur," he added. "Really, the SILAGE ALFALFA growth of business in the state is going to come from these small entrepreneurs who start up on their own. "We're a public university," he said. "If it can be pan of having the expertise and the facilities For silage, many dairy farmers count Garst 620 and 645 alfalfas have the high yield, quality and winter hardiness made available to assist the state of Michigan and on Garst 24X hybrid corn. Its big, blocky value-added, that's where the money is out of agri- ears deliver extra tonnage, high grain needed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. cultural products. Otherwise, we're shipping out protein content and more energy to Year after year, they outperform the our raw products, having somebody else make the your feed rations. competition by delivering bigger profits. profit and then they ship it back to us and we go to the store to buy it.". Go Garst for better digestibility, higher animal performance and bigger profit. Rail mergers could Get the facts about Nutrient Enhanced™ Garst 24X silage corn and cripple grain exports Garst high performing alfalfa varieties. Call toll-free: 1-888-GO-GARST. A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman said reo cently he was worried that the recent rail mergers could hamper U.S. exports. The Agriculture Depanment has filed detailed comments to the U.S. Visit our web site! www.garstseed.com e1997 Garst Seed Company Garst Delivering Technology To Your Field Surface Transportation Board. The board is sched- uled to vote on a merger between Conrail and CSX and Nonhern Sou£hern Corp. in April. "If we can't get the grain to pon, we can't get our exports sold," Glickman said. "1am extremely worried about the availability of railway cars.". We put 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 power 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. For questions about animal contact We have a 24-hour, toll-free current, call1-BOO-252-B65B. number to answer your energy service questions. Plus, we've For oilier service questions, call established a dedicated, toll-free 1-BOO-477-5050. number so we can respond to your questions about c;lnimalcontact current. And, with 39 Customer Service Centers state-wide, we're ready to serve yoli. 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. AS FARMERS MONITOR THEIR SUCCESS IN CORN, ONE NUMBER KEEPS COMING UP. RX601 beat the best from DeKalb, N.ovartis and. Pioneer - for three years straight.* It does it with strong emergence and early vigor, good leaf disease and stress tolerance, and good stalks a'nd roots to support its top yield. On top of all that, RX601 is a unique, great-looking plant that turns heads all season long. All of which is why it's become a very important hybrid for a whole lot of growers. Fifteen years ago, Asgrow made a commitment to build a corn line on par with anyone's. Today, proprietary hybrids like RX601 .are the result. So put Asgrow corn in your lineup. Then watch your yield numbers start going up. * For proof of Asgrow corn success, call 1.800.815.4545. Asgrow Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. www.asgrow.com , III ~~I~'I~ November 15, 1997 Lapeer agriscience teacher finalist Michigan crop production: Some for national teacher of the year crops forecast up from previous years, L apeer County Vo-Tech FFAagriscience teacher Tammy Belavek may have more to celebrate in December than the upcoming binh of her baby ... she may be named the Belavek said. "Those kids would come to the acade- my - it'd be a chaner school- and get their education that way as it's integrated. We all know that students learn better as curriculum is applied program, including bio- technology, aquaculture, in-depth study in animal science, not just produc- others down C ool, wet September weather delayed maturity of most crops in Michigan, according to the FederallState Michigan Agricultural Statistics Ser- Vocational Teacher of the Year by the American to something that they're interested in. ing animals, but how can Vocational Association. "The one thing is that I've really wanted to we better produce ani- vice. Some highlights of the repon were as follows: The only problem is, her doctor won't let her expand agriscience education to everyone," she mals through research • Corn yield at 113 bushels per acre increased 3 fly to Las Vegas to be interviewed by a panel of judg- added. "We expanded the program at the local and science - has in- bushels from last month and was up 19 bushels es at the award program. What to do? Enter the role schools from 15 to well over 80 of my students alone, creased our focus in our from 1996. Corn production increased 20 per- of technology. Belavek's school principal, Tom Shu- not including the total expansion of our agriscience program." cent from last year. Although corn crop maturity ben, set the interviews up via satellite downlink program, including an evening agriscience program." How is the award was behind normal, the threat of widespread through a local TVstation. The evening agriscience is another example of scored? Tammy Belavek frost damage has dwindled. About 20 percent of "I will be able to compete and he will be there Belavek getting things done with the suppon of her "There is 100 acres were mature as of Oct. I, half the five-year to receive the award, whatever it is," explained Be- students. "Twelve students came to the board of points already from the application that was submit- average for that date. lavek. "What a way to talk about vocational education, with the suppon of the teachers, and ted with the letters of recommendation and the • Soybean production, at 7.4 million bushels, sur- education and how the tech~ology.is increasing and said we will even pay $200 a semester to stan the letters of suppon from community, parents, admin- passed the 1995 record high. Yield, at 39 bushels how we can better commumcate WIth the world evening agriscience program. Those 12 students istrators and past students," Belavek explained. per acres was down 1 bushel from the previous through technology." paid $200 for one semester. At the end of that se- "The other 50 will be on the interview and that is month, but up 10.5 bushels from the previous . One of the things that garnered such a presti- mester, the board of education paid for the entire basically the philosophy behind vocational educa- year. Total Michigan production was 58 percent glOUSaward for.the teacher of seven years was her class to be sponsored throughout the school year tion that is going to count." above 1996. Soybean development fell behind work co-authonng a $360,000 Kellogg Grant to every Thesday and Thursday evening." "Interesting enough, there are two agriculture normal in September; harvest began in late Sep- spons~r a founh- through sixth-grade agriscience With the school district only 50 to 70 miles teachers competing," she said. "The last few years tember. education program throughout the county. nonh of Detroit, Belavek is challenged by the rela- agriculture has not been well represented with this • Dry bean yield, at 1,650 pounds per acre, was "Mygoal has always been in the future to ere- tively small number of students with any son of award. Health occupation instructors, automobile down 150 pounds from the Aug. 1 forecast. Ex- ate.a ~rogram - vocational ~rogram or an farm background. "Only about 5 percent come from mechanic programs, and machining and business pected production increased 10 percent from ~gnsClence aca~e~y - for hIgh school students to farm backgrounds," she said. "The expansion to a people and those types of things have been recipi- 1996. Wet weather in mid September dampened tntegrate all agnsclence and natural resources with more agriscience basis - not agricultural produc- ents of that award, so we're pretty proud of that." • yield prospects. Black beans fared better than math, reading, English, history and government," tion program, but a more agriscience-based