, • Corsair Skiing • Mackinac Island Horsepower • The New Look of Farming in the 90's -. Energy - Alternatives for a New Century Who's Replacing During the oil supply squeeze more than a decade ago, researchers turned to Iraqi Crude? agriculture to help the nation out of its energy crisis through development of ethanol enhanced fuels, or gasohol. But in the more freely flowing oil market of the 80s, the fuel from farms craze seemed to dry up, leaving only a trickle of support from agriculture and energy advocates. Today, renewed emphasis on the environ- Of the 4.5 million barrels per day (mbd) ment and domestic energy policy -- in large part due to the Middle East military crisis of crude oil that stopped flowing from Iraq -- is once again stimulating interest in ethanol production from corn. and Kuwait, about 2.8 mbd have been replaced by other OPEC members thus Both for its environmental friendliness and as an energy alternative to reduce far. Saudi Arabia has pumped an extra 1.9 our national dependence on foreign oil, ethanol -- the fuel from farms -- has mbd, and Venezuela an extra 0.3 mbd, maintained popular support among Farm Bureau members. Again this year, according to a recent USDA Agricultural Michigan Farm Bureau delegates reaffirmed their ethanol fuels policy position, Outlook report. saying, "Ethanol is the best replacement for the required reduction of lead in fuel. (It) contributes to a clean and safe environment through major reductions of Excluding the Soviet Union, the world's the pollutants in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and could be used to eliminate excess crude oil production capacity is the burden of emission testing. As a gasoline extender, it provides a higher quality estimated at over 5 mbd, 90 percent of octane booster. " which is held by OPEC. Nearly 4 mbd of excess capacity are available from the During the 1990 congressional session which passed the Clean Air Act, the Persian Gulf outside Iraq and Kuwait. Be- American Farm Bureau Federation supported an ethanol amendment to the act, tween 0.3 and 0.5 mbd can also be sup- requiring the use offuels with a 2.7 percent oxygen content in the 44 U.S. cities with plied from the North Sea, Mexico, the worst carbon monoxide pollution and in the nine cities with the most severe ozone Canada, and other sources. pollution problems. Excess production capacity is the dif- The new requirements set out in the act mean cleaner fuels with 15 percent less ference between the maximum sus- pollutants must be ready for delivery to nine of the country's smoggiest cities by tainable for at least 90 days and actual 1995. Once developed, demandfor the cleaner gasolines is sure to comefrom other production as of July, 1990. American cities. Warld crude oil reserves were estimated The petroleum industry claims that clean fuel will take years to develop. However, at 1 trillion barrels as of January 1990. General Motors and Ford have been producing engines that run on clean-burning Two-thirds of these reserves are in the ethanol commercially in Brazilfor a number of years. Five million ethanol engines Persian Gulf region, 40 percent of that run on Brazilian highways today. 1fCongress chooses to expand the requirements belonging to Saudi Arabia. OPEC's share of the Clean Air Act, or other legislation, to mandate clean fuel use in specific areas of the world's total reserves amounts to of the United States, the ethanol engines can be available quickly. 76.5 percent. Ethanol production currently uses about 350 million bushels of corn annually. The amount of oil demanded is also Adding one billion gallons of ethanol to our nation'sfuel supply would require an declining in response to higher prices, additional 400 million bushels. The increased demandfor corn could add anywhere according to the report. Conservation ef- from 10 cents to 35 cents to the per bushel price. This would not only benefit the forts in the developing countries have nation's farmers and rural economy -- it would take us substantially further down been given a strong boost by the price the road toward energy self-sufficiency and a cleaner environment. shocks. Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau ". A Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau January 1991 Photo: Mackinac Island arriage Tours In This Issue 4 SKIING CORSAIR TRAILS (osco County's cross country ski paradise 10 FARMERS TAKE ON NEW LOOK MACMA Today's high-tech farmers, Michigan's young farmers MID-WINTER 13 OFF THE STREET Thirty teenagers go from the street to the field SALE 18 FOOD BUY-LINE Grocery price outlook for 1991 SAVE $2.00 Of Special Interest on a case of OJ also featuring ... Cover Story: A PROUD TRADITION Mackinac Island's Carriage Tours - a fifth generation • Frozen Fruits family affair • Pie Slices • Croissants Rural Living is Published Quarterly: By the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. • Citrus .~. " Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 • Nuts _ (zip 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000. • Dirt Squad Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to associate members, included in annual dues. $3 per year non-members in Michigan $5 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, as Michigan Farm News, name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. 1, 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan and at additional mailing offices. ORDER DEADLINE Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. February 13 DELIVERY Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Marlette; March 11-15 Administrative Director, Charles Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Marlin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, For more information, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; contact your county Farm Bureau District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Lyle LeCronier, Freeland; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: David Conklin, Corunna; Jack or call 1-800-292-2680 ext. 2305 Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam,Snover; Richard Leach, Saginaw. Promotion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Karen Stoneman, Ithaca. Rural Living Winter 1991 Skiing Corsair Trails "Driving west of the Tawases, up tree lined T hat's the description from a Tawas cross country ski adventure, adding that the trails have year around benefits as Area Chamber of Commerce promotion- Monument Road, into the al brochure about the Corsair cross well. country ski trail system, established 17 heart of the National "The arrangement has brought people years ago as a joint venture between the Forests, there is a little Chamber of Commerce and the United and local communities together, building a real sense of pride and a sense of owner- hint of what lies ahead. States Forest Service, in northeastern ship in the trails," says Marroquin. "A Michigan's Iosco County. Suddenly the Corsair Ski number of local schools use the trails for Trails are visible on both That joint relationship makes the 51 mile environmental education." cross country ski trail system unique in sides of you as you pass Michigan, in addition to the beauty of The agreement has proven beneficial to through the interior of 120,000 acres of the Huron National the local economy, although an exact Forests, according to Tom Ferguson, value would be hard to place on the at- the immense trail system. traction, says Ferguson. "It (Corsair) Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce ex- The Silver Valley hills ecutive director. plays an extremely significant role in the economy of this area in the winter and snow bowls leap up months." "We agree to maintain the trails which to the north and the icy means we cut new trails, clean up the old The Corsair system is one of the largest water of Silver Creek trails, clean up the brush and groom the groomed trail networks in Michigan with trails," says Ferguson. "In return the knife through the forests Forest Service provides security and the three different loops available, depending below. property that allowed over 18,000 people on the skier's expertise. The trail's to participate in cross country skiing, at namesake, the Corsair, the Silver Valley, no charge last year. That's not counting and the Wright's Lake loop are all The lure is the forest the special events that are held groomed trails. itself, the deep snowfalls throughout the season." According to Ferguson, a new grooming and the