M I C H I G A N ' S ONLY S T A T E W I D E F A R M N E W S PAP M I C H I G A N F A R M BURE MICHIGAN FARM m BUREAU season for Michigan- D e c e m b e r 15, 1 9 9 7 PRINTED WITH Vol. 74, No. 20 SOY INK New fruit and vegetable microbial risk guidelines proposed by the FDA ^Zalmonella. E. Coli. Hepatitis A. If anything, • ^ 1 9 9 7 will be marked by the new era of food safety scares that have plagued the American con- sumer and even the American farmer. On Dec. 1, the FDA and USDA held a "town hall meeting" of sorts to unveil and hear grower comments on newly proposed federal guidelines for fresh fruit and vegetable production as part of President Clinton's newest initiative to "Ensure the Safety of Imported and Domestic Fruits and Vegeta- bles." According to the memorandum, the guide- lines will be the first set of specific standards for fruits and vegetables, improving the agricultural and handling practices for producers selling pro- duce to the domestic market. Among the guidelines proposed at the early December meet- ing were best management practices for manure management, water quality, worker sanitation and health, field facility sanitation, and transportation and handling practices. "We cannot deny that recently there have Each year, Michigan Christmas tree growers plant approximately 1.5 million new tree seedlings to keep pace with the been some high-visibility cases associating micro- $90 million industry that predominantly hinges on the Christmas season and the age-old tradition of a fresh-cut Christmas biological problems with produce, either fresh or tree. In the span of a few short months, more than 4 million trees are shipped throughout the hemisphere. processed," explained Tom Gardine with FDA's Food Safety Initiative and the main presenter at the meeting. "We must remember, the American con- sumer, when they hear about a problem with apple No resolution in sight for cider, they remember apples; if they hear about it $90 million generated with frozen strawberries, they remember strawber- Michigan's dairy superpool annually by trees ries. Concern expressed by producers over because of the threat of a potential state order man- I hh, the fresh scent of a newly-sawed "The food supply in this country is the best in increasing price spread between pay price dated by the Legislature." evergreen tree evokes memories of the worid," he added. "The produce supplied is the and value to processors The bone of contention around the collapse I Christmases past, but maybe you didn't safest in the worid and the president wants to keep it this way for a number of reasons: consumer con- fidence - we want the American consumer to eat A lthough many dairy farmers haven't yet felt the loss of Michigan's over-order premium "superpool," they will soon. Future monthly milk of Michigan's superpool revolves around milk used for other products besides bottled milk. "The debate as it wasfiveyears ago is the milk know that the age-old tradition is a $90 million in- dustry for our state. fresh produce because it's good for them." Beginning in October, more than 900 Michi- checks will reflect hundreds of dollars less due to going to Class III utilization(cheese, butter, pow- "Growers certainly do recognize the stakes gan Christmas tree growers began their work the collapse of the voluntary superpool on Dec. 1, dered milk usage), Kirk said. "Cooperatives contend that they have in maintaining consumer confidence harvesting millions of trees, putting Michigan sec- according to MFB Dairy Specialist Kevin Kirk. that they need some compensation for that milk. in a safe food supply," District I Director for the ond to Oregon in total production. Michigan, "To an average dairy farmer, it's from (400 to The other participants say 'no,' they want to partici- Michigan Farm Bureau Jim Miller told the panel however, raises 13 varieties of evergreen Christmas $800 a month of over-order premium," explained pate only if Class I (fluid milk) and II (cottage assembled at the meeting. "We certainly expect trees more than any other state. Kirk. "That's roughly $5,000 a year solely derived cheese, yogurt, ice cream, dips) are included in the these guidelines to stay as guidelines and certainly "We really are seeing a trend toward the real from the willingness of the cooperatives and pro- superpool. Processors supplying fluid milk also not become another layer of regulations." tree again," said Michigan Christmas Tree Associa- cessors in this state to participate in the voluntary want assistance for maintaining that market." One example from the 32-page guidelines tion Executive Director Laurie Koelling. "We had over-order premium program." Recent changes in pricing structures, primarily suggests that employees be trained to report to the seen an upswell using artificial trees, but people are MDA Director Dan Wyant recently met with all volume incentives, prompted the failure of the person in charge any information about their now looking for something to do with their families the processors including Chicago's Dean Foods to voluntary pool, according to Kirk. "Non-cooperative health or activities as they relate to diseases that are and going back to that tradition of getting a real see if there was a willingness to put the pool togeth- processors and handlers lost some producers," he trajj'nissible through food. tree, either off a lot or a choose-and-cut farm." er. "Dean is willing to come to Michigan in the said. "The big challenge was the fact that all of a "We're trying to protect not only the Ameri- Thefiveleading Michigan counties for com- month of December, sit down and talk about and sudden producers were jumping ship, bailing out, can public here," Gardine added. "One of the mercial Christmas tree production were in the negotiate the details and the specifics of a voluntary moving around, and it was causing too much uncer- phrases you heard here is the crisis of the week. We northwest: Wexford, Missaukee, Oceana, Kalkaska pool arrangement," he said. "They're open to it, tainty and too much instability in the industry." don't want continuing crises of the week with fresh and Montcalm. These five counties alone account and they recognize the value of it. In fact, they indi- "We've got a whole series of issues," Wyant produce. What happens is it ruins your crops; it for 45 percent of Michigan's Christmas trees. cated they participate in a half a dozen other said, "ranging from whether Class III milk is includ- Continued on page 4 "Scotch pine put Michigan on the map for voluntary pools currently around the country." ed in the pool, to investments into cheese plants Christmas tree production," Koelling added. "We Michigan was the first state in the late '50s to and the risks taken. The issue now will be, is there still do a lot of Douglas fir which is over in the Hart- create a premium program that priced milk over any common ground in there?" Manton area." Many growers have the Fraserfirin iff the federal milk market order, which was known as "The only way the superpool can be resurrect- the ground, which has seen increasing demand the first state superpool. All fluid milk processed in ed is to include Class I and Class II milk," Kirk PI the Lower Peninsula of the state shared in the pre- miums generated by fluid milk use. explained. Is there room in milk pricing for a superpool? along with the old stand bys white pine and blue spruce, she added. "Everyone plants their crop," Koelling said. m "Five years ago the pool fell apart and we op- erated the dairy industry in Michigan for over six According to numbers recently released by Michigan State University's Agricultural Economics "We do it on a 10-year schedule, so we're having to forecast 10 years ahead what type of tree the public m s* months without a pool in place," Kirk said. 'A volun- Department, the cooperative's nominal price de- is going to demand. There is a lot of physical labor tary pool was finally put together here again Continued on page 4 Continued on page 8 INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN FARM NEWS s News in Brief 2 MDA to host Canadian/US agricultural Host families needed for Russian and Capitol Corner 3 trade conference 11 Latvian students 18 Market Outlook 6 Weather Outlook 12 Hay yields below average 20 MSU's toxicology center opens 7 Weed Strategies 13 Discussion Topic 21 Complete your Ag census 14 FDA approves irradiation of beef, lamb MCA annual meeting t o be held as part of agricultural conference 8 Precision Agriculture 16 & pork 24 Use of alternative fuels 10 MSU sponsoring 'Forage 2001' 17 Sell products and services in the Michigan Farm News classifieds—Page 22 Mellls As recently as Nov. 26, 17 of these open districts had no candidate filings and many of the other dis- tricts had only one candidate currently seeking Michigan dairy producers approve continuance' i. Rnef election. This means that Farm Bureau members have many opponunities themselves to file as candidates M ichigan dairy producers have approved a referendum for the continuation of the Michigan Dairy Market Program for Grade A milk, (86 percent) representing 1,052,807,341 pounds of milk (88 percent) and 95 producers voted no (14 percent) representing 137,354,282 pounds of milk or to encourage orhers to file. according to Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan (12 percent). I would challenge you to attend your next coun- Depanment of Agriculture (MDA). The current assessment rate is 10 cents per ty Farm Bureau board meeting to discuss this issue. Michigan dairy producers approved the refer- hundredweight. You may nor be in one of the open districts in 1998, endum to continue the Michigan Dairy Market The law requires that more than 50 percent of but you will be in 2000. Talk to your current legislators Program for an additional five years beginning the voting producers, representing over 50 percent and ask them who may be considering running. Take Jan. 1, 1998, and ending Dee. 31, 2002. A total of of the volume of milk sold by those voting, must time to make a list of porential candidates and begin 770 ballots were received in the referendum, which approve the referendum for passage. contacting them to encourage their candidacy. was conducted by MDA from Oct. 20-31, 1997. Nine- Additional information about the referendum In September of this year, Michigan Farm Bureau ty-three ballots were disqualified as incomplete, may be obtained by contacting MDKs Marketing conduaed a can1paign managers' workshop designed unverifiable or were postmarked after Oct. 31. Of and Communications Division at (517) 373-1104 .• From the to help train those who are seeking office. We had more the remaining 677 ballots, 582 producers voted yes than a dozen panicipants who learned about every- President thing from campaign financing to dealing with the media. This type of training is critical for political suc- Man pleads guilty in fruit hepatitis case Accepting the challenge and the cess. Let me assure you that the state organization stands ready to assist in any way we can to suppon your F rederick Williamson, former president of Andrew & Williamson Sales Co. of San Diego, the fruit came from Williamson's distribution center. Williamson told federal authorities at the time the Opportunities of efforts on the local level. pleaded guilty in U.S. District Coun for lying and fruit was domestically grown. It is required that any other counts relating to the company's purchase of product sold to school lunch programs be domesti- term limits You may recall that Farm Bureau supponed strawberries from Mexico. The strawberries, served cally grown. term limits for eleaed officials. We must be willing to T here's a significant challenge for Michigan Farm Bureau and all of agriculture regarding the impaa of term limits. Sixty-fivemembers of the Michi- step forward and deal with the consequences of that dedsion. Our organizational structure is perfectly in school lunches, were believed to be the source of a hepatitis outbreak this past spring in several Andrew & Williamson must pay $1.3 million in civil damages and a $200,000 criminal fine over five suited to surface, train and suppon successful candi- states, including Michigan. years. The company also will have to pay an unde- gan House of Representatives - that's almost 60 Several students and teachers fell ill after eat- termined sum to states for cleanup, damages and dates. By developing a relationship early on, we will percent - will nor be able to seek re-election in 1998, ing the tainted strawberries. It was determined that the cost of destroying berries .• be able to have even greater influence once a candi- meaning that at least 65 new representatives will be date is eleaed to office. eleaed next November. Many of the incumbents who will nor be eligible The effon to identify and encourage candidates Midwest dairy industry shrinking must be given attention now. We cannor wait until for reelection have been proven friends of agriculture. Much of what we have accomplished has been be- cause of the strong partnerships we forged with next spring. The success of MFB's AgriPACCommittee has always been our grass-roots involvement. I en- T he Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said re- cently that the Midwest dairy industry may be facing some tough sledding in the future. Small at least until expon markets open up more and the U.S. is able to establish a foothold as a low- cost producer for the world dairy market," courage you to continue that level of commitment by representatives who understood agriculture, our farmers, the bank says, are leaving the business due Benjamin said. utilizing your county Farm Bureau to surface and grass-roots policy development process, and were to competition and eroding government price The number of dairy cows in the Chicago suppon candidates for the 1998 election that will willing to suppon our organizational policy objectives. supports. bank's district - Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin indeed be "Friends of Agriculture!" • The stakes are too high for us to wait and see Sincerely, "Many, typically smaller, dairy farmers contin- and Michigan - during September was down who deddes to seek office. We must begin now to identify candidates who are interested in our industry - candidates who understand agriculture and are g~!~ Jack Laurie, President ue to exit the industry, while a few others are expanding in hopes of achieving lower per-unit costs of production," said Gary Benjamin, econom- 3 percent from a year ago, and down 6 percent from two years ago, Benjamin said. Meanwhile, dairy cow numbers in the five willing to work with Farm Bureau. ic adviser and vice president at the Chicago Fed. key "growth states" - Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan Farm Bureau "Adomestic market whose needs can be met Idaho, and New Mexico - rose 4 percent from a Chile opens market to u.s. wheat with fewer dairy cows held by lower-cost producers implies the restructuring process will continue, year earlier and 6 percent in two years .• be based upon the detection of bunted kernels. The A griculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced that Chile will allow the impona- lion of U.S. wheat that originates from areas Kamal bunt program is the responsibility of USDKs Animal and Plant Health Inspeaion Sernce, a pan u.s. bans Belgian livestock and meat imports surveyed and found free of Kamal bunt "The dedsion to allow U.S. wheat into Chile is of the marketing and regulatory programs mission area. I nresponse to the discovery of a case of mad cow disease - bovine spongiform encephalopathy - in Belgium, the Agriculture Depanment has banned an on-farm monitoring system to prevent an out- break of the disease in the United States. At least 20 people, mostly from Britain, have a tremendous trade success," said Glickman. "It is "USDA has taken every precaution to ensure also another example of how this Administration is Chile is satisfied with our measures to establish pest all imports of cattle, sheep, their meat and other died as a result of the human brain disorder striving to recognize and implement World Trade free zones for Kamal bunt and apple maggot," said related products from that country. Despite the fact Creutzfeldt-]akob disease, which has been linked to Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary prindples Michael V. Dunn, assistant secretary of marketing that Belgium is not a major exponer of meat to the the consumption of beef from cattle afflicted with and standards." and regulatory programs. United States, USDA says "this emergency measure mad cow disease. Chile has agreed to accept U.S. wheat for con- Historically, Chile has imponed several hun- was taken to protect animal and public health." The United States also has banned imports of sumption based upon Servicio Agricola y Ganadero dred thousand metric tons of U.S. wheat each year, No cases of mad cow disease have ever been animals and meat from Britain, France, Ireland, (SAG) officials' technical review of the Kamal bunt and it was estimated that in 1997-98 Chile would discovered in the United States. Recently, the Food Oman, Ponugal, Switzerland and the Netherlands, program and the additional declaration attesting impon 750,000 metric tons ofV.S. wheat. and Drug Administration announced plans to set up due to BSE cases .• that wheat originated from an area that was sur- Chile has also agreed to recognize 27 counties veyed and found free of Kamal bunt. in California and 10 counties in Washington as free Tractor sales up during October This regulatory modification will be imple- from apple maggot. For counties not recognized as mented in mid-October, and SAG reserves the right to inspect all agricultural commodities entering free of the pest, SAG is requiring that the fruit be cold treated and that the first expon treatments be U S. sales of farm tractors rose 0.6 percent to 11,793 during October versus the same month in 1996, the Equipment Manufacturers Insti- release that, for the year to date, sales of farm trac- tors totaled 109,354, an increase of 11 percent compared with the first 10 months of 1996.• Chile. Inspection of U.S. wheat for Kamal bunt will verified onsite by SAG technicians .• tute said recently. The institute said in a news ORGANIZATIONAL BRIEFS AGRO-CULTURE Vander Molen appointed Chief Operating Officer Puts the Go in GrOW! John Vander Molen was promoted to chief expansion of the organization. operating officer for the Michigan Farm Bureau, Vander Molen graduated Magna Cum Laude effective Dec. 1, 1997, by the MFB board of direc- from Western Michigan tors. A member of the Michigan Farm Bureau family University with a de- Call for your FREE for 21 years, Vander Molen served three years as a gree in agricultural regional representative, eight years as the manager ~ ".. .... distribution. He and his CATALOG AND RESEARCH BOOKLET "96" of the Member Services Depanment, and 10 years as director of the Field Operations Division. As chief operating officer, Vander Molen will wife, Barbara, live in Charlotte. They have three adult children, 800.678.9029 plan, direct and supervise the business affairs of David, Anne and Sarah. Michigan Farm Bureau through the initiation and • land Cost t~ Machinery recommendation of plans and programs for effi- cient operations, sound growth and orderly John Vander Molen 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 service to regular members. by Michigan Fann Bureau. 7373 West , Best Seed \ \ \ A7 I / / / / Best Retum AGRO.(ULTURE Saginaw Highway, lansing. Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of 51.50 Is Included in annual dues of Michigan Fann Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Fann News to nonmembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at lansing. Michigan. and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and no.tewlde news articles should be sent to: Editor. Michigan Farm News. Post Office Box Best Weed Control " ", \ I I / / / .!!I!!!~ / 30960. Lansing. Michigan 41909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Fann Bureau, Post Office / Box 30960. lansing. Michigan 48909-8460. Edltorhll: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager, Thomas Nugent. Associate Editor. / Contributor: Sue Stuever Battel; Design and PI'oduction. Stephanie Goecke!. OffIcers: President. Jack laurie. Cass City: Vice President. Wayne Wood. Marlette; Third Member. Jan Vosburg. Oimax; Agro-Culture Administrative Director. John Vander Molen; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, David VanderHaagen. Directors: District 1. Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall; District 3, Michael fusilier. Liquid Fertilizers Manchester, District 4. Tom Guthrie. Delton; DIstrkt 5. Alan Gamer. Mason; District 6. Wayne Wood, Mariette; Dtstrkt 7, Rick Johnson. Leroy; District 8. Oon Sutto, Saginaw; District 9. Joshua Wunsch, Traverse CIty: District 10, Margaret Kartes, P.O. Box 150 West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-large: Jack laurie, Cass CIty: Faye Adam, Snover, Jan Vosburg, St. Johns, M I 48879 Olmax; Judy Emmons. Sheridan. ~otlon and Education, Mertann Keinath. Deckerville; Young Farmers, Jeff Horning. £ • December 15, 1997 man Capitol Product liability lawsuits Cer••r STATE R eps. Baird (D-Okemos), Bogardus (D-Davison) and Wallace (D-Detroit) have sponsored H.B. 5371, H.B.5372, and H.B.5373 re- spectively to address product liability lawsuit MFB Position: Farm Bureau opposes H.B. 5371, H.B. 5372, and H.B. 5373. In an already overly litigious society, these bills move in the wrong di. rection. They will result in increased lawsuits, thus concerns. costing Farm Bureau members excessive amounts In 1995, Gov. Engler signed into law sweeping Truck weights for agricultural haulers product liability reforms that helped protect manu- of time and money. MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048. S enator Leon Stille (R) has sponsored S.B. 816 establishing new truck weights for agricultural tural inputs. Many of these units are cusrom built. In some instances, these trucks have come from facturers, small business, and agribusiness from frivolous lawsuits. Specifically, the law eliminated Gene may lead to haulers. out-of-state to deliver these inputs. They cannot "venue shopping," capped pain and suffering dam- Currently, trucks with a gross vehicle weight legally deliver these inputs ro a Michigan farm if ages, and protected manufacturers and sellers from more efficient corn of 80,000 pounds are allowed on highways and county road commissions do not allow these trucks interstates in Michigan. Heavier trucks of up ro 164,000 pounds are also allowed on highways and on county roads. Finally, seasonal weight restrictions have in- lawsuits if the product met federal and state stan- dards or if the product was used in a manner in which it was not intended. R esearchers at Southern Illinois University say that a gene extracted from soil bacte- ria can be harnessed to improve corn's ability to interstates in Michigan provided they meet strict creasingly caused problems for the timely delivery HB 5371, 5372 and 5373 are intended to make process fertilizers. The development could be axle weight requirements. Unfortunately, state law of perishable commodities, such as milk. While it easier for individuals to sue manufacturers, small worth millions in extra revenue for farmers restricts truck weights to 73,280 pounds on county trucks cannot be allowed on all roads during the businesses and agribusiness. Specifically, the bills: while reducing potential environmental im. roads, unless county road commissions specifically freeze-thaw season, it is an economic necessity for • Require the jury to determine when a product is pacts. permit heavier trucks on county roads. Although highly perishable commodities ro be delivered ro defective. Currently, a judge makes this determi- The genetically altered plant "soaks up" most counties allow heavier trucks on county roads, the processor. nation. more nitrogen than traditional corn hybrids, this restriction has caused major problems in some S.B. 816 would allow trucks hauling agricultur- • Permit lawsuits if a person that manufactured or resulting in higher protein yields and less fertil- counties. al commodities of up to 164,000 pounds on county, distributed a product should have known the izer runoff, said biotechnologist David The availability of trucks is crucial ro the trans- roads. These trucks must, however, meet the states product was defective. Currently, a person can- lightfoot, who began his work with the gene in portation of such commodities as grain, sugar stringent axle weight requirements. In addition, the not be sued unless he or she actually knew the 1981. beets, milk, potaroes and cherries. Some of these state transportation department and county road product was defective. "When the plants first emerge, there's commodities are seasonal and perishable, such as commissions must grant exemptions from seasonal • Make it a criminal offense to manufacture or dis- oodles and oodles of nitrogen around and the sugar beets and potaroes. The timely movement of weight restrictions for the hauling of agricultural tribute an "unnecessarily hazardous" product. plant isn't equipped to deal with that. By equip- these commodities is critical to agriculture. When commodities on specified routes when requested in This crime would apply if a person made a false ping it with this gene, the plant absorbs more, county road commissions do not allow trucks on writing. or misleading statement about the product, even so less escapes," lightfoot said. Field trials indi- county roads that are allowed on state roads, this Status: Senate Agriculture and Forestry Com- though the person may not have known they cate that corn plants containing a gene known has a negative impact on agricultural profits. mittee were making a false or misleading statement. as GDH, or glutamate dehydrogenase, grows 10 Another significant economic factor ro many MFB Position: MFB Supports S.B. 816. • Allow punitive damages against a person in a percent bigger and has about 7 percent more .farmers is that trucks allowed on state roads are MFB Contact: Tim Goodrich, ext. 2048 • personal injury action. This allows the court to protein than unaltered hybrids. The plants also used to supply fuel, fertilizer, feed and other agricul- award damages above and beyond economic and reduce fertilizer residues left in and on the soil non-economic damages. Current Michigan law by up to 50 percent, lightfoot said .• IRSproposal would penalize farmers prohibits punitive damages. he Internal Revenue Service has proposed T changes in the uniform capitalization (UNICAP) rules for farmers that could adversely affect Michi- "The proposed expansion of expenses cov- ered by UNICAP will increase taxes for producers COOMER SEEDS, INC. because they will have to wait longer to deduct gan fruit and nursery farmers. UNICAP rules expenses," Nye said. "That's particularly bad news 24828 Slusher Road, Woodburn, IN 46797 determine if pre-productive expenses can be de- for orchard operarors who have a tremendous 219-632-5391 or 800-870-2051 • ducted immediately or whether the expenses have amount invested in the establishment of new apple to be depreciated over the life of a plant or animal. and cherry orchards. 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WKZO Kalamazoo 590 5:00-6:00 am 12:00-1:00 pm 5 7-7436 WPlB FM lakeview 106.3 6:15 am 12:15 pm WOAP MOlTON Owosso 1080 7:15 am 12:40 pm BUilDINGS WHAK Rogers City 960 12:15 pm 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 WfCM Traverse City 580 5:45 am 11:10am Visit our web site at: www.mfrn.com ~~IJ'I~'~ December 15, 1997 Further guidelines set for food safety Dairy farmers will soon be feeling pinch Continued from page 1 perspectives. One's really food safety-based, and ours Continued from page 1 ruins your crop for the entire season, and it takes you are more environmentally and nuisance-based. creased from $1.48 per gallon in 1990 to $1.34 per dropped roughly 10 to 11 percent while, at the a full season to recover from it." "Many of the things that we do to protea water gallon in 1997, while retail prices of milk grew from same time, the retail price has increased over 13 The growers who testified before the group still quality also are protective of public health and food $2.31 per gallon to $2.62 per gallon. percent. That's a substantial margin, so that means expressed a certain level of concern that the proposed safety," he added. "The one comment I made in here "Over the last seven years when you take a there is room to demand an over-order premium guidelines, broad and general as they may be, could was that perhaps these particular guidelines for food look at the cooperative's price," explained Kirk, "it's and return it back to the producers." • be the beginning of more red tape to come. safety should reference some of the work that individ- "One thing you've got to get through to the $3.00 - Retail Price CO-OP Price • • • • •• Class I Price ual states have done with respect to water protection, agricultural community is that FDA, as we know, is manure management, some of the things we already a regulatory agency, not a recommendatory agen- cover under our Right-to-Farm practices." cy," explained Dan Hill, chairman of the Fruit and "One of the things we pointed our many times Vegetable Advisory Committee for Farm Bureau during our presentation," Gardine explained, "is the and a member of Michigan's Vegetable Council. guidance document does not supersede local law, 'J\nytime we see something in writing from the local requirement, local regulation - be that an exist- FDA, we figure it's a regulation waiting to happen. ing federal regulation that is already on the books, a "There is no hidden agenda," Gardine em- state requirement, or a local requirement." phasized. "No secret plan to turn this into a The Michigan town meeting was the first of six regulation. We believe the way to work with this is to be held around the country until Dec. 19. After that through putting out the best guidance based on point, the guidelines may be revised, based upon the current science." testimony and any written comments received by the FDA guidelines vs. Right-to-farm FDA, and published in the Federal Register. Once they Questions about the need for further guidelines are published in the register, another 45-day comment SO.50 came up often given the faa that Michigan already has period will begin for any final notes to be submitted. the Right-to-Farm law on the books outlining general- "If they have thoughts and comments they want ly accepted agricultural management practices for to share, get it in to us," Gardine said. "We would manure, pestidde and nutrient management. hope that the fanners recognize the importance of SO.OO "I really don't see any major areas of conflia," :.c. ~ ; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ microbial safety in the production of fresh produce . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ explained Kun Thelen, director of MDKs Environmen- for their consumers, the American public who pur- Data compiled by Michigan State University's Agricultural Economics Department. ." .... ' tal Stewardship Division, which manages Michigan's chases their products, and for their business." • Cooperative and class I prices were obtained from MMPA as hundredweight prices. They were converted to whole milk gallons using 11.6 gallons per cwl , . Right-to-Farm. 'They're really looking from different The retail price was obtained from USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service as a a simple average o!the whole milk price per gallon at the two largest food retailers and the largest convenience store chains in the Detroit metro area. 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Box 21008, Lansing, MI 48909. Variety Descriptions & Conditioning Information Phone: 517-355-7438, Lab: 517-355-7555 We put a lot of ene" into farming 1. 1 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 CDntact We have a 24-hour, toll-free current, call1-BOO-252-B65B. number to answer your energy service questions. Plus, we've For other selJ/ice questions, call established a dedicated, toll-free 1-B00-477-5050. number so we can respond to your questions about ~nimal contact current. And, with 39 Customer Service Centers state-wide, we're ready to serve you. We're also working with key agricultural organizations like Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan FFA on issues that impact your produc- tivity and profitability. ~~r\'J~ December 15, 1997 .. And expons of raw beans continue on a pace to meet the sharp increases in expon projections. the 136 to 139, is increased utilization, including expons. Corn H As usual, South America is the wildcard this time While expons in 1997 have been strong relative Soybeans i.1 of year. Plantings seem to have gone fairlywell which to any time other than the spring of 1996, they have Wheat H was a big factor in tempering the soybean market after not met expectations, espeda1ly to Japan. A combina- Hogs H a nice rally. As we move into use levels not seen be- tion of a stronger U.S. dollar and tastes and Cattle H fore, and as we go though the South American preference considerations have kept the United States Index: H :: stable prices; t ::higher prKes; .1. :: lower growing season with EINino concerns, volatility in the from exporting as much pork to Japan as expected prices; To = topping; BT = bottoming; 7 :: unsure market is the most likely scenario. after foot-and-mouth disease hit Taiwan. However, the pons. Myguess is that we will see exports pick up As we have discussed for several issues, the U.S. share of imports has increased. next spring from the present pace, but that they won't market will not likely pay for storage due to basis The Dec. 1 Hogs and Pigs Report will be re- make it back to previous expectations. tightening for on-farm or off-farm. Therefore, "no leased Dec. 29. It will help confirm whether or not by Dr. Jim Hilker, The local basis is not overly strOng and the spread farmers have beans in storage, so as not to incur stor- pork produaion will be up 8 percent in 1998. Department of between futures indicates the market will pay on-farm age costs, anywhere in Michigan," yeah, right Again, DAIRY Agricultural storage. But there is no compelling reason that prices this is not to say we can't be in the soybean market, just be in it with a basis contract or futures, not cash by Larry G. Hamm Economics, Michigan will rebound rapidly. Those with the where-with-all beans. Any questions? ~e future of milk pricing mechanisms are in a State University may consider storing 20 to 45 percent on-farm for a spring rally.Others may want to move a higher percent- I state of great confusion. However, the milk markets continue to show strength. The results of age and consider getting back in the market later with call options if an optimistic urge hits them. 'A Jhile placements were down in October and these two factors lead to the proverbial good news/ •• are expected to be down in November, bad news scenario . W th no more produaion surprises on the OIizon now that the crop is in, market inter- ests are shifting to demand variables such as feed use A s evidenced by prices, the wheat market is numbers on feed are still large and expected to be large for a month or two into the new year. With The good news is that wholesale cheese mar- kets, particularly, for 40 pound blocks of cheddar II-Ilnot the hot place to be. As Table 2 shows, demand being mediocre at best, prices will stay in cheese have held their strength through the month of and expons. livestock numbers on-feed are signifi- the same mid $60s until this excess is through the November. This, combined with stable butterfat prices cantly higher than a year ago, so feed use should be projected use is up 100 million bushels, but ending stocks are expected to be up 220 million bushels, market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), means strong. Table 1 shows a 5 percent year-to-year increase Feeder prices have been fairly strong recently, that the November Basic Formula Price (BFP) in- and prices reflect that. Fundamentals suggest prices in com used for feed, slightly higher than the Novem- but the strength came too late for Michigan feeder creased over its October level of $12.83 per ber USDAestimate. The Dec. 1 Stocks Report, to be for the year around $3.50, and we have already seen that is the case. Without some unexpected produc- auaions. However, the strength is expected to stay hundredweight (cwt.) at 35 percent test The Novem- released around Jan. 10, will help solidify this number. from this point on for the next couple of years as cow ber BFP is $12.96. The 13-cent increase in BFP means tion problems somewhere in the Southern Expons, or lack thereof, are playing the most numbers continue to shrink, fed prices recover, and that the fundamental base under U.S. dairy markets is Hemisphere, I suspect we won't see much price havoc. Both exports to date and expon sales are be- most likely feed prices over the next couple of years likely to hold for the next month or two. movement before spring. low last year's low levels. The USDAlowered their hold even or drop. The question isn't whether beef The seasonal weakening of dairy product It will be interesting to see what the winter 1997-98 expon projeaion 100 million bushels in their cow numbers will be down in the Jan. 1 count to be markets will likely occur in the next month or two. wheat planting numbers were as of Dec. 1, which will November estimate, and things have deteriorated released the end of January, but rather how much However, currently the fundamental market indica- be released around Jan. 12. The condition of the win- since. Therefore, I have lowered my estimate another they will be down for the country as a whole. tors seem to suggest a more limited decline in dairy ter wheat crop is quite good for the country as a 50 million to 1,875 million bushels as shown in product prices. One important market fundamental whole. If something does spark the wheat market, Table 1. This is still 80 million higher than a year ago. and July futures head back towards $4, consider pric- is the amount of commercial and government stor- If these numbers are correa, then com prices ~e last time we had slaughter numbers near age holdings of natural American cheese. In August ing some 1998 wheat. are about where fundamentals would projea, and I the levels we have seen this fall was the fall of 1997 for example, U.S. warehouses had in storage takes much of the luster off the com market As with SOYBEANS 1994 and prices fell well under $30s. What's the 78 million more pounds of natural American cheese most issues, there are arguments taking expons in ~e up, down projections for the soybean mar- difference? There are two main factors, capadty and than they did in August 1996. This extra 78 million either direaion from this point At this point, China I ket continues to do quite well. Demand contin- demand. In 1994, there wasn't enough slaughter pounds of cheese overhanging the dairy markets has exponed more than anyone thought they would, ues to be very strong, but we (the market) continue capacity to handle the huge number. Now due to was largely responsible for the large drops in the Eastern Europe has exponed a little, unexpectedly, to be unsure of just how strong, although we are some new plants coming on line there are more BFP experienced earlier this summer. The latest and the Pacific Rim, large buyers of U.S. com, is in an quite sure it's somewhere between very strong and than enough packing plants. Prices probably would USDA cold storage statistics show that for October economic upheaval. On the other hand, the produc- very very strong. Crush for both U.S. use and ex- not have fallen under $36 to $39 if there had been 1997, cold storage inventories of natural American tion number throughout the world and the perceived pons continue to outpace projections, even with sufficient capadty at that time. The reason that cheese are only 20 million pounds higher than their demand by next spring would indicate stronger ex- significant year-to-year increases in the estimates. prices are in the mid $40s at this time, compared to October 1996 levels. It appears from these National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) figures that COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS the large stored cheese overhang on the dairy mar- kets has been whittled down. This bodes optimism ........ :JlOO ........................... 4100 for the level of seasonal price adjustment likely to be seen in the next few months. Ifthat is the good news, the bad news is that the pridng mechanisms by which farm pay prices are calculated are still up in the air. As has been widely reponed, a federal district judge in Minneapolis void- ed milk pridng elements from a significant market number of Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. :noo areas in the United States. The ruling has cast confu . .Com • Dee. '97 Z200 : Soybeans ~Jaft. ~9B.. : . : : : : : : : : 500" .Wheat , Dec. ~97.. : : : : . ]100 sion as to whether FMMO administrators can use the rell nu Apr n.v JUR Jill /lag Sep Ikt IbI Dee r ell nu Apr na., JuR Jill Aug Sell Ikt IbI Dee reb liar Apr n.v Jun Jill q Sep Ikt IbI Dee long-established pridng procedures in the FMMOs to determine a uniform price for producers. It may take 73.50 Z4lI.oo ................ ~.OO several more weeks to clear the confusion caused by the judge's order. In the meantime, it is not exactly ~ clear how individual producer prices and checks will ~ be calculated in the months ahead. u: ~ In conclusion, the good news is that although :E~ seasonal milk price declines are on the way, they may ~ be somewhat more moderate this year than in past. ~ The bad news is that it is unclear exactly what proce- . . ....... . . . ...... Live ClIttle ~ Dec. '97 . 65.50 .Soy Meal • OK. '97 1IM.00 : .Lean. Hogs •.Dec •. '97. . . . . . . . 511.00 ~ dures will be used to calculate producer pay prices in ~ the future .• reb nu ApI' n.v Ju. Jlu AllgSep Ikt IbI Dee rell nu Apr IIIu Ju. JI. AqSep Ikt IbI Dee r ell nu ApI' lIau JIllI Jill /lagSep Ikt IbI Dee Herbicide Errors ~ Monsanto Company has advised our customers Table 1- Corn Table2 - Wheat Table 3 - Soybeans of an error in certain printed label booklets for EstImated Projetted Hilker Estimat2d Projetted Hilker Estimated Projected Hllker Roundup Herbicide (EPA Reg. No., 524-445)/ (This (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 (Million acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 (MIllion acres) 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 notice does NOT affect either Roundup Ultra or 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 Acres planted Roundup Pro herbicides). The error refers to an 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 60.9 62.9 63.5 Bu.Jharvested acre 35.3 37.6 39.0 incorrect "4-hour" Reentry Interval (REI) printed on BuJharvested acre 113.5 127.1 126.4 Bu.Jharvested acre 35.8 36.3 39.7 Stocks (million bushels) a ponion of Roundup Herbicide label booklets iden- Stocks (million bushels) Stocks (million bushels) 335 183 132 tified on the cover at "1996-1 (print plate) Beginning stocks Beginning stocks 1,558 426 884 Beginning stocks 507 376 444 Production 2,177 2,383 2,736 21oo1U2-28/53."The correct REI forthis product is Production 7,374 9,293 9,359 Production 2,182 2,285 2,526 Imports 4 9 4 "12 hours" as reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Imports 16 13 10 Imports 68 92 95 Total supply 2,516 2,575 Protection Agency. 2,872 Total supply 8,948 9,732 10,253 Total supply 2,757 2,753 3,065 Use: If you have purchased Roundup Herbidde after Use: Use: Crushings 1,370 1,436 1,520 August 1, 1997, this notice will not apply to you. How- Feed and residual 4,696 5,362 5,640 Food 883 891 910 Exports 851 882 975 ever, if you purchased Roundup (not Roundup ULTRA Food/seed & Ind. uses 1,598 1,691 1,775 Seed 104 103 100 Seed, feed & residuals 112 125 137 nor PRO) herbidde in 1997 prior to August 1, 1997, Total domestic 6,294 7,053 7,415 Feed 153 314 325 Total use 2,333 2,443 2,632 we ask that you follow the guidelines listed below. Exports 2,228 1,795 1,875 Total domestic 1,140 1,308 1,335 Ending stocks 183 132 240 7.8 5.4 9.1 GI 1. Check for any remaining product in your Total use 8,522 8,848 9,290 Exports 1,241 1,001 1,075 Ending stocks, % of use 426 884 963 Regular loan rate $4.92 $4.97 $5.26 ~ inventory with a label booklet bearing the numbers: Ending stocks Total use 2,381 2,309 2,410 Ending stocks, % of use 5.0 10.0 10.4 u.s. season average ~ "1996-1 (print plate) 2100IU2-28/53." Ending stocks 376 444 655 Regular loan rate $1.89 $1.89 $1.89 Ending stocks, % of use 15.8 19.2 27.1 Farm price,$lbu. $6.72 $7.38 $6.70 ~ 2. If you possess such product, please call the u.s. season average Regular loan rate $2.58 $2.58 $2.58 ~« Monsanto Consumer Response Center at 1-800-325- Farm price,$lbu. $3.24 $2.70 $2.60 u.s. season average :J 1224 for instructions to obtain the proper labeling Farm price,$lbu. $4.55 $4.30 $3.50 ~ from the manufacturer. We apologize for any inconve- ~ nience this may have caused our customers .• Michigan State University's National Food Safety and Toxicology Center opens for business by Kris Totzke Food safety issues can arise at any stage, or T he recently completed, 115,OOO-square-foot more than one. He said the whole food system needs Food Safety and Toxicology Building at to be looked at to understand where the best place is Michigan State University (MSU) will house to intervene so safety can be increased. the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. The National Food Safety and Toxicology Center Dedicated Oct. 24, the center seeks to develop a will look at microbiological hazards, food chemistry, safer food supply, well-rounded public policy and a epidemiology and toxicology. Toxicology studies greater public understanding of food safety issues. It poisons and their effects. Epidemiology is a branch of will assess and identify hazards, develop management medical science dealing with incidence, distribution techniques for handling these hazards and then com- and control of disease within a population. municate its research findings to the public. "We've been familiar with pesticide issues for Dr. Roben Hollingwonh, National Food Safety quite awhile, and now we see things likeE coli and and Toxicology Center director, said the center could Salmonella," Hollingwonh said. :'Essentially, we're be traced back to historical Michigan concerns over seeing a number of these problems trace back to the the safety of its food supply. farm, either in animal or plant production." "Over the years, we've had funding from the While researching, the center's main goal is to United States Depanment of Agriculture (USDA), in Residing just south of the agricultural department on Farm Lane, is the new Food Safety & help prooucers prcxiuce a safer proouct. panicular, to look at food safety issues that arose from Toxicology Building. "We want to help solve those problems occur- Michigan concerns," he said. ring at farm level and reduce their impact," he said. The impact came in 1989 after USDA appropriat- Building's greenhouses on MSU's campus, the center said. "That includes pre-harvest food safety situations "So, pre-harvest, which is really what we're talking ed $25 million, through the efforts of then- appears to be one of a kind. occurring on the farm or at prcxiucer level, processing about, is a very significant focus for what we are do- Congressman Bob Traxler, to construct and establish a "There's nothing quite identical to this," and packaging, retail, and increasingly, in food service, ing." program for the new food safety and toxicology cen- Hollingwonh said. He said one or two national cen- where at least 50 percent of the meals people eat are According to the national Centers for Disease ter. ters exist and one is forming at University of Maryland prepared outside the home." Control and Prevention, up to 81 million cases of "We've been building it ever since," said to focus on food safety issues. Hollingwonh, who is also director of the Pesti- foodbome illness occur each year, including up to 2.5 Hollingwonh, a 10-year toxicologist with an interest in "I hate to separate us from the others, but our cide Research Center, said the Food and Drug million cases in Michigan. Nationwide, the total costs pesticides. "This is the second of our two buildings. mission is to look at food safety issues right across the Administration has a center in Illinois, and Texas A&M associated with food poisoning are estimated to be We have a very advanced animal and aquatic research whole spectrum of the food chain," Hollingwonh is hoping for one more like MSU's. $23 billion .• facility that was built first, and now this lab facility." The center's 52,OOO-square-foot Animal Research Containment Facility provides an environ- ment for complete containment of hazards and strict control of emissions. During the dedication ceremonies, Gov. John Engler announced a cross-depanment team of scien- tists, epidemiologists, veterinarians and physicians is being formed to respond swiftly to outbreaks of sus- pected food-borne illness in Michigan. Called the Special Actions for Food Emergencies (SAFE) Team, the group of professionals from Michigan Depanment of Agriculture and Michigan Depanment of Community Health will be mobilized whenever there is a threat to human health involving the food supply. 'The two agencies have already had an extraor- dinary and successful partnership in handling food safety emergencies," Engler said. "The development of the SAFETeam formalizes and strengthens that relationship, ensuring food supply threats will be prevented or minimized." Prevention and minimization are also the main mission of the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. Located behind the Plant and Soil Science Natlonal.Food Safety and Toxicology Center's Scope of AcUvlties Ii Toxic()JQgyR~a(tb- The. relative risk of dietary exposure to natural and man- made chemicals and their public policy and health implications will be evaluated. Iflterests include cancer-producing substances, immunity to poisons and their effects, and hormonal dys- function . • Microbial Pathogens - The center focuses its effons primarily on Campy/obaeler, Cryptosporidium and E. coli. Subjects of re- search interest include detection, passage from farm to human populations, drug resistance, risk assessment, and chronic effects of infection . • Analytical and Food Chemistry- Special expenise subjects include: trace analysis of pesticides; substances that produce fungus and mold; natural products; metals; and persis- Can your insecticide handle multiple pests? tent compounds belonging to the chlOrinated hydrocarbon pesticides, such as DDT. • Epidemiology - Working closely with MSU's Department of Epidemiology, the center is developing research programs on the epide- They're just dying to take you for a ride. Rootworms. Flea miology of food-borne infectious diseases, the • beetles. Seedcorn maggots. Nematodes. White grubs. And role of animals and fish in their transmission and wireworms. Make sure they'rejust dying. With COUNTER~ CR~ long-term effects of exposure to organochlo- rines, or substances belonging to the chlorinated systemic insecticide-nematicide. It's controlled-release. It lasts hydrocarbon pesticides . longer to stop the toughest corn pests, even if they all hit at once. • Public Policy - The center's areas of Now you'll make them pay. Instead of the other way around. focus include the effects on international com- merce of trade barriers based on food safety issues, consumer perceptions of food risks, and the scientific basis of regulatory policy toward JIll chemical and microbial hazards . • Outreach and Education - The (I ~- Cover yours. center intends to provide science-based, unbi- ased information and education on issues relating to food safety to both the public and ~r.:t.t Kick theirs. food professionals. www.cyanamid.com ~~IL'I:t'lli December 15, 1997 MDAseeking MCA annual meeting scheduled Michigan ag as part of agricultural conference exporters for new award he founh annual Michigan Agricultural Mega T Conference is scheduled for Jan. 19-21, 1998. During the three.day conference, the six hosting Meaning" with NCBA'sbrand-like initiative. In addition to the speakers, MCAboard of director elections are also on the agenda for the mittance to all of the educational sessions, an exten- sive, multi-commodity trade show, and selected meals. T he Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for the state's top exporters of food and agricultural products, MDADirector Dan Wyant organizations will hold their member/annual meet. annual meeting. Ten producers have terms ending The educational sessions for Mega Conference announced. ings. Among these groups is the Michigan on the MCAboard of directors: Dale Augustine of cover a wide variety of topics including some that "Exporting is critically important to agriculture Cattlemen's Association (MCA), which is planning Bellevue, Pete Bontekoe of Greenville, John Cun- would be of great interest to beef producers. Some in Michigan," Wyant said. "Michigan food and agri- its annual meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 8:30 ningham of Concord, Kurt Hrabal of Breckenridge, of these sessions are: Dr. Greg Quakenbush pre- cultural companies exported a record $1.2 billion of a.m. to 11:30 a.m. senting "Parasite ID in Cattle"; Harlan Hughes products in 1996, directly supporting nearly 30,000 Scheduled to speak at the annual meeting is discussing the "Economic Reality of the Beef Cow jobs. We estimate about one-third of the total ex- MCAboard member Monte Bordner, who will up- Herd"; Tim Kelsey explaining the important topic of Scheduled to speak at the annual ports were consumer-ready food products. date membership on the MCAlong range plan. This "Getting Along with Non Farm Neighbors"; Kevin meeting is MCA board member Monte "The Department of Agriculture would like to will be followed by MSU Beef Specialist Joel Cowley, Kirk discussing "Right-to-Farm Record Keeping"; Dr. identify our export leaders and recognize their who will discuss the Farm to Fab Steer Evaluation Bordner, who will update membership Wendy Powers who will discuss "The Potential to achievements, which is why we have created this Program, and MSU Professors Dr. David Hawkins on the MCALong Range Plan. Reduce Manure Odors Through Dietary Manipula- new annual award." and Dr. Dennis Banks, who will discuss the MCN tion"; a farmer panel discussing "Drugs or Devices Applications for 1997 Michigan Ag Exporter MSU Bull Test Program. Both of these programs are for Heat Detection"; and two legislative sessions, of the Year are now available from the Michigan collaborative efforts between MCAand Michigan Kevin Kirk of St. Johns, Matt Miller of Charlotte, featuring U.S. reps. Nick Smith and Debbie Stabe- Department of Agriculture; self-nominations are State University. Dave Morris of Grand Ledge, Patricia Murphy of now, state reps. John Gernaat, Michael Green, and encouraged. The 12-question application seeks The MCAannual meeting will also feature two Olivet, Bill Nixon of Dexter, and Kevin Small of Cur- Howard Wetters, and state Sens. George McManus background information on the company and its special guests. Chandler Keys, vice president of the ran. These 10, in addition to any other MCA and Walter Nonh. products, the percentage growth of company ex- center of public policy for the National Cattlemen's members wishing to run, will be voted on by the For more information about the MCAannual ports from 1994 to 1996; and the export Beef Association (NCBA) will inform the member- general membership during the annual meeting. meeting or any other MCAprogram, contact the destinations. ship of NCBA'slatest efforts to help producers from The MCAannual meeting is free of charge to MCAoffice at (517) 336-6780 or write P.o. Box To be eligible, products must be greater than a legislative standpoint. Kathleen Hawkins, execu- anyone who wishes to attend. In addition, MCA 24041, Lansing, MI 48909. For more information 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in tive director of the Michigan Beef Industry members receive reduced admission rates if they on the Michigan Agricultural Mega Conference, Michigan. Companies with headquarters in other Commission (MBIC), will then let everyone in atten- are interested in attending the Mega Conference. contact Betty Driscoll, conference coordinator, at states and production facilities in Michigan are invit- dance know how "Branding Beef Takes on a New Registration for the entire three days includes ad- (517) 224-0930 .• ed to apply on the basis of their Michigan-mad~ exports. Nominations are due to the Michigan Depart- ment of Agriculture's International Program by Jan. 9. Selections will be made by a panel of repre- sentatives from Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and the Mid- America International Agri-Trade Council THE ROUNDUP READY@ (MIATCO). One Exporter of the Year will be selected in both the large company (500 employees and over) ZONE ISN'T A and small company (under 500 employees) catego- ry. The top exporters will be announced and PLACE, IT'S recognized at a March 10 program, during Agricul- ture and Natural Resources Week at Michigan State a stote University. For more information or to receive an applica- of tion, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 373-9710 .