navies. Favorable harvest weather in late Septem- ber pushed harvest beyond the halfway mark by Corn Experts Speak Out on the Penny Per Bushel Check off Oct. 1. • Sugarbeet yield, at 19 tons per acre, was un- Michigan Corn Farmers: changed from last month. The forecast yield was up 3.9 tons from 1996. September rains benefit- ed the crop; harvest was set to begin the first Continue the week of October. • Allhay yield and production decreased 9 and 13 percent, respectively, from last year. Wet condi- tions last month reduced yields and hampered Penny Check off crop harvest. Alfalfayielded 3.2 tons per acre while other hay yielded 2.2 tons . • U.S. com production was forecast at 9.31 billion bushels, up fractionally from 1996 and the Sep- December J st through 1~th. corn farmers across the research and by invesling in manufacturing that will tember 1 forecast. If realized, this will be the slate will be considering a rcferendum to conlinue the consume more corn. It also goes for educalion. to help J third highest corn production on record. Based i penny per bushel check oIT. Your penny investment ). on conditions as of Oct. 1, yields were expected corn growers like you learn about the latest techno- i to average 125.8 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushels helps all Michigan corn farmers by supporling logical advances to improve your profitabiliLy. I from last month, but down 1.3 bushels from I 1996. I." • U.S. soybean production was forecast at 2.72 ~ billion bushels, down slightly from the Sept. 1 forecast but 14 percent above the 1996 produc- tion. The yield forecast was 39 bushels per acre, 0.3 bushels below the Sept. 1 forecast but 1.4 bushels above the 1996 final yield. As of Oct. 5, 37 percent of the crop had been harvested in the 19 major producing states .• Checkoff making u.S. soybean meal, oil more globally competitive Now's the time 10 invest! I believe in this program! T he soybean checkoff is researching methods to make u.s. soybean meal and soybean oil , 'When prices are good. that's the lime to invest in the future. to '1\ s an individual we could never adverlise or promote or do re- exports more competitive in the global market. In a recent checkoff-funded study compiled by LMCInternational from 1990 to 1995, produc- invest in research and invest in search in the way that we can ... by tion costs and tariffs were discovered to be direct product development. So that we can face putting our money together. I can't say contributing factors to the competitiveness of U.S. that day we all know is ahead of us. when enough about how much I believe in these soybean meal and oil. produclion again exceeds demand for the programs." Of the nine primary soybean-producing coun- product." tries, the United States ranks sixth with soybean production costs 6 percent ($221.6/ton) above the Jack Laurie Deanna Stamp world weighted average ($208.7/ton), including President Commissioner wages and crop management. Argentina was ~Iichigan Farm Bureau lchigan Department of Agriculture 22 percent below the world average ($163.6/ton). Corn grower and dairyman Dairy and cash crop farmer In the United States, higher wages were coun- Tuscola County Sanilac County teracted by highly mechanized crop husbandry practices. Capital and fueVfenilizer/chemical costs were higher than in most other countries. Despite the higher costs of producing soy- beans, the United States ranked second ($20.3/ton) behind the Netherlands ($20.2/ton) out of 15 coun- Let's keep the momentum going. When everyone contributes iust one penny... tries in maintaining lower soybean processing costs. the results really add up. The world-weighted average is $23.5/ton. The Unit- ed States has relatively low capital processing costs, which indicates large average plant scale, high rates of utilization and high levels of efficiency. Even with the United States being an efficient soybean processing country with higher quality Corn Marketing products, most foreign customers' decisions are Program of Michigan based on protecting their existing domestic produc- tion markets. For instance, many countries in For more information, contact the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan: Call 888-323-6601, fox 517.323-6601 or write to: 6206 W. Saginaw Highway, lansing, MI 48917.2467 Southeast Asia still prefer the use of palm oil, which is native to that geographic region, as opposed to imponing soybean oil. November 15, 1997 Fall and winter barn ventilation Guidelines for buying requires care by Bill Bickert, MSU Dept. of Agricultural Engineering high moisture shelled corn M anydairy and livestock farmers will be ed to an elevator's shrink table (see Table A), Table B - Test weight discounts A s fall and winter approach and temperatures drop, people tend to close ventilation open- ings in barns. They have good intentions, trying to short of shelled corn this year. Some cash crop farmers may have immature according to moisture • Offer some guarantee of payment, as you should Test weight 53 52 Discount S I bu. .01 02 keep livestock warm. Unfortunately, with reduced corn that is very wet and will not make good dry understand sellers get nervous when they deliver St .03 ventilation, excessive moisture accumulates in the corn. Cash crop farms will be looking to those $20,000 worth of com to a person they don't know 50 04 farms in need of corn as a way to market some of and may never meet. Routinely, some farms are 49'" .06 air. And animals may be killed with kindness! 48 .08 Ventilation system management is critical their crop. The question then becomes how to set a getting a guaranteed note from their lender up to ~ 10 during times of changing temperatures, even in a fair price for high moisture shelled corn (HMSC). a set dollar amount; others are setting up an 46' .11 properly ventilated barn with open ridges and eves Here are some guidelines to follow. When negotiat- escrow account with a third party, such as a lender, and open sidewalls and endwalls. This becomes ing a price with a cash crop farm, determine the to draw out of as the com is delivered even more critical later on when, at the first sign of following: • Ask the cash cropper if there is a mortgage on the bushel) = value of truckload com. cold weather, we adjust ventilation for winter condi- • The amount of corn you wish to purchase, nor- crop, and if there is, how the payment should be Here is an example: 47,458 pounds of wet tions but encounter warmer weather in the mally quoted in wet bushels (call the Extension handled (this will avoid legal hassles for yourself) corn delivered, your agreed market price is $3.25 meantime. office if you need to know silo capacities) • Determine trucking price, routinely $2 per per bushel for 15 percent com, the corn is 30 per- If we don't open something for additional air • The maximum corn moisture percent you will loaded mile. cent moisture and the trucking is to be $2 per movement, moisture buildup in the air will occur accept (for example, nothing above 34 percent How to determine pay price for loaded mile delivered from 90 miles away. and the result is a cold, damp environment. Not moisture) delivered HMSC • How you will base the price. For example, rou- • Before delivery, agree to a fair market price for (.781 x 47,458) x $3.25 = much is worse, especially for baby calves, in terms tinely based on the market price of dry corn at 15 percent moisture corn; you can use an area $2151.08 value of truckload of corn/56 of environment. The situation worsens when 15 percent moisture with the HMSC price adjust- elevator to give you a local price. If you have a periods of weather around 35-40° F are accompa- $2151.08 = ($2.00 per mile x 90 miles) = nied by rain. Table A - Shrink method to determine corn test weight, you may $2331.08 delivered price Unfortunately, when experiencing a cold, Corn moisture Multiplication factor agree to discount the market price if the test .846 weight is below 54 (see Table B). Other possible $2331.08/ (4745812000) tons = $98.36 damp barn, the tendency may be to close it up even .83L J more, in response to our feeling cold and damp, discounts are for foreign material and kernel delivered price per ton of 30 percent HMSC 8t8 when we should provide more ventilation to flush -:BOl damage, mold or sour smell. .781 • Determine actual com moisture . An adjustment to the market price may be out built-up moisture. . 