clean fresh air. Dallas Marroquin, Huron National Forest machine, purchased last year, sets a trail for both skating and traditional skiing. And the views -from such Service Technician, adds that in a good "Skating refers to a free-style approach to snow year, as many as 23,000 skiers may sacramental spots as pass through the counters to begin their cross country skiing, where it appears the Silver Valley, largo Springs, Corsair, Lumbermen's Monument or the Highbanks, you can see clear across the A uSable River Valley and watch snow storms advancing 20 miles away. This is Michigan's cradle of cross country skiing - this is where skiing is a way of life. " J J Rural Living Winter 1991 -Travel, Ski News From Boyne Country Toll-Free Winter vacationers who want informa- tion about skiing, lodging and driving skier is skating, but is actually on skis," "We even had a blind person who wanted conditions for the Petoskey, Harbor says Ferguson. "You'll find that more ex- to cross country ski," says Ferguson. "We Springs and Boyne City area of perienced cross country skiers are more hooked him up with a local cross country Northwest Michigan can call the likely to use the skating method." skier and they went cross country skiing!" Boyne Country Convention and For the more experienced and adven- Corsair sponsors "full moon ski tours," Visitors Bureau toll-free for up-to- turesome, there is the challenge of the designed for the entire family and led by date reports. High Banks trail which is not groomed, an experienced trail guide, scheduled for The bureau maintains a log of daily and is so named for its bordering high on Feb. 2 and March 2. Corsair is also the lodging availability at hotels, motels, a bluff overlooking the scenic AuSable sight of the "Silver Creek Challenge" on condominiums and inns throughout River Valley. Jan. 26. the area. Staff members can provide "We have something for everyone regard- "Silver Creek Challenge is a 10k and 20k callers with the names and telephone less of their degree of ability," claims Fer- ski race that will attract between 500 and numbers of properties with vacancies guson. "If you're an advanced skier and 600 cross country skiers," says Ferguson. in their price range. you like hills, or if you are just out and "It's one of the largest cross country ski Daily ski information for the area's want to take the family on a nice flat trip races in Michigan and it's a great spectator three largest locations, Boyne Moun- and be able to stop along the way, the maps sport as well as a participant sport." tain, Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob and trailheads will tell you which loop is Corsair also sponsors a "new skier week" is available, as are the reports about for you. All skiers have to do is make sure Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 which allows many current driving and weather condi- they get a trails map that will tell them how would-be skiers an opportunity to ex- tions. to attack the trails so to speak." perience cross country skiing and the The bureau can also mail callers a A telephone ski advisory hotline is avail- beauty of Corsair, with rentals at half price number of free brochures regarding able by calling 1-800-55- TA WAS. If calls when rented by a club member. lodging, downhill and cross country are made after normal business hours, an For the ultimate challenge and solitude of skiing, and other seasonal attractions. answering system will give callers an up- date on ski conditions. However, Fer- the forests, true adventurists can ski and Contact the Boyne Country Conven- guson says the phone line is available to camp the route of Michigan's Shore-to- tion and Visitors Bureau by calling interested skiers to obtain information on Shore trail which originates in Tawas and toll-free in Michigan, 1-800-845- everything from lodging, to ski rentals stretches 210 miles to the shores of Lake 2828, or toll-free nationwide, 1-800- (which range between $5 and $10 a day), Michigan. The trail is well marked, but 456-0197. Or write to P.O. Box 694, to lessons, to special needs of the in- neither groomed nor patrolled. Petoskey, MI 49770. dividual skier. Your best bet - allow 12-15 days to com- plete the trek, and check with local authorities before setting out! Rural Living Winter 1991 1. Running in place: swing arms and raise knees above waist level - breaking Pre-Skiing squat position. Repeat 15 to 20 times at a moderate tempo. into a sweat. Conditioning Hold 6 to 10 seconds. 2. Shoulder stretch: 6. Pectoral stretch: start with feet apart with feet apart, stand with arms fully extended in front of Tips and arms extended and raised to side at body. Interlace your fingers and raise the shoulder height, palms upward. Slowly straight arms overhead (palms now face .pull the straight arms as far back as pos- away from body). Keep chin firmly tuck- right foot alongside the left. Bend trunk sible. Relax and repeat 20 to 30 times. ed in. slowly forward until resistance occurs. Hold for 60 seconds. Repeat entire procedure to the opposite 7. Ski stretch: start by sliding right foot side for 10 stretches on each side, trying forward into a deep-lunge position, left 3. Wall lean (calf stretch): stand three to to move closer to the floor with your knee slightly flexed as you lunge forward. four feet from wall. Incline body forward hands. Maintain balance by positioning your to angle of about 65 degrees, supporting Hold for 6 to 10 seconds. hands on the floor on each side of the your body with the arms extended. body. Repeat, moving the left leg for- Hold for 10 seconds and repeat. 5. Half Squat: start with feet almost ward, 8 to 12 repetitions, avoid bouncing. together and hands on hips. Keep back- Hold 6 to 10 seconds, while increasing 4. Hamstring stretch: in standing posi- straight and bend both knees to a half the stretch. Source: Michigan State tion, cross right leg over the left, placing University, Sports Medicine. Quick tips to avoid -Frostbite and Hypothermia: frostbite and hypothermia * Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink warm, STOP THEM COLD! non-alcoholic, caffeine-free liquids to Prolonged exposure to low temperatures, wind, or moisture--whether it be on a ski maintain your body's fluid levels. slope or in a stranded car--can result in frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is the most common injury from exposure to severe cold. Superficial * Avoid becoming wet. Wet clothing loses 90 percent of its insulating value. frostbite is characterized by gray or yellowish patches on the affected areas. Skin remains soft and pliable, but after thawing becomes red and flaky. You should treat * Put on rain gear before getting wet, superficial frostbite by bringing the victim inside immediately and warming the af- warm clothing before starting to shiver. fected area with warm--not hot--water. * Thermal underwear next to the skin Deep frostbite usually affects the feet or hands. It is characterized by waxy, pale, provides an important layer of dead air solid skin that may turn blue or purple upon thawing. Large blisters may also ap- space for the proper insulation. pear. Treat deep frostbite by moving the victim indoors and seeking medical atten- tion immediately. Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 98.6 degrees F. U.S. CUSTOMARY WIND CHILL CHART Symptoms of the condition include un- Combined Speed controllable shivering, impaired speech, Actual Thermometer Reading (OF) of Wind and SO 30 20 and clumsy movements. Severe Snowmobile 10 0 -10 -20 -30 40 -60 hypothermia may cause rigid muscles, inMPH Equivalent Temperature (OF) dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and 0 SO 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 40 -SO -60 respiratory rates, and unconsciousness. 5 48 37 '}J 16 6 -5 -15 -26 -36 -47 -57 -68 10 40 28 16 4 -9 -21 -33 -46 -58 -10 -83 -95 You should treat hypothermia by 15 36 22 9 -5 -18 -36 -45 -58 -72 -85 -99 -112 protecting the victim from further heat 20 32 18 4 -10 -25 -39 -53 -67 -82 -96 -'10 -124 loss and calling for immediate medical 25 30 16 0 -15 -29 -44 -59 -74 -88 -104 -'18 -133 attention. Carefully remove the victim's 30 28 13 -2 -18 -33 -48 -63 -79 -94 -109 -'25 -140 clothing if it is wet, but avoid rubbing 35 '}J 11 -4 -20 -35 -49 -67 -82 -98 -113 -129 -145 the victim's skin. Give artificial respira- 40 26 10 -6 -21 -37 -53 -69 -86 -100 -116 -'32 -148 tion or CPR (if you're trained to do so) lwind speeds LITTLE INCREASING GREAT as necessary. greater than 40 mph have DANGER. DANGER' DANGER. little additional lfor properly clothed person I eHectl • DANGER FROM FREEZING OF EXPOSED FLESH Rural Living Winter 1991 Move Up With Alamo. Now members can move up with Alamo. In addition to great rates and xceptional service at all our locations, we're giving you a certificate for a free Ipgrade on your next rental. Alamo features a fme fleet of General Motors ~ars, all with unlimited free mileage nationwide. Special weekend rates are Llsoavailable by requesting Rate Code AI. For reservations, call your Professional Travel Agent or call Alamo at Where all the miles are free'" .