times per year, rice 13 times per year the San Joaquin Valley. This would be the highest emissions cat- and rangeland twice per year. First, egory for NOX transmissions in the San Joaquin Valley, exceeding farmers disc and seed alfalfa, at most, all the mobile sources including all cars and trucks, which to- once every three or more years, not gether only emit 353 tons per day. eight per year; and farmers don't even Driven by agricultural inquiries, a new study was commis- disc rice or rangeland at all, much less sioned that was based on actual interviews with 360 farmers. 13 and two times per year, respectively. The new study determined that the NOX emission for these Some of the control measures suggested pumps is only 32 tons per day. for agricultural operations included: sprin- A shotgun approach will only serve to put American agricul- kler irrigation on fields prior to planting, ture out of competition with other countries and put agricul- water tanks mounted on tractors and water tural producers out of work. Because U.S. agricultural commod- sprays on the back of discing equipment, ity prices are tied to world prices, a farmer cannot simply "pass CLEAN AIR and the use of shaking equipment to shake on" the cost of doing business to the consumer. Any increase in PROPOSAL OUT OF trucks and farm implements prior to exit- operational costs of farming becomes significant and must be TOUCH WITH ing a field or unpaved road onto a paved based on accurate information that justifies the expenditures. REALITY road (this would suppa;edly eliminate the The agriculture community enjoys breathing clean air as carry-<>ut of mud or dirt, which would later much as anybody, but it doesn't want to waste money on control A crucial deadline for agriculture is looming in Washington, .C., regarding the Environ- mental Prota:tion Agency's National be entrained into the atmosphere by cars or trucks on paved roads). Just by updating the EPNs estimates with current acreage information for measures that have little or no effect on cleaning up the air of this nation. It is an absolute necessity that the EPA be held account- able and be required to use science-based research, so that intelli- gent, reasonable and justifiable decisions can be made. R L Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone and particulate matter. Under the EPA propooal, new air quality standards will measure average ozone reading; and particulate matter (soot and dust). EPA each crop and correcting the number of passes per acre for tillage implements, the agricultural emission levels for till- age operations were reduced 30 percent. At one point it was discussed that g~j~ Jack Laurie, President estimate; that 34.3 percent of fine farms be permitted by their local air Michigan Farm Bureau particulate matter can be attributed to districts. In the San Joaquin Valley alone, agriculture and forestry. it was speculated that over 31,000 per- Remember to take food safety While the EPNs plan to improve air mits would need to be written for farms. precautions during the summer quality may have been well intentioned, the Each silage pile, unpaved road and grilling season end result will be economically disastrous equipment storage yard, to name a few, Summertime bring; with it an increased risk of food- and, ironically, will not improve air quality. would have been permitted. The district borne illnesse; due to the proliferation of bacteria at higher 111e new air quality standards are a text- estimated that it would need 70 addi- air temperatures, as well as the use of alternative cooking book example of what happens when over- tional permitting engineers to process air methods, most notably, the barbecue grill. Barbecuing is an zealous regulators fail to employ common quality permits just for farms. increasingly popular fonn of cooking. In addition to the sense and sound scientific data in their In the original EPA projections, it was development of more sophisticated barbecue grills, a greater decision-making pJ'OCeiS. assumed that all farming in California variety of food is now cooked out in the open air. Ask farmers in California what the was "dryland" farmed. It assumed that "Barbecuing is no longer confined to just hot dogs, future holds if this proposal, already rub- the land was not irrigated, and that there hamburgers or steak," said Ken Nye, director of the Michi- ber-stamped by the Clinton administra- was no vegetation cover, or cover canopy, gan Farm Bureau's Commodities and Environmental tion, is approved by Congress. Farmers from the crops. Once irrigation and veg- Division. Michigan Farm Bureau joined other members of there have been battling with EPA over the etation cover were put into the wind ero- the state's food industry and the Michigan Department of agency's use of erroneous projections for sion