61 • Determine delivered wet weight of truckload made if the test weight of the com is low. Shrink Changes in weather during fall, winter and .741 from the trucker's certified scale receipts. factors in the following condensed table have a spring often give rise to respiratory problems in .721 • Then use the following equation: range of 1.4 percent shrink per point of moisture animals, especially in calves when wide fluctuations .70 (multiplication factor from Table A X delivered up to 2.0 percent shrink per point of moisture. This in temperature occur. Proper attention to ventila- .681 wet weight) X market price of dry corn per increases as com moisture goes up. It also incorpo- tion system management may lessen the problems. Multiplication factor = 1 shrink factor bushel/56 (which is the weight of dry com per rates a percent dry matter handling loss.• Such management is especially important in barns depending upon natural ventilation and is crucial in barns where the natural ventilation is marginal Growers develop skills to benefit agriculture industry at best. In winter, air movement through the barn should be sufficient to maintain inside temperature K ennejh Swanson, of Bannister, Mich., joined 22 fellow National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members at a Leadership Development make an impact on our industry." During the intensive, three-day program, growers learned association management tech- tection technology. This group of NCGAmembers will participate in a second session of the Leadership Development within 5-1O~ above outside temperature. Hang a Program here, sponsored by Novartis Crop Protec- niques, how to give successful presentations and Program in Washington, D.C., in spring 1998. In thermometer inside the barn. If the temperature tion, Inc. Twenty-one members of the American how to work with the media. Participants took part Washington, they will take their issues directly to inside is more than 5-10~ above outside tempera- Soybean Association (ASA)also attended. in mock news interviews, which were videotaped members of Congress after completing sessions on ture, more ventilation is necessary. Also, persistent "Leadership is an acquired skill," said Wallie and critiqued by a media skills consultant. They also effective lobbying. condensation or odor indicate that additional venti- Hardie, NCGApresident and Leadership Develop- completed a brain dominance profile to learn more "NCGAis relying on these growers to repre- lation must be provided. ment Program graduate. "Even people who have about their own strengths and weaknesses. sent agricultural interests to legislators," said Over-ventilation is better than under- natural leadership qualities benefit from honing While in Greensboro, growers toured the Hardie. "The Leadership Development Program ventilation! • their skills at this program. These growers come Novartis Crop Protection headquarters where they helps train them to do that." • away with a sense of confidence in their abilities to learned more about the sdence behind crop pro- Call us today for a~ or a~ SA "'E.: U~ 'rO 15096 Be sure to watch Farm & 6arden: On Most Prescriptions, Medical Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and Sunday at 5:30 Supplies and Personal Care Needsl Have your prescriptions a.m. ~fI~lion6, sponsored by: delivered right to your door with one phone call. ~Vitamin6, At Heartland, it's just that ~ ~ia6~tic dUf'1'ikd. easy! Let our registered pharmacists and friendly staff provide you with fast ~Supl'~ ~ 19.DeJt-tPre-co.unWt E:mm11 Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and efficient service. Most insurance plans accepted. ~ 19~, and tnOJre! Corn ~ ~e~er run. ou't alifa1n.! Marketin~~ Our convenient Reminder Service Program calls you two weeks before your of Michigan ~ prescription runs out! thei YOU SAVE ~ •.. 'CH'CIIN $22.97 $8.22 ••• FIIR.. BUREIIU $70.92 $7.09 $17.89 $2.84 $32.18 $10.35 Proudly serving Farm Bureau ... and by the following county Farm Bureaus: Members/or over 15 yean. Bay, 6enesee, 6ratiot, "uron, Midland, 1-800-228-3353 Please refer to program code when orderfng Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola, 6ladwin, Ogemaw, 11028 "Q" Street • Omaha, NE • 68137 Prices .ubject to change. 1600-0000-0000 loseo and Arenac Alwa)'s .. Discount Prices and )'01/1' Satist1ction Guaranteed! • 1997YoUNG FARMER FINALISTS. M ichigan Farm Bureau has announced its 12 finalists for the Outstanding Young Farm operation Owner/operntor of 660-acre farm including Safety Camp. Attended Lansing Legislative Seminar. Community involvement Agricultural leader, Young Farmer Achieve- ment Award and Outstanding Young Farm 360 acres of com, 150 acres of alfalfa, 20 acres of Serves as a Sunday school teacher, youth Employee contests. The winners will be de- oats, along with 167 dairy cows. Farm herdsman, group sponsor and AWANAleader in local church termined at the annual meeting in Traverse mechanic, bookkeeper and some field work. Sup- and is a church youth camp board member. City, Dee. 9-12. The awards are presented to farmers who have demonstrated agricultural plies neighboring farms with seed com, alfalfa and involvement, leadership in Farm Bureau and soybeans. Raises pheasants and Christmas trees on their communities and achievement. The 12 land unsuitable for cultivation. finalists will each receive a Carhartt jacket Farm Bureau involvement courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield. Each state contest winner will receive $500 from Dodge Serves on county Young Farmer Committee, Truck, an expense-paid trip to the AFBF an- board of directors as director at large and as Group nual meeting in Charlotte, N.C. Purchasing vendor. Formerly chaired Young Farmer, Young Farmer Achievement Award Local Affairs and Delegate Committees. Served as state annual delegate and county president while Jerry Kro serving on Media Response Team, Local Affairs Montague, Oceana County Committee, MACMAComminee, Candidate Evalua- Wife: Beth Children: Joel, 9; Kati, 7; Emily, 5 tion Committee, Policy Development and Farm operation Prom orion and Education Committees. Part of state Maintains 398-acre farm with 170 acres of Young Farmer Committee and anended AFBF Bruce Lewis com, 110 acres of alfalfa, 45 acres of wheat, 35 acres Jonesville, Hillsdale County Young FarmerlYoung Rancher Conference. of oats and 8 acres of asparngus along with 97 dairy Wife: Jennifer Community involvement cows. Responsible for all areas of farm operation. Children: Adam, 8; Brittany, 6; Conner, 4 Serves as township board trustee and on Custom harvests for neighboring farmers and occa- Farm operation township planning/zoning commission, SCS Wild- sionally hauls livestock. Partner in a 2,35D-acre farm producing 1,000 life Rehab Management Team and parent advisory Farm Bureau involvement acres of com, 130 acres of wheat, 600 acres of soy- committee for First Step preschool. Hosted a farm Serves on county board of directors, Policy De- beans, 420 acres of alfalfa and 98 acres of popcorn tour for local elementary, developmentally-chal- velopment Committee and as Group Purchasing along with 440 dairy cows and 80 steers. Manages Jack L. Jeppesen lenged students. Volunteers selling dairy products vendor and Membership chair. Served as a state dele- field crops and sales, repairs, small heifers and Stanton, Montcalm County at the "tittle Red Barn" for MMPA. Wife: Mary gate, Community Action Group chair and partidpated calves. Does some custom work for neighbors. Children: Kaleigh, 9; Kyle, 7 in Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Presented at Farm Farm Bureau involvement Serves as an executive board member and formerly a member of Agricultural Accident Rescue Program, County Annual Planning and Tire Recy- cling Day Committees. Community involvement Active in local Jaycee chapter serving as past Human Service Projects chair. THE ROUNDUP READY@ l" ZONE ISN'T A PLACE, IT'S a state of mind. Scott Miller Elsie, Shiawassee County Wife: Jane Children: Randi, 10; Damien, 8 NOT EVERY SOYBEAN Farm operation Cash crop farm with 1,000 acres of corn and 1,000 acres of soybeans. Responsible for all corn GROWER HAS .planting and half of soybeans. Hauls his own and area farmers' grain. Delivers seed corn and beans THIS FEELING OF for a local seed company. Does some custom har- vesting and spraying for neighbors. confidence. Farm Bureau involvement Serves on county board of directors, State and Local Affairs, Young Farmer and Annual Committees IT'S A FEELING THAT ONLY COMES FROM and as this year's state and Washington Legislative Seminar representative and state Uquid Fertilizer Storage Committee. UNMATCHED WEED CONTROL, Community involvement Serves as township board trustee, church board CROP SAFETY AND YIELD. trustee and head freshman football coach. Coaches Uttle League baseball and softball and junior wrestling. IT'S A feeling Outstanding Young Agricultural Leader YOU ONLY GET WITH ROUNDUP READY SOYBEANS AND ROUNDUP ULTRAr: ONLY ROUNDUP READY SOYBEANS PUTYOU IN THE ZONE. SEEYOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS OR CALL I-SOO-ROUNDUP. Loretta Benjamin Webberville, Ingham County Husband: Todd Children: Daniel, 10; Rebecca, 6 Farm operation Works on family farm milking 90 cows and produdng 600 acres of hay, com, wheat and beans. Promotes registered cows by showing them at state shows and county fair. Actively keeps legislators and Always read and follow label directions for Roundup Ultra herbicide. Roundup Ready- and Roundup UItra- are trademarks of Monsanto Company. government officials informed of priority farming Roundup Ultra will kifJ soybeans which do not express the Roundup Ready- gene. [21 psh 11197] 01997 Monsanto Company RUP-76140 issues. Helps maintain a balance between farm and family time. Farm Bureau involvement junior high youth leader/mentor, Oceana Christian Farm Bureau involvement igan FFAAlumni Association. Member of Michigan Chairs county Promotion and Education, Ag in School hot lunch program coordinator, Neighbor- Member of Gratiot County Young Farmers. State University Dairy Club where she chaired Small the Classroom, Ag Olympics, Ag Week and Rural hood Fundraising Crusader for American Cancer Attended Young Farmer Leaders' Conference. Animals Day and the "I Milked a Cow" booth at the Education Day. Also serves 00 county Young Farmer Society, Hart Area Recreation Program Girls Softball Former vice president and state delegate for Mecosta Michigan State Fair. Planned a Small Animals Day for and Promotion and Education Committees. Chaired Coach and with Brooks Bacon Makers 4-H Club. County. Former member of Mecosta County Young West Branch Library. county MACMA,VIP Wur, Ag Days in the City and Served as Women's Missionary Fellowship president. Farmers and Peach County, Ga., Young Farmers. Ag Day at the Zoo. Attended Lansing Legislative :,l. Community involvement Seminar, state Promotion and Education seminar, Volunteers at Chippewa Hills High School Traverse City Outreach and Young Farmer Leader- with FFADairy Judging. Provided judging and show- ship Conference. Served as state annual delegate. manship clinics to 4-H and FFA in Mecosta County Community involvement and Macon County, Ga. Chaired Webberville Playground Project. In- volved in Webberville Elementary Boosters, Webberville 4-H Club, Ingham County 4-H Council and her local church. Volunteers at Webberville Elementary School. :;~' 1- Mlc ae Boensc Patti Warnke Whittemore, losco County St. Johns, Clinton County Farm operation Husband: John Employed as a mechanic/maintenance su- Children: Bethany, 6; Allison, 4 pervisor for a 3,600-acre partnership. Farm operation Responsible for routine maintenance and repair Assists with operations on 300-cow dairy oper- Peggy Mi er of farm's 20 tractors, 14 trucks, three choppers, ation while producing 300 acres of hay, 300 acres of West Branch, Ogemaw County two combines, tillage tools and planting, har- corn and 350 pasture acres. Instituted a new health Farm operation vesting and feedlot equipment. Maintains plan with lower deductibles for all farm employees. Herd manager for a dairy farm with 150 Hol- accurate records for all equipment repairs. Or- Maintains all personal and household records. stein cattle and 150 replacement heifers on 655 acres. ders extra parts for upcoming repairs and Farm Bureau involvement De ra Kubac i Maintains all computerized cow and replacement heif- maintains shop inventories. Served as county board president and Young Sebewaing, Huron County er records, including breeding programs. Oversees Farm Bureau involvement Husband: Timothy Farmer chair. Member of Membership, Promotion all care, feeding and health management. Works with Serves as county board of directors vice pres- Farmoperation and Education, Policy Development, Information a nutritionist. Maintains all milking/work schedules. ident and on Policy Development Committee. Owns and operates 400-acre cash crop and 75- Committees, County Annual Planning, and Commu- Farm Bureau involvement Served as county president, Young Farmer chair- milking-cow/7O-heifer replacement dairy operation nity Action Group. Participated in Discussion Meet, Serves as Young Farmer chair, Promotion and person and newsletter editor and has served on with her husband. Crops include sugar beets, corn, state Young Farmer Conference and softball tourna- Education chair and Policy Development Commit- Membership and Candidate Evaluation Commit- oats, navy beans, alfalfa and wheat. Operation became ment. Delegate to state annual meeting and an tee member. Chaired "I Milked a Cow" booth at tees and as third member of the executive a centennial farm in 1996. Maintains all field and herd AFBF representative. county fair, Ag Rescue Seminar, "Are We Losing Our committee. Served on state's Young Farmer and management while maintaining all farm records. Community involvement Farm Heritage" fair booth and presently working on Policy Development Committees. Farm Bureau involvement Teaches Sunday school at Lowe Church. Vol- the Little Red Barn project for this fall. She has been Community involvement Serves on county board of directors, Promo- unteers with St. Johns Elementary School, Maple an Ogemaw County board member since 1994. Volunteers as a Reno Township trustee, tion and Education Committee, membership Rapids Library as a storyteller, RA.Y.E. child care Community involvement Knights of Columbus treasurer, Pastoral Council contact program, Dairy Commodity Committee, center, Clinton County 4-H and Traditions Christ- Volunteers as an Ogemaw County 4-H Sheep member at St. Pius X Catholic Church and as a Resolutions Comminee and Young People's Citizen- mas, serving lunch to the homeless. Leader and LivestQck Committee Member. Works in member of the 10scQ County Agricultural Society ship Seminar. Chairs Annual Comminee, Reinstate Outstanding Young Farm Employee Ogemaw County Ag Society office. Member of Mich- Board of Directors .• Ag in the Classroom and Little Red Barn Project. Attended Project T.EA.M Conference and FFA Career Leadership Conference. Community involvement Participates in Sebewaing Sparkettes and Se- bewaingJaycettes where she has served as president and vice president. Teaches Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church and sings in r---------------------------~ : Proven performance I the choir. Volunteers with Pheasants Forever, Sebe- waing Sugar Festival, Huron County Fair and Agriculture in the Classroom. : in the field : I • • Since 1990 DSR soybeans have generated over 600 top ten. Mar To finishes in University trials. In 1996, Dairyland's DSR/STS • Reed City, Osceola County herbicide tolerant varieties had 21 top ten finishes alone .