-800-327-9633. Be sure to request Rate Code BY and use your Membership .D. number 2232J.2 FREE UPGRADE NATIONWIDE Certificate good for ONE FREE UPGRADE to next car • This certificate and the car rental pursuant to it are subject to category, luxury and specialty cars excluded, Alamo's conditions at the time of rental. subject to availability at time of rental. • OlTernot valid 2/14/91-2/16/91 and 3/28/91-3/30/91. A 24-hour advance • OlTernot valid for rentals over 21 days. reservation is required. • For reservations call your Professional OlTervalid 1/2/91 Travel Agent or call Alamo at through 6/30/91. 1.800-327-9633. Be sure to request One certificate per Rate Code BY and use your rental, not to be used Membership 1.0. number. in conjunction with any other certificates. Certificate must be presented at the Alamo counter on anival. Where all the miles U22B I.D. #BY- 223212 I Alamofeaturesfine General Motors cars like this Buick Regal. are free'. I I I I I NOW Even More Reasons to Use I I I Member Travel Services I I I I D Agawa Canyon Snow Train - Friday, January 25-27,1991 Cost $279 per person After a delightful drive north through Michigan (making several stops along the way), we will encOlmter many "snow sculptures" before reaching the lovely Water Tower Inn in Sault St Marie. We have planned a "feast" for you this eve- ning as we anticipate our train ride through the gorgeous snow clad forest tomorrow . You will encolDlter breathtaking natural beauty on your day-long train excursion through the wilderness of frozen lakes, ice formations and water falls. The modem train is very warm and comfortable; lunch will be served in the dining car as you enjoy the winter scenery. (Most meals are included). D Longhorn World Championship Rodeo - February 9,1991 Cost $49 per person Enjoy top- notch indoor rodeo action at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Bus transportation, excellent seating and meal included. DIce Capades - Wednesday, March 13, 1991 Cost $59 per person We have planned a lovely downtown dinner evening before our coach drives you \.0 the door of the Joe Lewis Arena. Then we have a great evening of entertainment ahead of us as we enjoy lavish costwnes and spectacular production num- I bers performed on ice by world class skaters. Clowns, special ice dancing and the music provide a night to remember I o Shipshewana - Saturday, April 13, 1991 Cost $69 per person After a pleasant and relaxing drive, we'll arrive at the Dutclunan Essenhause in Middlebury, Indiana. Here we will be treated to a marvelous Amish-style lunch. Bring your appetite and save room for homemade pier After lunch, we will take a short drive to the famous Shipshewana outdoor flea market where you can find many treasures, new or antiquel D Holland Tulip Festival- Thursday, May 16, 1991 Cost $69 per person The festival will be in full swing today as we visit Windmill Island and Dutch Village. We will view the parade from our comfortable lawn chairs, enjoy our included dinner at the Old School House and much more. WINTER/SPRING MFB GROUP TOURS o FEBRUARY -- Waikiki Holiday, $839 per person, based on double occupancy 9 days, 7 nights of sunshine inparadise • Round trip air from Detroit • Hotel accommodations at the Waikiki Hobron or Maile Court Hotel. Airport/pier transfers, baggage handling. Fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival D MARCH -- Caribbean Cruising, from $1145 per person, based on double occupancy, plus port charges 8 days and 7 nights aboard the "Fun Ship" Celebration. Roundtrip air from Lansing • On-board accommodations. All meals, entertainment and activities while on board • Airport/pier transfers, baggage handling D APRIL -- Las Vegas Weekend, from $339 per person, based on double occupancy 4 days and 3 nights in the fast lanel • Rountrip air charter from Detroit • Hotel accommodations. Airport/hotellairport transfers, baggage handling • Taxes and Vegas Discount Book. Call 1-800-354-4272 or check the box by tour(s) of interest to you; clip this page and send to MFB Travel Service, 1000 Victors Way, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, to receive more information by return mail. Farm Bureau Insurance-MHSAA Autumn Scholar-Athletes Named Dale Richard Rehkopf II, Gaylord High Society and Christian Service Club, two School, and Pamela Carroll, Harper years support for Students Against Drunk Woods Regina High School, were Driving, science club and tutoring. She selected by a panel of educators as has also worked in a food kitchen and recipients of the Autumn Michigan High with Special Olympics. Pamela will at- School Athletic Association (MHSAA) tend the University of Michigan, major- Scholar-Athlete Award, a $1,000 scholar- ing in pre-med studies. ship sponsored by Farm Bureau In- surance. Richard and Pamela competed "Because of the increasing competition against a record 274 applicants (149 for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award, Pamela Carroll (left), Harper Woods women and 125 men) divided among being selected is a tremendous ac- Regina High School, and Dale eight geographic regions in Michigan. complishment," said John E. Roberts, Richard Rehkopf II (right), Gaylord MHSAA Executive Director. "Being High School, were honored during "With the decreasing availability of considered is an achievement in itself. half-time ceremonies of the government educational funds, we're Richard and Pamela are exceptional stu- Class AA Football Championship proud to help young people further their dent-athletes and this award only high- game at the Pontiac Silverdome in education," said Larry W. Thomas, Ex- lights their successful high school November by Larry Thomas ecutive Vice President of Farm Bureau careers." of Farm Bureau Insurance. Insurance. "Time can take away the ability or opportunity to compete on the athletic Other Finalists field. Education is forever." Mary Hoefferle Ontonagon Rehkopf earned three letters in football while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade Damon K. Crozier Leroy- Pine River point average. He participated in debate, Amy Erin Portenga . Traverse City forensics and Youth in Government for four years and served as a National Honor Jeff Shooks Dewitt Society officer for three years. Dale has Amy S. Faranski Grand Rapids also been active in the Republican Party in addition to volunteering for Muscular Jeremy J. Doan Hemlock Dystrophy and Multiple Sclerosis support drives. He plans to attend the University Laura Bell ..... Otisville-Lakeville of Michigan and study engineering or law. Chad Oberdoerster . Battle Creek Carroll earned a total of six letters in cross- Tresa Ver Meulen . Climax-Scotts country and track, while maintaining a Casey Baldwin Brooklyn Central 3.98 grade point average. Pamela's other extra-curricular activities include three Carrie Flintoft Chelsea years of drama club, National Honor Tommy Johnson Detroit Chris Adelsbach Mt. Clemens Renee Pawlak . Rochester Deadlines for submitting applications for Winter Sport Scholar-Athletes is February 1. All applications are provided by MHSAA to member school principals. Applications are also available through Farm Bureau Insurance agents. Rural Living Winter 1991 Farmers Take On NewLook In Age Of High-Tech @/Copyright the Grand Rapids Press Now the 29 year old Traverse City na- will change the industry for today' s young Written by Kathleen Longcore, tive provides a second set of eyes for busy farmers. Grand Rapids Press staff writer fruit growers, scouting their huge orchards for pests and diseases and telling them the Mark Lauwers - named Michigan Farm best time to apply agricultural chemicals. Bureau's Distinguished Young Farmer - Decreasing the use of sprays, he says, is and his wife, Chris, are in partnership with important both environmentally and his father and another brother in a 2,400- Mark Doherty worked on economically. acre