equations, wind erosion was reduced Agriculture in a new initiative this past week to protect dust from various farm operations rather an incredible 80 percent, from 410 tons Michigan consumers from food-borne illnesses. Officially than conducting research and establishing per day to 58 tons per day. dubbed the "Michigan Food Safety Awareness Campaign," actual emission data. A major portion of Probably the most blatant example of Nye says the campaign will focus on consumer education California's agriculture has been operat- an inaccurate estimate, which would have about safe food handling and preparation. ing under stringent emission standards cost the agricultural industry thousands of "It's estimated that as many as 97 percent of all food- under the 1990 Clean Air Act. dollars, was the initial emission projection borne illnesse; are the result of improper handling during Here are a few examples of the ab- used for combustion engines used to drive the preparation stage," Nye said. "The simple rules of food surdities farmers in California have had irrigation pumps. The EPA originally safety should be applied to barbecuing to prevent any to contend with. The EPA originally estimated nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions chance of illness that could spoil a summer meal." R L indicated that alfalfa was disced eight at 626 tons per day from all the pumps in 2. RURAL LIVING. SUMMER 1997 H G A N FAR M BUR E A U SUM MER 199 7 F EAT U RES Sunflowers: Bring country life to any garden 4 Do you love bird watching but find the cost of bird seed outrageous? Adding sunny flower faces to your garden decor makes not only a beautiful landscape addition but also creates natural, lO-foot- tall bird feeders. Family hopes estate planning can protect family heritage 6 Larry and Gloria Crandall fear that if they should die anytime soon, the federal estate taxes would cost so much that their three children would have to sell some of the farm just to pay Uncle Sam. And that would hinder their ability to carry on the 114-year-old family business. Tipsfor vacations on a budget 8 Students aren't the only ones looking forward to summer all year long. If the thought of a tropical getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a historical attraction is what you're dreaming about, you know it's time for a vacation, summer or otherwise. Revitalized livestock facilities ready to educate 16 There has been a rebirth of sorts across the campus of Michigan State University thanks in large part to the $70-million Revitalization of Animal Agriculture Initiative which has added new research and teaching facilities throughout the university's southernmost part of campus and revamped the vintage Anthony Hall classrooms and offices. The Rural Living, Vol. 17, No.3 (ISSN:0743-9962) is published quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October, as a service to associate members, by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing, Michigan 489 J 7. Member subscription price of $1.50 is included in annual dues of Michigan Form Bureau associate members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Rural living to non-members and outside the cantinental U.SA Periodical poslage paid or 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, lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Form Bureau, Post Office Box 30960, lansing, Michigan 48909.8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent, Associate Editor. Design and Production: Don Stiles. Contributor: Sue Sluever Bollel. Advertising Sales Representative: Joshua Merchant Officers: President, Jock laurie, Cass City; VICe President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Third Member, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkel!; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretory, David VanderHoogen. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Michael Fusilier, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Alan Garner, Mason; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlelle; District 7, Rick Johnson, leroy; District 8, Don Sullo, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. Al-l.arge: Jock Lourie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jon Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. Promotion and Education, Merlann Keinath, Deckerville; Young Farmers, Jeff Horning, Manchester. MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 3 Sunflowers: Bring country life to any garden and the oUtdoors to your kitchen table by Kara Endsley days, depending upon flower variety. D o you love bird watching but find the cost of bird seed outrageous? The sunflower beauty can be cap- tured into the winter months through Adding sunny flower faces to your garden drying. Sunflowers can be dried by sim- decor makes not only a beautiful land- ply hanging the heads upside down in a scape addition but also creates natural, warm, dry place. 