• Wife: Sharon Whether you're looking for STS tolerance, Roundup Ready. Farm operation soybeans, or just plain old fashioned high yielding genetics,. Family dairy farm consists of three centennial the DSR lineup delivers. farms producing 300 acres of corn, 400 acres of alfalfa, 100 acres of oats and 100 acres of wheat. Contact your local Dairyland representative to learn how Milks 150 registered Holsteins and Brown Swiss while raising most of their replacements. Raise bull you can obtain top yields with Dairyland soybeans. calves for feeders or finish them out as steers. Farm Bureau involvement Serves on the Osceola County Young Farmer Adrian, MI Ft. Wayne, IN Mason, MI Beth Snider Committee and Community Action Group since 1992. Dave Dickerson, D.S.M. Gary Freiburger, R.S.M. Hoskins Farms Hart, Oceana County Community involvement 517/265-2255 219/639-6927 517/589-8822 Husband: Aaron Children: Luke, 12; Holly, 10; Zack, 6 Active in the Mecosta County 4-H Junior live- Farm operation stock Club where he was a member for 10 years. Applegate, MI Grandville, MI Mt. Pleasant, MI Operates a contract turkey facility raising Dan Babcock, D.S.M. John Pater Randall Recker 65,000 annually with her husband. Maintain 135 810/648-3612 616/896-9387 517 n73-5488 sows raising 3,100 feeder pigs each year. Lost 60- cow registered Holstein dairy herd and barn to fire Byron, MI Hudsonville, MI Perry, MI last November. Assists in raising corn, alfalfa, soy- Garry Adams Jerry Poortenga Claude Benjamin beans and other small grains on 450 acres. 810/266-4170 616/896-9119 517/625-7542 Farm Bureau involvement Currently serves on county board of directors Carson City, MI . Lachine, MI St. Johns, MI as third member on the executive committee. Served Lowell Litwiller Larry Sumerix, D.S.M. Paul Buehler, D.S.M. as Happy Harvesters Community Action Group min- 517/584-3675 517/379-4073 800/232-2424 uteman and secretary, Young Farmer chairperson, delegate to state annual meeting, Young People's Citizenship Seminar counselor, as well as a member Erie, MI Mason, MI Webberville, MI '. of Policy Development, Information, County Annual, Eric McNeilly Ralph Nartker Wayne Every Robert Benjamin I • Candidate Evaluation and Promotion and Education St. Louis, Gratiot County 3131856-4985 517/676-2162 517/521-3183 committees. Attended Lansing and Washington Leg- Wife: Kay • I islative Seminars and Young Farmer Leadership Conference. Participated in Young Farmer Discus- Agriculture operation Herdsman/dairy manager for a 6OO-cowopera- I ~ Dairyland Seed -- A Growing Force : sion Meet, State Discussion Meet and ProFILE. Community involvement Volunteers as FlfStBaptist Church ol&3fiist, choir member, Sunday school teacher and AWANAClub tion on 6,SOO-acre cash crop farm. Responsible for all aspects of the dairy operation. Manages dairy employees and serves as purchasing agent for all feed and medical supplies. : ~ ~--------------------------_. I 1-800-236-0163 _ ! ~~ll'I::t'm November 15, 1997 Precision Nature is not square Processing A II • _N'g" . by Neil R. MiJ/er I." · Geo-referencing management zones For many of our clients, we have used GPS to log the actual boundaries of naturally occuring and! or human-imposed soil management zones. This is a tedious process, but it has allowed us to produce tomatoes, snap beans, asparagus down as onions reach record high L et's face it - when the gladers retreated north, leaving behind most of Michigan's soils, they did not vary rates or materials every 330 feet. Nei- fertility maps that correlate better with yield data than virtually any other economically viable approach. P roduction of processing tomatoes and snap beans contracted for processing are down ther dQ our crop yields, and neither should our "Smart" grid sampling from last year, according to the Federal/State Michi- fertilizer spreaders. GPS-based services have in- If your consultant or dealer samples by grids, gan Agricultural Statistics Service. creased dramatically in the past year, but their ask that they use soil characteristics, yield maps, and Michigan onions are forecast to the record quality still varies widely. In order to judge the value other "smart" techniques to direct their sampling high yield. Record low May temperatures got of what you're paying for, consider the following: points to important management zones (Figure 1). the Michigan asparagus crop off to a poor start. Areas of high variability should be sampled more Estimated production of processing snap intensively than areas with relatively low variability. beans decreased to 66,000. tons, down 5 percent These sampling techniques should improve [he from last year. Snap bean yield decreased to 3 accuracy of fertilizer spreading maps. Staggered tons per acre, down 9 percent from 1996 while sampling also helps minimize the problem of skewed acreage increased 5 percent to 22,000 acres. data caused by past spreader overlaps or skips, which Michigan's processing tomato production is tend to follow parallel lines. forecast at 115,600 tons, down 17 percent from a Interpolation of grid point data year ago. The projected yield of 34 tons per acre Regardless of how your grid points were select- increased by 5 percent from 1996. Processors con- ed, their value can be easily and dramatically tracted 3,400 acres of tomatoes this year, down 21 enhanced by a process called interpolation (Figure percent from 1996. The cool, wet May has delayed 2). This is a set of mathematical smoothing proce- maturity. Harvest will begin about three weeks late dures that estimate the value at any point in a field 0-0-60 (Ibs/acre) in early September. using data from multiple locations throughout the Michigan's asparagus production totaled field. A 1994 University of Wisconsin study showed Figure 2 Interpolation uses data from multi- 263,000 hundredweight (cwt.), down 12 percent that interpolation improved grid-sampled potassium ple locations to smooth variability and en- from 1996. The area harvested for fresh market maps from an accuracyofless than 35 percent to hance the accuracy of spreading maps. and processing asparagus was 17,500 acres, un- around 70 percent. Phosphorus maps were increased changed from the previous year. from less than 50 percent accurate to 65-70 percent. If you have any topic suggestions for Michigan's asparagus harvest got off to a Insist on the best • the Precision Agriculture column, low start due to record cold temperatures in Virtually every software package being used by please write to Michigan Farm News, May that caused some frost damage. Harvest custom applicators to spread fertilizer in Michigan is P.O. Box 30960, lansing, MI48909, then proceeded normally and yielded 15 cwt. capable of some form of interpolation. SGIS (used by or send e-mail to:mfbinfo@aol.com per acre. Fresh market production totaled Crop Production Services and Star of the West) and 39,000 cwt. valued at $3.12 million. Processing the Vision System (Terra) automatically interpolate production totaled 11,200 tons, valued at $14.7 spreading maps. Fieldlink (used by Anderson Agri- million. Group, Grower Service and lMe) can apply by square Michigan's onion acres for harvest is 6,000, grids or interpolated (contoured) spreading maps. If up 3 percent from 1996. The projected produc- you are paying a consultant or elevator to grid sam- tion of 2.04 million cwt. is up 13 percent, and ple your fields, insist that they use interpolation to the estimated onion yield of 340 cwt. increased Sample Locatjons Specialists in Crop improve the accuracy of your spreading maps. If we Production and Protection 10 percent from last year. Onion harvest in Figure 1 "Smart" grid sampling directs sam- in the industry don't use the tools at our fingertips to Michigan is underway, maturity is behind but Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 