cash crop operation near St. Clair in fruitfarms throughout eastern Michigan. "Growers are perfectly willing to reduce high school, but his their use of pesticides because it saves Formerly a dairy farmer, Lauwer's dad parents weren'tfarmers them money," said Doherty, who ranked tried to take his sons into the partnership tops in Michigan Farm Bureau's Young and remain in dairying. A two-year at- and there wasn't a family tempt to milk 120 cows three times a day Fanner Discussion Meet Contest, involv- operation to join when he ing knowledge of fann issues. and work 700 acres left the family ex- got his horticulture degree hausted and their equipment worn out. Doherty is an example of what Michigan from Michigan State Fann Bureau President Jack Laurie meant So the senior Lauwers got out of the busi- University. during his annual address to members to ness during the 1986 dairy buy-out, ex- help create a more professional image of panded the farm and switched to cash the family fanner. crops: com, soybeans, wheat, sugar beets, So Doherty managedfruit and navy beans. Despite all of the advancements in farms in Belding and agriculture, farmers still must fight "Hol- They survived the flood and drought by Traverse City before lywood hokum" - the stereotypical, ob- adopting innovative tillage methods that solete perception of the family farm as involved planting directly into sod or field joining Hort Systems Inc., trash without plowing first. "ma and pa on 40 acres with a mule," said a small pest managment Laurie. Neighbors were certain the Lauwers firm in Honor. would lose their whole crop, but the Tractors, hybrid seed com and agricultural chemicals revolutionized farming in the partners did their homework, checked ,40s and' 50s, just as biotechnology, free with experts at Michigan State University, trade, and access to information systems and took the risk. "It cuts our repair, fuel and labor costs in half," said Lauwers. Rural Living Winter 1991 Why buy several machines when ours tills, beds and over.the. row cultivates? II also thatches and aerates. Easy. to-change tines adapt to any gardening need. CaJl1.800.545.2293 for free brochure. The safes~ most efficient wood heat system on the market, the Jakubik says you can'tfarm today without being efficient, and being politically TAYLOR water- savvy is an absolute necessity. stove sits outside and heats your home and 100% of household hot Yvonne Jakubik's father milked 30 to 35 Adrian seven years ago. They recently water. .UL listed cows when she was growing up in losco entered into an agreement that will allow •Thermostatic control County near Tawas City. Today, Jakubik, them to begin building their own dairy .12 to 24 hour burn time 26, and husband Jeff, 27, are in partner- herd while they work for the Thompsons. Call 1.800.545.2293 for more details. ship with her parents and they've ex- In addition Barbara decided to take a full- TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC. panded the operation in order to survive. PO Box 518 E'IL,l~)ettlh)wll NC ?RJJ, time job at a nearby grocery store so the They now milk 90 cows three times a day couple could save money for a down pay- in a larger milk parlor and have bought ment on a farm of their own. BGH-PRODUCED more land and additional buildings to raise their own heifers. "We've always known we wanted our MILK GETS CLEAN own farm, but it's impossible to get into it Named Michigan Farm Bureau's Out- (because of high startup costs). Unless BILL OF HEALTH standing Young Farm Woman, Jakubik you inherit it or can work into it, you're A special panel of 11 medical and knows the issues facing farmers today and out of luck," said Barbara, who was first veterinary experts from the National In- has the energy to raise four kids, take a runner-up in the Outstanding Young Farm stitute of Health has concluded that milk turn in the milking parlor every day, serve Woman contest. and meat from cows treated with bovine as deputy clerk in her community, and fill growth hormone (BGH) is just as safe as leadership positions in farm and dairy in- Their employer, who agreed to help them those from untreated cows. The study dustry organizations. build a herd on his farm, said he knew the was done at the request of Senate couple was committed to raising their Agricultural Committee chairman Like Doherty, Mark and Barbara Hoskins three children on a farm of their own. Patrick Leahy. didn't have a family farm to get into. But both grew up on farms and were com- "If the family is willing to make the Michigan Farm Bureau dairy specialist mitted to dairy farming when they got sacrifices, I still think it's a good life. Kevin Kirk said the report helps rein- married almost 10 years ago. Every nickel I've ever made has been force an earlier review of BGH by the through farming. You just have to learn to Food and Drug Administration that said So Mark hired on as a herdsman at Ray roll with the punches," said Ray milk containing BGH is safe to drink and Mary Alice Thompson's farm near Thompson. Kirk said despite the good news on the "...farmers still must fight "H ollywood-hokum" the genetically engineered hormone, fur- ther testing requirements mean that stereotypical, obsolete perception of the family farm as BGH is not expected to be cleared for "ma and pa on 40 acres with a mule ... " commercial use until early 1992. Rural Living Winterr 1991 8ffi~rld.Orlando, Florida Because ... W!I I • I, Michigan Farm Bureau has added Universal Studios - Florida to our growing list of theme park discounts. Universal Studios "FAN CLUB" offers 10% discount off admission plus additional discounts at: - Orlando area hotels - Hertz Rent-A-Car - Participating Spencer Gift Stores. To receive your Universal Studios "FAN CLUB" card, contact your county Farm Bureau office or Michigan Farm Bureau at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3237. Your membership also entitles you to discounts at these other theme parks: D Disney Land/Disney World/EpcotlMGM D Busch Gardens D Sea World/Cypress Gardens D Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village To receive discounts at these locations, contact Michigan Farm Bureau, 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3237 IQlgs lslalUl'" Off The Street for the children when they dug them up. Lamb concluded that other churches or Thirty Grand Rapids teens They were just stunned that was how a youth organizations that are considering potato grew." such a project need to take the first step, received a first hand educa- which may include writing a grant. "I had tion about agriculture, According to Youth Minister Dick never written a grant before, but after Bulkowski, the teens also gained an ap- coaxing from the other youth ministers I marketing, working with preciation for their work as they set prices wrote to the Kellogg Foundation. They people and just having fun competitively with other farmers and in- were most generous and told us they were terrelated with customers in addition to in raising over an acre of learning more about much bigger issues excited about the project and to go to it." vegetables this past sum- facing society. Lamb summed it up best by adding, "You mer. "The inner city provides little opportunity should write to Kellogg Foundation, tell them what your idea is, and say you'd like for youth to learn the process of caring for to apply for a grant. If they say go ahead, the land, and contribute to the vital T he project, funded through a $2,000 ecological concerns of our times," says Bulkowski. "In addition, the project kept then go ahead and just do it." grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, estab- of Battle Creek, was the result of a the teens in touch with the desperate lished in 1930 to "help people help them- brainstorm by a group of the church's problem of hunger in the city. The project selves," has distributed more than $ 1.2 youth ministers wanting to find some- also shared produce with the parish mis- billion in support of programs in agricul- thing to get kids off the streets, while sion, which distributes it to the hungry." ture, education, and health. Areas of em- giving them some responsibilities, ac- phasis within those broad fields include cording to St. Joseph the Worker Church According to Lamb, the teens learned community-based, problem-focused Youth Minister Patricia Lamb. how to have fun too, since every trip to health services, a wholesome food supp- the garden plot included time out for a ly, and broadening