FROM THE PRESIDENT nesses. Unfortunately, these labor and them to support renewal of fast-track trading authority. Wewould environmental issues are not trade issues not simply be handing the pre;ident a blank check, as some crit- and only invite retaliation against the U.S. ics would argue. What we would be giving this president, and if included in trade agreements. future administrations, is the oppOrtunity to negotiate trade So why is renewing fast-track trading agreements to make sure all of us benefit from futu~ global trade authority so crucial? Let'snot forget two key and economic growth. points in the enSuing debate on fast-track First of all, growth in international trade is going to happen, with or without u.s. par- g~;!~ Jack Laurie, President ticipation. Secondly,.the U.s. accounts for Michigan Fann Bureau just 4 percent of all the world's consumers, meaning we must rely on exports to sell a FAST-TRACK growing share of our goods and services. Global climate change treaty TRADING Economic analysis: Treaty threatens to Since 1992, our competitors have impose severe impacts on farms AUTHORITY - negotiated 20 regional trade pacts without GOOD FOR JOBS, GOOD FOR YOU us. In every region of the world, this pro- cess continues. The costs of inaction are T he higher energy prices that would accompany mea- sures to limit greenhouse gas emissions would severely affect farmers and ranchers. According to an analysis by the high. Canada has reached a trade agree- C ongressis now considering American Fann Bureau Federation (AFBF),netfann income legislation that is vital to the ment with Chile that will provide an 1I nationwide could be slashed by 24 percent if the equivalent of future growth of the U.S. percent tariff reduction on Canadian prod- a 25-<.ent gas tax were imposed and by 48 percent if a 50-cent economy. The legislation, known as "fast- ucts. Every time an American company tax were enacted. (The 25-<.entscenario comes from a recent track" trade authority, would authorize competes to sell to Chile, it will face an Commerce Department estimate regarding the treaty's impact. the pre;ident and future administrations immediate 11 percent disadvantage. The So-cent scenario comes from several industry estimates. to begin new trade talks or negotiate ex- Exports create American jobs. Today, The AFBFanalysis used both, calling them the "low" energy pansion and improvement of existing more than 11 million American jobs are price increase scenario and the "high" increase scenario.) trade agreements with other nations. supported by exports, including one in 'The high energy increase scenario has the potential for During the negotiations, the pre;ident every five manufacturing jobs - good causing an economic downturn in the agricultural sector that is required to consult with Congress and jobs, paying 13 to 16 percent more than would parallel the experience of the mid-l98Qs," notes Terry industry as trade agreements are negoti- non-trade-related jobs. Over the last four Franc!, an AFBFsenior economist ated. Once a trade agreement is finalized, years, one-quarter of our economic Fann income would be sliced and land prices would fall, the pre;ident must submit it to Congress. growth came from trade. If we are to causing another "mini-depression" in the farm sectot; Franc! Public hearings are also held before the raise our standard of living, we must says. Increased production costs would eat into profits and jeop- U.S. House and Senate vote to approve or continue creating jobs through exports. ardize farm loan and mortgage repayments. The "low" energy disapprove it in its entirety. Agriculture depends on exports for one- price scenario would be leiSdrastic, he says,but would probably Recognizing the tremendous eco- third of all sales. U.s. agricultural exports induce stagnation in the farm sectot; characterized by low profits nomic benefits for the U.S., the American have more than doubled from $29 billion and slowly da:lining land prices over an extended period. Fann Bureau Federation voted recently to in 1984 to $60 billion in 1996. Much of this Under both scenariai, the nation would see increased con- support legislation authorizing fast-track growth has been attributed to efforts to open solidation of agricultural production. Smaller-scale fanners, negotiating authority for the president. markets through trade agreements and broluse of higher production roits, would be forced to sell to Every pre;ident, since Gerald Ford, has multilateral trade negotiations, increasing larger-scale producers. Younger fanners, or tha;e who have had fast-track authority with bipartisan per-<:apitaincome in the rest of the world, taken on deb~ "would probably fmd themselves in an unprofit- support. Congress has consistently recog- production shortfalls in key regions, a able situation and be forced to abandon agriculture," says nized that the president must have the weaker U.s. dollar and greater