II" Winter 1994 • MS U' s Animal Agriculture Initiative • Waste Disposal Alternatives '- • • MFB Annual Meeting Highlights • School Finance Options , ~. • MFB's ..,.. ~ Health &rvest ~ If You Get Caught in a Winter Storm ... Outside ... • Find shelter, try to stay dry, and cover all exposed parts of the body. If you can't find shelter: • Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow cave for protection from the wind. BUILDING ALLIANCES FOR • Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. • Place rocks around the fire to absorb and AGRICULTURE'S FUTURE reflect heat. • Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt the snow first. (Adapted from President's Address at MFB annual meeting in Detroit.) In a Truck or Car ... Very few people in this country are farmers anymore. In fact, farmers make up only 1.9 percent of • Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation oc- the total population. But agriculture is growing in our state and each year contributes nearly $37 curs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. billion to Michigan's economy. Not many people outside of agriculture realize that farming is our • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour second largest industry, after auto manufacturing. Hundreds of thousands of jobs depend upon the for heat. Open the window a little for fresh air production, processing and distribution of food and fiber products. to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning - and I am confident that there are many opportunities for the agricultural industry to grow and prosper make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. in the future. But for that to happen, we need to reach out to help other segments of society better • Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on understand and appreciate the importance of farming in Michigan. the dome light at night when running the engine. We'll need to continue doing a better job building alliances with non-farmers, like the millions of consumers who live in southeast Michigan. Although practically none of them grew up on farms, • Tie a colored cloth (preferably redl to your all of them understand that they have to eat every day - even if they have a less-than-complete antenna or door. ., picture of where that food comes from, or what the farmer had to do to produce that food and get • Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow it to market. stops falling. • Exercise from time to time by vigorously The support and understanding of non-farmers is, and will be, critically important to us in the future. moving your arms, legs, fingers, and toes to Our farming industry will increasingly be constrained by burdensome rules, regulations and keep blood circulating. restraints. All of these mean higher costs for farmers. How are farmers supposed to generate the At Home or in a Building ... revenue needed to meet those costs? Unlike other segments of the economy, farmers can't automatically pass on their higher costs to consumers. And even if we could, American consumers • Stay inside. When using alternative heat from ~ a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, use have certainly shown that they won't accept higher food prices. r fire safeguards and properly ventilate. If you So what do we do? One strategy is to continue our efforts to "reach out" to the broader community have no heat, close off unneeded rooms. around us and build linkages of understanding about our industry. The more we do to help the non- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, farm consumer appreciate and value what the agricultural industry is already doing to meet their and cover windows at night. environmental and regulatory concerns, the more support we'll have for our legislative efforts to • Eat and drink. Food provides your body with hold down the cost and impact of regulations. energy for producing its own heat. Keep yourself replenished with fluids to prevent We must continue our education efforts to show the non-farm public the realities of farming today. dehydration. We must continue to hammer home the message that our American food supply is the most abundant, and the safest in the world, thanks to the professionalism of farmers and the modern • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight. warm production tools that make our abundance possible. clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheat- ing, perspiration, and subsequent chill. Three and four generations of consumers have grown up enjoying longer, healthier lives, thanks greatly to our advanced farming technology and farmers' ability to provide ample, nutritious Keeping Ahead of a Winter Storm: supplies of healthful grains, fruits, meats and vegetables. But food doesn't just happen. It takes What to Listen For careful nurturing and timely inputs to produce bountiful crops. It also takes the cooperation and • Winter storm watch: Severe winter condi- ,.. understanding of all of us who live in this biosphere we call our state of Michigan. tions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now! • Winter storm warning: Severe winter condi- .. tions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors! • Blizzard warning: Snow and strong winds will Jack Laurie, President combine to produce a blinding snow (near Michigan Farm Bureau zero visibility). deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately! • Winter weather advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences a,nd may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life-threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists . ... RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 ... And Be Sure to Shovel Safely '... If you use a shovel instead of a snow thrower, remember that shoveling is heavy work. You have to do it properly to avoid straining your 11= A Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Winter 1994 heart and your back. Safety reminders: • Avoid smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming caffeine, and eating heavily im- mediately before or after shoveling. • Use a sturdy, lightweight shovel. Grasp it with one hand as close to the top of the handle as possible, with the other hand at a point halfway down the handle. Photo: Michigan Travel Bureau • Place your feet apart for balance. • Lift only what your arms can handle without straining. In This Issue • Bend your knees when lifting. Carry the weight close to your body and keep your back straight. 6 MSU'S ANIMAL • Face the direction you want to toss the snow and throw directly ahead. Don't twist AGRICULTURE INITIATIVE Project means Michigan jobs. your spine. • If possible, push the snow instead of lifting it. • Pace yourself. Take regular rest breaks. 8 ONE MAN'S WASTE ... , , Company/farmers provide beneficial waste disposal alternative . . ... 17 MFB ANNUAL MEETING illGHLIGHTS Organization acts on key policy issues and hosts showcase of agriculture. .. 22 SCHOOL FINANCE OmONS A side-by-side comparison of financing alternatives. Of Special Interest 11 MFB'S HEALTH HARVEST . \' , "ichl"" r.o 1; tUch1a '.0. ra,. __ ,.,.. k. J09~. Iu.... u )()MO. '--1 -- .. --..... lur a..-a .... ... MJ lU ... 48909-6460 --- .'tot-f46(l &.t_ eo-.tJ .. --- The RURAL LIVING (ISSN 0743-9962) is published quarterly in the months of October, January, April, July, as a service to associate members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, -.-.,---(---.- 0.."1. lI.l4at, r,o. ao. J096O. L..alllo,."1 ."09-'460 Lansing, M148917. Oct.. 30, 1992, Vol. 11, NO.3. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual ,~~~~l:;.::f::;::':;: ~~::::~::.~..::..:.-:-~--.::-;.:::. --- I~' dues of Michigan Farm Bureau associate members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Rural Living to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, 'M-~ MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: "'__ ~_<»----.. eo-. Editor, Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. --- I~" -- 1 ,_~ ...................... """'" POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. • Jo Editorial: Dennis Rudat. Editor and Business Manager. • ~:~..::.- -=-.:===:::::;.:.::. ...::: =:.=-':;':'':~'':''--.-- Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen . [i]~""~DwooI Db 0...-. ~=---,----,' ~~.• ' . >t. o ' ••• f .' ".. " ~. J .' with the, personalizea serVice you would expect from a Farm Bureau .....family member~hip.( ,- ~- ...... 'I .J.-< OJ (' ... ~ .. No matter what your needs:, .• ' , small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your famiiy- we have the rig~t 'plan at th~ right price. Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personali~ed se~ice ... provide an unbeatable combination that you can'r afford to be without when protecting the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you~ For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. _ .. ItIICHIGAN .... FARItI BIJREAIJ RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 I • Study Reveals Impact of Pesticide Losses A 50 percent reduction in pesticide availability • California and Florida tomato yields would be ticide availability and use," said Dean Kleckner, for so-called "minor crops" would mean lower cut by 38 percent. president of the American Farm Bureau Re- yields, higher costs and significantly smaller search Foundation. • California lettuce yields would be reduced by consumer supplies of many fruits and veg- "Though farmers are already reducing their 47 percent. etables grown in the United States, according chemical use and relying increasingly on inte- to a study released by the American Farm • Onion yields in Texas, Idaho and California grated pest management, the critical issue is Bureau Research Foundation. would decline by 48 percent. the availability of effective pesticides at key The study titled, "Economic Impacts of Re- • Sweet corn yields would fall by an average of times. duced Pesticide Use on Fruits and Vegetables," 30 percent in Florida and Wisconsin, with the "Producers of some crops are on the verge of quantified the supply, availability and cost con- greatest reductions occurring in Florida. losing the last available crop protection tool. In sequences of reduced pesticide use on U.S. • Peach yields would be reduced by an esti- other instances, the loss of a key pesticide will fruit and vegetable crops. The research was mated 59 percent. Georgia and South Caro- result in the use of greater amounts of less prompted by growing producer concerns over lina basically would be out of the peach effective chemicals. Some chemicals also are the loss of key chemicals because of the high business without fungicides or insecticides. critical to effective integrated pest manage- cost of developing supporting health and safety ment programs which combine chemical and data for governmental approval. • A 57 percent combined yield reduction for non-chemical approaches to manage pests. This Thompson seedless and Concord grapes. The nine crops analyzed include potatoes, or- study points out several key issues which need anges, tomatoes, grapes, apples, lettuce, on- • A 28 percent yield reduction in oranges, with to be addressed," Kleckner said. ions, sweet corn and peaches. The study fo- Florida feeling the greatest impact. The study was financed through specific project cused on states that account for almost 50 • Apple yields in the Pacific Northwest and donations to the Foundation. The donations percent of total U.S. production of those crops. Eastern U.S would be cut 43 percent. came from 48 state Farm Bureaus, 10 county The study was coordinated by the College Sta- "The study shows that both farmers and con- Farm Bureaus and 58 other organizations, asso- tion, Texas research firm Knutson & Associates sumers would feel the impact of reduced pes- ciations, businesses and individuals. in cooperation with leading university horticul- tural scientists in each of the analyzed crops' major production areas. If pesticide applications on vegetables are cut TURN UNSIGHTLY BRUSH by 50 percent, due to public policy decisions or simply due to the loss of the registered use of common products, average yields would fall by INTO FREE MULCH! ...Reduce it 12-to-l with the TROY-BIL],@Chipper/Shredder! roughly 20 percent for processed vegetables and 42 percent for fresh vegetables. ~ According to Ronald Knutson, project director for the study, reductions in pesticide use inevi- tably would lead to higher production costs, lower marketable yields and, over time, higher • 6 consumer prices. "Most consumers will not buy corn or apples if worms or maggots are present in them," said Knutson. Knutson also warned that higher pro- t duction costs would hurt American producers' ability to compete in world markets. Other Turn a mess like this ...into FREE landscaping mulch in minutes! • Extra-large hopper swallows up to r------------ I ....... trade-offs associated with reduced pesticide a bushel at a time. I OTRIJ)«.IIILT R2~~5 e usage include increased labor requirements, • Large, flow-through shredder I 102nd Street and 9th Avenue I, . seasonal gaps in the supply of some fruits and design for fast, thorough. jam-free I Troy, New York 12180 3 13 vegetables, higher processing costs, the loss of .. crops in some regions of the country and a need operation. I 0 YES! Please send me your FREE Chipper/ r to plant more acres. • Auto-feeding chipper handles big I Shredder Catalog and Homeowner's Guide with l~ branches up to 4 thick; wider details about all your models, specs, and TROY-BILre 11 chute reduces trimming of side I Easy Pay Plan with No-Money-Down Financing! Specific crop impacts with 50 percent pesticide application reductions include: branches for faster processing! I Name . I' Send for your FREE Catalog! I Address ~ • Potato yields would be reduced by an Call Toll-Free I City estimated 27 percent. I State Zip 1-800-438-1700 Dept. 4275 Product also available in Canada I ...or mail this coupon. I @1994, Garden Way, Inc. I ------------..1 RURAL LIVING e WINTER 1994 I ThimalAgriculture t t ill la l'VJ;e n these days of widespread cynicism about the motives behind government spending, it's rare to find an expenditure ~~~gd;a;~~~~~~~s~;:;:;;~~~e~:~~~~~~ future of Michigan. • 1 f ! Michigan's Rural Economy on the Launch Pad To the delight of farmers and everyone else project over the past several years," said Ron But that reputation in the area of animal agricul- interested in the state's economic growth and Nelson, legislative counsel for Michigan Farm ture has been threatened by years of trimmed diversity, the Legislature's Joint Capital Outlay Bureau. Nelson is a veteran obseNer of Lansing budgets that have taken their toll on both facilities Committee, in the spring of 1993, approved the politics, and he admits that he was pleased that and people resources at MSU. "Unless you're preliminary planning money for the nearly $70 lawmakers were persuaded to stick with the aware of the modern operations underway or million Animal Agriculture Initiative at Michigan funding for the Initiative. "Budgets have been being constructed at other universities around State University. The action will launch architec- tight, but the animal industry helped demonstrate the country, you don't really recognize how far tural planning this summer. Construction and and document a real need. Animal agriculture MSU has fallen behind the times," according to renovation of animal agriculture buildings on cam- facilities at MSU are very much out of date. In Kevin Kirk, commodity specialist and livestock pus will begin this year. fact, some have not been updated for at least 30 expert for Michigan Farm Bureau. years because of inadequate funds," he said. The campaign that kept this investment plan on He said MSU had these specific problems that track through several tight state budgets is a Through the years, the prowess of MSU's foot- helped galvanize support for the Initiative: tribute to the leadership of Michigan Farm Bu- ball and basketball teams has drawn the most reau, dairy and livestock organizations and others attention to the nation's pioneer land grant insti- • The research facilities in Anthony Hall were in the state's agricultural industry. tution. But MSU has also been a superstar in the antiquated and unsafe. The ventilation system world of agricultural institutions. The College of could not handle laboratory needs and freezers "The industry has really done an excellent job of had broken seals. Agriculture and Natural Resources has a well- reminding and thanking legislators for their sup- earned reputation for innovative, world-class • The Dairy Plant did not meet U.S. Department port and for the efforts that have gone into this teaching and research. of Agriculture standards and its equipment was decades behind the industry. Part of the funds will be used to renovate Anthony Hall, headquarters for the university's livestock research/educational facilities. -" . ' ...for a $70 million dollar investment in the revitalization of IVlichigan's ~ animal agriculture, farmers and other rural residents will harvest hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits each year... But what about the impact on the total Michigan economy? What kind of return can Michigan taxpayers expect from their investment in the animal agriculture business? They can expect high dividends indeed. A focus on the non-farm impact from expansion of the dairy industry helps make the point. The dairy industry comprises the largest single element of Michigan's agricultural economy and has the most impact on the rest of the state . . .. An analysis by the MSU Agricultural Economics Department noted that there are around 5,000 • The investment will help expand, perhaps even commercial dairy farms in the state. Their output • The current Meats Laboratory also did not meet USDA standards, had outdated equipment and double, the beef feedlot and cow calf production provides over a quarter of the cash farm receipts no facilities for many processing areas. in the state and create a forage based beef of Michigan agriculture. The Initiative has tar- industry. geted a nearly 15 percent increase in the size of • The beef, dairy, poultry and swine farms needed the state's dairy herd to produce an additional renovating. • It will encourage expansion of the state's poul- three quarters of a billion pounds of milk each try industry, which currently produces only about year. • The Livestock Pavilion was obsolete. , . "Because of these facility problems and years of half of the eggs consumed in Michigan. Turkey production could be doubled. What would this market expansion mean in budgetary constraints, MSU found itself in the terms of economic development? Again, citing • With the feed and slaughtering capacity in this figures from the MSU economic analysis, the position of having more difficulty continuing to state, Michigan will be able to produce and addition of 50,000 cows to the state's dairy herd attract the outstanding faculty needed to support market a million additional hogs each year. would mean over 1,500 more jobs. It would an expansion of the animal agriculture industry in our