leadership capacity of "A couple of us (youth ministers) were picnic and a chance for a swim. individuals. Projects for youth are con- talking that we had to do something with centrated mainly in Michigan. our kids - get them involved in something instead of just hanging out in the streets," says Lamb. "If you knew where we lived, it's just drug trafficking up and down this street. That's how this whole project got started." The project consisted of a "generous acre" located near Marne, Michigan, that teenagers between the ages of 13 to 17 years old planted, cared for, harvested, and marketed. The teens, all volunteers and members of the church, marketed their produce at the Farmer's Market in Grand Rapids. Their product list included corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, broccoli, green peppers and jalapenos. According to Lamb, the kids learned more than they had anticipated with the project, suprised at how things grew and were harvested. "Potatoes were a marvel Rural Living Winter 1991 Health care coverage isn't medical underwriting and simple anymore. The bottom carry no pre-existing condition line, however, remains the clauses. Prescription, dental and same: everybody wants the best vision coverage options are also possible coverage at the lowest available to qualified groups. possible rates. This is where Farm Bureau has good news If you're a small business owner for small business owners. who is dissatisfied with your present employee health care With over 40 years of experience plan - or a small business in providing individual health owner who is ready to initiate care plans, Farm Bureau is now your first employee health care offering six Blue Cross Blue plan - contact your local Farm Shield plans and two Blue Cross Bureau office. We'll listen to Blue Shield PPO plans specially your health care coverage needs, designed for groups with 2 to 99 tailor a package to suit your employees. All plans have no preferences, and then cut to the bottom line. Protecting the interests of small business Farm Bureau, specialists in by understanding the interests of small business... all business insurance needs, can be depended on to protect the interests of small business because we understand the interests of small business. What matters to you matters to us. For further information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau office. WHERE • V Blue Cross BELONGING ; ...~ •• Blue Shield OF MICHIGAN MAKES A ... /tIIDHIGAN DIFFERENCE . • _. FAR/tl BUREAU Factors In Runaway Health Care Cost Malpractice Insurance Government Regulations Consumers are continually stunned as health insurance Another major factor affecting health care costs is growing premiums soar well above the rate of inflation, leaving many government regulations, especially in the administration of consumers grasping for an explanation. An indirect cost that health care services provided by your local hospital. Govern- many feel is a major contributor to uncontrollable health costs ment mandated audits for Medicare reimbursement, providing is malpractice insurance. duplicate records, and billing information to outside peer review agencies are enormous and costly tasks. Some hospitals estimate A major four-year study released by Harvard University ex- these mandates require up to an additional 20 staff just to keep amined 2.7 million patients who were hospitalized in New York up with the required paperwork. state during 1984. While physicians' advocacy groups often argue that patients and attorneys are "trigger happy" when it Sequoia Hospital in San Francisco estimates that their cost comes to filing malpractice suits, the Harvard study showed that associated with the paperwork runs approximately $7.8 million only one in eight victims of negligence ever filed suit. However, annually. So while their inpatient admission rate is the same because some recent multimillion dollar suits were given so today as it was in 1966, they require 175 percent more staff today much attention in the press, most doctors now practice some than they needed 24 years ago. form of "defensive medicine." State mandated coverages, coverages that must be offered by This practice has doctors ordering tests that may not be neces- anyone who writes health insurance, also adds to the tab of sary just to demonstrate in court that they've taken precaution if need be. In addition, malpractice insurance companies have ...as many as 25 percent of the estimated raised premiums to offset the risk of lawsuits, especially in the obstetrics/gynecology specialties. 33 million people without health insurance have none because of costly The Harvard survey of physicians found that the overall fear of being sued ran three times higher than the actual risk. In such a mandates. In 1970 there were only 30 climate (obstetricians and neurosurgeons paying up to $200,000 mandated coverages, today there's 800 ... annually in malpractice premiums), it appears to have become common practice for physicians to order unnecessary tests and premiums. Chiropractors, drug addiction treatment and mental diagnostic procedures as protection against the perceived threat illness treatment generally fall under mandated coverages. of a lawsuit. While these coverages seem reasonable on the surface, some mandates border on the ridiculous. Five states mandate The survey found that 81 percent of the physicians responded coverages for in vitro fertilization ("test tube" babies), three that they were ordering more tests and procedures than they states mandate coverage for hair transplants. were 10 years ago. The actual cost of these defensive proce- dures? The total has been estimated at anywhere from $15 The National Center for Policy Analysis found that as many as billion to $100 billion annually, but no one has a clear sense of 25 percent of the estimated 33 million people without health what the figure really is, says Russel Localio, the statistician insurance have none because of these costly mandates. A more who managed the Harvard project. The only clear thing is that startling fact is that in 1970 there were only 30 mandated a solution needs to be developed that will benefit both the coverages in the United States. Today there are at least 800, individual subscribers and the physicians. including legislation passed by every state in the union. Rural Living Winter 1991 A Proud Tradition for, and were granted, the prohibition on horses, Belgians, Percherons and Clydes- When John Engler drives his automobiles that has remained in effect dales numbers about 320 horses, with Oldsmobile to Mackinac Island this since 1897. most of the in-season use coming in the summer, he'll have to park it on the weeks between mid-July and late- peninsula because the long standing Dr. Bill's family was among those who August With the tourist season in full prohibition against horseless carriages joined the carriagemen's association five swing, nearly 260 horses are needed to is still in effect on Mackinac Island -- generations ago. The Chambers, he says, pull fancy wedding carriages, horse and the governor is no exception. have run horse teams and carriages to drawn taxis, sightseeing wagons and the serve the changing island economy from supply wagons. Although petitions for special penn its fur trading and frontier outpost to fishing and outright challenges to the ban are and now tourism. Even today, Carriage The herd build up on Mackinac Island is quite routine -- so is the response: If the Tours is much more than a seasonal gradual, peaking in mid to late summer, job can be done with horses, then a tourist conveyance. "We are in operation and then dwindling in the fall as the vehicle penn it won't be issued. Medi- 365 days a year," says Dr. Bill. animals are moved to the winter farm. cal' fIfe and utility company vehicles "Throughout the winter we maintain 18 Activity begins around the first weekend are the only exceptions granted. horses on the island to provide transpor- in May, says Dr. Bill, when about 100 tation services to our freight line." Con- head of horses are brought to the island Dr. Bill Chambers, veterinarian and an siderably less glamorous than the fancy, from the Chambers' home farm near Ste. officer of Mackinac Island Carriage private carriages that grace the summer Sault Marie. Light tourism in the early Tours Company, says the ban on cars weddings and parties on Mackinac Is- weeks of spring means light work for the and trucks has been on the books for land, the winter freight