1O-foot-tall bird feeders. Sunflower seed lovers can create their The sunflower's raging popularity is own snack food from confectionery variet- due in part to new varieties created to ies. Simply soak dried seeds in a strong salt suit any gardener's taste. From 12 inches water solution overnigh~ then drain and to 10 feet, sunflowers can be planted in roast them on a cookie sheet at 2001' for pots, along patio walkways and as living three hours or until crisp. R L screens between properties. Pollen less flowers can be used in bouquets and cut flower arrangements. The sunflower is no longer a giant black-eyed susan. They come in soft shades, earthy tones and bright eye- catchers. Petals range from creamy yel- low to banded gold, burgundy, bicolored bronze, yellow and orange. Growing sunflowers is easy even for the horticulturally challenged. They're drought-resistant and come in varieties suited for all climate zones. Sunflowers . flourish in most soil types, but well- drained and fertile soils are ideal. They should be planted in mid-to late May when soil temperatures reach approximately lOr: Seeds can be planted every two weeks, creating a continuous bloom through the sum- mer. Bloom occurs within 65 to 80 4eRURALLIVINGeSUMMER 1997 50 Legendary Songs Of The Old West From out of the Golden West we bring you a giant memory-stir- SADDLE AGAIN, TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS, CA TTLE ring treasury of unforgettable cowboy favorites. Here are CALL, THE LAST ROUNDUP and TWILIGHT ON THE TRAIL. America's beloved singing cowboys with all the romantic west- Legends like Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Rex Allen and the Sons ern songs that helped build the legends of the Old West. of the Pioneers will serenade you with their plaintive harmonies Settle back and close your eyes - hear the jingle of spurs and and the easy rhythms of the trail. Imagine having all the great the gentle c1ippity-clop of horses on the range as the famous western stars of radio and the movies right in your own home. cowboys of yesteryear bring you 50 classics like BACK IN THE It's a goldmine of musical memories. Be sure to order now. The Cowboy Music Treasury That's Sweeping America On TV! I'm Back In The The Shifting Empty Saddles Blue Yodel Saddle Again Whispering Sands Sons Of The Pioneers ("T" Is For Texas) Gene Autry Jim Reeves Jimmie Rodgers My Little Tumbling Tumbleweeds Whoopie Ti Yi Yo Cherokee Maiden Deep In The Heart Sons Of The Pioneers (Get Along Little Doggies) Bob Wills Of Texas Cattle Call Sons Of The Pioneers Down In The Valley Bob Wills Eddy Arnold When It's Springtime Slim Whitman Jealous Heart Bury Me Not On The In The Rockies EI Rancho Grande Tex Ritter Lone Prairie Montana Slim Gene Autry Take Me Back To My Tex Ritter Nobody's Darlin' Boots And Saddle South Of The Border New San Antonio Rose But Mine Patsy Cline Jimmy Wakely Bob Wills Jimmie Davis Old Shep Have I Told You The Last Roundup Mexicali Rose Red Foley Lately That Rex Allen Jim Reeves I Love You I'm Thinking Tonight Cool Water The Streets Of Laredo Gene Autry Of My Blue Eyes Sons Of The Pioneers Marty Robbins Twilight On The Trail The Carter Family Riders In The Sky Pistol Packin' Mama Sons Of The Pioneers The Prisoner's Song Vaughn Monroe AI Dexter Vernon Dalhart You Are My Sunshine High Noon Don't Fence Me In Jimmie Davis Along The Navajo Trail Tex Ritter Bing Crosby Sons Of The Pioneers That Silver-Haired Someday You'll Goodnight Irene Daddy Of Mine Sioux City Sue Want Me To Want You Ernest Tubb & Red Foley Gene Autry Bing Crosby Elton Britt I Want To Be A Wagon Wheels Beautiful, Beautiful Mule Train Cowboy's Sweetheart Sons Of The Pioneers Brown Eyes Frankie Laine Patsy Montana Jimmy Wakely Happy Trails Home On The Range I'm An Old Cowhand Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Red River Valley Gene Autry Patsy Montana Slim Whitman AND MORE! MONEY BACK r-------------------------------, The Beautiful Music Company, Dept. CW-193 WESHIPFREE! I GUARANTEED! I 320 Main Street No Po.stage or : Northport, NY 11768 Handling Fees! : The Beautiful Music Company is proud to bring you this exclusive I Please rush my beautiful "Wagon Wheels" Acct. No. ------------ I Wagon Wheels Treasury. We guar- I Treasury on your unconditional money- Exp. Date I back guarantee. I antee you'll play and enjoy this I Name _ album more than any other trea- I 0 I enclose $19.98. Send 2 Cassettes. I sury you've ever owned or we will I 0 I enclose $24.98. Send 2 Compact Discs. Address ------------ I refund your money immediately. I Or Charge To: U Visa LJ MasterCard City I So don't delay! Be sure to mail the L I 0 American Express I I Discover State Zip ~I no-risk coupon today! MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 5 Larry and Gloria Crandall, along with their son, Brad, operate a dairy farm that's ranked third in production in the state among farms milking twice a day. Although they've invested a great deal of time and money into estate planning, the Crandalls fear the death tax could take an irreplace- able chunk out of their farm someday. T he house, the yard, the barns, the farm records - all in perfect or- der. After all, Larry and Gloria of inflation and development, causing land prices to skyrocket right under- neath them. said, summing up her family's situation. While federal law allows for a $600,000-per-person ex- emption from the estate tax, it isn't enough to protect the Crandall are not the kind of people to The farm was passed along to Larry family. "We're over the exemption," Larry Crandall said. leave things to chance. Crandall's grandfather, then to his father, In anticipation of the future, they have done some heavy- It's that attention to detail and then to him, with no estate tax troubles. duty estate tax planning in hopes of avoiding ever having to careful planning that the Crandalls "The inventory was never great sell land upon someone's death. They hold living trusts and hope will help protect their centennial enough up until this generation to be a invest in a retirement plan. An attorney recommended non- farm for future generations. But they problem, and that's due to inflation and revocable trust insurance, which the named beneficiaries may fear that if they should die anytime economic growth," he said. "It's amaz- use to payoff death taxes. Brad is beginning to build equity in soon, the federal estate taxes would ing how fast your equity builds. The the cattle and machinery to allow for a smooth transition. cost so much that their three children equity isn't so much in our buildings, it's "If you are going to keep everything in the family, you would have to sell some of the farm in the increased cost of farm equipment have to inherit it - you can't afford to buy it," Brad said. just to pay Uncle Sam. And that would we've had to replace and the land that's "If you have to sell it, then you can't be in business any- hinder their ability to carry on the just growing under us." way." 114-year-old family business. The estate tax is leviedon the value of "We're going to gift things over as quickly as possible," The Crandalls milk 220 holsteins all assets,so while some farmers may Larry Crandall said of his children. They'll take advantage of and farm 800 acres with their 26-year- appear to hold a great deal of wealth on the $lO,OOO-per-yeargift tax exemption. "We'll transfer equity old son, Brad. Another son, 20-year-old paper, it's all tied up in land. as fast as we can and keep enough of a base to live on," he said. Mark, hopes to join the family opera- Developers in the Crandalls' area "With our facility, it's old and it's paid for," Crandall tion upon graduation from Michigan would willingly pay upwards of $2,000 continued. "We have very little debt." That such a carefully f State University. They make the fourth < an acre for land, a severely inflated run business could be taxed right out of existence seems generation of Crandalls on this land. price. incredibly unfair to him. Larry Crandall's great grandfather "It's unreal how the prices have "We need to reduce capital gains and increase the ex- settled in the area north of Battle Creek gone for land," Gloria Crandall said. emption for estate taxes," Crandall said, emphasizing the in 1883. He settled within a mile of St. "When you look at what you paid for importance of agriculture to the economy and welfare. Mary's Lake, now a popular spot for things and the value now, it's scary." "We're not asking for special privilege." new home construction. Like fellow "We're trying to make a living off If the federal estate tax isn't reformed, and soon, Larry farmers across the nation, the the land that's here, trying to make a Crandall and his family aren't sure what will become of the Crandalls have experienced the effects living for the next generation," she Continued on page 7 6-RuRALLIVING-SUMMER 1997 Family hopes estate planning can protect family heritage Continued on page 6 business they've worked so hard to build. "We can't afford to die," he said. R L mericans had to'delve a little A deeper into their wallets to pay for foodduring the second quarter of 1997, demand. "These numbers surprise me a little." Of the 16 items on the survey, nine according to the American Fann Bureau increased in price. A 10-ounce box of Federation's Marketbasket Survey.The cereal cost $2.70, a 12-cent increase. average price of selected groceryitems Other increases included apples, $1 per jumped 36 cents from the year's first pound, up 9 cents; potatoes, $1.46 per quarter. 