• Christmas mind. tradition makes for booming NOT EVERY SOYBEAN business GROWER HAS . Continued from page 1 to trimming the trees, beginning as early as three years of growth." THIS FEELING OF According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), over 4 million Michigan Christ- confidence. mas trees are shipped to 38 states from coast to coast, and a few foreign countries. In 1995 alone, 17,000 trees were shipped to other countries. IT'S A FEELING THAT ONLY COMES FROM In an effort to prevent the spread of pest pres- sure to other regions of the United States, the MDA UNMATCHED WEED CONTROL, inspects nearly 4 million trees annually, looking for signs and symptoms of gypst moth and pine shoot beetle. According to MDA, the pine shoot beetle CROP SAFETY AND YIELD. and gypsy moth are not a threat to consumers, their pets or their houseplants, but are monitored and IT'S A feeling controlled as required by the federal government, so the insects won't spread across the United States more quickly. YOU ONLY GET WITH ROUNDUP READY "Pine shoot beetle is not detrimental typically; we don't have much damage anywhere in the state SOYBEANS AND ROUNDUP UlTRA~ because we are spraying and controlling it," ex- plains Koelling. "Even if it is in the tree the consumer would not notice it; it's just an exotic ONLY ROUNDUP READY SOYBEANS pest and USDAwas not sure what it was going to do if it spread to the southern timber industry." PUTYOU IN THE ZONE. The industry as a whole is healthy in Michi- gan, after it survived a period of large over- production. "We're at the end of our over-produc- SEEYOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS OR CALL I-BOO-ROUNDUP. tion and we have fewer trees on the market," she said. "We're hopefully going to see some healthier prices." Although the decoration of households during the winter season dates back centuries ago, accord- ing to Koelling, the first recorded reference to Christmas trees was back in the 16th century, where evergreen trees were decorated with colored paper fruit and treats. It wasn't until 1851 that a Catskills man hauled two ox carts full of trees and opened Always read and follow label directions for Roundup Ultra herbicide. Roundup Ready- and Roundup Ultra- are trademarks of Monsanto Company. the first retail lot in the United States in downtown Roundup Ultra will kill soybeans which do not express the Roundup Ready- gene. [21 psh 11197] 1997Monsanto Company RUP-76140 New York City.• Insect management for Stored Grain Principles by Chris DiFonzo stored until spring. Trade name: Actellic aware that grain that has been treated with A s we continue harvest time, it is a good idea to review the principles and products related to insect management in stored grain. The price Post-Storage (Immediate) A "top-dress" or "cap-off" treatment, i.e., a Registered for: Corn, sorghum Note: Not labeled for wheat malathion may not be acceptable to some proces- sors. Before you apply malathion to a bin or surface treatment, can be applied directly on the • Common name: Diatomaceous earth (DE) commodity, check with your grain buyer to make you receive for your grain is a reflection of its quali- grain mass immediately after the bin is filled. A sur- Trade names: Several sure your application meets their standards. ty. Insects reduce quality by directly feeding on face treatment must not be disturbed after it has Registered for: Barley, corn, oats, rye, soybeans, Infestation after storage: Post-Storage grain and reducing the test weight, in some cases been put in place, as this ruins the barrier. Surface sorghum, sunflower, wheat (different products (Long-Term) up to 8 pounds per bushel. Grain shipments with treatments protect against insects entering from the registered for different crops; check labels) The key to grain management is prevention. more insect-damaged kernels (lDK) get a reduced top of the bin, but will not control insects already Note: DE is a chemically inert dust that abrades But what if you find an infestation in your bin sever- grade designation. For example, if 32 or more IDK present lower down in the grain mass (for example, the insect cuticle. It may also cause equipment al months into storage? First, some questions you are found in a 100 gram sample of wheat, the grain if you store new grain over infested old grain). A wear. Newer formulations of DE (for example need to answer. can only be sold as "U.S. sample grade," i.e., for surface treatment should normally not be applied "Protect-It" from Hedley 7echnologies) require a • lYPe of insects. Some insects are primary pests, livestock feed. to grain that already received a protectant at bin-fill. lower application rate,and may be easier to use i.e., they attack undamaged grain and develop Insect feeding produces fine matter, shed The success of protectant and surface treat- than older formulations. inside kernels. This group includes several wee- skins, dead insects, webbing, etc., that reduce air ments depends on a variety of factors: • Common name: Pyrethrins vils (rice, maize, granary) and the lesser grain flow through the bin. Insect feeding also produces • Age of the insecticide. A fresh spray mixture is Trade names: Several borer. Primary feeders are important because hot spots. Reduced air flow and hot spots, com- important because insecticides can break down Registered for: Barley, corn, oats, sorghum, they not only cause direct damage, but also pro- bined with moisture, lead to growth of stored grain under warm or sunny conditions. sunflower, wheat vide holes into kernels and fine material so that fungi, some of which produce toxins . • Application method. Insecticides must be thor- Note: Not registered for soybeans. Used as a other insects, secondary pests, can infest the Prevention is the Key oughly mixed, then applied under the right surface treatment. grain. Most other stored grain pests are second- The best way to manage an insect infestation pressure. Low pressure is better, since this cre- • Common name: Methoprene ary pests. Thus, the presence of weevils in your in grain is not to have an infestation in the first ates larger droplets that coat the grain surface Trade name: Diacon grain is of double concern. place. Practicing good sanitation may take some better. Registered for: Barley, corn, oats, sorghum, • Location and density of insects. Where is the time and effort now, but it will payoff in the long • Location of treatment. Protectants should be wheat infestation? In the top layer of the grain mass, or run. All of the sanitation practices below are com- applied as close to the bin as possible; the fur- Note: Not registered for soybeans. Used as a throughout the bin? How many insects are there? mon sense, and should be part of your routine prior ther the sprayed grain has to travel, the greater surface treatment. Methoprene is an insect Answering these questions requires you to sam- to storing grain at your facility or farmstead. Clean chance that insecticide will rub off the grain sur- growth regulator, or IGR. It affects insect devel- ple with a grain trier or a set of probe traps. grain handling equipment (augers, combines, wag- face. opment, and thus controls larvae, but not adult • Environmental conditions. Can you manage the ons, scoops, trucks, rail cars) and all areas of the • Grain condition. Grain moisture and tempera- insects. infestation using temperature by pulling cool air bin, especially beneath floors. Clean around the bin ture are very important. Protectants may fail if • Common name: Bt through the grain mass? At temperatures of 60 ° F as well, and remove weeds from a 6- to 10-foot bor- the grain moisture and temperature are exces- Trade name: Several, such as Dipel and Top-Side or less, reproduction of grain insects drops off. der around the area. Where there is spilled grain or sive (for corn this would mean at least 16 percent Registered for: Barley, corn, oats, rye, Once you have determined you have an infes- debris, there may be insects. moisture and 90°F or higher temperature). sorghum, soybean, sunflower, wheat tation throughout your bin, one option is to move Seal all cracks and crevices, and cover fans Grain should not be treated until it is in the Notes: Used as a surface treatment. Bt is a bacte- the grain into a clean, empty bin if one is available, when not in use. Treat the clean, sealed bin with a proper condition. ria that makes a toxin that kills Indian meal applying a protectant during the transfer. The other registered sanitary spray (see below). This includes • Identification of the insect problem. Some treat- moth larvae. Bt will not control adult moths, option is to fumigate the bin. Unfortunately, there floors, walls up to 6 feet, as well as the foundation ments, for example methoprene and Bt, are weevils, and other grain beetles. are no easy rules to help you decide exactly when and ground directly around the bin. useful only against particular kinds of insects. Changes for Malathion Uses to fumigate because there are few good thresholds. At Storage Products labeled as protectants and/or sur- Note that malathion (57% EC, dust formula- Federal guidelines say that wheat is "infested" Protectants are insecticides that are directly face treatments include: tion, etc.) was once commonly used as a storage/ if two or more live stored grain pests are found in a applied onto grain as it is entering the bin. These • Common name: Chlorpyrifos-methyl bin spray and grain protectant. Due to a variety of sample. Barley, corn, oats and sorghum are "infest- treatments are designed to control infestations Trade name: Reldan 4E or 3% dust problems, including insect resistance and residue ed" if two live weevils, or one live weevil plus five throughout the grain mass. Protectants should be Registered for: Barley, oats, sorghum, wheat concerns, the companies that market malathion will secondary pests, or 10 secondary pests are found in considered for summer-harvested grain that will be Notes: Not registered for use on corn and soy- not be reregistering their products for stored grain asample .• stored for three to six weeks at high (60-70 ° F) beans. use. Any malathion you have stored on your farm is temperatures, or for fall-harvested grain that will be • Common name: Pirimiphos-methyl still legal to apply in the short term. However, be • Charges are based on six-second inuements; if you talk for one six seconds, you pay for one minute and six seconds, not for two minutes as you would .,. other companies • Dial-one service with easy access • Free calling cards • Personal BOO-numbers are available • Low monthly access fee of $1.50 • Some restrictions apply. Contact your county Farm Bureau office or call for more details. r---------------------------, IDYIR Of A'ENCY I choose The Farm Bureau* ConnectionSli as my primary long-distance provider for the service(s) and telephone number(s) indicat- ed below and I authorize The Farm Bureau* ConnectionSli to aa as my agent by notifying my local telephone company of this choice. I certify that I am legally responsible for the payment of chaIges incurred on the telephone number(s) listed below and that I have the au- thority to change the prescribed 1 + long-distance carrier currently providing service to these telephone numbeni. Further, I recognize that I can have only one primary long-distance company for a given telephone numbet; that I will no longer be pre-subscribed to my current long-distance carrier's services and that my local telephone company may impose a chaIge for this and any later change. I also undenitand that The Farm Bureau* Connection's511 name will appear on my long-distance bill as a result of this switch and that this only affectS my 1 + long-distance services. I undenitand that my signature will result in my intraLATA (where available), interLATA long-distance telecommunications service, intenitate and intrastate being provided by The Farm Bureau* ConnectionSM• Signature: Print Name: Date: Telephone(s): ( Street Address: Mailing Address (if different from above): CitylState!lip: County Name: Farm Bureau Membenihip #: -- Please issue a penionalBOO number (14.7( per minute, no extra fees.). -- Please indicate the number of Farm Bureau Connection calling cards you want delivered (22.5( per minute, no surchaIges). For Office Use Only Signature of Authorized Rep: Print Name: Allenrollees in the Farm Bureau Connection program will be charged a $1.50 monthly billing fee. Members are also responsible for anyone-time switchover fee (average $5) that may be charged by their local telephone company. Michigan Farm Bureau L Membership Services Department • PO Box 30960 • Lansing, MI ~-48909-9934 ~ 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 Lansing's tri-county looks to cleaner air "Quick Facts" By Kris Totzke Cities" title and to assist in meeting mandates coin- said his company has looked at possible use of • Michigan is one of the nation's top 10 T he Lansing-area Tri-County Regional Plan- ciding with being a "clean" city. alternative fueled vehicles and even has specifica- corn- producing states. ning Commission met an early mid- The Clean Cities grant has also been matched tions outlined for those vehicles. • Increased ethanol production would cre- November morning in the Delta Chaner through other contributions from companies, such "We are looking at cars, trucks and other ate thousands of Michigan jobs in farming, Township Hall to kick off promotion of all alterna- as the National Ethanol Coalition, Board of Water vehicles used inside the plant," he said. "Some industry and construction. Michigan tive fuels and vehicles that use these fuels. and Light, and Consumers Energy, resulting in vehicles already used within our plant run on LP would also benefit from cleaner air and a Alternative fuels, including ethanol and gas." Michigan-grown renewable resource. biodieseI, eliminate carbon monoxide pol- Britton said alternative fuels and vehi- • Ethanol contains oxygen, which contrib- lution. cles using these fuels are a "win-win utes to a cleaner, more efficient burn of The commission, which just received situation." They help increase air quality, the gasoline. When burned, it does not a "Clean Cities" grant, wants Clinton, Ing- provide economic benefits, provide produc- produce the complex pollutants and aro- ham and Eaton County businesses and ers expanded corn and soybean markets, matics formed by gasoline additives. citizens to consider alternative fuel use and, and help maintain national • Studies have shown ethanol use reduces in the near future, consider purchasing security. emissions that contribute to ozone pollu- alternative, fueled vehicles. "What's good about being the stron- tion. A year ago, the City of Lansing applied gest country in the world, if we get all our • Diesel engines contribute to high panicu- for the grant, which promotes the use of fuel from somewhere else?" he asked. late levels and sulfur emissions, but alternative fuels. After 10 months of obtain- / The Corn Marketing Program of Michi- produce practically no carbon monoxide. ing necessary approvals, Lansing took their gan said ethanol and soydiesel, biomass Studies show that soydiesel reduces emis- idea, and their grant, to the regional level. ./ fuels, would strengthen national energy sions of particulate matter and unburned The Clean Cities plan is pan of the U.S. security because it is outside the realm of hydrocarbons. Depanment of Energy's (DOE) national foreign policy decisions. These fuels are a • One bushel of corn produces about 2.5 energy policy. almost $48,000. stable, domestic, renewable energy supply. gallons of ethanol, in addition to the high- "This is a local initiative with federal suppon," Two years ago, the City of Lansing staned Bob Boehm, manager of the field crops protein livestock feeds and other by-prod- said Murray Britton, City of Lansing. "We are look- with an alternative fuel education project. The city depanment at Michigan Farm Bureau, said Farm ucts. Only the starch is removed for ing to the future and long-range issues, including surveyed citizens to see how interested they would Bureau supports requirements for biomass fuel ethanol, so all the protein, vitamins, miner- sustainability. " be in using alternative fuels and buying vehicles use and continued production of ethanol and als, fiber and some of the energy remain. Britton said the $24,000 grant would be used solely consuming alternative fuels. soydiesel. This is a very digestible human or livestock to gather and educate industry representatives, "We had a great response to our education "We strongly suppon efforts to encourage food. The price of corn will increase from such as Lansing's Board of Water and Light, Ther- project. People were asking about vehicles ranging biomass fuel production facilities in Michigan and 4 cents to 6 cents per bushel for every 100 mogas Co., Ford and Chevrolet, and get the from boats to tractors," Britton said. expand the biofuel distribution infrastructure," he million bushels of corn used. resulting coalition moving. The coalition would Philip Kokoczka, an environmentaVair quality said. "We also encourage research and develop- also use monies to apply for the DOE's "Clean engineer with Lansing's Board of Water and Light, Continued on page 11 WORKING FO R YOU IN MICHIGAN. Asgrow's deep lineup of soybeans and corn is working for farmers in Michigan, consistently delivering top performance. Here are four of the best examples for growing conditions in Michigan. AG1901 This new Roundup Ready variety displays excellent yield potential, and has the Rps, k gene for multi-race resistance to Phytophthora root rot. AG 1901 performs very well in na rrow rows. AG2701 This proven high-yielding Roundup Ready variety combines excellent emergence and standability with the Rps, k gene for multi-race resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Agri Marketing magazine has honored Asgrow Roundup Ready soybeans as Product of the Year. RX490 Flowering early and drying down fast, RX490 is a dependable hybrid offering consistent performance under diverse growing conditions. RX601 Fast-starting RX601 is a very attractive hybrid that is outperforming the best hybrids in its maturity. RX601 offers good leaf disease tolerance and good stalks and roots. Roundup Ready is a registered trademark of Monsanto Company. To learn more about Asgrow's deep lineup of soybeans and corn, call your local Asgrow dealer today. 