wagons bring animals and few carriage fares, but as the nearly 100 years. Back at the turn of the food and other supplies to the island's weather warms and the tourism trade in- century, the new fangled horseless car- year-round residents and provide "public creases, so does the size of the working riage was seen as both. unsafe and a services" such as garbage hauling. herd on the island. threat to the established horse transpor- tation industry. On Mackinac Island the But the winter stable is just a small part "Our average herd size is about 260 hor- carriage and freight company owners of this company's horsepower. Carriage ses, but the largest number of horses we fonned an association that petitioned Tours total herd of standard bred draft ever used in one day was 287," says Dr. Bill. Carriage Tours wagons and car- Dr. Bill Chambers, DVM, crosses the four-mile ice bridge to the mainland. riages include 10 fancy, private carriages used for weddings and private parties. Fifteen open air taxis serve the docks, airport, downtown business and hotels; and 20 freight wagons. The largest seg- ment of the Carriage Tours livery is sightseeing wagons: 30 sixteen passenger wagons and 16 thirty-five passenger wagons. Winter and summer, the animals are under constant observation by ex- perienced horse people and veterinarians. Everything from feed to vaccination schedules to harnessing equipment is continually checked and adjusted. And, in-season, the horses work in four to five hour shifts before returning to the stables for cooling down and "loafing." As Labor Day approaches, the fall pas- tures of Jim Chambers' Upper Peninsula Rural Living Winter 1991 Each pair of horses represents a total animal weight of 1800 lbs. to as much as 2800 lbs., the skill of the driver and the temperament of the horses are critical factors. farm await the animals, where over 1,100 acres in small parcels provide open land and grasses for the horses. By mid-Oc- tober, most of the horses have been moved off the island by ferry. Carriage Tours horse handlers move the horses in teams of eight to 16 horses at a time. In the milder fall weather, most of the horses are turned out to pasture. But come winter, the Chambers fann be- comes the horses' winter vacation resort with barn shelter and stalls, feedlot/exer- cise areas, and a special high calorie grain and hay diet to give fat protection. Jim, president of Mackinac Island Car- riage Tours and fann operator, is the ac- knowledged expert on horse care, management and training. "It's Jim who has assembled the herd," says Dr. Bill. "My brother knows, raised or has bought every horse the company owns. He knows each animal right down to how it needs to be hitched and what side of the pole it works on." Jim's knowledge of the animals extends to matching horse teams -, A-MAIZE-ING HEAT and drivers -- a sensitive combination of heavy horsepower and driver skill, which • ~ _ SHEllED CORN BURNING FURNACE is "an art," according to Dr. Bill . • Ullisted The drivers, or teamsters as they are • Annually Renewable Fuel Source called, must complete a training course, • low Cost, Total Home Heat apprenticeship and three years ex- • Simple & Efficient perience with the teams before he or she • No Creosote, Safe & Clean is considered a fully qualified driver by • Thermostatically Controlled Carriage Tours. For Funher Infonnatlon Contact: Ithaca Manufacturing rr\P\1 ITHACA 1210 Avenue A, P.O. Box 78 ILJ.J MANUFAOURING Ithaca, MI 48847 Phone: (517) 875-4949 Rural Living Winter 1991 Food Buy-Line 1991 Consumer Price Index for Food A 2 to 5 percent increase in U.S. food prices is predicted for 1991 by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), compared with the larger actual increase of6 percent in the consumer price index (CPI) for food in 1990. The CPI is the most widely used tool for measuring KNOWTHE changes in retail prices. The USDA admits that there are uncertainties surrounding this forecast, mainly in regard to the state of the general economy and the Persian Gulf crisis. FARMTO Larger supplies of some major food commodities will work to keep retail prices lower. The 1991 farm value offood -- that portion of the consumer dollar which goes tofarmers -- is CONSUMER expected to average nearly 6 percent below the 1990 figure. If the decline in farm value were to be totally passed through to consumers, the food CPI would actually decline by almost 2 percent. Predictions for individual food items include: PRICE SPREAD? Beef and Pork Retail prices for beef and pork are predicted to rise 1 to 4 percent and -1 to 2 percent respectively. This is substantially Statistics recently compiled by below the 7 percent increase in retail beef prices and the 14 percent increase in pork prices during 1990. Retail poultry the American Fa"rm Bureau show prices actually declined in 1990 and are expected to decline that farmers are getting a smaller another 5 percent in 1991. share of the consumer food dol- lar. In 1989 the farm value of a Eggs dollar's worth of food consumed Retail egg prices were on a roller coaster most of 1990. Prices, at or away from home declined going into 1991, are much steeper than predicted, eliminating the likelihood of a 5 to 10 percent price reduction predicted by to 24 cents. the USDA. Dairy Goods Editor's Note: "Food Buy-Lines" Different commodities return is compiled and written by Ada Shinabarger, Food Marketing various values to the farmer. Processed dairy products saw strong demand throughout 1990, Specialist of MSU's Cooperative Last year the farm value of a one while stocks were replenished. Look for dairy prices to decline Extension Service. Shinabarger, slightly, reflecting a sharp drop in producer prices for milk as who specializes in food market- pound loaf of bread was about milk production continues to expand during 1991. ing education, currently re- five cents out of the 61 cent retail searches and writes a marketing value. A dozen eggs brought a Fruits outlook for over 200 newspapers throughout Michigan and other farmer 65 cents, but cost $1.00 Fresh fruit and processed fruit prices increased 12 percent and states. This is the first of a at the store, while a half-gallon of 9 percent respectively in 1990, due primarily to the 1989 regular column planned for the December freeze that caused prices for oranges, grapefruit and Rural Living magazine. milk had a farm value of 59 cents orange juice to rise sharply. Fruit prices for 1991 are not and a retail value of $1.27. Fresh expected to make such jumps, as ideal growing weather has California oranges returned 11 produced a bumper crop, much of which has already been harvested. However, recent cents a pound to the producer, freezing temperatures throughout major portions of California's fruit and vegetable grow- but cost consumers an average ing areas, mean seasonal increases are likely for navel oranges and selected vegetables. of 56 cents a pound in 1989. Vegetables The CPI for fresh vegetables is heavily weighted toward potato prices which have been up From the meat freezer, in recent years due to short crops, strong processor demand and export demand for french fries. The 1990-91 crop was 5 percent larger than a year ago, helping to ease the supply producers received $1.55 a situation and creating expectations of a -1 to 3 percent price increase during 1991 for fresh pound for choice beef while con- vegetables. sumers paid $2.70. Pork Snap beans, sweet com, green peas and tomatoes, the four principal processing vegetables, returned 70 cents a pound on are expected to see price increases of 3 to 6 percent in light of a larger crop for all four the farm, but fetched $1.83 at items. the store, while broiler chickens Bread earned farmers 51 cents a pound and cost shoppers 93 Cereal and bakery products are expected to see a 4 to 6 percent price rise in 1991, lower than year-earlier increases, in response to lower wheat prices on the farm and slower cents. demand growth. Rural Living Winter 1991 Concerned About Agriculturallssues? To the ever-growing environmental protection The Business Of Agriculture non-farm public, news Learn about management practices, daily consumer food safety sensationalism such as the seasonal life on the farm, and how specific ill-conceived Alar story on ground water safety agricultural commodities are produced and used. CBS's 60 Minutes, can farm chemical use raise doubts and concerns animal cruelty Farmers Care ...About The Land, Animals, and People about agriculture, without biotechnolgy