5-pound bag, up 5 cents; flour, $1.43 The 16 selected items on the survey per 5-pound bag, up 5 cents; cheddar cost $32.64, up from the first quarter's cheese, $3.15 per pound, up 4 cents; $32.28 figure. It marks the second vegetable oil, $2.19 per 32-ounce jar, consecutive increase in the average up 3 cents; and corn oil, $2.41 per 32- price since the 52-cent drop during ounce jar, up 2 cents. Michigan Form Bureau President Jock Lourie shows the last year's fourth quarter. Apound of whole fryers dropped 10 hundreds of letters he delivered to Washington, D. c., This quarter's average follows a cents to 94 cents, the largest decline in on July 14, as port of a nationwide push to "Kill the trend that has occurred since the sur- the survey. Other decreases included Death Tax." Michigan farmers wrote the letters to their vey began in 1989. In all but one year, eggs, 96 cents per dozen, down 8 cents; congressmen urging repeal of the federal estate tax. the average price of the survey items mayonnaise, $2.61 per 32-ounce jar, increased during the second quarter. down 8 cents; white bread, $1.13 per Farm Bureau members Terry Francl, a senior economist 20-ounce loaf, down 7 cents; whole support IIKi// the Death with the American Farm Bureau Fed- milk, $2.46 per gallon, down 5 cents; eration, believes the higher prices re- and ground chuck, $1.65 per pound, Tax campaign ll flect the market's anticipation of the down 5 cents. In the campaign to repeal the estate tax or death tax, summer cooking season. The survey Apound of bacon remained un- Michigan Fann Bureau members rallied around the call to was conducted just prior to the Memo- changed at $2.36. write their U.S.senator or representative - so much so rial Day weekend, the busiest grilling- AFBF,the nation's largest general that over 2,100 individual letters were written and delivered out weekend of the year. farm organization, with more than 4.7 to Washington, D.C.,by MFBPresident Jack Laurie on July "The higher prices could be the million members, conducts its infor- 14.The Killthe Death Tax campaign is being conducted by result of the anticipated demand," said mal quarterly Marketbasket Survey to everystate Fann Bureau and resulted in thousands of letters Francl. "But that anticipation was not help track retail food prices to ensure from Fann Bureau members across the nation being deliv- fulfilled by virtue of the lousy weather they are in line with prices received by ered to Congress to address the growing problem that is throughout the country. Consequently, the nation's farmers and ranchers. decimating farms across the country. R L the great grilling-out weekend of Me- While most grocery prices have in- morial Day turned out to be less than creased during the past year, the farm- spectacular." Chilly temperatures dur- ers' and ranchers' share remains fairly ing Memorial Day weekend frustrated steady. The farm value of each food many would-be outdoor chefs. dollar spent in the United States is Aone-pound package of pork chops approximately 22 cents. Labor, at 37 and a one-pound sirloin tip roast rep- cents, is the largest component of the resented the largest increase on the consumers' food dollar. survey. The price of pork chops in- Volunteershoppers from 34 states creased 21 cents to $3.31 per pound. A participated in this latest survey in mid- pound of sirloin cost $2.87, a 17-cent May.The average total price of this quar- hike. "If you did the numbers now, you ter is only $4.14 higher than the $28.50 may get a lower number, especially on average price of the inaugural survey the beef," said Francl, who said the conducted in 1989.That averages into increased prices could reflect super- just a 49-cent increase in prices per year markets establishing prices for holiday over an 8'/2-year span. R L MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 7 Hauptschein, President and CEO of Michigan Live. "They'll be look- ing for the ho~t fishing hol~, the fas~t detours, and the most charming B&Bs. All this information, updated daily, can be easily found at Michigan Live." Michigan Live is a comprehensive Web site featuring news and information about Michigan people, places, and things to do. Michigan Live features daily, local news, sports, entertainment, gam~, weather, talk and more. It's available free to anyone with Internet access at http) /www.mlive.com/travel R L An online Michigan Tipsfor vacations on a budget travel and outdoor' guide Students aren't the only on~ looking forward to summer all year long. If the thought of a tropical getaway, an outdoor adven- as big as the state ture, or a historical attraction is what you're dreaming abou~ you know it's time for a vacation, summer or otherwise. M ichigan Live has launched the state's most comprehensive online travel and outdoor guide covering reation qu~tions answered by the pros. • Achance