exports of Franc!. authority to break down foreign trade value-added products. To guarantee the The impacts of higher energy prices vary by commodity. barriers and.create markets and jobs. continuation of this trend, international While the increase, by percentage, of a 25-cent hike in fuel costs There is strong opposition by labor market expansion must continue. for wheat and cotton is similar, around 13percen~ it translates unions and environmentalists to renewing The U.S.has enjoyed the longest period into a $7.29-per-acre increase in production expenses for wheat fast-track trade authority. Labor unions of sustained growth of all of our G-7 trading and a $35-per-acre increase fOrcotton. want to require trade agreements to im- partners. Over the last four years, we have For hog producers, an increase in production expenses from pose high minimum wage requirements created 12 million new jobs, more than all increased fuel cnsts seems relatively small, 4.9 and 10.3 percent and other strong labor provisions on busi- the other G-7 countries combined; exports for the tv.u scenariai. HOweveI; that translates into slashed profits nesses in foreign nations. Environmental- created 1.4 million of those jobs. of 40 to 84.5 percen~ depending on the fuel price hike. R L ists want trade agreements to impose rigid I would encourage you to contact your environmental programs on foreign busi- U.s. representative and senators and ask 2. RURAL LIVING. FALL 1997 M C H G A N FAR M BUR E A U FALL 1997 FEATURES Michigan's world-class wines 4 Ahh ... the sweet taste of Michigan-grown wine. For many years, Michigan was an afterthought when it came to naming the great wine-growing regions of the world. Today,nothing is further from the truth as vineyards continue to spring up along the coastlines of our state. $1 million raisedfor Michigan FFAFoundation 5 Vision2000 is no longer a vision, it is a reality - thanks, in no small part, to the state of Michigan and the generous support of Michigan's agricultural industry and individuals. In a historical move, the Michigan FFAFoundation raised $500,000 to match another $500,000 from the state. Large-scale cranberry productionfor Muskegon County? 6 Fittingly,there's a creek running through southern Muskegon County called Cranberry Creek. Why? Because it runs through a site where a team of experts has fonnulated a plan to produce 1,000 acres of cranberries and eventually construct a processing plant there. Neighbors unite in time of need 7 Since a farming accident in early August, Clinton County dairy farmer Mel PoW an4 his wife, Pam, have had to face many challenges. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 25 Fowler-area fanners, how- ever, harvesting their com silage wasn't one of them. A large gathering of neighbors showed up at their place recently to take care of the harvesting work. The Rural Living, Vol. 17, No.4 (ISSN:0743.9962) is published quarterly in the months of Jonuary, April, July and October, as a service to associate members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing, Michigan 48917. Member subscription price of $1.50 is included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau associate members. Additional subscription Fees required Formoiling Rural Living to non-members and outside the continental U.SA. Periodical postage poid at lansing, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. letters to the editor. and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Rural Living, Post Office Box 30960, lonsing, Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER- Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post OFfice Box 30960, lansing, Michigan 48909.8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudal, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent, Associate Editor. Design and Production: Don Stiles. Stoff Contributor: Henry Huisjen. Officers: President, Jock lourie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Third Member, Jon Vosburg, Climax; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and ChieF Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, David VanderHaagen. Directors: District I, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Michael Fusilier, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Alan Gomer, Mason; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, RickJohnson, leroy; District 8, Don Sulto, Saginaw; Dislrict9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District II, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At.