ple points to significant management zones deliver the highest quality product possible, we can E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com the crop outlook is excellent. Yield is forecast at rather than at the center of s uare rids. hardly claim to be practicing "precision." • record tying high due to ideal summer condi- Wheat 2000 leadership tions. changes; former chair Nationally, processing vegetable produc- tion for the four major processing crops is to focus on sugar beets forecast at 14.3 million tons, down 9 percent T he leadership of the Wheat 2000 steering com- mittee, organized in 1995 to help bolster per- from last year and 10 percent less than two years ago. acre wheat yield and reverse the continuing decline Production of processing tomatoes, at 10.0 in acreage planted to wheat, has changed. million tons, is off 11 percent from last year and Rich Hodupp, MSU Extension field crops the lowest since 1993. agent, and Bob Boehm, manager of the field crops Snap bean production, at 718,460 tons, is department in the Commodity and Environmental down 3 percent from last year. Division of Michigan Farm Bureau, are now co- Sweet corn production, at 3.07 million chairs of the Wheat 2000 steering committee. tons, is off 7 percent from last year, and green The change was announced at the organiza- pea production, at 494,680 tons, is up 20 per- tion's Oct. 17 meeting at MSU. Steve Poindexter, cent from 1996. MSU Extension agricultural agent in Saginaw, has Acres for harvest for the four major pro- been the steering committee chair since 1995. He cessing vegetable crops, at 1.20 million acres, was appointed the MSU Extension district sugar are 4 percent less than in 1996. beet agent in midsummer. Asparagus production is estimated at 1.98 Boehm and Hodupp are charter members of million ewt. 1 percent less than in 1996 and 2 the Wheat 2000 steering committee. percent below 1995. Fresh market production is Hodupp says his goals are to increase grower up 7 percent from 1996 while processed produc- membership in Wheat 2000, which currently has tion is off 10 percent. 1,050 members, and attract funding. The U.S. storage onion production is fore- "Now that the organization is well established cast at 35.8 million cwt. Up 8 percent from last with most of the state's growers, we need to obtain year and 2 percent more than in 1985 .• funding that will enable Wheat 2000 to continue to do its work in increasing the viability of the crop in Michigan," Hodupp says. Study shows stronger link He says there is merit in the organization be- between CJD, mad cow coming a permanent entity and functioning similarly to the state associations for corn, soybean and dry edible beans. A study by British scientists gives stron- ger backing to the once-suspected link between mad cow disease and the human brain Boehm concurs, saying Wheat 2000's educa- disorder Creutzfeld-Jakob disease. In a study per- tional effort with growers has been impressive and formed at the University of Reading in England, needs to continue to help maintain the competitive- researchers said laboratory studies show the same ness of the crop with other grain commodities. strain of germs that cause mad cow cause the similar Peter Phillips Jim Mac Kay Nancy Blaauw "We would like to see more grower involvement CJD in humans. Grand Rapids Area Thumb Area & Thumb Area & The study and another corroborating study & West Central Ml East Central Ml East Central MJ on the steering committee and greater partidpation of 616-877-4200 517-743-4630 517-862-5192 growers in on-farm wheat research," Boehm says. "We found the same infectious proteins called prions are think that more on-farm research is one of the more to blame in both CJD and mad cow. In one study, Ann Briggs Rob Render Luann Kubacki Jack Cripe practical ways to increase yield and the stability of the researchers injected laboratory mice with ground Southeastern MJ Southwestern MI UP &:NmIan MI Northern IN 517-349-8698 616-659-8915 906-283-3878 219-894-7362 crop's position in Michigan agriculture." up brain samples of persons who died from mad He says the MFB membership strongly sUJr cow-assodated CJD and injected others with anoth- ports Wheat 2000 practices and goals and that the er CJD variant. Mice with the mad cow-like injection organization will help encourage other growers to exhibited symptoms similar to cattle with the dis- participate in the program. ease while the other batch did not exhibit the same More information about Wheat 2000 can be symptoms. obtained from Boehm by calling him at (517) 323- British officials say 21 people have been in- 7000 or Hodupp at (810) 667-0341.. fected with ClD from eating contaminated beef. National Conservation Buffer Council Thelen appointed director of nellV promotes commonsense conservation environlJ1ental stelNardship division T he National Conservation Buffer Council rental payments to compensate for lost production. T o better address the environmental impacts Other programs within the 40-person office (NCBC), a new private-sector organization dedi- "Congress created and expanded valuable of agriculture on the stare's resources, the include the right-to-farm program, spill response cated to the promotion of agricultural conservation conservation assistance programs in the 1996 Farm Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) for agricultural chemicals, groundwater monitoring, practices, officiallyopened its office in late October. Bill and USDAhas worked hard to implement the has appointed rhe director of its newly creared Envi- state pesticide management plans, interaction with "This is an exciting day for those of us who are programs. Now it's up to landowners to partici- ronmental Stewardship Division, MDADirector Dan the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on agri- concerned about environmental quality and profit- pate," Stawick said. "In addition, the private sector Wyant announced todaf cultural matters, forestry on private lands, and able farm production," said NCBCPresident David must also step up to the plate to encourage produc- "Dr. Kun Thelen is an outstanding individual pollution prevention. Environmental Stewardship Stawick. "These two goals are not mutually exclusive, ers to take pan." with very strong credentials in the areas of pollution priorities also include overseeing the inter-county and NCBCwill be working for the attainment of both. " Sponsors of the NCBC are Cargill, Inc.; prevention, groundwater stewardship, natural re- drainage system, and inspection of migrant labor Stawicksaid NCBCwill encourage farmers and ConAgra, Inc.; Farmland Industries, Inc.; Novanis source protection and pesticide managemem," housing for Michigan's 842 camps serving the state ranchers to establish conservation buffers - tactically Crop Protection, Inc.; Pioneer Hi-Bred Wyant said. "Kun shares my philosophy that we farming industry. placed strips of grass and other vegetation - that International, Inc.; Terra Industries, Inc; the Nation- want ro work with the industry to continually raise The Environmental Stewardship Division con- reduce rainfall runoff and soil erosion. "Practices like al Corn Growers Association; and the National environmental protecrion in agriculture, withour centrates environmental programs previously filter strips, riparian buffers, contour grass strips and Council of Farmer Cooperatives. "We expect that compromising our farmers' economic viability." scattered in several areas of MDA. grassed waterways can be tremendously effective in dozens of other groups operating at the national, "Farmers are rhe original soil conservationists Thelen, of Westphalia, holds bachelors, mas- protecting our water and soil resources," Stawick said. state and local levels will also help us get out the in this country, and the real work in environmental ters and doctoral degrees from the Crop and Soil NCBCwas formed to assist in the attainment of message," Stawick