state," said Kirk. • It will help to optimize the health and perfor- increase net farm income by over $17 million mance of horses in support of the state's racing dollars a year. It would boost local property tax But the $70 million investment in the Initiative will receipts by nearly $4 million dollars a year. And it industry. help turn that situation around. The funding will would generate $123 million dollars being spent be used to renovate Anthony Hall, the Dairy Plant, • It will boost the health of the sheep industry, in each year on supplies, utilities, insurance and the Meats Lab and the farm facilities. It will be part by filling the now-vacant sheep extension other services for the dairy industry. As these used for new farm research facilities, including a veterinary position. expenditures percolate through the rest of the swine farrowing barn and nursery, grower/fin- • It will allow Michigan State University to con- economy, there will be additional indirect ben- isher facilities and a new horse barn and arena. It tinue working with dairy farmers to make dairying efits to employment and tax receipts. ~ - will renovate an existing building for the installa- tion of a high speed treadmill for evaluation of more profitable, and help the industry meet the So, for a $70 million dollar investment in the opportunities presented by the new, large dairy revitalization of Michigan's animal agriculture, performance horses working at racing speeds. It processing facilities in the state. will construct new infectious disease contain- farmers and other rural residents will harvest ment facilities at the veterinary research farm. This revitalization of Michigan's animal agricul- hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits each And it will construct a new agriculture and live- ture project will benefit all sectors of the state's year just from the dairy industry. Going beyond stock education center to replace the old live- agricultural economy. that, and taking into account the impact from stock pavilion. expansion of beef, swine, poultry, sheep and the For example, it will allow more farmers to diver- horse industries - then, you're looking at nearly The state's agricultural industry believes that this sify their operations by taking advantage of half a billion dollars a year in increased agricultural investment in the future will yield big dividends. Michigan's unique environment for livestock pro- sales value. duction. • With this additional funding support, MSU is This would generate additional jobs and income expected to develop solutions to animal manure The project will also expand local livestock grain from the processing and distribution industries, problems. Solutions are critically important if the markets, and help reduce the need for costly" out and as the impact of this expansion multiplies, it industry is to expand or even maintain its current of state" grain shipment. By some estimates, the could produce over $625 million a year in direct level of production. And finding appropriate, envi- extra demand for corn and soybeans created by and indirect value for the Michigan economy. ronmentally sound manure application techniques this livestock expansion could boost prices by 25 Within a decade, this amount could exceed a is a key to maintaining a "good neighbor" policy to 30 cents a bushel. billion dollars a year. with non-farmers in rural areas. RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 One Man's'. Waste Every year in Michigan, cities and municipalities have a dilemma -what to do with sewage sludge and the leftovers from water treatment plants? Thanks to the efforts of Great Lakes Enviroland, based in DeWitt, over 100 Michigan cities are now delivering those" resources" to farmers to Another Man's Treasure Those safety nets include some rigorous test- pounds of copper, .07 pounds of nickel. help meet crop fertility needs, according to Bill ing of the product, the facility and the farmer's "Put that in comparison to starterfertilizer which Goetch of Enviroland. field, to make sure that fertility levels won't contains 2 percent zinc - if he applies 150 exceed beneficial use limits. "They test for The company does nothing but recycle non- pounds of starter, he's getting 4.5 pounds of organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals and fer- hazardous by-products. For the past eight years, zinc," Goetch said. "We notify any and all tility levels of the bio-solid," said Goetch. " It' s a the company has been marketing the residual neighbors when we're just permitting a field, relentless testing program - and it's expensive limes from water treatment facilities, covering too." and we let them know when the field is actually nearly 20,000 acres on an annual basis. "One of permitted. We might never actually use the the things they're taking out of the water is Once a treatment facility is permitted, testing is field, but we still let the neighbors know what calcium, and what they end up making through done every time bio-solids are hauled from the we're doing." that process is calcium carbonate," explained facility. Farm fields are also tested extensively to become permitted, and then a running In most cases, farmers can easily get their field Goetch. "It' s an excellent liming material for permitted, however, there are some factors farmers that are in close proximity to the treat- logsheet is kept on individual fields. Limits are set on nutrients and then calculations made for that would disqualify a field. In a few cases, ment facility, and the product costs 30 to 50 fields are disqualified for bio-solid application percent less than conventional sources." appropriate application rates of the bio-solids. because of low lying fields prone to flooding, The lime product has other advantages over "One of the restrictions is that this program has but 99 percent of the time a field is disqualified other sources, since the product can be applied to be a beneficial use program," Goetch ex- because of high nutrient loading already present. as either a liquid or a semi-solid cake product. plained. "50 we have to show the need for what we're applying. We'll use fertilizer recommen- " Basically, phosphorus buildup is the biggest The company transports the lime material di- dations, and then compare that against the problem we encounter," Goetch said. "If a rectly to the farm where it's loaded onto a high analysis of the bio-solid, looking at ammonia, farmer has 200 pounds of phosphorus in the flotation spreader and applied immediately by nitrates, TKN, phosphorus, and then all the field already, then there's no beneficial use for the company. metals." spreading the sludge on that field." The company also applies municipal waste from Once application is completed, Goetch says Goetch expects that recently released stricter sewage treatment facilities, known as bio-sol- precise calculations are made as to what was Environmental Protection Agency regulations ids at no charge to farmers for over 100 cities. needed, what was applied, and what the farmer should help establish a consistent national/evel A majority of the bio-solid product is injected by still needs to apply for his next crop. Generally, of procedures to help clean up other image the company on the farm fields, unless the potash is the one nutrient that will be in short problems and abuses in other states that im- fields have less than a Grade A slope. This supply, and must be applied by the farmer. pacts Great Lakes Enviroland. "Michigan has service can provide real benefits for all parties always enforced and adhered to higher stan- involved, according to Goetch, since the farmer Lifetime limits are established for each field in dards than most other states in terms of sludge is getting a free source of nitrogen and phos- terms of what and how much can be applied of application," he said. phorus, the municipality picks up the tab for various elements. Unfortunately, Goetch says, applications, and our state's landfills are being misinformation and bad press about bio-solid The only other limiting factors is distance and spared of a product that has value. disposal, has created confusion and sometimes, weather says Goetch. For liquid product, the bad feelings between neighbors who do and company likes to stay within a 25 mile radius of "This program is seen as a beneficial use pro- don't accept bio-solids on their farms. the treatment facility. For semi-solids, the com- gram," Goetch said. "Without the farmer, dis- pany will go as far as 40 miles and the company posal would go to a landfill. So we have a He referred to a field test that called for a 6,000 generally looks for fields that are 10 acres or program with several safety nets to make sure gallon per acre application rate. Out of the 6,000 larger. Once temperatures reach freezing lev- nothing is going out there that has a problem. gallons, the farmer actually got 53 pounds of els, liquid product can't be spread. Tempera- That way, we can utilize it as a fertilizer, instead nitrogen, 119 pounds of phosphorus, and only tures below 25 degree F or lower, eliminate of filling up our landfills with something that .47 pounds of lead, 2.28 pounds of zinc, 2.12 semi-solid spreading as well. could be used." RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 New Technology First Time Commercial Use of ISV in EPAChemical Cleanup A new technology for treating hazardous waste, Those factors made the Parson Chemical site an Workers enter the hood to lay down a layer of originally developed by the U.S. Department of ideal candidate for the first