\.orge: Jock laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jon Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Merlonn Keinath, Deckerville; Young Formers, Jeff Homing, Manchester. M 'I CHI G A N FAR M BUR E AU. 3 Chateau Grand Traverse vineyard manager and Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau member Jim Thompson used the Traverse City areo'a first mechanical grape harvester last fall. Howell said. "I believe this judging validate; the premise that Michi- Michigan wines gan wines have come of age and, at their bes~ are on par with the world's best." World-class quality, "Michigan wines have come of but grown near you! age and, at their best, are on par with the world's best." .n hh ... the sweet taste of Michi- gan-grown wine. For many years, Michigan was an afterthought when it came to naming the great wine growing regions of the world. Grape and Wine Industry Council. "Michigan winemakers are concentrat- ing on making fine table wines now and are well educated in both the art and science of wine making." lI'Ofessorof futiajbn - Dr. G. Stanley Howell, at MchigcI1S1ate IDveIsity According to John Jonna, a retailer with Merchant's Warehouse in Dearborn, "Michigan has a great potential in certain styles of Today, nothing is further from the That certainly was proven by the reac- wine. Riesling is wonderful, as well as ice and desse~ sherry and truth as vineyards continue to spring up tion of the judges at the recent Michigan fruit wines. The winemakers can take tha;e grape varieties and do along the coastlines of our state, fed by State Fair wine competition where a total of great thin~ with them." the moist air generated by the Great 131 wines were entered into the competition But what does it take to grow great grapes? Lakes. It is Michigan's lake climate that from 12 Michigan wineries. In addition to "It takes three years once you start growing the vines before you keeps vines cool and prevents premature the 28 gold medal winners, 36 won silver begin to get some production," explained Jim Thompson, vineyard budding in the spring then warms the medals and 31 earned bronze medals. manager for Traverse City's Chateau Grand Traverse. "Full produc- fruit late into the summer and early fall The judges at this year's competition tion takes at least five years." giving it time to ripen. were pleased with the performance of Thompson added that the start-up costs total approximately The wine produced by our 24 commer- wines produced from vinifera grapes. $10,000 per acre to establish commercial grape production, starting cial wineries, predominately located in They gave especially high praise for with vines that cost $3 each. It takes 800 vines per acre, with the southwest Michigan and the Traverse City Michigan Chardonnay. biggest decision revolving around where to grow the plants, guard- area, have pushed Michigan's into sixth in Dr. G. Stanley Howell, professor of ing them with hills to protfrt the plants from the elements. the nation for wine production. The coun- horticulture at Michigan State University "When you eat a grape you can actually taste nuances ties of Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Berrien and superintendent of the competition, of pineapple or a different variety of green or black pepper, and Van Buren produce the most grapes said, "The '97 Michigan State Fair com- red currant, citrus flavors," Thompson said. "These are used for wine. mercial wine competition was the most common flavors used to describe grapes, as the whole pic- Last year alone, Michigan had ap- interesting and exciting experience in over ture comes together during the growing season beginning proximately 1,600 acres of wine grapes, 20 years of participation with the event. with the vines, the type of soil you have and the water compared to almost 11,000 acres of juice The superb showing of Chardonnay and that's available. It will give you grapes a complexity of grapes. Vinifera (Chardonnay and Riesling wines continue Michigan's his- flavors, rather than just grape. Riesling are two popular varieties) and tory of producing world-dass-quality "That's what makes wine growing interesting," Thompson French-American hybrid (Vignoles, Seyval white table wines. The second exciting said. "You cannot control it but you can think you're out there and Chancellor) are the primary types of component is the growing strength of influencing it." wine grapes grown in this state. wines in the red table wine category." "Three primary thin~ - light exposure on the fruit, soil "Michigan wines are dramatically "A record number of wines were entered condition - including proper nutrition and good general different than they were 25 years ago," in this year's competition and a record horticulture aild water availability - are the keys to growing explained Karen Wenk of the Michigan number of gold medals were awarded," grapes," he added. "In our area, Chardonnay grapes tend to be 4. RURAL LIVING. FALL 1997 More than 180 FFA members recently attended the Michigan Association of FFA's Made For Excellence workshop, sponsored by Detroit Edison. At the high in acid. In California, because they conference, the FFA Foundation have a hot season, and they have to put a announced if had successfully matched lot of irrigated water on the vines, they a $500,000 grant from the