97/2932 Michigan Department of Agriculture, Testingprogram in IIShow animals is effective II Farm Bureau to host Canadian/U.S. in identifying inappropriate drug use he testing of livestock at seven fairs during the program to ensure food safety in show animals is agricultural trade conference T 1997 fair season found only one case of inap- effective. The detection of a painkiller and fever • Representative, U.S. garlic industry, speaking on M ichigan D.epartment of Agriculture (MDA) Director Dan Wyant and Michi- gan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie have "How the U.S. Garlic Industry Proved Dumping of Chinese Garlic." propriate drug use in show animals, according to Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). reducing agent demonstrates the effectiveness of the drug screening program in identifying inappro- priate drug use and potentially unfair competitive announced a comprehensive meeting to address • Robert Spaide, Plant Pest Quarantine Division, A single hog tested positive for acetami- practices. The goal of the program is to improve the agricultural trade issues between the United U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, nophen (a painkiller and fever-reducing agent) at quality and fairness of Michigan fairs and to increase States and Canada. The U.S./Canadian Agricul- D.C., on "Documenting and Resolving Phytosani- the Michigan State Fair. The drug does not repre- food safety through drug testing and education. tural Trade Conference will be held Thesday, tary Barriers to Agricultural Trade" sent a food safety issue, but it is not approved for Continually educating Michigan exhibitors on Feb. 3, at the Holiday Inn West Conference Cen- • Representative, Canadian Food Inspection Ser- use in swine. No other animals have tested positive inappropriate drug use and other ethical issues is ter in Lansing. vice, Ottawa, Ontario, speaking on "How Canada for illegal or extra-label drug use at any other fair in essential to maintaining a high level of "fair play" at "MDA and Michigan Farm Bureau have and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Work to the state over the last three years. Michigan fairs, according to Wyant. In addition to jointly called this conference to provide Michi- Resolve Phytosanitary Differences" The testing was conducted by "Michigan's drug testing, the program sponsors ethics aware- gan's agricultural industries background on the • Raj Sitaraman, Nursery Program Manager, Pesti- Program for Quality Livestock Shows and Food ness workshops in counties throughout the state. current status of trade between Michigan and cide & Plant Pest Management Division, Michigan Safety" at the Michigan State Fair, Upper Peninsula Hundreds of people have attended these work- Canada," Wyant said. "Canada is Michigan's most Department of Agriculture, on "How MDAWorks State Fair, Gratiot County Fair for Youth, St. Clair shops in the past few years. important agricultural trading partner, and we to Alleviate Phytosanitary Barriers" County Fair, Lenawee County Fair, Genesee County "Michigan's Program for Quality Livestock hope to learn how to be an even better trading • Mark Arney, Secretary/Manager, Michigan Apple Fair and the Hillsdale County Fair.Animals tested Shows and Food Safety" was developed by a com- partner with our northern neighbor." Committee, on "The Michigan/Brazilian Work included horses, beef, sheep and swine. The testing mittee of individuals from the Michigan Department Plan that Admitted Michigan Apples." is conducted as a service to the fairs, and each indi- of Agriculture, Michigan State University's Animal The workshop will be held in the American vidual fair is responsible for enforcing its rules on Science Department, MSU Extension, and represen- Room of the Holiday Inn Conference Center, unfair competition and illegal and inappropriate tatives from the livestock industry and several "Canada is Michigan's most located at 7501 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. Cost drug use in show animals. Michigan fairs. The program is designed to give important agricultural trading for the day-long workshop is $20 including "Over the last three years test results demon- fairs, their leaders, parents and exhibitors the tools partner, and we hope to learn how lunch. Registration forms are available by calling strate the high level of commitment that Michigan they need to produce successful shows. to be an even better trading partner the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) fairs and livestock exhibitors have in maintaining Additional educational programs are being with our northern neighbor. " 373-9710 or the Michigan Farm Bureau at (517) healthy and safe livestock for our food supply," said planned for 1998. For more information about the 323-7000, ext. 2022. Reservations must be re- Wyant. program, contact Marilyn Thelen, Michigan Depart- - Dan Wyant, MDA Director ceived by Monday, Jan. 26.• The testing demonstrates that Michigan's ment of Agriculture, 517-373-9760.• "In recent years, many Michigan agricultur- al sectors have felt economic pressure from imported Canadian produce," Laurie said. "Many factors are at play, including the exchange rate, differing phytosanitary requirements, trade agreements and trade policies. The February conference should provide our growers with a better understanding of fair trade practices and non-tariff trade issues governing Michigan and Canadian exports." Speakers will include: • LyleSebranek, Agriculture Minister-Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario, speaking on "The U.S./Canadian Agricultural Trade Rela- tionship" • Dr. David Schweikhardt, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, East lan- I sing, providing an "Introduction to International Trade Terms and Agreements" • International Trade Commission representative, Washington, D.C., speaking on "How U.S. Anti- Dumping Laws Work" Lansing looks to the future with alternative fuels Continued from page 10 New STS@ solutions, now under $20/acre. ment helping reduce production costs." Technology has reduced the cost of ethanol production by over 50 percent in the last 10 years. "We are now creating more energy than we are using to produce ethanol," Boehm said. In his recent newsletter, Earl Collier, presi- U ntiI now, it's been virtually impossible to get good great control. • And best of all, you'll have a proven dent of the Corn Marketing Program in Michigan, said he soon hopes to have a state production broadleaf and grass control without running the cost up seed/herbicide system. Which means you'll be growing plant since Michigan is the fifth largest user of to $25-$35 per acre. Especially if you're dealing with the some of the highest-yielding varieties available today- ethanol. The corn marketing program recently likes of tall waterhemp or black nightshade .• STS@varieties. Plus, you'll have a system that opened two E-85 stations (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) in Michigan this fall. One is locat- You asked for an honest-to-goodness soy- delivers clean fields without the crop stress ed in Detroit, the other in Lansing. They will bean herbicide program that leaves you more associated with traditional herbicides .• You service state and federal fleets and be available for Ford and Chrysler E-85 vehicles being sold to the room for profit. That's why we're rolling get all these advantages at a new low price. It's public. "We plan on opening more stations as the out new STS@solutions that give you what our way of proving that DuPont and its dealers need arises," Collier said. "Sunoco has taken the you really want: control of both grass and arc committed to bringing YOll new WdYS to lead in blending all of their grades of gasoline with 10 percent ethanol. More petroleum companies broadleaf weeds-including tall waterhemp and black farm profitably. New products. New technologies. New are following their lead." nightshade-now for under $20 an acre.* • There's no possibilities .• Get the fulldetails now from your DuPont Britton has taken a hopeful stance that every city, township and village throughout Michigan will technolob'Y fee. No complicated legal contracts. Just Ag Retailer or DuPont Field Service Representative. have a Clean Cities program in place by 2002, promot- ing alternative fuels. He said Lansing administration Book your favorite STS~soybeansnow! wants to keep the city "people-friendly" and hopes a Clean Cities program will help. "If we look now to sustaining our city and surrounding area for the future, there will be a C[(JPotm Lansing for people to live in years from now," he .Specific weed control programs and prices will vary. See your dealer. DuPont Agricultural said. "It would be nice if you could drive from one Read am follow Ire label. side of the state to the other without having to <0 1997 DuPoo Products plan ahead for fueling. But most of all, Michigan's air would be so much cleaner." • ~~I~13'~~ December 15, 1997 Pr<:'bo.btllty of Above- HiChfl" ProbabHny of Abov. Probo.bnny of S.low lUch.r Pl-ob(\lHUty of s.>low Prob<\blhty of Normnl H~h.T Prob(l.bUity of Normal Equal Chnne ... Michigan Sault Ste. Marie 33 0.1 2.24 2.65 Saginaw 36.5 -1.8 2.06 2.23 Weather lake City 32.2 -2.8 1.49 2.69 Grand Rapids 36.1 -2.4 1.32 2.79 Pellston 34.1 -0.6 239 2.69 South Bend 37.2 -3.3 2.18 2.79 Summary Alpena 33.6 -1.9 1.28 2.57 Coldwater 35.6 -3.9 - 1.74 2.32 Temperature PrecIpitation Houghton lake 32.8 -2.8 1.4 2.57 lansing 35.9 -2.7 1.36 2.32 Obs. !lev. from Artual Norma/ 11/1/97-11/30197 mean IlOrINI [1I16.8"' 0 10 10" 4 30 12 12 12 12 30 30 30 18 12 Damage or yield loss may occur. AiAhcrIy BrOldeBf AuIhariIy 9jnctI'ony STS None 0 10 10" 4 30 12 12 1~ 12 30 30 30 18 30 o These are recommended time intervals which do not appear BasIs None 0.5 0 - 4 8 8 - 10 8 10 4 18 18 18 on atrazine labels. Carryover risk is affected by soil pH, tillage, Basis~ None 10 0 10 10- - 10- 10- 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 rainfall, and temperature. Where risk of carrryover exists, fields Be8con None 8 Q.5ll - 3 8 8 3 8 8 18v a-: 18v 18v 18v should be sampled and a bioassay conducted. Refer to an by Karen A. Renner ~ >7J/1 0 0 0 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 4 26'l 12 26'l 26'l 26'l atrazine label for additional restrictions regarding rotational Broadslrb+ Trellan >7J/1 4 12 4 4 4 4 26'l 12 26'l 2fjCl 2fjCl and James J. Kells 0 8 8 crops. Carryover risk with Princep is similar to or slightly great- Clmpy'" >6.8"' 0 10" 10" 4 30 4 4 10" 12 30 30 18 18 lot er than atrazine. H erbicide labels list the interval required Call1p'f Xl. CIasslc"ow >6.8"' 0 10 10" 4- 30 12 12 12 12 30 30 30 18 12 p DO NOT apply to areas where the soil pH is less than 5.9 >7D- 0 9 9" 3 3 3 3 9 9 30 30 30 18 15' from the time of herbicide application Ccmnarlcf 2p g,g 0 gg.h 9" 12 16 16 16 16 9 9 9 18 9 9,1:ze AND organic matter is greater than 5 percent. Also DO NOT until the time a rotation crop is planted. Q61lII None 109'V1s 1 - 1 1 1 - 10.5 109'V1s 1:zei 18 10.5 18 18 apply where soil pH is greater than 7.8 as this may result in FhtRa!Il None 0 9 - 3 30 30 30 9 30 30- 30- 3()'18 30'- 3()'18 decreased crop tolerance. We have compiled this information from the herbi- HlmessISwpBSs None 10 0 0 4 - - - - - - - - - - q Requires a 26 month rotation interval and a successful field Hornet >7J/1 10~ 0 - 4 4 4 4 10% 1~ 26'l 18 26'l 26'l 26'l bioassay. cide labels in the table below. This table is Table 11 - ~ None 9.5 8.5 8.5 4 18 9 4 9.5 9.5 40"" 26 40"* 40"* 40"* r Imidazoline resistant (IR or IMR) and imidazoline tolerant (IT) 12 1 "Herbicide Crop Rotation Restrictions," printed in Matrix None 10 0 10 4 9 9 4 12 10 18 0 12 the 1998 Michigan State University Extension Bulle- FemiI None 10 0 - 3 - - - - - j j j j 21 _z com hybrids can beplanted tion. the year following Scepter applica- PIt1cep lib alJA None 10 0 0 3 21 21 3 15 21 21 10 21 18 PtnU/ None 0 8% 8Wl 3 18" 9% 4 4 11 40 18 18 18 18 s 9 month seed - 12 month transplant. tin E-434 "Weed Control Guide for Field Crops." >7J/1 0 0 0 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 4 26'l 12 26'l 26'l 26'l t Transplant only. Py\tm Many herbicides have no soil residual or limited Rapu NarW" 0 9 9 3 9 4 4 9 9 1&1" 9 18 9 9 u No soil pH restrictions south of 1-96. Use only if soil pH is less persistence in the soil. These herbicides do not ~ None 0 10 10 4 4 4 4 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 than 7.0 on fields north of 1-96. ~ "Ill (28az) v The full rate (0.76 ozlA) is not recommended in fields where have crop rotation restrictions and therefore are IIlUhem 211n 4 11 11 18 18 11 26 18 18 18 18 these crops are planned as rotation crops. A rotation interval of dCOlnies None 0 9% 9% not listed in the table. III Cllhllr COInies None 0 1st 18 4 18 18 18 18 11 26 18 18 18 18 two growing seasons is recommended for rates 50% or less of The footnotes in the table are as imponant as Scapatlll None 1~ 0 - 4 4 4 4 10~ 1O~ 26'l 18 26'l 26'l 26'l the full rate. SIi"Qllf None laS 0 - 0 0 0 0 10.5 1aS 0 18 10.5 18 18 w No pH restriction if Classic is applied at 1/4 or 1/3 ozlA. At the number of months listed in the body of the ~ 1/2 ozlA or higher, pH must bebelow 7.0. Scuhdl-96 None 0 9 9" 3 3 3 3 12 9 30 30 18 18 9 table. Some labels require an extension of the re- Nor1h d 1-96 >7Jif' 0 9 9" 3 3 3 3 12 9 30 30 18 18 9 x IR or IMR com - 8 month. y If application is made after June 30, if an extended dry period crop interval when two herbicides with similar occurs after application, or if the soil pH is greater than 7.8, chemistry are applied. Some herbicides require a rotate only to com or small grains the next year. successful field bioassay (plant the crop in a test Herbicide Crop Rotation Restrictions Chart - z Do not plant these crops the year after Pennit application. aa Fall-seeded cereals only. strip in the field one year and take the crop to yield; ab If applied after July 1, do not plant crop other than com or if the crop is not injured in the test strip the field sorghum the following year. "Field bioassay after 40 months. labels and information provided by the manufacturer. can be planted to that crop the following year). -No information on the label. h Do not use an organophosphate at-plant insecticide on field ac Rotation ozlA. restriction is 18 months for rates higher than .38 Some herbicides have restrictions on the insecti- a 12 months on clover. com following the previous year use of Command if soil pH is ae Requires 30 month rotation interval and a successful field less than 5.9. Also - do not use an organophosphate at-plant cides that can be used in corn the following year. b Extension of recrop intervals of Seeptor application following insecticide on field com following the previous year use of bioassay. Seep tor, Canopy. al Extend interval for sugarbeet rotation to 26 months if soil pH Some herbicides require an extension of the crop c Extenstion of recrop intervals following Seeptor, Canopy, Command AND then apply Accent or Beacon postemergence is below 6.2. in com. rotation interval if low rainfall occurs in the months Canopy XL, or Authority Broadleat. j Not recommended in fields where these crops are planned as ag Clover recrop interval is 18 months. following application. Read the table and read the d Carryover may increase if extreme dryness occurs in the four rotation crops. ah Rotation interval is extended to 18 months if soils contain months following herbicide application. less than 2 percent organic matter and natural precipitation is footnotes to understand the time interval required e and TriScept, Squadron, Detail. k Sugar beets: pH<7.51pH>7.5 (if 25 in. rain falls between less than 15 inches during the 10.5 months following treatment. application and planting sugar beets.) Potatoes, Canada, between herbicide application and planting of a I and Pursuit Plus, Steel, Passport. Cucumber: pH<6.5/pH>6.5. ai Do not plant sugar beets in the same growing season follow- rotation crop. g Choice 01 rotational crop hybrid is important. See herbicide I Time interval extended to 18 months if organic matter < 2% ing an application of Curtail. We're laking dead aim on your loughesl pesls. _ Soon you'll have a product so accurate that it wipes out codling moth, pear psylla, leafrollers and other pests without harming beneficial species. A product so powerful that it delivers 21-28 days of residual control without flaring mites or aphids. A product so advanced that it will change the way you think about insect control. 7arjeleJ COI1/rol for apples amI pears. Fifth edition of Michigan FFA collector tractor now available AG CENSUS USA Take the tilfJe nOIN to cOlfJplete Ag Census oon after you read this issue, the latest Ag pans ion or some other business improvement S Census forms will be mailed to all farms across the country with over $10,000 in gross sales, includ- predicated on the volume of farm production that is available in a given region." ing 80,000 forms to be mailed in Michigan. What to look for This census however will mark the first time in With a deadline for return of Feb. 2, the 83 years that the USDAwill be conducting the com- blue, green or gold forms will be mailed in mid- prehensive collection of all agricultural production, December and should take an average of 30 to 90 inventories, sales and expenditures for every county minutes to complete. "There's a shon form and a in the nation. long form," Kleweno explained. "The shon form The Farmall"H" is the fifth in the series of commemorative tractors for sale through Quality "We're closer to the agriculture community," will be mailed to approximately 75 percent the Stores to benefit the Michigan FFAFoundation. explained David Kleweno, Michigan's State Statisti- total mailed in Michigan and the long form will oy tractor collectors take note! Quality Stores, limited edition of Michigan FFAtractors. So far, this cian. "For example, when the ag census was done previously we received information that is being go to the remaining 25 percent. The long form has a slight difference in it - it has one more T Inc., in partnership with Enl, is continuing the Michigan FFACollector Tractor series with the program has raised $62,000 for the Michigan FFA Foundation. "The funds raised are designated to done answered questions to suppon it from that section in it, looking at production expenses and Farmall"H." As the fifth edition of the Michigan FFA help suppon and develop young leaders for the end, but we really weren't involved with marketing income issues and that type of thing and that go Collector Tractor series, it will feature an outline of future," said AI Fansler, president and chief operat- and attempt to promote it." to the larger farmers and operators. Typically the state of Michigan with a number "5" in the cen- ing officer of Quality Stores. "The census is the only opponunity where the those are in the neighborhood of $250,000 in ter to signify it as the fifth in the series. The Farmall"H," considered the smaller trend in the county production information can be potential gross value of sales, will receive the Michigan Farm Bureau's Julie Chamberlain, brother to the infamous Farmall"M," replaced the measured," he added. "It really gets back to a criti- long form." executive director of the Michigan FFAFoundation, Farmall F-20 in 1939. Designed as a tractor capable cal issue that agriculture is such a vital pan of our By law, the information collected from indi- says the collector tractor has proven popular in of pulling a two-bottom plow, the Model H's four- whole nation and in panicular even here in Michi- vidual farmers is held in strict confidence by the generating donations to fund youth leadership and cylinder engine produced 24 PTO horsepower. Sold gan with the special commodities that we have. If NASSand farmers must panicipate in the census. awards programs for high school students panici- with a five-speed transmission, adjustable rear we don't collect and provide solid factual, concrete "It would be nice if we could hand the re- pating in FFA. wheels and drawbar, the Farmall"H" weighed 5,500 data to work from then, agriculture cannot be prop- spondent a $100 bill for the time it takes to "We are extremely grateful to Quality Stores pounds. Over 375,000 Farmall"H" tractors were erly represented." complete the form and say, 'here's your immedi- and Enl for continuing this fund-raising tradition," produced before being replaced by the Super "H" What is the information used for? ate payoff,' but often the payoff is much greater Chamberlain said. "Quality Stores has also strength- in 1953. According to Kleweno, the census information than that in long-term benefits to agriculture," ened their pannership with FFAthrough a $50,000 In addition to the new Farmall"H," collectors is used by almost everyone - for Extension educa- Kleweno added. pledge to the Vision2000 endowment fund. This will want to complete their FFAseries with the tors, Farm Bureau to railroad line planners - who is If you have questions or need assistance fund will provide financial security for FFAand food founh FFAtractor, the Oliver 1555. Both tractors are involved or associated with the nation's agriculture. completing the 1997 Census of Agriculture and fiber experiences for K-12 youth." available at all Michigan Quality Farm & Fleet and "It is not unusual for our office to receive repon form, call1-888-4AG-STAT.• Quality Stores, based in Muskegon, made a County Post Stores and sell for S39.99 each .• inquiries from businesses that are planning an ex- five-year commitment to manufacture and market a New It\Taysto Save You Time & Money You can always rely on this powerful family of products from JCB TRAVERSE CITY (616) 267-5060 GRAND RAPIDS (616) 538-2400 LANSING • 1.2 yd3 to 3.4 yd3 capacity (517) 321-8000 • Forks and grapple buckets .