to win an all-expense-paid getaway to the magnificent Grand Hotel For consumers who are struggling to make ends mee~ paying for a vacation may seem like an impossible dream. If it's too late for this summer, start planning for another year. With careful plan- recreation from Detroit to Copper Harbor. on historic Mackinac Island. ning, most consumers will be able to afford a getaway vacation, The guide features continually updated • A comprehensive directory of camp- according to Carol Kurth, education coordinator for Credit Coun- Michigan recreation news, infonnation grounds, B&Bs, wineri~, marinas, f~ti- seling Centers, Inc., a nonprofit family financial counseling agency and fun, including: vals and events, searchable by preferred affiliated with the National Foundation for Consumer Credit. • Michigan's fin~t interactive, electronic location. "Too often people return from an enjoyable vacation to find postcard service. Users can send personal- • The la~t fishing, hunting, boating, hik- unmanageable bills awaiting their return," says Kurth. "Instead of ized greetings on originally d~igned ing, camping and biking news by charging everything for a vacation, we recommend that people ~lichigan postcards to friends and family Michigan's favorite travel and outdoors budget and save in advance. Using this method, they'll knowex- across the globe. writers. actly how much money they can spend and will be able to enjoy • Exclusive online chat with Michigan's • AAATravel Report providing details on their vacation free of financial worri~." In a MasterCard Interna- foremost travel and outdoors experts, Jim road construction, detours and gas pri~. tional study, the average American's vacation budget is $1,806 this Dufreme and Bob Gwizdz. Users can get "All summer, millions of people will year with seniors slightly higher. While this is a lot of money, 58 all their hunting, fishing, travel and rec- travel the Great Lak~ State," says Mark percent keep a budget for vacation. Good news! Here are three steps to follow for budget-minded travelers: Step # 1: Plan in Advance }:::' ~ n 't ta}{je Iet SO h ar d ... :( ::::.:~ii~i~;::~:::::::;:::}\::. • Figure your budget - As soon as possible, sit down and look at your budget. If you don't have one, create .:.: ..: Physics softens your water one by tracking your income and expenses. The budget helps you know how much money you have available like lightening treats the rain for travel. without electricity, salt or chemicals - for city or weD water SOPhTec Water Conditioning System for HOME & AGRI- • Research vacation offers - Visit the library and CULTURE. Controls hardness, calcium scale and corrosion. check out travel gui~ or... do some research on the Removes existing scale. Helps control sulfur odor. Saves energy costs. Installs easily. Maintenance and service free. Use 50% less Internet. One site for budget-minded travelers is http}/ soaps and detergents. SoPhTec water conditioning system makes hard water act like soft water. www.yahoo.com/Recreationlfravel BudgeLTravel. Most Other Applications Farms Greenhouses state offi~ of tourism and local chambers of commerce Irrigation Systems Dairies offer free vacation planning guid~. SoPhTec water conditioning system extends equipment life. Prevents scale Step #2: Consider the Options build-up, clogging of lines, fixtures and equipment. Safe for soil, plant life and animals. • Set prioriti~ - For some people, staying on the SoPhTec is a cost effective alternative to a salt water system. Total sys- tem cost for the home is $359 plus $8.50 shipping. A 90 day money-back beach is very important; others don't mind a short guarantee plus a ten year warranty. walk or ride. Decide what aspects of the vacation are To place your order or to receive more information, call or write: CARL KNIGHT really important to your family and pay extra for SoPhTec Distributor them. Cut comers of lesser priority. 4860 Quarry Lane. Cleveland, OH 44143 • Be creative - Consider vacationing with another TOLL FREE 1-800-708-2872 family. Sharing faciliti~ sav~ money on lodging, www.sophtec-water.com travel, and food preparation. Or, plan a day trip or weekend getaway instead. Short trips can be more Continued on page 10 a-RURALLIVING-SUMMER 1997 Thinking of buying, building, refinancing or remodeling the house of your dreams? Come to Fann Credit Services. We finance primary residences-<:ountry homes, small fanns, lake homes and more-as well as the acreages underneath them. And we offer comfortable advantages, such as single financing for home and property. In addition, you'll find a Country Living mortgage has no balloon payments. No prepayment penalties. For a customized, affordable Country Living mortgage, call us today. We're agricultural and rural housing specialists, dedicated to serving people. like vou, who live and work at