commercial applica- graphite in a path between four electrodes to start a Energy (DOE) for treating radioactive waste, is tion of ISV technology, which can be done at flow of electricity down into the ground that will melt the contaminated soil. This was the first ever com- being utilized for the first time ever on a commer- under $600 a cubic yard, less than a third of the mercial application of "ISV" technology. cial basis in Michigan, at an Environmental Pro- cost of other options. , ,.. tection Agency (EPA) Super Fund Site. Nearly 3,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, off vapors for treatment before emission into The process, called in situ vitrification (ISV), in- excavated from an area at the rear of the chemical the atmosphere. volves the "in place" electrical melting of soils plant facility and from along a drainage ditch and other earthen materials to 3,600 F for pur- where chemicals had been dumped, will eventu- Other parts of the ISV system include trailers for poses of destroying, removing and/or perma- ally be treated in a series of nine treatment cells workers to monitor the melt, a trailer for a gas nently immobilizing hazardous materials constructed in 1990 for ISV application. filtration system, and another trailer containing a that are present. Soil is converted into a rock-like transformer to provide a power source for , .. material that's considered harmless, and the From 1945 to 1979, Parson's Chemical Works, the electrodes. Inc., manufactured agricultural chemicals at its actual mass of the soil, once melted, is reduced Grand Ledge facility located on the western Other parts include a set of pipes to vent off the by 20 to 30 percent. The resulting hole is then outskirts of the community. During those 34 gas to the filter treatment system, and the elec- filled and covered with clean top soil years of producing pesticides, herbicides, sol- trodes. Power cables, capable of carrying over and reseeded. vents and compounds containing mercury, the 3.5 megawatts of electricity run from the power Geosafe Corporation, based out of Richland, company was also dumping chemicals into its lines to the trailer, and then the electrodes, which Washington, is under an EPA contract to drainage system. are fed down through the top of the hood. apply the technology at the Parson Chemical Site After a bankruptcy in 1979, and subsequent Once the equipment is installed and the hood in located in Eaton County, according to Leonard investigations by the Michigan Department of place, workers place a "starter path" across the Zintak, EPA's on-scene coordinator for Region 5. Natural Resources, the Eaton County Health treatment cell. "Normally, soil has to be heated "What we're dealing with here is a mixture of Department and EPA, the Parson Chemical Site up and melted to make it conducive so that you pesticides, herbicides, and mercury, which is was placed on EPA's national priorities list and can put power through it to continue melting the difficult to treat by conventional methods," ex- became an EPA Superfund site in 1989. The ISV rest of the soil," said Zintak. plained Zintak. "You just can't ship this contami- treatment process was initiated in July of 1993. "Workers lay down a layer of graphite in a path nated soil off to a landfill. Offsite incineration Site Preparation between the electrodes to start the flow of , t can be extremely expensive at about $2,000 a Workers at the site constructed a treatment electricity down into the ground," he said. "Once cubic yard. " trench to hold the contaminated soil for the the melt actually starts, these one foot diameter f.- treatment phase of the cleanup. Concrete walls electrodes are fed down in to the ground, even- measuring 12 inches thick were constructed in tually reaching the 16 foot depth of the cell. The the excavated trench. electrodes are manufactured in six foot lengths. Five of the electrodes are threaded together for A series of nine treatment cells, each measuring a total length of 30 feet." 28 feet x 28 feet by 16 feet deep, were con- structed. Temperature sensors were installed in As the soil melt proceeds, and forms a thick the trench to provide a means of monitoring the liquid, its chemical structure is irreversibly broken melting process. down. Its volume is also reduced 20 to 30 percent since the melting removes water, organic mate- The 3,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil were rial and air pockets. then placed into the treatment cells, with each cell containing four holes large enough to insert Soil will be melted at the rate of one to two inches one foot diameter electrodes to start the melt. per hour, generally requiring five to 10 days to complete the melt in a cell before moving on to Soil Treatment Phase the next treatment cell. The ISV system con- Because ISV is an on-site treatment technology, sumes about the same amount of electricity as a the equipment must be mobile so it can be • Below, once the melt is completed in an individual relocated to future treatment sites. The ISVequip- small hotel on a daily basis, said Zintak . cell, the hood is lifted by a crane to the next adjoining ment includes a large metal hood - a dome It will take at least 12 months for the melted cell. The molten soil and the hole left by the melt is backfilled with clean dirt and seeded once the ground shaped structure that's 60 feet in diameter soil in each cell to cool and completely harden has cooled. and 15 feet high. The hood overlaps the top of to glass, forming a single mass of glass in one treatment cell and is used primarily to vent each cell. RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 A Health and Wellness Publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Winter 1994 Cold Facts about o . I • ..~. HYPO HE II * * * * * * * right steps to treat it. Health * * * * Protect yourself from infants, older persons and those hypothermia this winter by experts estimate that approximately medicated by cardiovasculardrugs. learning to recognize the 25,000 people die of hypothermia tranquilizers, antidepressants and symptoms and taking the each year. Be especially watchful of sedatives. (continued next page) A stick of gum a day keeps the dentist away Hypothermia is a significant drop In the body's Internal Beyond preventing tooth A vveighty solution temperature characterizedby decay,chewing sugarless these symptoms: gum can actually help to DIABETES Muscle stiffness and fight tooth decay. Gum possibly trembling in an arm chewing stimulates saliva Yo~r chances of developing adult onset diabetes or leg. in the mouth and cuts increase two-fold for every 200/0 of excess weight you Intense shivering. Some down the amount of carry. Diet and exercise to lose weight can treat 33 % to people don't shiver. particu- acidity. Chewing also 550/0 of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. larly older adults. but could forces salivabetween the still be at risk. teeth where food resi- Check with your doctor aboutthe proper weight foryou Confused thinking or dues may be trapped. For based on your height. body type and age. Here's a rule disorientation. the most benefit. chew of thumb that can help you determine your idealweight: Marked changes in sugarless gum within five Men five feet tall shGuldweigh about 106 Ibs. -add six mood or affect. such as minutes of eating and pounds for each additional inch of height. Women five apathy (indifference), ex- continue chewing for at feet tall sholoJldweigh about 100 pounds - add five treme drowsiness. hostility least 15 minutes. pounds for each additional inch of height. or aggression. Changes in the face and skin. Lookfor puffiness. swell- ing or paleness. Skin is cool ,. or cold to the touch. If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia. call for medical assistance immediately and take the following steps until help arrives: Get the person out of the cold Aeplace wet clothing with warm.dry clothing. Cover the person with blankets • .. or other warm material, such as jackets. towels. or newspapers. If possible get the person into a sleeping bag with someone else to provide body warmth. Make every effort to keep the person awake and alert. Valentin~ z Q. Should I get a flu vaccine? Are they safe? '" for Chocolate L(JVers A. Influenza, or flu, is a disease characterized fevers, body and head aching and cough. Many are underthe misconception that gastrointestinal by high people illness CHOCOLATE HEARTS . characterized by vomiting and diarrhea is "the flu" butthis CHOCOLATE KISSES . is inaccurate. CHOCOLATES BY THE BOX ... It is important to know what the flu vaccine will and will will tempt you sweetly this Valentine's Day. And while not do. Many people believe the flu vaccine will protect chocolate probably should be a "special occasion treat," them from all cold viruses they are exposed to. This is not you'll surprised to learn that much of what you thought you the case. Flu vaccine is designed to protect you solely knew about chocolate just isn't true. from specific strains of flu virus. Here's some facts and fibs about chocolate: This winter, many people will ask their primary care physician whether they should receive a flu vaccine. LSE: Chocolate is high in caffeine Usual advice is that people who are at high risk for -eaffei1/e occurs l1aturally i1/cocoa bea1/s,but the amoullt is low. A 1.5 suffering severe illness as a result of the flu virus should • OU1/cemilk chocolate bar c01/taills 9 milligrams (mg.) of caffeille. The receive the vaccine. This includes the elderly, people with same size bar of sweet (dark) chocolateCOl1taills30 