People in agriculture depend upon the ever hearing from the family farms land for crop and animal production. farmer or the scientific soil erosion Learn how caring for the soil and ensuring healthy, happy animals is critical to suc- community. food costs cessful farms. Farmers also produce high quality, healthful foods for their own hormones families and for consumers. Farmers carry In addition to uninformed on many traditions and one of those is "Hollywood and news experts," a recent Call Farm caring. Agriculture - An Important comprehensive research study commissioned by the Bureau Speakers! Industry in Michigan Learn that Michigan ranks among the top American Farm Bureau ten states in the number of agriculturally Federation of consumers related jobs in the food and fiber industry. Michigan Farm Bureau's Speakers Michigan also ranks second in the United showed a general distrust Bureau is tackling that challenge head-on, States in the diversity of crops grown, for government regulatory with over 80 speakers from across the state generating $16 billion annually for our trained thus far, according to Julie Cham- state's economy. activities and that no berlain, Promotion and Education Depart- amount of testing would ment manager at Michigan Farm Bureau. Agriculture Contributes to make consumers feel safer The Environment "Farm Bureau Speakers are people in the or better. business of agriculture who are dedicated You'll learn that the U.S. farmer feeds and to using their talents, experience and clothes 114 people while the agricultural knowledge to communicate the impor- industry generates jobs for one of every That survey did point out tance of agriculture and the role that it five Americans. Learn how farmers are loud and clear, however, plays in everyone's lives," said Chamber- developing environmentally safe lain. "These speakers have gone through products, such as ink from soybeans, plas- that consumers perceive public speaking training and have tics from corn, and much more. farmers as credible but resource material that allows them to speak to a wide array of groups and or- F armers ...Professionals unheardfrom. Infact, the From The Ground Up ganizations. " research indicated that Contact Chamberlain to make speaker ar- Learn how farmers grow wholesome food consumers are quite eager rangements at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3213, and are continually searching for ways to to hear from the farm if your group or organization would like improve quality. Learn how farmers gain to learn more about the following issues: the skill and knowledge in using farm community. chemicals safely. Rural Living Winter 1991 1m RECORD CAR-DEER ACCIDENTS In 1989 Nearly 47,000 car-deer accidents, the 1989 Car-Deer Accidents By County highest ever for a single year, were reported in Michigan during 1989, injur- County Total Persons County Total Persons ing 1,857 and resulting in the death of six Accidents Injured Accidents Injured people, according to Michigan State Police statistics. Alcona 580 14 Leelanau 279 9 Alger 144 7 *Lenawee 527 27 Michigan's deer herd, estimated at 1.8 Allegan 700 28 Livingston 944 39 million head, is among the top three in the Alpena 378 12 Luce 100 2 nation, constantly exposing Michigan Antrim 399 5 Mackinac 431 17 motorists to the threat of deer, especially Arenac 422 15 Macomb 458 21 during the fall rutting season, when deer Baraga 186 5 Manistee 345 10 are on the move. Barry 880 35 Marquette 458 18 Bay 258 12 Mason 472 27 "There are two things every Michigan Benzie 299 12 Mecosta 1,028 31 driver should know about car-deer acci- Berrien 501 20 Menominee 1,059 49 dents," says Lt. Dan Smith, of the Branch 692 23 Midland 871 24 Michigan State Police Traffic Services Calhoun 1,383 57 Missaukee 351 6 Division. "First, they can occur anywhere Cass 602 23 Monroe 243 22 in the state of Michigan; and second, Charlevoix 525 21 *Montcalm 1,306 50 when you see one deer, be alert for all the Cheboygan 350 15 Montmorency 226 5 others that are nearby but cannot be seen. " Chippewa 295 16 *Muskegon 572 19 Clare 659 36 Newaygo 715 26 In the event that you do hit a deer, Smith Clinton 627 32 Oakland 777 48 advises that you never approach the deer, Crawford 327 9 Oceana 485 19 adding that it may only be stunned, and Delta 832 21 Ogemaw 626 22 could suddenly leap up, causing injury to Dickinson 658 17 Ontonagon 255 12 you. Eaton 695 27 Osceola 779 28 Emmet 374 18 Oscoda 284 8 Farm Bureau Insurance Genesee 728 27 Otsego 268 8 Offers Warning Device Gladwin 562 32 Ottawa 719 27 at Discount Gogebic 134 10 Presque Isle 464 16 Grand Roscommon 378 9 For the third consecutive year, Farm Traverse 389 11 *Saginaw 606 31 Bureau Insurance is offering an Gratiot 461 27 St. Clair 622 27 animal warning device at discounted Hillsdale 681 36 *St. Joseph 600 30 prices, starting at $6, to Michigan Houghton 103 1 *Sanilac 780 28 motorists. The device, available from Huron 722 34 Schoolcraft 217 4 Farm Bureau Insurance agents and Ingham 765 27 Shiawassee 659 30 cou nty Farm Bu reau offices Ionia 848 24 Tuscola 730 21 throughout the state, is manufactured losco 600 30 Van Buren 592 33 by Sav-A-Life, Inc., the largest maker Iron 526 16 Washtenaw 897 62 of the product. Isabella 771 27 Wayne 193 9 Tests indicate an 80 percent effec- Jackson 1,255 59 Wexford 327 16 tiveness rate for the device which will Kalamazoo 938 17 TOTALS 46,784 1,857 fit all bumpers. The alerts must be Kalkaska 249 2 cleaned periodically to maintain their Kent 1,541 52 It Indicates counties with one effectiveness. Many law enforcement Keweenaw 11 1 death as a result of a car deer agencies, company fleets, and major Lake 259 8 associated accident. corporations require the device on all Lapeer 832 46 Source: Department of State Police their cars and trucks. Rural Living Winter 1991 Compare the interest rates. The interest rate on the MemberLine VISA and Gold ivlasterCard is just 15.9 % A.P.R. -one of the lowest interest rates available. In addition, you pay 110il1lereslon new credit card purchases when your full balance is paid by the due date. Compare the fees. The MemberLine VISA has no annual fees, no mem- bershi p fees and no application fee. The annual fee for the Gold l'vlasterCard is $20 - far lower than the fee charged for most gold cards. For added savings, the $20 fee is rebated every year that you make $3,000 or more in net purchases. Compare the premiums. Both the l'vlemberLine VISA and the Gold The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & l'vlasterCard offer a wide array of complimentary features and options for Gold MasterCard. Two good reasons your protection and peace of mind. And when you carry a Gold MasterCard, you'll enjoy the added advantages of a higher credit line, executive travel why it pays to compare before you privileges, emergency road assistance, purchase protection insurance and a apply for a credit card ... warranty extension program - valuable "extras" you and your family can depend on. Easy to apply for. Simply remove this page from the magazine and fill out the application on the reverse side. Letterfold and staple the form with the mailing address on the outside. No postage necessary! ".MICHIGAN ._. FARIII BUREAU o FI R.SfOf AMUICi\.BanK I No Postage Necessary If Mailed Within The United States Business Reply Mail First Class Permit No. 2334 Kalamazoo, MI Postage will be paid by addressee FIRST OF AMERICA BANK REVOLVING CREDIT DIVISION ATTN: FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES P.O. BOX 2349 KALAMAZOO M I 49003-9917 I APPLY NOW M for a Farm Bureau MemberLine VISA or Gold MasterCard FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION First Name Middle Initial Last Name I Social Security Number Present Street Address rIIllB at Present Address Yrs. Mos. I Date of Birth City, State I lip Code Home Telephone Number (Include Area Code) ( ) u. Previous Address Iff less than two years at present address) City Stale Zip ...J W en Present Employer Income from alimony, child support, or maintenance payments need not be revealed a: ff you do not wish to have ~ as a basis for repaying this obligation. ::» o Employer's Telephone Number I Pos~ion Time at Present Employment o Monthly >- ( ) I Yrs. Mos. Gross Income from Employment 0 Yearly City. State, Zip Code o Monthly Other Income o Yearly Source of Other Income Previous Employer (ff less than two years at present employer) I Time at Previous Employer I Yrs. Mos. Nearest Relative (not living with you) I Telephone I( ) First