the heart of a growing America. +FCS Mortgage The country living specialists FCS Mong_ i. FInn Crode SeMoo. and kem;ene lanterns or lamps. The encluld argue that the tenn He¥- more susceptible to melanoma later in life. • Avoid ~ sunlight hours, be~n 11 a.m. and 2 p.rn. plastic mole" - meaning a mole that exhibits People who are at high risk for • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. abnonnal growth - is a misnomer, since it is melanoma should have an annual • Wear a hat with a brim that keeps the sun off your face and neck. unclear whether these moles are truly skin examination. Even if you're not Gary S. Rogers, MO, is co-director of the Skin Oncology premalignant While it's true that melanoma at high risk, it makes sense to check Program and director of dermatologic surgery at Boston dooi sometimes ~Iop from such unusual your skin regularly. University School of Medicine. R L 14-RuRALLIVING-SUMMER 1997 • Member Health - Insurance from Michigan Farm Bureau For over 40 years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross \ Blue Shield have teamed up to provide quality health care at competitive group rates with the , personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau membership. No matter what your needs ... small business, sole proprietor, Medicare supplemental or individual coverage for you or your family - ~~~;;~~~~~~~~~~---, we have the right plan at the right price. 800-292-2680, EXT. 3239 & 3240, OR HAIL THIS COUPON TO: MFB HEALTH SERVICES,P.O. BOX 30960, LANSING, HI 48909 Individual/family coverage - for people who don't have employment-based coverage. Small group coverage - for farm and small business owners. Medicare supplemental coverage - for seniors over 65. NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP ... III TELEPHONE V III \:) LCOUNTY ~ ~ ... MICHIGAN THE STATE'S LARGEST , •• FARM BIJREAIJ GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATION system flown in from Sekine,Japan. The instant liquid/solid manure separation is based upon the slope in the bottom floor behind the farrowing crates. The manure from the animals drops onto the concrete slope and the liquid portion drains away in the center groove travels to a separate liquid containment facility. The solid material stays on the concrete slope and is routinely scraped by the automatic system into a separate system and a conveyor takes it to a compost facility for further research. 'We're not going to solve any pro- ducer problems unless we do something differen~" explained Hogberg on the new Japanese manure handling system. "The Japanese have used this type of system for The newly opened Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education will be home to many years with excellent results." agricultural industry activities. It's part of a $70-million effort to improve the state's livestock industry. A completely new facility built at the Poultry Research Farm is solely for turkey research. "The key here is the ability to Revitalized animal agriculture fadlities replicate each trial," Hogberg states. 'We will be doing a comparison of different ready to educate the next generation turkey genetic lines comparing growth, health and meat quality. Bil-Mar is very interested in that type of independent testing T here has been a rebirth of sorts across the campus of science clubs - Dairy, Block and Bridle, for their company to compare. Michigan State University thanks in large part to the Equestrian and Rodeo Clubs - will also 'We've done some things for turkeys $70-million Revitalization of Animal Agriculture Initia- have access to four new club rooms and an before in our old facility," he adds. "But tive which has added new research and teaching facilities expanded student area in Anthony Hall. now we can specifically zero in on turkeys throughout the university's southernmost part of campus and When it opens later this year, the new here and give us a niche." revamped the vintage Anthony Hall classrooms and offices. Swine Teaching and Research Center will The Beef Teaching and Research Early in 1997 the jewel of the new facilities - the 187,000- be a ZOO-sow unit with four farrowing Farm also benefited from the livestock square foot Pavilion for Agriculture and Uvestock Education - rooms and four nursery rooms. The admin- initiative with a completely revamped held it's official dedication during the Stallion Expo, but what many istrative area will house classrooms, show- cattle- loading facility and all new electri- producers throughout the state may not realize is the half dozen ers and offices and serve as the employee cal wiring in the buildings. The new load- other facilities built specifically to increase the viability of entrance into the closed facility. ing facility can be operated by one person Michigan's animal agriculture. The most unique part of the new and has a new scale for weighing cattle as Set to open sometime in August, the center for approxi- swine facility is the manure separation they enter and exit the facility. R L mately 50 of the professors in animal science - Anthony Hall will complete its metamorphosis to a state of the art research facility utilizing four new classrooms and two newly revamped auditoriums. The dairy plant directly adjacent to the south end of Anthony has been outfitted with a new second story and the entrance enclosed to both buildings. Directly west of the new Anthony Hall is the newly built meat laboratory. 