said. protection is besr done ar the local level," Wyant said. Sciences Department at Michigan State University the U.S. Department of Agriculture's goal, an- Stawick comes to NCBC from the Senate "Bycreating an Environmental Stewardship Division where he is also an instructor. He has worked at nounced by Secretary Dan Glickman last April, of Agriculture Committee staff of Chairman Richard and working with our local partners, we will enhance MDAsince 1990, and previously worked at the establishing buffers to protect two million miles of Lugar, where he played a major role in the develop- and encourage Michigan farmers' efforts to reduce Michigan Department of Natural Resources. stream banks and lake shores by 2002. Specifically, ment of the conservation title of the 1996 Farm Bill. environmental impacts into the next century." In addition to his strong academic credentials, NCBCplans to promote USDA'scontinuous enroll- Prior to that, he was in charge of environmental The Environmental Stewardship Division will Thelen also understands the practical side of farm. ment of buffers in the Conservation Reserve Program issues for the National Corn Growers Association work in concen with local agricultural and environ- ing having been a partner in his family's 500-acre (CRP). Under the CRP,farmers and ranchers retire and earlier worked as a wire service reponer and mental agencies, including soil conservation crop and dairy farm, and owns his own small cash environmentally fragile land in exchange for annual farm broadcaster .• districts and MSU Extension offices, Thelen said. crop, tree and beef cattle operation. He is a mem- New diagnostic tool to aid in eradicating cattle TB The Environmental Stewardship Division has just ber of several professional organizations and has announced 13 million in grants to be used for authored numerous papers on the environmental A new diagnostic test takes only two to three days to detect the bacterium that causes cattle tuberculosis, an improvement over current al found only in M. bovis. M~g s~ m~y copies of the targeted DNA allows easy Identification of M. bovis, which couldn't be seen before the PCR groundwarer protection and educarion by local soil conservation districts across rhe state. impacts of agricultural chemicals .• diagnostic methods that take two to three months. amplification. Extensive tests in other laboratories Mycobacterium bovis - the culprit in cattle have proven that this piece of DNA isn't present in Report hands down statistic: tuberculosis - is very similar to two other bacteria: other mycobacterial species. Farmers twice as likely to be killed on the job M avium andM paratuberculosis. The inability to The researchers checked the PCR test by ex- distinguish between these similar organisms has slowed down the U.S.Department ofAgriculture's amining 99 known cases of TB in cattle and elk. In 93 percent of the cases, they could make an accu- A ccording to a repon released by the Interna- tional Labor Organization, agriculrural work- ers worldwide are twice as likely to be killed while experienced i~proved safety records. In the UnIted Stares, farmers and farm workers make up only 3 percent of rhe workforce, according goal of eradicating cattle tuberculosis by the year 2000. rate diagnosis within two to three days after ar work than employees in other sectors. to the repon. Yer,nearly 8 percent of all work-related Scientists with USDA'sAgricultural Research receiving the tissue samples. The speedier diagnosis Our of 1.3 billion agricultural workers world- accidents occurred in the agriculture sector. Service in Ames, Iowa, developed the new diagnos- will allow APHIS officials to take immediate action wide, 170,000 were killed each of the pasr 10 years. The report says curting tools and machinery- tic test at the request of USDA'sAnimal and Plant to identify the most common sources of cattle tu- The repon says monaliry rates in the farm sector such as tractors and harvesrers - are rhe leading Health Inspection Service (APHIS).The test uses berculosis: imponed Mexican steers, the captive elk have remained high while orher dangerous occupa- causes of dearh and injury, but ir mentions exposure polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that and deer population, and large dairy herds with low tions, such as construction and mining, have to pestiddes and other chemicals as major causes .• makes millions of copies of targeted genetic materi- levels of infection .• • I Memb Ith Insuran from MI an Farm Bureau ( over 40 years, Farm. Bureau .and Blue Cross Blue Shie~d. aYe teamed up to prOVide quahty health care at competitive group with the personalized service you would expect from au membership. No your needs ... small business, sole proprjetor Medicare supplemental or individual coverage fu family - we have the right plan at the right pri rT;R;e; ;D;=A~N;R:';;;LEASe CAll MAil THIS couP' Estate Wanted 25. Building local Farm Bureau WANTED HARDY WOOD Representative STANDING TIMBER: 7. Dogs and Puppies 16. Estate Sales 26. Lawn And Garden BURNING FURNACES. about the program. Buyers of timber of The original all 8. Ponies/Horses 27. Announcements I can be reached at all types. Cash in 17. A u c t i o n s stainless steel out- 1-616-342-0413. advance! side wood burning 9. Help Wanted 18. Antiques/Collectibles 28. To Give Away 1-517-875-4565, furnace for forced ask for Tim. air systems or hy- 19. General 29. V e h i c l e s Maple Rapids dronic systems as STRAW Lumber Mill, Inc. well as domestic Name .Phone ( ). CHOPPERS St. Johns, Ml hot water. The Safety Store We rebuild and bal- WANTED: Address. 1-517-496-3756 ance. Some ex- Old motorcycles, changes. We stock snowmobile and off chopper parts. City State _2ip. ~ L I V E FISH road vehicles. 1965 FOR STOCKING and older. Call JD Brook Trout, Brown ENGINE REBUILDING at 1-517-676-0583. Classified Ad Code Requested. Number of Issues Trout, Rainbow our specialty. Auto-Truck-Tractor- WANTED: Desired Insertion Date(s):. Trout, Golden Trout, Tiger Trout, Antique-Continen- Used irrigation Bass, Bluegill, equipment, alumi- tal-Kohler-Onan- Method of Payment Perch, Catfish, For- num tubing, PTO Wisconsin engine pumps, hard hose age Fish. dealer. and soft hose trav- Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) HOMESTEAD 70 years of service! elers. Buy, Sell or TROUT FARM HART'S AUTO Trade! Call & HATCHERY Visa Card Number Exp. Date PARTS Rain Control Grand Haven, Ml Cecil, OHIO 1 •800-339-9350 1-616-842-6976 1-419-399-4777 Master Card Number Exp. Date Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words • 30 cents each additional word Getaway with Farm Bureau in 1998 Write your ad here, including phone number and area code Orient Sampler 1 2 3 4 F e b r u a r y 17-28, 1 9 9 8 5 6 7 8 Scandin; ts?e 9 10 11 12 June 12r26,yl998> 13 14 15 16 '•A- Islands of N e w England 17 18 19 20 J u l y 10-17, 1998 21 22 23 24 F r e n c h Riviera & N o r t h e r n Italy 25 26 27 28 S e p t e m b e r 12-20, 1998 29 30 31 32 Plus Alaska Cruise/Tour and an Agricultural Study Tour to Northern Europe! Call now for additional information on any or all of the Getaway Tours listed! 