state of have low acids. So you get two different Michigan, therefore raising more than types of Chardonnay." $1 million to fund the Foundation's Once grapes have been harvested, V~~n2000campo~n. V~~n2000 the fermentation process takes over will fund FFA programs and bring and, according to Thompson, the process is a chemical reaction in agriscience and natural resources education to all of Michigan's schools. Ell which the yeast feeds on the sugar, creating the alcohol. "At th~t point then the wines would be fined," he said, "which means filtering or add- $llDiliionrlised ~r "ichigln FFB Foundlnon ing some sort of a fining agent to the wine that takes the impuritie~ out. It V ision2000 is no longer a vision ... it is reality, thanks in no small part to the state of Michigan and the generous support of Michigan industry and individuals. maintain agriscienre programs. These folks have seen the benefit of FFAand what it does for young people." can be bottled as early as five to six months or aged in oak or stainless In a historical move, the Michigan FFAFoundation raised How Vi.ion2000 began steel from anywhere between five to enough money to match a $500,000 grant issued to them from the 1\vo y~ ago, the 17-member Michi- six months to a couple of years." Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). The spectacular part gan FFAFoundation board of directors about the $1 million raised is the final $147,000 was raised com- expanded their idea of agriscienre educa- pletely during the month of September tion beyond just the high school FFApro- "VlsionZOOOhas been an initiative of Gov. Engler and MDA," grams and the idea of VlSion2000 began. explains Bob Craig, MDA'sOffire of Agriculture Development direc- "The directors expanded their vision to tor. "When we found there were going to be doll~ in the agricul- include funding and creating financial ture and equine development fund that were going to lapse, we security for the Michigan FFA," adds Laurie. quickly began to put thin~ into motion for use in VlSion2000. "Now we can work to provide K-12 agricul- "It was exciting to have a total of $500,000 offered up from the tural education experiences to young people public," he adds. "But the requirement was that there had to be a throughout the state." one-to-one match in total pledges." According to Laurie, VlSion2000 is ~ased "The money from MDA was secured at the beginning of on the belief that every citizen should have September," explains Jack Laurie, president of the Michigan FFA a minimum level of knowledge of the food "Grape growing is a medium-impact Foundation, when we were sure that $500,000 could come and fiber segment of Michigan's tronomy. A type of agriculture as far as the trological within this budget year - giving us our 30-day September chal- second goal is attracting and educating the issues go," the Northwest Michigan Farm lenge to match it." human resource; needed to ~ure the Bureau member concluded. "It's not some- "We were pleased to see that the state of Michigan found a way Continued growth and vitality of the agri- thing that you could just stick in the to make public doll~ available to help us do the thin~ we do for cultural and natural resource; industries. ground and forget about - it's a very hands- young people through the FFA," explained rerently retired state FFA "The $1 million will be used in !erms of on labor intensive business." advisor Rich Karelse, now volunteers with the Michigan FFAFoun- communicating with the young people "A grain farmer might wear out a dation and Michigan FFAalumni. "Onre they made the challenge, about the importance of the food and ag tractor in five or six years," Thomp- the only slight twist was that we needed to match it" ~dustry," Craig adds. "There needs to be son said. "We probably put 20 times ''I'm just so amazed and impressed that the private sector not leadership development for FFAstudents, as much time on the ground, hands only ro;e to the challenge," adds Craig. "But came up with doll~ . and we hope it will increase the under- on, touching our plants as we do . and actually exceeded the total of $500,000, which is great news and standing of agriscienre. There are a lot of driving the tractor. It's a different in such a short time - that's just incredible to be able to do that jobs in the fu~re, that people need to have kind of agriculture." RL . "It shows the strong support from the agricultural community the right training and skills for in the food, for the FFAFoundation and all the programs and services that are ag, and natural resource industry." "Best of Show" winners at the going to be funded," he adds. "It's an endowment fund, as opp:::::: time to buy one. ~,., national Dodge consumer incentiveoffer, too.*.' :;:::j; :{'j'l As a member, All you need to do is get a certificatefr9m :.;:j:'..:::\~::, you qualify for $400 your state's Fann ...' . ~>.:) cash back on Ram 1500 Bureau validating that ", ~