~ • Full suspension SAGINAW (517) 777-0090 • Road speeds of 40 mph - even WEST DETROIT while pulling a 14-ton trailer (248) 437-8121 NORTH EAST DETROIT (810) 727-7502 After-hours Pager! Message Center: 1-800-AIS-NITE .~ • Full range of JCB Loadalls .16' to 44' reach height • Built with safety in mind • 4,400 Ib to 10,000 Ib lift • 2- or 4-wheel drive • The only skid steer loader capacities • Models with 5,200 Ib to with a door you step through • 1 yd3 to 3 yd3 bucket 8,000 Ib lift capacities capacity Dry Corn That Yields Innovation means more than technology. It means breaking new ground. More choices. More performance. Maximizer. ™ Technology gives our varieties the innovative advantage that means more profit for you. Bottom line ... NK@Brand seed helps farmers stay on the cutting edge. How are hybrids compared in Michigan? Upper: Test Weight Plot Moisture Plot Yield Gross Return Advantage Iblbu % bula $/a per bag NK42428T 53 28.3 138.0 $275.16 S64 Pioneer 361<27 51 34.1 140.0 $251.36 NK4242BT 53 31.0 139.0 $265.43 $22 Dekalb DK471 51 30.5 136.4 $257.13 NKMAX747 53 28.4 137.6 $275 $76 Pioneer 361<27 51 35.3 140.1 $246 NKWXl47 54 24.3 129.6 $276 $61 Dekalb DK493BT 53 26.3 122.9 $254 NKMAX23 55 24.4 156.4 $333 $19 Pioneer 3730 54 26.6 158.4 $326 NKMAX23 54 25.0 126.8 $267 $97 Dekalb DK493BT 53 29.7 119.3 $231 NKMAX357 54 25.8 150.3 $314 $111 Dekalb DK442 52 27.9 137.4 $272 NKMAX357 53 28.2 130.3 $261 $25 Dekalb DK471 50 32.0 139.1 $251 How are hybrids compared in Michigan? Lower: Product Test Weight Plot Moisture Plot Yield Gross Return Advantage Ib/bu % bu/a $/a per bag NKMAX21 57 21.9 153.7 $340.36 $10 Pioneer 3489 56 23.5 155.3 $336.47 NKMAX21 208 26.7 159.7 $329.81 $47 Dekalb DK566 194 25.7 149.5 $312.24 NKN52-B2 55 25.6 152.2 $319.47 $40 Pioneer 3394 55 29.0 152.4 $304.51 NKN52-B2 55 25.7 163.0 $341.73 $83 Dekalb DK566 53 26.4 150.1 $310.62 NKN4640BT 53 26.9 134.4 $275.18 $67 Pioneer 361<27 52 32.8 136.6 $250.24 NK4640BT 55 25.2 154.4 $324.70 $36 Dekalb DK493 53 25.6 149.1 $311.35 NKN42428T 53 28.3 138.0 $275.16 $64 Pioneer 361<27 51 34.1 140.0 $251.36 NK N4242BT 54 24.7 152.3 $322.26 $29 Dekalb DK493 53 26.0 150.0 $311.59 NOVARTIS SEEDS Where Innovation Drives Performance GROWER SERVICE LOCATIONS Blissfield (517) 486-4391 • Berrien Springs (616) 471-1211 • Lansing (Sf']) 323-2125 Saginaw (517) 752-8760 • Bear Lake (616) 864-2636 Precision The foundations of precision agriculture outbreaks, compaction, poor drainage, fertility or your data now. farmers judge the performance of management some other cause unless the producer has a good Financial management - By combining practices and/or inputs. Without good accounting, system of monitoring fields throughout the growing yield monitor data with input and marketing these judgments are much more difficult. Say, for ~ season. This becomes increasingly important as records, I can produce profitability maps to help example, you are comparing two tillage practices. by Neil R. Miller Are you able to say with confidence what your I nthe past two years, high-tech equipment and inputs have moved from the pages of ag journals and science fiction novels to the fields of Michigan equipment costs you to operate? A good accounting system should be able to break down profitability to each enterprise (farm, farmers. GPS soil sampling, yield monitors, variable rate inputs, remote sensing, genetically engineered crop or livestock) that you manage. As with crop crops, and other formerly unheard of technologies record-keeping systems, compatibility with GPS are now available throughout the state. data is still limited, but improving fast. The biggest .Precision agriculture,. however, is as limitation to their use is farmers' reluctance to take old as farming itself. This message was brought the time to set up and maintain a system. Will it pay? The economics of high-tech home to me last month when I attended a presenta- tion of "More Information, More Control," a farmer agriculture remain poorly understood. I remain training course that will be taught by MSU Exten- convinced, however, that the farmers who will ben- sion personnel this winter. The course, efit the most are the ones who already have a commissioned by Deere & Co. but sponsored by foundation of good conventional management. No various agri-businesses, reinforces the fact that the operation will score high on every one of the above foundations of precision agriculture lie in good points. My fear, however, is that some farmers will management. be seduced into thinking that technology will usher Thorough Planning - Does your farming them into a new era of "precision." If you still find it operation have specified long- and intermediate- hard to plan ahead, keep good records, and track term goals? Are they quantifiable so that you can finances, you may be wiser to address these issues measure your progress over time? Are you aware of before buying a yield monitor or GPS services .• management needs and opportunities that you farmers accumulate several years of yield data. With need to pursue, or do you simply wait for the op- good records you will be able to compare the per- New instrument helps in determining wheat quality portunities to find you? Pre-season planning is formance of varieties, planting dates, fertility equally critical in maximizing the "precision" of your operation. This includes planning field trials to fine- programs, or other management issues over time. Without such information, you'll be left with a con- A n automated system to identify wheat classes, characteristics and defects-including kernels damaged by diseases such as kamal bunt or scab- Instruments North America, Springfield, Ill. The instrument detects either common or karnaI bunt and sorts suspect kernels. A positive result would tune your crop management systems (not just to fusing mess. could help grain inspectors verify whether wheat is signal the inspector to verify visually whether the meet the needs of your local sales rep). Crop record-keeping systems are available Record Keeping - When I map a field with suitable for export. The first commercial prototype suspect kernel is infected with kamal bunt. through MSU as well as an ever-growing number of of the system was demonstrated at the annual meet- In preliminary tests at ARS' Grain Marketing poor-produdng areas, I have no way of knowing private companies. Some can be linked directly to ing of the American Association of Cereal Chemists, and Production Research Center in Manhattan, whether the cause was chemical damage, weed georeferenced fertility and yield data. Although held in San Diego, Calif., in October. Kan., the instrument correctly identified 93 percent compatibility between these programs is still limit- Kamal bunt is a wheat fungus recently found in of all bunted kernels. ed, this will undoubtedly improve in the coming areas of the southwest United States. Ifsamples of The instrument combines near-infrared tech- l\~~\"" years. Pick one of the major players (contact me if you would like suggestions) and begin logging wheat contain "bunted kernels"-those infected with kamal bunt-countries without the disease may not nology with an automated system to detect wheat quality in single wheat kernels. It uses an ARS-pat- \1~~\\\~~~ import the infected wheat. So it's critical that unin- ented single kernel characterization system and a fected wheat can be certified free of kamal bunt. diode-array spectrometer made by Perten Instru- " Q\\~~\\'Q\\\~~\\~. If you have any topic suggestions for Currently, bulk wheat samples are visually ments. Each wheat kernel has a unique physical Specialists in Crop the Precision Agriculture column, Production and Protection please write to Michigan Farm News, examined for bunted kernels. But grain inspectors composition, as shown by light being absorbed P.O. Box 30960. Lansing, MI48909. would need to check only a few wheat kernels with differently at various wavelengths. An integrated Neil R. Miller Phone: 517-624-6019 E-mail: 73072.1314@compuserve.com or send e-mail to:mfbinfoOaoJ.com a new instrument designed by Agricultural Research fiber optic system allows rapid analysis of two ker- Service (ARS)scientists and engineers with Perten nels per second .• AFBF:Federal tax code needs reform ~STINE@ HAS YIELD D espite significant improvements made by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the federal tax code still "destroys jobs, penalizes saving and invest- ment, and punishes personal efforts to get ahead Kruse said Farm Bureau supports reforms to the federal tax code to encourage savings, invest- ment and entrepreneurship. He said fundamental reform should simplify tax laws, reform Internal Introducing ten new ways to get through hard work," Farm Bureau told the Senate Small Business Committee recently. Revenue Service rules and regulations and simplify tax forms. Capital gains taxes and estate taxes Missouri Farm Bureau President Charles should be eliminated and a two-thirds vote of Con- Kruse, testifying on behalf of the American Farm gress should be required to increase or impose new ~STINE@ HAS YIELD Bureau Federation, said there remains ample room taxes or to increase tax rates. In addition, Farm for fundamental change and improvement in a fed- Bureau is opposed to a federal value-added tax and eral tax code that is complex and burdensome. believes that any flat-rate tax plan should be based Kruse said the code also severely limits economic on net income .• opportunities. Roundup Reacly with high yield: ~STINE@ HAS YIELD 14~~15~~19~~197~22~~ 22~/23~/2174/3514/3204 ~STINE@ HAS YIELD When it comes to quality and durability, an all steel structure will outperform a pole AUTHORIZED\\jGCOR DEALER WHY PLANT STINE ROUNDUP barn every time. And when ij comes to all steel structures the WedgCor metal build- READY@ SOYBEANS? ing systems are known in the industry as the standard of excellence. Rural Builder Magazine has awarded WedgCor the Gold Steel Building Systems • Key Excellence Award 14 years in a row Engineering • Selection • Accessories for their commitment to quality. Pre-engi- Certified Loading • Delivery • Assembly Time neered to meet any local wind and snow Quality • Material Cost • Service emNE. loads, these buildings can be custom designed to meet any need you might have. Call today lor more inlonnation: You work hard for your money so make Adel, Iowa 50003 your next investment work for you. Toll Free 1-800-362-2510 WedgCor building systems because you K.A. HElM ENTERPRISES Roundup Ructye I•• registered trademaltl Alla/ ..• re ~b}«:t to tM terms 01,.".I/ng .,)d .. ,. documMrm deserve the best. (810) 798-8337 of Monsanto Company. "Forage 2001, Moving into the MSU Extension will hold dairy 21st century" available at MSU animal meeting at 12 sites M ichigan State University Extension's Dairy, Field Crops and livestock Area of Expertise Teams are sponsoring Forage 2001, Moving into the field crops and livestock. Forage 2001 will be held at six locations across the Lower Peninsula: T he importance of maintaining a healthy and comfortable dairy herd will be under- The program will be conducted: scored in a series of health management _Jan. 13 at the Highland Golf Club, 3011 21st Century. • Jan. 13,Jackson County MSUExtension training sessions across the state starting in US-2 and US-41, near Escanaba Forage 2001, an alfalfa producer's workshop, • Jan. 14,Jerry's Restaurant, Grandville mid-January. will cover such topics as cost, economics and im- • Jan. 15, Ubly Heights Country Club, Ubly Topics for each session include the im- _Jan. 14 at the Holiday Inn on US-131, portance of growing alfalfa in Michigan; the best • Feb. 4, Ithaca RESD,one-half mile west of the US 27 portance of dairy herd biosecurity, treatment near Petoskey methods to determine when to harvest first-cut Ithaca exit, next to the bowling alley and prevention of lameness, control of con- alfalfa for optimum quality; and cutting schedules _Jan. 15 at the Hillman Community Center • Feb. 5, Delta County's MSUExtension, 2840 College tagious mastitis and infectious diseases, for alfalfa harvest. The workshop will also review in Hillman Rd., Escanaba, located in the Delta County neonatal calf management, and the effect insect problems affecting the 1997 alfalfa crop; the Service Center _Jan. 22 at the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mis- that housing and ventilation have on opti- best strategies for managing potato leafhopper • Feb. 6, BJ.'s Restaurant, Gaylord sion Road, Mt. Pleasant mum animal health. damage with insecticide options, integrated pest The workshop will start at 9:30 a.m. with The topic of animal lameness was a _Jan. 23 at the Ubly Heights Country Club, management techniques and economies of control; registration and end at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for featured educational session at this past 2409 E. Atwater Rd., near Ubly and varieties of potato leafhopper-resistant alfalfa. the first family member and $15 for each additional year's Ag Expo. The workshop will provide Recertification credits will also be available. member. Price includes lunch and a sweep net. _Jan. 30 at the Service Center Building at further detail about how to prevent and care Featured speakers include Dr. Rich Leep, For more information, contact the Jackson County the Chelsea Fairgrounds, Chelsea for lameness in the dairy herd. The program MSU's department of crop and soil sciences; Dr. Extension office at (517) 788-4292 or your local is being sponsored by the Michigan State _ Feb. 6 at the Quality Inn and Convention Chris DiFonzo, MSU's department of entomologyj Extension office.• University Extension Dairy Programming Center, 1000 Orleans Blvd., Coldwater and local Area of Expertise team agents with dairy, Team and the Dairy Programs Group. Early registration, at least 10 days prior _ Feb. 10 at Bill Oliver's Best Western, M-55 New pasteurization technique being tested to each session, is requested for meal plan- and M-115, near Cadillac ning and educational material preparation. A griculture Department researchers are testing new methods of pasteurization that would help make liquid foods taste better by reducing The research, which has both proven effective and has failed miserably, involves subjecting liquids to electrical energy fields-similar to microwaves or radio The cost will be $40 per person plus $20 for each additional person from the same farm. _ Feb. 11 at the Quality Inn and Forward's Conference Center, near West Branch the temperatures needed for proper sterilization. signals. On-site registration will be $50 and $20 for • Feb. 17 at the Most Holy Trinity Church, "The heat causes some degradation in the flavor, Each year hundreds of billions of pounds of each additional person from the same farm. 11159 Kent St., Fowler the aroma of your product," said USDAchemical liquid foods are pasteurized in the United States, The noon meal will not be guaranteed for • Feb. 18 in the Kellogg Biological Station engineer Mike Kozempel, who is testing new alterna- induding 150 billion pounds of milk, vegetable juices, on-site registrants. Education Auditorium, near Hickory tives to pasteurization at a USDAfacilitynear most fruit juices, tomato sauce, canned and bottled Brochures and registration forms are Corners Philadelphia. "As you heat these things, you can also beer, and liquid eggs. The process involves heating available at the county MSU Extension office. destroy some of the nutrients in there. This is espe- the liquid to 162 to 167°F - for milk - forI5 sec- Details about the program can be obtained .Feb. 19 at Jerry's Country Inn, 3360 Fair- ciallytrue of vitamin C, which is extremely sensitive to onds. Pasteurization destroys pathogens that can from David Beede at MSU by calling (517) lanes Rd., near Grandville heat." make people,sick, but it leaves some safe bacteria .• 4~2-C;400 • Increase Yield Potential with ACA@Plus ACA@PIUS 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! Lester knows every farmer wants standard, is pre-engineered from top buildings that look good, provide long quality materials and backed by the term reliability, and are affordable. Uni- industry's leading warranty. Frame@ agricultural buildings from For handsome, functional agricultural Lester meet the highest standards for buildings, visit your local independent appearance, durability and value. Lester Builder or call 1-800-826-4439. Every structure, custom designed or GESTER> LESTI.:R BUILDING SYSTEMS A Division 01 a..- ~ Con1*1)' Shermak Bldg. & Land Development Keystone Builders Miller Construction & Equipment, Inc. Brighton Harbor Springs West Branch 810-227-8298 616-347-2010 517-345-2499 800-390-5892 Cole Construction Co. NOVA Construction Deloo1 Construction T&W Construction Coldwater Newport Kalamazoo Almont 517 -278~867 313-586-8528 616-375-5942 810- 798-8331 Introd ..~ing tile WeldyFamily of Prod ..