Name Middle In~ial Last Name I Social Security Number 'E ::I o U Present Street Address Time at Present Address Yrs. Mos. I Date of Birth u cu City, State Home Telephone Number 'E (Include Area Code) ( ) :2- - !z Previous Address Present Employer Iff less lhan two years at presenl address) City State Income from alimony, child support, or maintenance payments need not be revealed Zip oCt ff you do not wish to have ~ as a basis for repaying this obligation. (.) ::J Employer's Telephone Number I Position Time at Present Employment o Monthly a.. a.. ( ) I Yrs. Mos. Gross Income from Employment 0 Yearly oCt City, State, Zip Code o Monthly 6 Other Income 0 Yearly Source of Other Income (.) a: Previous Employer (ff less than two years at present employer) I Time at Previous Employer ::» I Yrs. Mos. o Nearest Relative (not living with you) I I Telephone >- Address I( ) en Credrt References Monthly Payments Balance Due o OwniBuying Home o Other o Rent Monthly Payment W $ (.) Z S Mortgage Holder or Landlord Mortgage Balance w S a: w S Estimated Value u. o Checking Account (Bank Name) w S a: S ~ Have You Ever DYes C o Savings Account (Bank Name) Declared DNa w $ a: Bankruptcy? (.) w Optional Group Credit Insurance The cost to you, the Primary Account holder D Please check your card preference (choose one design only) SCENIC VISA D o~_ STANDARD VISA IIwe hereby certify thai each of the answers on this application is true and correct, and is made for the purpose ot obtaining a loan or credit from the Bank. Vwe certify that all debts owed whether individual, joint or contingent have been disclosed above and that none of my/our debts are - (applicant), is $.60 per $100 for each month's (.) delinquent or in defaun. except as IIwe have indicated above. IIwe hereby average daily balance. The insurance will be- r= ==::n...v authorize the Bank to inves1igate my/ru ~ record to the extent ~ deems -....,:. Z oCt come effective when your credrt begins. You necessary and to verify my/oor credit, employment and income references. a: must be less than age 71 to be eligible for roY' IIwe further authorize and instruct any person or consumer reporting ::» erage. A certificate which more fully describes agency to furnish to the Bank any information that ~ may have or obtain in en , the insurance will be sent when your credrt ~ application is approved. Underwritten by The response to such cred~ inquiries. IIwe further agree that this application shall bealme the property of the Bank, whether or not ~ is approved. ~ Prudential Company of America, Newar1<.. New IIwe agree thai ff this application is accepted and a card or cards are C OR Apply for a Gold MasterCard issued that any use ot the card(s) will be governed by the tanns and w Jersey, and Prudential Property and Casualty a: Insurance Company, Holmdel, New Jersey. o condrtions of the Bank's VISAlMasterCard Agreement and OiscIosure (.) provided before or with delivery of the card(s).1Iwe assume, ff more than Those choosing to enroll will be mailed a cer. YES, I'd like the extra freedom and flexibility a.. tifrcate of insurance explaining benefits, timila- of a Gold MasterCard instead of the VISA one jointly and severally, liability for all charges incurred in any use of ::» the card(s). oa: lions and provisions and indicating the effec. card. If I do not qualify for the Gold MasterCard, consider my application lor the tive date of roverage. c:J Farm Bureau VISA card. ...J X Z o oCt o YES, Group Please enroll me In the Credit IllSUrInce Program. Applicant's Signature Date X ~a.. D ADDITIONAL CARD FOR AUTHORIZED USER Co-Applicant's Signature Date o COllE NT Applicant's Signature Print name here AGENTUSE ~ ~ Ann~1 .. lane. AnnualF_ GrIIC. Period tOl' Percentage Rat • Calculation "-Paynwnt of the Method None for scenic or standard VISA .... ne. tOl' Cash Advance Fee - none 15.9% $20 lor Gold MasterCard New Purcha_. Transaction Fee - none Average Daily Balance (rebated (Nery year net annual Late Fee - $10.00 (excluding new purchases) purchases exceed $3,000) 25 Days, starting with the billing Over Umit Fee - $10.00 date on statement. Minimum Finance Charge - none .Finance charges are charoed on cash advances and Memberline checks from !he date !hey are posted. Please letterfold and staple this.form with the mailing address on the outside (reverse side) KOOS, Inc. has been granted a new NEW patent for Safe Step, produced from a unique formula utilizing a corn by- product of methly glucoside. The new product can melt ice at lower tempera- Products/ tures than conventional salt, while also increasing its ability to break up ice and prevent refreezing. Services According to the manufacturer, the granular product dissolves completely leaving no chalky chemical residue Michigan Farm Bureau members can which can coat sidewalks, stain shoes or now receive unlimited free mileage with be tracked into buildings. In addition, guaranteed flat rates through Alamo Rent when used as directed, Safe Step won't A Car, according to Member Services harm grass, trees, shrubs or other Dept. Manager Doug Fleming. "Our vegetation. member service surveys indicated a real interest by members for such a program. Safe Step is available in bags, and boxes Alamo met our requirements for a dedi- of varying size as well as the innovative cated service 12 lb. easy-to-grip jug with the flip-top that provides cap. Users can regulate the exact FARM great rates and amount of granules needed eliminating BUREAU exceptional service nation- over application and waste. Safe Step is available in most major hardware out- MEMBERS wide." lets in Michigan. CANGO Discounted WITH rental rates for ENFORCER Products, Inc. has intro- popular winter duced Septic Tank Treatment, an en- ALAMO! holiday loca- vironmentally safe, biological line tions such as product that effectively helps reduce Florida start at sludge buildup in septic tanks. $25 per day or $89.95 a week; Hawaii, also at $25 per day or $94.95 a week. According to Enforcer Products, waste Nationwide rental rates start as low as $31 that goes into sewage systems today in- per day or $99.95 a week. cludes chemicals such as bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants which According to Fleming, Farm Bureau destroy naturally occurring sewage bac- members must be sure to use Farm teria. When this happens, the biological Bureau's membership identification num- decomposition is slowed or halted al- ber "BY 223212" in order to qualify for together. the discounted rates and show their Farm Bureau Alamo discount card at the actual The bacteria, grown on 100 percent time of rental pickup. bran, help reestablish the system's deli- cate balance and destroy harmful Reservations can be made through your chemicals as well as fats, oils, greases travel agent or by calling Alamo at 1-800- and household wastes that build up over 327-9633. time. The treatment, available at most For a free card contact homecare and hardware centers, can your county Farm Bureau also be used as a compost starter. By or Michigan Farm sprinkling on a pile of clippings and adding water, the product accelerates Bureau's Member Services the decomposition process. Department at 1-800-292- 2680, ext. 3236. Rural Living Winter 1991 A Lifetime Retirement Income and Lower Taxes ••• Just Two of the Benefits of Our IRA If you're not covered by a company pension plan, you especially need an check every month for as long as you . Individual Retirement Account from FB live. That's the kind of safety and secunty Annuity Company. That's becaus~ you you deserve at reti rement. can deposit up to $2,000 a year Into your IRA and deduct the entire amount from More advantages: you always earn a your taxable income. competitive interest ra~eon your . deposits ... and your Interest earnings Not everybody can do that under the are tax-deferred. That means you don't new tax laws, so take fu II advantage of pay any taxes on your interest build-up this opportunity. until you take your money out. Even if you don't qualify for this Opportunity comes into your life when deduction, there are still many important you invite it. Invite this great IRA reasons to open an IRA with us. opportunity today. Call your local Farm How about an income for life? Our IRA Bureau Insurance agent now. guarantees you a lifetime income-a Making your future more predictable Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P.O. Box 30960 PAID 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Grand Rapids, MI Lansing, MI 48909 Permit No. 380