mg. of caffeille. Both chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, or people are lessthall othercommoll sourcesofcaffei1/e,e.g.,coffee(0lle6 oUllcecllp with known pulmonary disease such as asthma, emphy- = 103 mg. caffeille); soda pop (12 OU1lce ca1l = 36 to 54 mg. caffei1/e). sema and chronic bronchitis. In those people who are at high risk, flu may develop into pneumonia, which can be UE: Chocolate is high in fat quite deadly. ~F or solid chocolatethis is tmewhell c01/sideli1/gthepercentage of calOlies Parents with children who have significant, ongoing ill- rom fat. If you are a chocolate lovel~ its ol'ay to enjoy chocolate ness should also consider having their child vaccinated. occasio1/ally. The key is moderatio1/ alld a well bala1/ced diet. Even though the cocoa butter i1/chocolate is p!imarily saturated fat, studies Most normal, healthy people usually do not suffer severe :! ... how it does1l't appear to raise blood cholesterol. RUE: Chocolate is low in cholesterolA side effects as a result of a bout of flu, although they are miserable for a few days . jUilk chocolate, the o1/lychocolatewith cholesterol, ha.s.as/l1011amotl!lt, While there is nothing one hundred percent safe in the .. • which comesfrom its milk C01/tent. world, the flu vaccine is a pretty good deal in terms of risk! benefit ratio. In the past, an increased incidence of a rare ~ LSE: Chocolate causes acr syndrome called Guillain-Barre was associated with flu There is I/O proof that chocolateaggravates Lot vaccination, but this has not been the case in the past ~ •••.\how that chocolate or OIlYotherfood causes amI 'I several years. ~ Zt)ALSE: Chocolate causes tooth decay There are some predictions that this year's flu virus may 7 ,!!ost chocolate products do cOlltai1/sugar, but studies do not 'lOW chocolate as a high-ral1l'ed, cavit)'-causl1l food. U be more severe than in the past. Seek an immunization if you believe yourself to be at high risk for contracting the flu, and especially if you are at high risk for suffering J ALSE: Chocolate is an aphrodisIac severe illness as a result of the flu. The al1cientAzteCS'believed this, but modenl researchhas IIOtproved it. If you have health concerns, questions, or need a physician referral, call Sparrow Hospital's NurseLine, an information and Physician Referral Service at 1-800-968-3838. ChocolatedoescOl1taillphelylethylamille, a chemicalpresent ill thehumall The above questions and answers are for general information purposes only. If you have brail1that helps arouse emotiolls, but theamOUlltill chocolateisprobably symptoms or health related questions, consult your physician. Information compiled by Sarina Gleason. too small to alter emotiol1s. New Kit Serves Up FOODSAFETYImonnaoon Health care professionals The "Children's Food Safety recommended references, manager for DuPont Agri- have a valuable new tool Kit" contains brochures and previol:Jsly published articles cultural Products. "'The to help them answer fact sheets that address awide and other recognized sources Children's Food Safety Kit' is parents' questions about variety of nutrition and diet top- of information on diet and valuable because it helps food safety and the foods ics ranging from regulation of lutrition. healthprofessionalsa7dtheir their children eat. "The food production to preparation clients or patients/under- Children's Food Safety Kit: of food products. Specific ar- stand how and why food A Health Professional'sGuide eas of discussion include the production and agricultural to the Issues" is a compre- role of fruits and vegetables in products are regulated." hensive information kit that a balanceddiet, standards used the American Dietetic in evaluating and regulating "The more people under- Association's (ADA) Center food production and guidelines stand about how fooa prod- for Nutrition and Dietetics for communicating information ucts are produced and regu- (NCND) has developed to about food to consumers. lated, the better able they help doctors and health care will be to make informed counselors address the most Most of the information con- "Most people are not aware choices about what to eat, " commonly asked questions tained in "The Children's Food of the ongoing regulatory Vaux said. '''The Children's about children and food Safety Kit" can be easily pho- oversight that ensures the Food Safety Kit' will help, safety. tocopied and distributed to safety of our country's food health professionals and par- parents. For additional guid- supply," said Tom Vaux, regu- ents alikemake informed and The kit is being sent to ance, the kit includes a list of latoryandenviroomental issues confident decisions abou~ thousands of pediatricians family diets and nutrition." and dietitians across the country through an educa- tional grant provided by the DuPont Company. "Many parents turn to dieti- tians and pediatricians for answers and reassurance about the safety of the Cancer Deteetion foods they give their chil- dren, " said Nancy Schwartz, Ph.D., R.D. (registered dieti- tian), director of the NCND. "We know that people have ME LAN 0 M A, a type of skin cancer, is Look for moles that are questions about what they potentially 100% curable not symmetrical (one half should be feeding their children, based on the ques- when detected early .You can doesn't match the other); tions we've received on spotchangesin your skin that have irregular edges ADA's consumer nutrition might intlicate a melanoma (ragged, notched or hotline and comments from by checking your skin blurred edges); are not our members who are prac- monthly and b~ takillg ad- uniform in color (varia- ticing dietitians. We devel- -'~ vantage of cancer screenings tions in color and may in- oped the 'Children's Food Safety Kit' to help health pro- r..... ill your area. elude tan, brown, black, fessionals answer some of red, white or blue) or are these questions." larger than a pencil eraser (larger than 6 millimeters). I.• ~RRIED FACES OF OUR INSUREDS. Worry? Not them. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? ,;. Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care. I With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how devastating this can be. But it doesn't have to be this way. With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the options available to you. Represe1lti1lg: AMEX Life Assurance Company II @ a subsidiary of @ -IQN _I5S TRAVEL RELATED SEIMCES 1. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 2. U.S. News & World Repon, Aug. 13, 1990 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and operating performance. TO RECEIVE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPUCATION , PLEASE ALL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 2742. Please Print _"MICHIGAN , ... FARM BUREAU Name Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Ci State ZIP Lansing, MI 48909 Phone Coun 8e1l~rld. o~ Orlando, Florida g~ I~ EVERYBODY'S ~ ff~. -- ~ Because ... Your Michigan Farm Bureau membership entitles you to discounts at the following major theme parks in the Midwest and Florida: D Universal Studios D Disney World/Epcot/MGM D Disney Land D Busch Gardens D Sea World D Cypress Gardens D Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village D Cedar Point D Kings Island D Detroit Zoo D Pleasure Island D Opryland To take advantage of these discounts, call or write your county Farm Bureau office TODA Yl ~ngs lsland . ."" , I • POLICY DEBATE & VOTING MFB ANNUAL MEETING Delegates to the Michigan Farm Bureau an- Fault Automobile insurance law. They rec- nual meeting completed policy action on a ommended that a judge, not a jury, should wide range of state and national issues, in- determine if an injury meets the legal require- cluding school finance reform. They went on ments to allow a lawsuit, and that optional record supporting a reduction of property limits of Persona/Injury Protection (PIP) cov- taxes, with funding for K-12 to be replaced erage should be offered. In addition, a fee with a "revenue neutral" mix of other taxes. schedule for medical and PIP benefits should They also voted to support any combination be used, and there should be a mandatory coordination of insurance benefits. of: an increase in the sales tax to not more than 6 percent, an increase in the state in- They encouraged Farm Bureau to continue come tax to not more than 5.9 percent, the working with state agencies to implement levying of a maximum of eight mills on all real the Coastal Zone Management Act and called and non-exempt personal property, a prop- for "voluntary incentive-driven programs," erty transfer tax to replace a portion of the rather than rigid mandates to encourage farm- eight mill property tax, and an increase in the ers to adopt management measures autho- alcohol/tobacco tax of up to 25 percent. rized under the Act. The delegates opposed elimination of rev- Delegates also went on record in support of enue sharing for townships and counties and private property rights protection, saying that voiced support for the concept of charter the government should be required to pro- schools and schools-of-choice. vide due process and compensation to the exact degree that a property owner's rights Delegates also recommended that "user have been diminished due to government taxes" be used to fund the construction and action. maintenance of new bridges and roads in- stead of reverting back to the use of property Turning their attention to food safety, del- taxes and/or special assessments for such egates recommended that the Food and projects. They also advocated the use of a