~ts Welcome to the Weldy family of and mud - all the things that Billed as "The Original Energy Free products. Find out what we challenge farmers and equip- Waterer." MlrafounP Isjust that. Over stand for: sturdy. well-built ment alike. Our product lines are 180.000are In use... from the two comfort hutches are an excellent equipment that lasts. No fair all manufactured with this phi- hole. 20 gallon model to the six choice for raising and saving weathered friends these. but losophy In mind: dedication to hole. 100 gallon model. You are healthy calves. Practically Inde- Instead products that quietly details that make a difference. certain to find one that will fit your structible and maintenance-free. perform. season In and season products backed up by depend- operation. Join the people who are these hutches feature Q. thermo- out. Indiana-based. we know able people and parts Inventory saving hundreds of dollars on their molded opaque material which about sleet and heat. manure to keep you operating. electric bills"every month with this maintains the most desirable • hassle-free quality waterer. natural temperature avallable ..They Weldy products 'are available through your loeal dealer (dealer inquiries also welcome) Mira are lightweight. so they can easily be moved for cleaning and they do not freeze to the ground like wooden or ftberglass hutches. Looking for Russian and Latvian host families -- New MFB intern program needs six planting season begins, but that is next to im- "These students are coming to see how culture by letting them be a part of their lives." families possible," she said. American agriculture works: the new technolo- Each student has to be 20 to 35 years old, By Kris Totzke Bender said Russian and Latvian universi- gy, seed varieties, the distribution channels, have basic English language skills and come from a farm background. Bender said families T hree Russian students and three Latvian students are looking for temporary homes for summer 1998, and former Barry County ties don't end until the third week of June and how MSU Extension works with farms. They would also host students studying agricultural courses that would put them back on the farm. Farm Bureau President Bob Bender is looking He hopes what they learn here will be useful in for six Michigan farm families to show them a their home countries. glimpse of America's agricultural life through a "Last year's students had a wonderful ex- new Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) internship perience and I know this year's will as well. program. They couldn't stop talking about their host fami- "It is a dream for most Russians to visit lies," Bender said. "The students are energetic, America one day; few get the opportunity. With ambitious workers looking to soak up the all the this program, they are able to experience Ameri- knowledge they can while here in Michigan." ca and its agriculture," said Bender. "Last year Families who are hosting students typically we had three interns from Russia. Now we have provide work on their farms for wages in order the chance to bring three more and three from to pay for the trip. This arrangement provides Latvia." Latvia is a former communist country the means for the Russian and Latvian students that used to be a part of the former Soviet to be able to afford the time in America. On Union before it broke up. average, families provided last summer's stu- The program began last year and is co- dents approximately $150 a week, along with sponsored by Michigan State University (MSU) their room and board. They also enrolled in a and Michigan Farm Bureau. one-credit MSU lifelong education course to Julie McDaniels, administrative officer for provide the students with health insurance MSU's Institute of International Agriculture, said while in the country. Michigan families are needed to provide a home According to MFB Information Director away from home for only two to three months. start up again after Labor Day. The students need to be given a better understanding of how Mike Kovacic and coordinator of the 1998 in- Last year's student visited from July 4 until La- would arrive in America as soon as school got information and research filters down to Ameri- ternship program, costs averaged around $1,800 bor Day. out and head home before the next semester can farmers," McDaniels said. "They need for the host families. "Ideally, we would like them here when started. families willing to immerse them in American Bender hosted the three Russian men for a week before they headed on to their host fami- lies. He remembers their amazement at the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer. "What Americans take for granted every Novartis Innovation day is hardly evident in Russia. Those men had never seen a dishwasher in their life," he said. "They were completely amazed at the 'box' un- der the counter that cleaned dishes within an hour. And our washing machine was nothing like they had at home." During their week's visit with Bender, he tried to show them many things. The interns visited Walmart, an airshow in Battle Creek and a 4th of July celebration. He took them out in his boat on Lake Michigan and flew them over the state in his airplane. Bender said they came to live the American life, so he tried to show them what it was like to be an American. Three Michigan Farm Bureau state board members and their families housed the men for the summer after their week with Bender and his family. Vasiliy Shipilov, a 23-year-old master's de- gree student at Voronezh Agricultural University, lived with Jim and Patty Miller on their fruit and vegetable farm near Coloma, where they also operate a farm market. Patty said it was a wonderful experience and Vasiliy became a part of their family in a very short period of time. "I've learned a lot about Russia, and insight you cannot have unless you've had this experi- ence to have someone live with you," Jim said. "You get your conception of another country from documentaries and CNN, and that probably isn't very accurate." • To learn more about bow to become a Can you part with the bostfamily for the Russian or Latvian stu- dents contact Kovacic at Michigan Farm Bureau by calling 1-800-292-2680,ext. difference it makes? 6586 or by completing the foUowing cou- pon and returning it to Michigan Farm Bureau: YES!We're interested in bosting a Novartis Seeds is where you will find more innovations - 5 12-49 Russian or Latvia" intern in 1998 innovations that perform, like top-yielding NK~ Brand soy- Name RM: Early to Mid-Group I bean varieties with strong agronomic traits and Sclerotinia • Strong disease package includes resistance to white white mold disease-resistance packages. Or choose varieties mold and moderate resistance to brown stem rot. Address which also include Novartis Maximizer'" Technology - like • Very high-yielding soybean also resists Phytophthora root rot (Rps 1-c gene). the Roundup Read~ gene for weed control flexibility. See City/Stale!Zip your Novartis Seeds dealer for soybean innovations that fit your farm, your soil and your management style. 5 19-90 RM: Late Group I COU1lty • A leading performer against Sclerotinia white mold, Phone alse resists Phytophthora root rot (Rps 1-c gene) and brown stem rot. 1jpe offarmillg operation • Very high, stable yields; excels in narrow rows. NOVARTIS SEEDS Where Innovation Drives Performance Return by Jan. 15to Micbigan Farm Bureau, c/o Mike Kovacic C 1997 Novartis Seeds, Inc. All rights reserved. Roundup Ready is a trademark 01 Monsanto Company. PO.Box3096O READ ALL BAG TAGS AND LABELS. They contain important conditions 01 sale, including limitations 01 warranty and remedy. Novartis Seeds. Inc. Minneapolis. MN 55440 www.nk.coml-800445-0056 Lansing, Ml 48909-8460 Success comes before work on ly in the dictiona ry. NEW ex 212 Early Group II Excellent emergence. yield potential / Some may think doubling our soybean line Brown stem rot resistance / Good seedling in two years is a big accomplishment. vigor / Very good standability To us. it's just the beginning. ex 228 Early Group II Multi-race Phytophthora resistance / Very good standability / Highly adaptable. good no-till choice We're pushing onward and upward with higher yields, ex 232 Early Group II improved disease resistance, STSTMvarietiesand Tremendous yield potential/Superior Roundup Read~ soybeans. emergence and vigor for its maturity / Excellent no-till choice ex 289 Late Group II Quick emergence and stand establishment for no-till and reduced-tillage situations / Real people working real hard:M Tolerates dry conditions. marginal soils Call 1-800-8-DEKALB for the Dealer nearest you. STS is a trademark of E.!. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Roundup Ready is a registered trademark of Monsanto Company. Hay supply remains tight for second year H ay harvest across much of Michigan was below normal for the second year in a row. This lower yield, coupled with a very low inven- prices than last year were Southeast Michigan and the Western Upper Pennisula. For higher quality hays, again all but three better year than 1996, some had thought the hay price would fall. Prices have fallen from last winter. This survey, however, compares prices in west Michigan for lower-quality hays averaging $80-115 per ton. Higher-quality hays are in the highest demand in Southeast Michigan, South- tory carryover from the 1996 harvest season, of 12 regions were reporting higher prices than October of each year. The question remains: west Michigan, the Arenac County area and the continues to make for tight hay supply. last year. These three regions were the Lansing Will these prices climb this winter as they did Northern Lower Peninsula bringing an average An October survey was conducted by the area, and Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac area reporting last winter? of $110-$180 per ton. Prices per ton reported in Osceola County MSU Extension office of more October for lower-quality hay for all regions than thirty Michigan State University county were: Southwest $75-115; Sootheast $60-100; Extension agricultural agents and Michigan Hay the Thumb $70-90; Lansing area $65-105; and Grazing Council board members. It found Muskegon area $60-100; Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac hay supplies to be lower than normal in all areas 'area $60-90; Arenac County area $70-100; Grand of Michigan except the Muskegon and Ottawa Traverse area $70-110; tip of the Lower Peninsu- County area where it is reported to be about la $70-110; Eastern U.P. $85-115; and Western average. A cool summer with some dry periods U.P. $40-70. and with a heavy infestation of the potato leaf- Prices reported per ton for higher-quality hopper caused the yields of the two largest hays (greater than 16 percent crude protein) by cuttings, the first and second, to be lower than regions in October were: Southwest S 115-175; usual. Favorable September growing conditions Southeast $110-170; the Thumb $120-160; Lan- did allow for some late third cutting growth, sing area $105-145; Muskegon Area $110-165; making this harvest slightly larger than normal. Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac area $105-145; Arenac Total forage supply was also increased County area $120-175; Grand Traverse area slightly in the Northern Lower Peninsula with an $110-160; tip of the Lower Peninsula $130-180; early killing frost that caused more corn to be Eastern U.P. $100-140; Western U.P. $80-120 made into corn silage. Still, this additional for- (very little higher-quality hays are available in Once again this year, weather conditions forced hay yields to be below average across age is doing little to soften hay prices. the U.P. as most hay is harvested as first the state. For lower-quality hays (under 16 percent cutting). crude protein) all but three of the 12 reporting about the same prices, and the Southeast Michi- Hay supplies appear to be the shortest in ' Price ranges are quite common in hay pric- regions reported higher prices than last year. gan region reporting slightly lower prices. the Northern Lower Peninsula from Cadillac ing. These ranges take into account: hay feed Reporting the same prices for these hays was Hay rields were slightly better in 1997 than northward and the eastern Upper Pennisula quality; presence or absence of weeds, dust or Southwest Michigan. Reporting slightly lower 1996, but still below average. With a somewhat Prices are the highest there as well as in South- mold in the hay; quantity sold; and bale form. For example, a pickup load of hay (1 ton) may sell for $15-30 more per ton than a 15-ton semi- trailer load of the same hay. Also, typically round bales sell for $10-20 less per ton than the same hay sells for in square bale form. This is Garst hybrids because there are fewer buyers that can handle large round bales, thus there is less demand. Anyone wishing to buy or sell hay should consistently check with their local, county MSU Extension office. Hay for sale can be listed free of charge outperform the on the computerized Michigan Hay Seller's List. Anyone wishing a copy of the list can receive one from their county Extension office or can competition with find a copy on the website at http:// ceenet.msue.msu.edu!hay. yields you can Roundup Ready corn safe bank on. T he Agriculture Department has completed its environmental assessment of Roundup Ready corn and issued a finding of "no significant impact Hey, it's your bottom line. on the environment" from cultivation and agricul- Why take chances with your profitability. tural use of the product, according to a news release from Monsanto. Garst hybrids are known for reliability The finding by USDRs Animal and Plant and yield here in Michigan. Health Inspection Service comes after the United Check the ratings and see for yourself. States Environmental Protection Agency approved Then, Go Garst! the use of Roundup Ultra herbicide on com im- proved with the Roundup Ready trait. Monsanto Co., which is developing Roundup John Jackson Lake Odessa, Mi Ready corn technology jointly with Dekalb Planted: 5/11/97 Harvested: 11/05/97 Genetics Corp., has initiated a consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is elMANY HYBRID YIRDlacre % MII~ expected to be completed prior to the 1998 Gorst 8640 171.0 28.4 growing season. Oekolb 546 170.0 29.9 Oekolb 527 169.4 29.5 Gorst 8780 HpH 167.0 25.8 Future of farming 4242 Bt 163.2 24.4 lIMy cIases are offeNd at the 1998 Novortis Michigan Agricultural MEGAConference Fitzpatrick Family Farms Fowler, Mi Specialization is the future of farming. It is also the focus of "Specialty Grains," one of many Planted: 5/14/97 Harvested: 11/08/97 classes offered during the Jan. 19-21, 1998 Michigan aMMY HYBRID Yl8.II1CP1 % MOIU. Agricultural MEGAConference, at the Lansing Cen- a Gorst 8830 165.5 24.7 ter, downtown Lansing. Novortis 4640 Bt 162.9 25'.5 "Specialty Grains" offers an in-depth look at a Gorst 8814 159.1 22.2 producing and marketing Gorst 8746 157.5 22.8 specialized crops, such a Gorst 8746 152.4 22.7 as high- oil, high-starch and high-protein grains. a For more information, Specialty producers grow call toll-free: 1-888-GO-GARST added-value crops at significant premiums. a Panelists include: aI's! Frank Peterson, director a of Integro Services, a specialty grains marketing firm; DuPont's Quality Grains Nutritionalist Paul '- Erikson; Mike Braun, marketing specialist for Novar- a tis; and Dave Cheney, specialty crop farmer. Delivering TechnologyTo Your Field For more information about the 1998 pro- Visit our web site! o gram, "The Next Farming Generation," contact the www.garstseed.com Garst Seed Company does not condone destruction of public MEGAConference at 1100 West Taft Rd., St. Johns, @1997 Garst Seed Company. or private property in any way. Vandalism is a crime. MI 48879-9104, phone (517) 224-0930, fax 517(227- 2067, e-mail bdriscoU@Voyager.net.. New soybean Three years later: How germplasm line Proposal A is really affecting resists insects A new soybean germ plasm line will give breed- school funding ~rs more options for developing insect-resis- tant, high-protein soybean varieties for farmers. close the gap between funding for "rich" school operating expenses are paid for and it does increase Known as Plant Introduction (PI) 417061, the '--7 ..... districts and poorer districts. Voters were willing to how much money is available. Local bond issues still line naturally resists severalleaf~ting insects, indud- A monthly resource suppon the increase in sales tax from 4 percent to need to pass for schools to make capital improve- ing velvetbean caterpillar and soybean looper. A for the Community 6 percent to see this and other school finance re- ments. School boards and administrations still need research geneticist with USDXsAgricultural Research Action Groups form happen. to manage their money wisely. Service (ARS)identified the line among the agency's of Michigan Farm According to Gov. John Engler's office, there It comes down to an issue of fairness. What's soybean germ plasm collection located at the Universi- Bureau are three effects that have come from Proposal A. the most equitable way for the state of Michigan to ty of Illinois, Urbana. First, more money is being spent on public educa- tax its residents to pay for schools? Then, how InseCts cause more than $40 million in losses S ome seemed to think it would be a miracle- cure for school funding. But now that the laws included in Proposal A have been in effect for a few tion than ever before. Second, the governor says there are more fairly or equitably distributed funds. should that money be distributed among schools? One possible answer to these questions was put annually to U.S.soybean producers. The velvetbean caterpillar and soybean looper are the country's most serious soybean defoliators, with the heaviest infesta- Finally, he says local school districts are better off before voters and Proposal A won out. • years, people have varied opinions about how well financially than ever before. tions in the Southeast. it's working - or not working. No one argues that the state money available PI 417061 is not the first soybean germplasm "Most districts are in better shape today," said for schools has increased. In fact, the 1997-98 Dfsawlon Questions line with insect resistance, but it will add to the diver- Jon Miller, a dairy farmer and president of the Ovid- school aid budget is $11.5 billion. Compare that to 1. Are schools in your area suffering fi- sity of the soybean gene pool, an advantage to Elsie Area Schools board of education. "There are," 1989-90, when the same budget was $7.9 billion. nancial problems? Has that changed soybean breeders. Other lines in the soybean collec- he notes, "a number of districts in the state of Mich- from years prior to Proposal A? However, Proposal A does have its critics. tion that demonstrate resistance to leaf-feeding igan that are in very tough financial shape." Some say it was just a tax shift, and that local 2. Should future school funding increases insects are PI 171451, PI 227687 and PI 229358. These Miller's district is one that is faring well finan- be sought through property taxes, school boards are still suffering serious financial lines have been used to develop at least three insect- sales taxes, income taxes, or a combi- cially, but he attributes that to a tight-fisted problems. nation? Why? resistant varieties: Crockeu, Lamar and Lyon. administration and school board. Business owners (other than farmers) some- Soybean breeders and researchers may obtain 3. Should wealthier communities be ex- Ovid-Elsie recently dedicated their new, state- times criticize Proposal A because they don't see pected to pay for poorer schools? How germ plasm by contacting Randall Nelson, soy germ- of-the-art middle school. "It took a long time for us the property tax benefits that homeowners and should state funding be fairly distrib- plasm curator, ARSPlant Physiology and Genetics to get that," he said. "It went through a lot of votes farmers do. They're taxed at a higher rate to fund uted among districts? Research Unit, located at the University of lllinois, before we got the millage passed." But whether the schools. Urbana .• difficulty had anything to do with Proposal A being Now that voters approved so much more on people's minds is hard to tell. money to go to schools, some districts are finding 1997 Small grain production up "There are a lot of people that don't under- stand Proposal A," Miller said, noting that school funding can be complex. it's tough to pass millages. The problem lies in that the sales tax money only goes toward school oper- ating expenses, not capital improvements. A school M 'chigantS1997 small grain crops had a good roduction year due to favorable weather and growing conditions, according to the FederaV weather was excellent. • Oat production, 5.5 million bushels, was 53 percent higher than the record low of 3.6 million Proposal A is the school finance reform ap- needing a new building is finding it difficult to get State Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service. Wheat bushels for 1996. Oat crops were planted prior to proved by Michigan voters in 1994. It moved voters to buy in. They believe their taxes were just yields were at a record high due to beneficial spring the normal period and benefited from cool May funding for schools from property taxes to sales cut, only to have the government try to raise them and summer weather. Moderate summer conditions temperatures. Moderate summer weather kept the taxes. again. also resulted in better yields for barley and oats com- crop in 800d condition. Harvest began in late July Among other provisions, Proposal A contained On the other hand, schools are no longer pared to last year. Some highlights of the repon are and progressed ahead of schedule. wording that limits annual property tax assessment allowed to proposed millages for operating expens- as follows: • Barley production, 1.4 million bushels, in- increases to 5 percent or the rate of inflation, es - only capital improvements. If operating • Wheat yield, 62 bushels per acre, topped the creased 20 percent from last year, despite a 4 whichever is lower. When that property changes expenses, such as teacher salaries and mainte- previous record set in 1985 and 1995. This yield was percent decrease in harvested acres. Excellent hands, the new owner pays taxes on the current nance, can't be paid for with state money, then the well above last year's disappointing yield. Planting planting conditions allowed farmers to get the bar- value. school is out of luck. went well and emergence was ahead of normal. The ley crop in on schedule. The cool spring and mild Besides the fact that it slashed people's prop- All in all, people are finding that Proposal A is crop came through the winter in good shape, and summer temperatures provided excellent growing erty taxes, another reason Proposal A passed was not the end-all cure for school funding - but it growing conditions were excellent due ro a cool conditions .