33 34 35 36 Mon. - Fri. i FARM BUREAU TRAVEL Clrcu attoDX)ver t47,70 8 a.m. • 5:30 p.m. WMVU ouuu^vci f , # u0 u iin State ll o i d i o VJI m i ^ iligan Of Mic nydi OF MICHIGAN 800-292-2693 News for Farmowners from Farm Bureau Insurance Heating with a wood stove? Acareer agent is a well-trained, hard-working professional who has a strong desire for personal Disability income protection especially de- Also available from Be prepared growth along with a real concern for serving people. signed for farmers, underwritten by Illinois Mutual. Farm Bureau Life: N o matter how carefully you install a wood stove, or what kinds of precautions you take, there is always the possibility that something could Farm Bureau Insurance offers a bright future and real opportunity for advancement. To find out Just indicate your interest on the form below and return it to the address or fax number listed there. new Rothand EducationlRAs ongress has approved two new IRAplans that more, call 517-323-7000, ext. 2737, or contact your ( go wrong. That's why you should have ... take effect for the 1998 tax year - and both are - VL-approved fire extinguisher in the vicinity of local Farm Bureau Insurance office. Keep your farm shop safe available to you from Farm Bureau Life. (but not right next to) your stove. - A smoke or smoke/fire detector near your sleep- ing quarters, but far enough away from the stove America's first - and Michigan's finest S ervice and maintenance of equipment are important jobs on the farm. Be sure your farm shop is a place where you can make repairs safely. Contributions to the new Roth IRAplan cannot be deducted from income. But earnings grow tax-deferred and can be withdrawn tax free in retirement (after age Here are some tips: 59-112) if the account has been in place at least fiveyears. to keep the detector from sounding off in the presence of normal heat radiation or smoke that may result from start-up or refueling. F arm Bureau Mutual introduced the first Farmowners policy in the nation back in 1960. Y0Uand thousands of other Michigan farmers now - Organize your workshop so that everything has a designated place. Make sure items are secure so The new Education IRAallows annual deduct- ible contributions of up to S500 for each child - Portable, folding escape ladders under beds' or have an easy way to cover your entire farming operation, that they won't fall on someone. under the age of 18. Distributions of earnings are window sills for emergency use. thanks to Farm Bureau Mutual's innovation all those years - Keep walkways clear to prevent trip-and-fall tax free, and withdrawals can be made at any time if - An emergency exit plan. ago. Wewere the first, and we're stillthe best. accidents. used for college expenses. We have a helpful guide to the proper installa- That's why we're the leader in Michigan farm - When you're working on equipment, be sure Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent for more tion and use of wood heating appliances. It's called protection, insuring more farms than our next two that it is turned off, all rotating parts have informati_onabout these outstan9ing new opportunities. Wood Heat: The Safe Way and is available to you closest competitors combined. stopped moving and safety locks are in place. free of charge. Just check the coupon below and- You may find better ways to run your farm, - Keep all shields and guards in place on power Drive carefully, stay safe return it to us. equipment. but you won't find a better way to insure it. - Have the right tools for the job. Handle them on your snowmobile More than just farm insurance Farm Bureau Life - one of the nation's best properly to avoid skinned knuckles, strains, pinched fingers and the like. S nowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Michigan. But it can be a hazardous one, too. As snowmobiles become faster and more so- - Equip your shop with ground fault circuit inter- phisticated, and as snowmobile traffic increases, M ore than just your farm needs top-quality protection. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent offers a full range of insurance services to W hen you choose Farm Bureau Life for your life insurance, annuity, or retirement plans, you are being protected by one of the most out- rupters (GFCI) to help prevent electric shock. - Keep your shop well lighted. Be sure all heaters are properly vented and that flammable liquids experts cite three main factors in the accompanying increase in deadly snowmobile accidents: excessive protect you, your family, and your future. standing companies in America. are kept away from heat sources. speed, alcohol, and improper driving on roadways. - Life insurance _ Boat insurance , For the sixth straight year, Farm Bureau Life - Wear personal protective equipment. Standard PPE Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind: - Business insurance _ Retirement insurance has been named one of the 50 most outstanding life for a farm sh_opshould include leather gloves, chem- - Ride at a speed that is compatible with the trail - Auto insurance _ Estate planning insurers in America, based on safety, security, and ical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, face shields, ear width, condition, and length. Slow down if you - Annuities _ IRAs superior financial performance. plugs or m~ffs, steel-toed shoes, respirators, a hard have a passenger. - Ag work comp insurance The top 50 list is prepared annually by Ward hat, a protective apron and welding shields. - Don't hurdle or jump. We also offer alternatives to bank CDs that will Financial Group, a national investment firm that - Keep your snowmobile in good working condi- tion. Be sure all your lights are operating, and make a world of difference to your future. These are plans that pay a high rate of interest, offer tax-de- monitors the insurance industry. For small-business owners: don't overdrive your headlight at night. We're proud of our reputation and all we are do- ferred growth, and guarantee you a lifetime income. ing for the people of Michigan. Nobody cares as much Farm Bureau Life's - Alwayswear approved head gear and eye protection. about protecting Michigan farm families as we do. new SIMPLEretirement plan - Maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the machine ahead of you. Career opportunities F or the right person, here's an outstanding We've got information W ith Farm Bureau Life's new SIMPLE(Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) IRA, small-business owners can offer their employees - Avoidroad traveling. Ifyou must travel on a road, and such travel is permitted, reduce your speed. When opportunity: a career as a sales representative for Farm Bureau Insurance. for you about ... easy and affordable retirement plans. crossing a road, make a full stop, then look carefully A long-term care plan for older adults from in both directions before crossing. Tryto cross at a 90- Our sales representatives offer insurance Like Farm Bureau Life's other retirement plans, CNA. degree angle. Be wary of parked vehicles. products and services to individuals, families, and it will have no set-up or yearly administrative fees. Multi-peril crop insurance from American - Remember that alcohol and snowmobiling don't businesses. They help people all across Michigan To find out how the SIMPLEplan may work for Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Inc., to mix. Snowmobile operators who drink and drive plan for financial security. you, contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. help you protect your business. endanger themselves, their passengers, and any- r------------------ ---------, one else they may encounter on the trail. We would like to hear from you. Please let us know if you'd like information about: o A Free Insurance Review o Passing On Your Farm o Farmowners Insurance o Life Insurance o Annuities o Our video Farm Safety: The People Factor o Other You may also want more information about: o Workers Disability Compensation Insurance o RCAP - The Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program Ie. o Long-Term Care Protection ._ FARM BUREAU o Disability Income Protection ,,, •• INSURANCE o Multi-Peril Crop Insurance o Health Insurance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Free for you: Ourbillboards are bigger than life. o Wood Heat: The Safe Way So is the service you1l get from our agents. For top service for life, farm, home, auto, business and retirement insurance, see your Name Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. Address City/Zip ,.,. FARM BIJREAIJ ,I•• INSIJRANCE Mail to: Fax to: MAKING YOUR FUTURE MORE PREDICTABLE Farm Bureau Insurance 517-323-6615 Communications Department L Post Office Box 30400 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7900 ~ Now SEE YOUR AGENT