Drug Administration, Environmental Protec- state fuel tax of not more than 6 cents for tion Agency, and the United States Depart- repairs and rebuilding of Michigan's transpor- ment of Agriculture continue efforts to in- tation infrastructure. form and educate consumers about safe- guards already in place, as well as continue to On other state issues, the delegates ap- improve consumer information programs. proved policy favoring trucking deregulation. The delegates also voiced support for the The policy said that deregulation would cut commercial use of food irradiation as an Michigan freight costs by an average of 19 acceptable food processing method. percent and save shippers and consumers $87 million a year. In the commodity area, delegates strongly supported economic incentives, like tax Delegates also went on record supporting breaks, to encourage production of ethanol Michigan's drunk driving laws and urged pros- in the state. They reaffirmed support for ecutors and police to give increased attention commercial cranberry production and called to enforcement, adding that mandatory jail on the DNR and the cranberry industry to sentences should be required for all con- work together to encourage expansion of victed drunk and drugged drivers. cranberries. Recent reforms to Michigan's tort laws re- The delegates called on Farm Bureau to ceived delegate approval. They asked, how- monitor implementation of NAFT A to ex- ever, that those efforts be broadened to plore export opportunities for agriculture and include reforms to attorney fee arrangements, safeguard the interests of producers. They a mandated settlement structure for large reaffirmed support for protection of private monetary judgments, and a cap on non-eco- property rights. They approved policy oppos- nomic and punitive damage judgements. ing the concept of preserving all endangered On a related matter, delegates called for species regardless of the cost. additional reform measures to the state's No- The De~ression and , Farlners & World War II Years ... The agricultural economy of the United States Rural Michigan collapsed in the early 1930s and with it went the whole economy of the nation. Membership in the struggling young Michigan Farm Bureau dropped to an all-time low of 1,542 by 1933. Yet, program- building was underway and as programs grew, eb. 4, 1994, marks the Diamond Anniver- sary Year of the Michigan Farm Bureau. More than a look back, Michigan Farm Bureau's 75th anniversary in 1994 is a time to reaffirm the organization's commitment to the founding principles of volunteer lead- Since 1919... In the Beginning ... so did membership. A Junior Farm Bureau (later renamed Farm Bu- reau Young People) was developed in 1935 to provide rural youth with social and leadership development opportunities. In 1936, the Com- ership, grass roots policy making, and munity Group program was introduced as a way Farmers faced a crisis after World War I. Farm strength through membership. of getting members to actively participate in Farm prices collapsed while costs remained high. Farm- Bureau, of keeping them informed on issues and Long the state's largest general farm organi- ers were taxed for the full maintenance of local having them organized to take concerted action zation, the Michigan Farm Bureau also has rural roads and taxes on farm property rose to the when their support was needed. Topics were earned the reputation of "leader-builder" for point where farms had to be sold for tax delin- provided to these neighborhood discussion groups agriculture. From farm house to statehouse quency. The fierce independence of those in- with encouragement for grassroots feedback to and even in the nation's capitol, Farm volved in agriculture gave way to the realization the state organization. Bureau members have developed their that, if they were to have any impact on the forces leadership skills through Farm Bureau pro- that held them hostage, there was a need for In 1942, Blue Cross-Blue Shield was made avail- grams and contributed those valuable tal- united action. able to members through Community Groups. If ents to agriculture and the organization that there was any single motivating factor in the On Feb. 4, 1919,57 county farmers' bureaus that represents their industry - the Michigan growth of the organization, in both membership had been formed by Extension agents in the early Farm Bureau. and programs, it was this crucially-needed ser- 1900s as educational groups to bring informa- vice.ln orderforfarmers to get this service, which Among those is Donna Wilber. Born on a tion from research centers to farms, met at the they could get nowhere else, they had to belong South Dakota sheep ranch and raised on a Michigan Agricultural College in East Lansing. Forty-three of those county groups signed an to a Community Group. This was the initial attrac- dairy farm in Clinton County, Michigan, she ~ion; they joined to get the service, then got Joined up with the Michigan Farm Bureau In agreement to support a state organization to be Involved In Farm Bureau and grew into leaders for the 1950s. Her career in Farm Bureau, now called the Michigan State Farm Bureau. Their the organization. spanning over forty years, has earned her charter stated that the aim was "to provide ways the respect of staff at every level and the and means for concerted action on agricultural A Women's Activities Department was estab- membership. problems." lished in 1945, and county Women's Commit- The loosely-associated, poorly-funded organiza- tees across the state adopted the objective "to This year, Wilber, who rose to assistant tion struggled through its first years and prom- make the rural community a better place to live." director of the Michigan Farm Bureau Infor- ised members more than it could deliver. Disen- Health and safety projects, building rural-urban mation and Public Relations Division from chantment set in and membership figures plum- relationships, and nurturing the growth of Com- her start as an office clerk, will release a meted. But. thanks in large part to Clark Brody, St. munity Groups were their top priorities. history of the organization from 1950 through the present day. Clair County Extension agent who took over as In the legislative arena, the Michigan Farm Bu- secretary-manager in 1921, the young organiza- reau fought for greater control of plant and animal The book, a sequel to the first Michigan tion began to realize its potential. By 1925, the diseases, for expansion of agriculture research Farm Bureau history written by the road tax on farms was replaced with a gasoline programs at Michigan State College, for im- organization's first administrative secretary tax. In 1926, the Michigan State Farm Bureau proved highways, for free school transportation Clark L. Brody, is entitled, "In the Service of became the agency for State Farm Mutuallnsur- - and against political reapportionment which the Farmer." The following historical sum- ance Company, the fees from which helped the would have assigned control of the state Legisla- manes are excerpted from the upCOming organization begin its program-building process. ture to urban interests. At the national level, the book: And in 1929, its first affiliate, Farm Bureau Ser- ~rganization fought against the growing interven- vices, Inc., a farm supply cooperative, was born. tion of government in agriculture. RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 The Glorious Growing Years... Times of Challenge... Meeting the Challenges The "c1imate" was right for Michigan Farm By 1960, the organization had lost many of the of Change... Bureau's glorious growing years. The war had administrators, staff and leadership who had The economic chaos of the '80s, the integration kindled a community spirit in the country and played key roles in the phenomenal growth of the of farmers into the mainstream of society, and farmers were ready to join forces to accomplish Michigan Farm Bureau. For the first time in 12 the changing role of women in agriculture, brought together what they knew they couldn't individu- years, there was a drop in membership, along both challenges and opportunities for the Michi- ally. Their basic beliefs in freedom, indepen- with a drop in member involvement and organiza- gan Farm Bureau. dence, dignity of the individual, the private enter- tional pride. A shift in emphasis from addressing By 1984, the total agricultural industry was suffer- prise system, closely matched the philosophy of agricultural concerns to heavy involvement in the ing the devastating impacts of depressed farm Farm Bureau. They accepted the fact that the anti-communism campaign, member unrest incomes, high interest rates, and an erosion in organization had no power except what mem- caused by unpopular administrative decisions, land values. From debt restructuring to off farm bers, as individuals, put into it and willingly gave and internal strife that were prevalent during the employment, farmers and theirfamilies struggled their time and talents to build a strong Farm first part of this decade threatened the continued to find solutions that would preserve their heri- Bureau. viability of the organization. tage of independence and self-sufficiency. In terms of member involvement, membership Changes in top leadership and administration in Other forces that impacted on the well-being of growth, leadership development, program and the mid-'60s put the Michigan Farm Bureau back agriculture that Farm Bureau would address dur- member service expansion, the Michigan Farm on track, but not before over 20,000 