• that citizens had called out for measures that would wasn't intended to be. It does shift how school spring and mild summer temperatures. Harvest Cargill offers college scholarships By Kris Totzke he Cargill Scholarship Program for Rural Students may apply for a Cargill scholarship if r---------------------------. Proven performance I I T America is offering scholarships to high school they are from farm families and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institu- in the field I seniors from rural communities across the coun- tion in the fall of 1998. Selected I try. The committee has set aside $250,000 and, recipients must demonstrate fi- I through the National FFAOrganization, will award nancial need and farm families Since 1990 DSR soybeans have generated over 600 top ten I 250 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. must receive at least 50 percent finishes in University trials. In 1996, Dairyland's DSR/STS I This brings the total to $2.5 million since 1986. of their income directly from herbicide tolerant varieties had 21 top ten finishes alone. I "As the cost of post-secondary education rises, farming to be eligible. Students Whether you're looking for STS tolerance, Roundup Ready I obtaining an advanced education is becoming hard- do not have to be FFAmem- soybeans, or just plain old fashioned high yielding genetics, er to realize," said Ernest Micek, Cargill's chairman, bers to apply. the DSR lineup delivers. president and chief executive officer. "This program FFAwill evaluate all will recognize students' academic achievements and applications received, select Contact your local Dairyland representative to learn how potential while responding to the financial pres- and notify recipients in May. sures felt by many farm families." For more information, con- you can obtain top yields with Dairyland soybeans. Cargill recognizes and encourages academic tact the National FFA achievement, accomplishments and talents of Amer- Foundation, Cargill Scholar- ica's rural youth. Recipients are selected on the ship Coordinator, Box 45205, Madison, WI Adrian, MI Ft. Wayne, IN Mason, MI basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership, 53744-5205, or the nearest Cargill facility. Applica- Dave Dickerson, D.S.M. Gary Freiburger, R.S.M. Hoskins Farms extracurricular accomplishments, financial need and tions are due Feb. 16.• 517/265-2255 219/639-6927 517/589-8822 other criteria. Applegate, MI Grandville, MI Mt. Pleasant, MI Dan Babcock, D.S.M. John Pater Randall Recker Single business tax exemption signed into law 810/648-3612 616/896-9387 517 fi73-5488 L egislation clarifying the exemption for farmer- owned cooperatives from the Single Business Tax, often referred to as SBT has been signed by now clarifies that the farmer portion of the business is tax-exempt." Business conducted with individuals who are Byron, MI Garry Adams Hudsonville, MI Jerry Poortenga Perry, MI Claude Benjamin Gov. John Engler. According to Michigan Farm Bu- not members of the cooperative will still be subject 810/266-4170 616/896-9119 517/625-7542 reau Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson, cooperatives to the SBT liability. The measure also clarifies that had traditionally been exempt from the SBT, until when a contractor buys nursery stock for planting Carson City, MI Lachine, MI St. Johns, MI the state's treasury office changed their interpreta- in a yard that the contractor is not the consumer Lowell Litwiller Larry Sumerix, D.S.M. Paul Buehler, D.S.M. tion of the state's tax code. but is simply the middleman and, therefore, is not 517/584-3675 517/379-4073 800/232-2424 "Traditionally, the interpretation of the tax liable for the SBT. code was that the portion of business a cooperative Nelson justifies the SBT exemption for coop- Erie, MI Mason, MI Webberville, MI was doing with its farmer-members was exempt eratives by pointing out that individual members of Ralph Nartker Wayne Every Robert Benjamin from the SBT liability," Nelson explained. "Then the cooperative already pay a tax. "The co-op is 517/676-2162 313/856-4985 517/521-3183 treasury audited several farmer co-ops, and recently nothing more than several individuals doing busi- had indicated to those co-ops, by way of a bill, that ness, really, for themselves so those individuals, to they in fact owed SBT tax. the extent that they're involved in a co-op, already "And if you owe on a portion of your business, have a tax liability as individuals," he said. "So when Dairyland Seed -- A Growing Force then you do, in fact, owe on all of your business, there is profit from the co-op, they share in that retroactive, with a penalty," Nelson continued. "So this measure was very imponant to several farmer co-ops in the state, plus potentially imponant to all farmer co-ops in the state, because this language profit, which is taxable. This measure simply avoids the co-op members from paying the tax twice. So it's not a matter of escaping the tax, it's a matter of tax equity." • ~---------------------------~ 1-800-236-0163 I~'ll(It: I~ ~ I~'I:t'm December 15, 1997 Belore vou order vour seed, check the P.O. Box 209, Wiersdale, FL 32195 Ponies & Horses price and perlormance 01 Geenson Seed TOLL FREE: 1-800-248-2575 Farms' allalla. The big bucks vou save FAX: 1-352-821-4919 Choose our FLORIDA CITRUS and ship these special gifts to your friends and SAVE! could pav all vour holidav bills. 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Farmall M milking machine, 2 3 FULL-BLOOD Show, breeding and Conveniently located tractor, $400. Antique unit. One 300 gallon PIEDMONTESE pet quality wean lings to all attractions: corn sheller, $50. Solor bulk milk cooler Bulls. Super tender available. Some are with extra oompressor. and lean, plus easy 4-H -trained. Check REGISTERED Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg TN Bean sheller, $75. Call 1-517 -786-3436. calving. Also one 1/2 with us for your next HAFLINGERS, two • Kitchens • Fireplaces Antique horse drawn blood Angus cross- sheep guard! For weanling oolts, $1500. spring wagon, $950. • Hot Tubs • Large Pool Doctors buggy, $400. bull. Black polled and information or a visit, Pair: One 3 year old New Holland grain VAN DALE 222' beautiful. Call call 1-517-645-2719. Gelding, 57", $2500 LOG CABINS Open Year Round mill, $495. 2 1/2 ton gutter chain. High rise 1-906-644-7198. Miller's Uamaland one 2 year old Filly, Call Toll Free gravity wagon, $450. paddles for 18" gutter, Potterville, MI $2500. Call after 6, 1- IN THE Horse drawn cultivator, left hand. Used 5 616-669-5935. 1-888-200-0625 $90. Four Scotch months. $1500. Clay SMOKIES for a FREE color brochure Highland bulls. silo unloader, 16', REGISTERED SCOTTISH $500. Van Dale 14' MINIATURE 1-810-765-5756. HIGHLAND CATTLE, DONKEYS: Yearlings silo un loader, $500 breeding stock and 1-616-734-2532. and sucklings now semen for sale. available. They're ARPS 2-STAGE Visitors weloome! Call versatile, long lived, Help Wanted Agricultural SNOW BLOWER for evenings or intelligent, .guard Services sale. 540 PTO drive. weekends. animals and Hydraulic swing 1-517-543-7979. oompanions for hiking, discharge. 3-point Charlotte, Michigan packing, driving and hitch. 8-foot width. Farm LARGE NORTHERN enjoying. MICHIGAN FRUIT $1200. Call 1-616- Commodities Young miniature FARM taking SAVE MONEY. 673-8191. horses also available. applications for full Recycle your diesel ANGUS & GELBVlEH: Will hold for Christmas time mechanic. Must delivery! and industrial air intake Breeding stock . have experience in • All steel building with a 20 year warranty BOB BEAN WIND- M&MS Farms filters using the Sonic Free delivery I hydraulic systems in • Ideal for use as a workshop and storage ROWER, 8 row, CLEAN WHEAT Williamston, MI Dry Clean System. Border Collie Stock farm related SUPER HEAVY STEEL $5500. Heatin 8 row STRAW: Round 1-517-655-4267 No liquids or Dogs. equipment. Salary and FOR INFORMATION ON CANCEllED front mount bean bales and square. detergents used. SOO.-b Call today. benefits ORDERS, CALL NOW! puller, $2000. Both in Hay also. savings over new ;lOxSIl (2 lEFD SIWl2 (1 lE/-T) Bordner Farms commensurate with good condition! Ferguson Farms filters. 1Ox60 (2 lEFD SOXlOO () IF.Ffl Sturgis, MI experience. Send 1-517-684-1003. Almont Recycle Now, Inc. 1-616-651-8353 PUREBRED BOER resume or letter of 1-810-395-7512 Holland, MI GOATS. MichFlock. intent to: PO Box 331, 1-616-396-n24 American Structures, Stud Service available. Lake Leelanau, MI 616-396-8102, Fax 1-800-340-4398. CASE IH 1250 FEED 49653. GRINDER. Uke new. 612 North Madison, HAY FOR SALE. 350 ANGUS BEEF: Bulls, Lapeer, MI48446. $4500. Feed Bins, 7 Dairy Quality 4x4 heifers and oows with 1-810-667 -0169 any 1/2T $650, 3 1/2T round bales. Good calves. Performance time. $500. 1968 deer feed. Call International truck tested, semen tested. WOODLAND 1-906-644-7198. Free delivery! Call tandem. $1500. Help Wanted MANAGEMENT Needs brakes. 18-4- anytime. SPECIALTIES RIVER CITY 34 Spin-Out Wheels. SHAGBARK HOOF TRIMMING Professional Forestry $500. Call 1-616-784- FARMS Professional hoof Consulting for the Alto, Michigan management and 1676. trimming and sore feet 1-616-868-6040 marketing needs of wrapping. Competitive prices. 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Broker has MICHIGAN FARM NEWS breeding age bulls, from high producing Border Collie puppies for sale, $100 each. additional crop and yield reports. Place your cow family. Top AI Both parents trained advertising with sires, $800-$900. as working dogs. Call Thumb Real Estate us and see the Pasch Farms Ready to go! Great (888) 821-8433 1-517-644-3519 Christmas gift for complete information results! 1-616-378-4159 72 N. Howard, Croswell, MI 48422 800-292-2680, ext. 6543 MICHIGAN F A R M NEWS December 15, 1997 S3 Michigan Farm News Classified FARM lit R I U MKMKKK BENKFIT For Display i FARM BUREAU TRAVEL S A V E ? xjr* T O &0°/o JOHNSON E msaaanssajEBoni Complete Grain System SYSTEM INC. Advertising Information Wan Wanted To Buy OF MICHIGAN Where will you be this winter? STANDING TIMBER On most Prescriptions, Medical • Grain Bins • Hopper Bins AND VENEER: • Bucket Elevators • Dryer Service Call now to plan Supplies & Personal Care Needs! 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HOMRICH AG-LIME ment w/gas fireplace. Great In business over 35 for migrant labor. All on snowmobile and off 1-800-879-2324. 1-616-784-4441 location nestled in the hills years. 1994 G M C one ton 40 acres. 20 acres HARDY WOOD road vehicles. 1965 between West Branch and 1-888-488-0234 flat b e d with d u m p tiled with irrigation Rose City. Beauiiful View! BURNING FURNACES. and older. CallJD at 1- The original all ext. 6. cylinder for sale. 1 - pond. Located 50 $139,000. F7-2136 517-676-0583. miles north of Detroit stainless steel outside 517-882-4607. HAY WANTED: Business / inAllentonMI.CalM- wood burning furnace Buying horse quality I Legal Services 810-688-3587. for forced air systems hay, small squares, or hydronic systems stored inside. 2.5 ACRES. Large 4 bed- as well as domestic Keegan Hay C o . Recreation I EXPERIENCED Michigan agribusiness attorneys with farm r™~~i room 2100 sq.ft.home with 3 baths and 2 car garage. Pond in front yard with flow- hot water. 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Coldwell Broker Real Estate Norman Beale, Maple Rapids maintenance required. 1-616-775-0488. Lumber Mill, Inc. Clemens, Michigan. Walters Real Estate Wanted St. J o h n s , Ml $ 2 5 0 0 . Call 1-517- 48036. 1-810-727-2741 872-2864. 1-810-463-5253. 1-810-727-7775 FARMS AND LAND throughout Michigan, B E D D I N G : dry kiln WEST SIDE: agricultural and sawdust shaving. 100 Robert A. Stariha, 40 West Sheridan, SELLING THE FARM? recreational. Large and 120 yard loads. Call for prices. Deadline for next issue is Noon, January 9,1998 Fremont, Michigan, Wouldn't it be nice if parcels preferred. We your realtor w a s a have buyers! Call 1-800-200-3571 49412. 1-616-924-3760. farmer? Call Sheree Faust Real Estate |jg Call 1-800-968-3129 to Place Your (J© Walters, Farmer and Adrian METAL ROOF Realtor specializing in 1-517-263-8666 Classified Ad Today! Agricultural Properties. COATINGS: H e a v y Farm Bureau or use the coupon below and mail or fax your fibered or white roof coatings. H.J. Butzin. 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Date Classified Rates - $8 for up to 24 words • 30 cents each additional word Lease financing Write your ad here, including phone number and area code for equipment - 1 2 3 4 vehicles & HERITAGE 5 6 7 8 buildings BUILDING S Y S T E M S S O O - 6 4 - 3 - 5 5 5 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 • 100% tax deductible 3 0 X 5 0 X lO S5.28B 30 x s o x i o S8.:im> 17 18 19 20 • fixed payments 4 0 I 6 0 X 12 SO X O O X IO $8,322 S13.023 21 22 23 24 • min advance payment OO X 7 5 X IO S13.04O IOO X 2 0 0 X 14-M1 £50,082 25 26 27 28 ®. Commercial steel buildings featuring easy bolt-up assembly from America's largest distributor. We have over lo.ooo standard sizes of shop, farm. Industrial, commercial and mini-warehouse buildings. All are complete with engineer 29 30 31 32 stamped permit drawings, 2 0 year roof and wall rust war- ranty, call us today for a free Information package and a TELMARKINC. quote on our top quality buildings or building component parts. 33 34 35 36 www.telmark.com Circulation over 47,700'in State Of Michigan 800-451-3322 MICHIGAN F A R M NEWS FDA irradiation December 15, 1997 approval a win for consumers and producers 5H F ood and Drug Administration (FDA) ap- proval of irradiation for beef, lamb and pork this past week is good news for live- stock producers and consumers. And, despite products could cost consumers about 5 cents more per pound. That would add about $2 per person to the average grocery bill." Food irradiation is a safe, simple and rela- opposition from some consumer activist groups tively inexpensive process, which has been expressing concerns over radiation, Michigan Farm available since the 1950s. It is much more effec- Bureau's Ken Nye, director of the Commodity and tive than steam pasteurization or sterilizing Environmental Division, says the technology has rinses, which only kill food-borne bacteria on been used safely for years on poultry, fruits, vege- the surface. Irradiation penetrates the meat, tables and grains. which kills any internal bacteria that might be "This technology should be viewed as just present. Irradiation can be used after meat is one more tool to use in making sure our food packaged for shipment. supply is as safe as possible," Nye said. "It's real- Nye says that in reality, the United States, is ly no different than the other processes that we behind the rest of the world in utilizing irradiation. use, such as pasteurization of milk, canning of More than 35 countries use the procedure, which fruits and vegetables and other products, so that was approved earlier this year by the World Health we can make sure that those products are Organization. shelf stable and are as healthy for consumers "FDA has undertaken a complete and com- as possible." prehensive process to determine the safety and The process has been shown to be safe and effectiveness of irradiation for red meat," Nye said. to significantly reduce bacterial contamination. The "More than 40 years of research show irradiation is FDA gave its stamp of approval to irradiation after a safe, effective technology that kills germs causing three years of study. Irradiation does not make food-borne illness. This ruling means that FDA has meat radioactive and it does not change the meat's found absolutely no health risk for consumers." taste, texture or appearance. Irridation should not be looked at as a "magic It is now up to the Agriculture Department to bullet" but it is another valuable tool in our food change its regulations over the next few months to safety arsenal. The process has been endorsed by allow for irradiation, says Nye. "Hopefully, we'll the World Health Organization and the American have a final rule in effect as soon as possible, so Food irradiation is much more effective than steam pasteurization or sterilizing rinses. The Medical Association. Farm Bureau expects for use that we can utilize this new and improved technol- FDA is taking a complete look at its safety and effectiveness. So far, there have not been any of irradation on red meats final clearance to be ogy. Estimates indicate that irradiated meat health risks found to the consumers. given by mid-1998 according to Nye. * Michigan FFA members earn American FFA Degree Why not the A t the recent 70th National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Mo., local Michigan FFA best insurance members earned their American FFA Degree among die more than 44,000 FFA members, guests and for your farm? supporters who attended the When you work hard to run a quality farm annual event. operation, don't cut corners where it really Highlighting counts — on your insurance. this year's list of presenters were Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Ron Archer, moti- Michigan introduced the first Farmowners vational speaker; policy in the nation in 1960. We were the first Dr. Lowell Catlett, and we're still the best. agricultural futurist; Edward James Olmos, We offer customized protection, fast claims actor; Heather Whitestone-McCallum, former service, and people who know the insurance Miss America; Orion Samuelson, agricultural needs of Michigan farmers. With Farm broadcaster for Channel Earth Communica- tions; and Ted Waitt, Chairman and CEO of Bureau Mutual, you know you're getting top Gateway 2000. quality protection from Michigan's largest Over 1,700 FFA members recieved the farm insurer. organization's highest award, the American FFA Degree, including 29 from Michigan: MDU may find better ways to run your farm, Hometown 1997American FFA Recipient but you won't find a better way to insure it. Ann Arbor Kyle E. Weidmayer Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent Breckenridge Olan G. Humm today. Breckenridge Michael J. Allen Byron Kelly W.Mahar Byron Matt Glass Coopersville Nicholas V. \an DenBrink Fulton Melissa E. Wright Gaines Andy Atherton Hastings Luke E. Haywood Homer Derek R. Williams Homer Damon C. Williams Ithaca Kathryn J. Shaull Laingsburg Chris Smith Laingsburg Wayne D. Smith Laingsburg Jeremy W. Jorae Laingsburg Allison M. Woodworth Lowell Kevin Nugent North Adams Kerry L. Ackerman Okemos Kristin Prelesnik Owosso Carolyn E. Alwin Peck Nathan D. Clark Perry Danielle M. Smith Perry Timothy Place Port Hope Melinda M. Dailcy Remus Jessica C. Madigan Saline Troy Gordon Saranac Melanie M. Endres St. Louis Aaron W. Little Berlin Teresa M. Swamba •