member- ing the '80s were the grain embargo, the growing Bureau became the envy of other states in the ships were lost. Two dues increases, from $1 0 to federal deficit, increased taxes, animal rightists American Farm Bureau Federation in the '50s. $12 in 1960-.61 and from $12 to $20 in 1965-66, and environmental activists. Intense member involvement in the organization's added to the challenge of halting the downward policy development/policy execution process sig- trend and regaining momentum again. Crucial At the 1987 annual meeting, Kent County farmer nificantly increased its clout in the legislative issues of the '60s that made farmers realize they Elton R. Smith, who had served as president of arena. That clout would be needed during this needed Farm Bureau helped in addressing that the Michigan Farm Bureau for 22 years, stepped decade as the Michigan Farm Bureau success- challenge. down from that office. A lasting tribute to Smith's fully fought to maintain the sales tax exemption lifetime of service to agriculture was the creation Those issues included the Constitutional Con- of the Elton R. Smith Endowed Chair for Food and on farm equipment and supplies, and lobbied for vention, the wheat referendum (known in Farm Agricultural Policy at Michigan State University. adequate funding for Michigan State College and Bureau circles as the" Freeman supply-manage- The reins of Michigan Farm Bureau leadership the Michigan Department of Agriculture. ment control scheme"), the grape boycott, double were transferred to Jack Laurie, a Tuscola County One battle that was lost during the '50s was the daylight savings time, the continuing problem of farmer who had served on the board of directors "invasion" of yellow oleo that Farm Bureau mem- property taxes and need for tax reform. for 20 years, nine as vice president. bers and others believed would lead to the" death" Leaders of the 50-year-old Michigan Farm Bu- Before this decade ended, many women were of the dairy industry in Michigan. A ballot proposal reau entered the decade of the '70s with confi- serving in leadership roles at both the county and making the sale of yellow oleo legal passed by a dence and enthusiasm. Membership was grow- state levels and the traditional Women's Com- large margin, a bitter defeat for dairy producers. ing as was member involvement in time-tested mittee structure that had been in place since The organization of county Farm Bureaus in the programs and services. Member and employee 1945 was replaced with a Promotion & Education Upper Peninsula during the mid to late '50s made morale was high. Affiliates (including two estab- Committee that involved both men and women Michigan Farm Bureau, at last, a statewide orga- lished in the 1960s, Michigan Agricultural Coop- of all ages and interests. nization. Another significant happening was the erative Marketing Association and Michigan Ag- move from the organization's original home on ricultural Services) were healthy. Construction on While agriculture in the 90s is recovering through North Cedar Street in Lansing to a new office a new Farm Bureau Center at 7000 W. Saginaw stabilized land values, low interest rates, those building near the Capital City Airport in 1955. The in Lansing had started. tough economic lessons are not forgotten. Today' s move brought all 250 home office employees of farmers have sharpened their business and pro- Effectively dealing with current issues kept it fessional skills; adopted new, lower production Michigan Farm Bureau and its affiliates under one strong, issues like consumer boycotts, an at- practices; and redoubled their commitment to roof for the first time in the organization's 36-year tempted farmers' strike by a militant faction of domestic and international trade. Today's farm- history. agriculture, environmental concerns and urban ers are truly "Professionals from the Ground Those affiliates now included Farm Bureau Ser- sprawl. Two major legislative accomplishments UP!" vices, which had been enjoying rapid growth during this decade were passage of PA 116, since its birth in 1929; Farmers Petroleum Coop- Michigan's Farmland and Open Space Preserva- erative, Inc., incorporated in 1949; Farm Bureau tion Act, and P.A. 344, Michigan's Agricultural , . Mutual Insurance Company, organized in 1949; and Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, orga- nized in 1951. Marketing and Bargaining Act. RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 MFB' 5 AgriPAC Workingfor Agriculture's Future Despite the recent bad press and negative endorsed candidates in 1992. While substantial to the MFB AgriPAC can do so by donating an public perception of PACs or Political Action and appreciated, Adam said that the leading additional dollar on their membership dues no- Committees, they're a political reality that agri- association in Michigan, distributed $264,565 in tice, (see sample notice in red on this page) or culture must continually be aware of and in- those same elections, making it critical that by simply filling out the coupon below and volved in, according to MFB AgriPAC Chairper- MFB members continue to support AgriPAC. submitting it along with their donation to: son Faye Adam. "We can no longer sit back and let things Adam, a partner in Pleasant View Farms, near happen," Adam said. "If we're going to address MFB AgriPAC, c/o AI Almy, P.O. Box 30960, Snover in Sanilac County, has chaired the MFB the agricultural issues of today, we need quali- Lansing, Ml 48909-8460. AgriPAC Committee for over three years now. fied people representing us in Lansing and Name: Phone: She says that financial contributions, and volun- Washington, D.C., that understand these is- teer campaign efforts on behalf of AgriPAC's Address: sues. I think AgriPAC is certainly a way that we endorsed" Friends of Agriculture," is more im- have of surfacing, supporting and electing those Occupation: portant now than ever, with the upcoming elec- qualified candidates. It's been proven over and (Contribution must be made in the name of an individual. tions. Corporate contributions are prohibited. Contributions in over just how effective this process can be." excess of $20 must be made by check.) "The 1994 elections are probably one of the Farm Bureau members interested in donating most important opportunities for Farm Bureau, through our AgriPAC system, to be effective in electing qualified candidates to represent agri- culture," Adam said. "There will be a guberna- torial race and intense competition for an open ~. MICHIGAN U.S. Senate seat, not to mention elections for , •• FARM BfJREAfJ MSU Board of Trustees, U.S. and state repre- 1373 West Saginaw Highway, Box 30400. Lansing. Michigan 48909.7900 ACCOUNT BILLING STATfMENT For sentatives and state senate seats." Account Billing ServIces. 1(800)535-2335 FOI Bill,ng OuestlOns Call 1.8Q().535.2335 If past AgriPAC endorsements are any indica- tion, this year's endorsed candidates should be Farm Bureau Account Number very successful. In the 1992 elections, 75 per- cent of the candidates designated as "Friends of Agriculture" were elected. In 1990, nearly 90 ACCOUNT SUMMARY percent of the candidates endorsed by the PrevtOUs Balance .................. S 0.00 Pius TransactIOnS S 4500 AgriPAC committee were successful in their Less Payments .. S 000 bid for public office. New Balance 4500 MFB's AgriPAC was formed in 1977 to influ- ence the nomination and election of qualified TRANSACTION DETAIL candidates who have demonstrated strong PoilcylMember Number TransacllOl1s Effective Dale Transaction Amount Payment Due support for agriculture, as evidenced by their AMS039367711 F B MEMBERSHIP. GENESEE 0110711994 4500 4500 AM(' 391t: AGRIPA(. $ lI"I vu '-"NT ARY DONA nON past voting records on key agricultural issues. 7711 County Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation Com- 4500 mittees review those voting records and, in some cases conduct interviews, before making '''Any transaction processed on your account alter 12/19/1993 will appear on your next statement. ... their recommendation to the MFB AgriPAC Committee. THE FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP DUES INCLUDED IN THIS BILLING ARE NOT AN INSURANCE PREMIUM. According to Adam, that process has made the THESE DUES ARE UTILIZED FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE CONDITIONS OF MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE. "Friend of Agriculture" endorsement sought after by candidates. "The most impor- highly fi Reta,n upper POIlIOn 101 your 'ecOlds Please return th,s POIlIOn w,'h YOU' payment D tant part of our PAC is the fact that it is truly a Farm Bureau Account Number Payment Due grass roots process that sets it aside from other 380721502A.()()1'()()()20 54500 PACs," Adam explained. "It's a well-respected IndICate Name/Address Change on Reverse SIde PAC and candidates come back to us time and time again seeking our endorsement. " Make Check FARM BUREAU Payable To MFB's AgriPAC is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from members when Please Include the Account Number on your check or money order they pay their membership renewal notices, by adding $1 to their dues payment. Those contri- 99 038072150210001 00020014000 000004500 010994121993 000004500 000004600 9 butions funded nearly $72,000 in donations to RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 " TAKE THE BITE Ol)T.'OFDENtAL'CARE,CQSJS /- , ~, ~ ,I :- ~ /- ~ . \ . . ..... \ . I. r •• / ~ .. Me~ber dental insurance is the. affordable way to assure that you and.your family receive the dental care. service~ you require -- even when sud,den and costly needs arise. " - I Measure the'rates against yow an~ual dental care bit1sand cohsi~r the advantage! . Single '$18 per month ~ Couple $32 per month TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL .'.'= . ~ Member/C~il.d $32 per mont~ • Family $41 per.monttr . . INFORMATION • MICHiGAN" FARM BIJREAIJ AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION, . ,' PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT - 3237. Please Print Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Services P.O. Box 30960 Address lansing, MI 48909 Ci State ZIP Jury Still Out on School Finance Reform • State must have aid reimbursement mined by June 1 of each year. deter- After record breaking debate and several hun- Of major interest and concern to agriculture, is • Schools must be drug free with drop-out dred amendments to nearly 20 different related the "homestead" definition. There's still not a prevention programs. bills, the Legislature has now put the school definitive answer, and the final outcome could finance reform issue back in the laps of Michi- have a big impact on net tax savings for farmers, • Vocational-technical programs for both youths gan voters, and state agencies to determine according to Nelson. and adults be made available and existing just what it all means, according to MFB Legis- educational facilities should be used when- "Under the bill, as passed, homestead may ever possible. lative Counsel Ron Nelson. include all unoccupied property classified as "The effort now is to look at the new body of agricultural, which is adjacent and contiguous to • School boards, administrators, teachers, stu- law, piece it all together with existing law and the home of the owner, unless that land is dents and parents must work together to set then analyze how that will affect agriculture," leased or rented by the owner to another per- goals and objectives to improve student learn- Nelson explained. "It's important to understand son," Nelson said. "I say 'may' because there ing and performance. that there is a relationship between the bills are other criteria in current law that further limit and current law, which means we also need to that homestead to just the residence where the • Educational programs be constantly have the Michigan Department of Treasury's individual lives and the five acres on which that re-evaluated to determine the priorities and interpretation. " residence is located." needs of our economy and workforce. Nelson doesn't expect a final clear analysis to The following chart summarizes the current • Evaluation of teacher education programs in be available until February due to the complex- law, the statutory plan, which would be the the colleges and universities. ity of the issue and the sheer number of bills basis for funding K-12 education if the ballot sent to the governor. proposal fails, and finally a brief summary of the • An annual evaluation and professional devel- ballot proposal if approved by voters during the opment program for all school employees. March 15 election. • A merit pay system administered by qualified TAX SUMMARY personnel. (Revenue In Millions) • Funding of special education programs Statutory Plan Ballot Plan Current Law Rate Revenue Rate Revenue for children with special needs and gifted children. Property Taxes Homes 36-mill average *12 mills $1,198 *6 mills $ 599 Non-homes 36-mlll average #24 mills $1,852 #24 mills $1,852 • Full funding for state mandated programs Voc ed, ISO taxes 3 mills 3 mills $ 510 3 mills $ 503 Property Transfer 0% 1% $ 213 2% $ 425 whether new or amended. Income Tax 4.6% 6.0% $1,727 4.4% $- 247 • Funding for teacher training of children with Pers. Exemption $2,100 $3,000 $- 352 $2,100 $ 0 learning and reading disabilities in grades Renter Credit 17% of rent 20% of rent $- 40 20% of rent $- 40 K-12. Sales/Use Tax 4.0% 4.0% $ 0 6.0% $1,830 Business Tax 2.35% 2.75% $ 335 2.35% $ 0 • Agriscience education, with input from per- sons experienced in agriculture, should be Cigarette Tax & 25 cents/pack 40 cents & $ 127 75 cents & $ 357 incorporated in the school curriculum at all Other Tobacco 16% 16% levels wherever appropriate, including con- sumer education courses. Interstate Phone N.A. 4% $ 40 6% $ 60 • Repeal of the Teacher Tenure Act. *Property tax on homes includes 6 mills statewide and 0 local mills under a ballot plan and 12 mills under the statutory plan. #Property tax on non-homestead property includes 6 mills statewide and 18 locally under the ballot • Legislation that would allow local school plan, or 12 mills at the state level and 12 at the local level under the statutory plan. boards to obtain competitive bids for school employees' health insurance programs. • Per pupil basic grant to follow the student to the public school of their choice. NewlyAp~roved MFB I School Reform Policy The following school reform policy language was approved by the 454 farmer-delegates "We believe there must be equal educational opportunities for all Michigan children. Educa- • Equalize to the extent possible per pupil spending. • Require that state school aid funding reflect current year enrollment. We support the concept of charter schools. during delegate sessions at the recent MFB tion at all levels must meet the constantly We support the most effective utilization of annual meeting in Detroit. School funding changing needs of society. We support the school property and resources. and taxation policy was also approved by the implementation of the Quality Education Act delegates and is also printed elsewhere on (P.A. 25 of 1990). We believe educational Reorganization of school districts should be this page. quality will be improved with the adoption of studied and considered but should continue to the following: be voluntary." RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 MFB's School Finance Reform Policy Whether you're looking for a small, rustic cabin or a large spacious home, an HONEST ABE LOG HOME is for you. Our log homes are special, one of a kind, homes. Let us Call or write today. o Send me your FREE full-color brochure explaining your log homes. With the elimination of property tax as a source help you create your own special home. Our company has many years of experience and hundreds of homes as a tes- o Enclosed is $8.00 for your color catalog, which in- of funding K-12 education, new sources of cludes 40 standard floor plans. funding must be found to replace the lost rev- timony to this fact. o Please send Dealer Information enue. We will support a mix of taxes dedicated • Free design services let you create your dream home. r N~~- - -- - - - - -- - - - - --- - - -- - - - - - -- - -- - --: to funding K-12, and a limited reduction in • Construction service to make it easy for you and assure : Address : current state spending if carefully selected so you the highest quality job. I I • Large, massive logs accurately pre-cut and numbered I City State : as to not adversely impact essential state ser- at our plant to provide the highest quality materials. ~~p :_h.?!1~ :..: vices. We suggest a combination of one or more of the following revenue sources to re- ~~:.: Please clip and majllo: Route 1, Box 84TSR place the approximately $6.5 billion which was 101. OllIS Moss, Tennessee 38575 eliminated from property tax. Any combination Dealerships Available. 1-800-231-3695 must be revenue neutral. • Increase in the sales tax rate from 4 percent to not more than 6 percent. • Increase in the Personal Income Tax from 4.6 percent to not more than 5.9 percent. • Provide for a maximum of 8 mills to be levied on all real and non-exempt personal property. Provide for a transfer tax on residential and farm land as an alternative to replace a por- tion of the 8 mills. This alternative must be revenue neutral. • Increase in the tax on alcohol and tobacco of up to 25 percent. • Allocate all the savings from the reduction in Homestead Credit to K-12. Now you ca/l save from 10% to 50% off #If • Savings from reduced state spending and most of your prescriptio/l. /loll-prescription. d increased program efficiencies should be medical supplies. vitamins alld much more! allocated to K-12. The HeartlandiFeld Pharmacy Catalog The current 50 mill constitutional limit should be offers you over 5000 mOlley savillg products! reduced to 25 mills. We urge the millage for the funding of local "Your Pharmacy Through the Mail!!" I community colleges and intermediate school districts be capped at current levels. Call for a FREE Catalog We recommend the millage rate be the same for homesteads and farms. 1-800- 228-3353 Homesteads should be defined to include the ~ H EAR T LAN D FlLliCORUG residence and other buildings located on a par- ~ PRESCRf'T~ SERVI:E & tJBXAL SlflPlES celof land. Omaha. Nebra ..ka Farm land should be defined as the land and Heartlund/hld IS II member benefit of the Farm Bureau. buildings used for agriculture production. RURAL LIVING • WINTER 1994 You can leave your children more than A future that includes college, a paid-off just your good looks. mortgage, and enough money to keep the With a plan from Farm Bureau Life family together. Insurance Company of Michigan, you can You live on in your children ... and in the leave them the kind of future you want them life insurance you leave behind. Call your to have . Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. .". FARM BlJREAV MAKING YOUR FUTURE ••• FARM BUREAU MUTUAL @ • FARM INSlJRANCE BUREAU LIFE • FARM BUREAU GENERAL • FB ANNUITY MORE PREDICTABLE Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI 48909