'We have greatly expanded the meat laboratory to three or four times the space of its 40-year old pred~r," explains Animal Science Department Chair Maynard Hogberg. 'We now will have all these capabilities - slaughter, wholesale cuts and the ability to break it down into further processes and value-added meats." The dairy store will return to its original location, to the de- light of MSU students and visitors. MSU students involved in animal Anthony Hall underwent extensive renovations as part of the initiative. 16. RURAL LIVING. Su M M ER 1997 • Proposed Bylaw charge cmutII IlAIE TIME & LOCATION c.o.um IlAI.E TIME & LOCATION Allegan Sept 25 630 p.m., Harnitton Reformed Church , Northwest Sept 24 630 p.m., Twin Lakes 4.H Camp 'Jmrim (kt8 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, Kewadin Untted Methodist Church Oakland (kt 16 630 p.m., Clartston UMed Methodist Church, 6600 Waklon Rd, Clarkston , Arenac Sept 9 7 p.m., Orner Community Center , Oceana (kt 20 630 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dmer, New Shelby Cafetorium, Shelby BallJ Sept 15 6 p.m. reg~tration, 630 dinner with meeting to follow, Barry Expo Center , Ogema. lkl23 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, Ogemaw Cou~ ~rgrounds Bay Sept 9 6 p.m. dinner, Monitor Township Haa, 2483 E. MidlaOORd, Bay City Osceola (kt 21 730 p.m. dinner, 830 p.m. meelirg, Reed City High School Cafeteria Benzie Sept 22 630 p.m. dinner, 745 p.m. meeting, Sail Inn Restaurant, Benzonia , Otsego (kt 19 130 p.m., Uvingslon Township HaD Berrien Sept 4 8 p.m., poIq development & business mtg, S.w. Mich~ Research & Extension Ottm Sept 9 630 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, ABendale Christian School Center, Benton Harbor , Presque Isle (kt 14 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meelilg, Motlke Township Haft , Brancll Se~15 630 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, Braoch Area Career Center, Coldwater , Sagina. Sept 17 6 p.m. dinner wi meeting to laDow, Swan VaDeyBanquet Center, Saginaw , Calhoun Sept 23 630 p.m. reception, 7 p.rn. diMer, Bekher Auction Facili~, MarsIiaII Sl Clair Aug 26 6 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner, Wahdams Banquet Center, Kimball 'Cm Se~16 630 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. mtg, Southwestern Michigan CoDege, Dowagiac • SI. Josepb (kt 25 630 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. mee~. Sturges Young Audttorium, Sturg~ , Charlno~ , Sanilac Sept 10 630 p.m., Sanilac Cou~ Career Center, 175 East Mken Road, Peck Se~27 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meelirg, Whiting Park, Boyne City Cheboygan lkt 13 630 p.m., VFW Hall, 001 VFW Road, creboygan Shimssee (kt 1 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dimer, 8 p.m. mtg, ZCBJ Hall, 1775 E. (Mosso Aw, (NIosso 'Chippm lkt 7 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, Bruce Township Hall, Dafter Tuscola Sept 4 630 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meelirg, Kn~htsof Columbus Hall, Caro , Clare Sept 25 530 social, 630 dinner, Harrison ~hts of Columbus Hall • Van Buren (kt 28 630 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, VFW HaD, Decatur (Annual Meelirg) Clinton Sept 20 or 27 St Johns High School (kt21 730 p.m., Van Buren Co. Farm Bureau BIdg, Paw Paw (Poficy DMloprnent Mtg) (confirm in Aug) Washlena. (kt 9 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. mtg, Washlenaw Co. Farm Couool BIdg, Copper Co, (kt 25 7 p.m., Grandma Grooters Restaurant Ann Arbor , Ealon Sept 30 6 p.m., VFW., CI1ar1otte Wayne (kt 15 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Woodlands of Van Buren, 39670 Ecorse Rd, Wayoo , Emmel (kt2 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meeting, VFW Hall, Harbor Springs Wexfonl (kt 14 7 p.m. reception, 730 p.m. dinner, Temp~ Hill Baptist Church, , Genesee Sept 16 6 p.m. reception, 630 p.m. dinner, WaDi's East. 1341 S. Center Rd, Burton 1601 W. Division, Cadillac R L , Gladwin Sept 13 1 p.m., Gladwin Ice Carnival Grounds Building, SiDings Township , Gratiot Aug 25 6 p.m. hog roast, 730 p.m. meeting, North Star Golf Course Himthaland lkt27 630 p.m., Terrace Bay Inn. betweelI Gladstone and Escanaba AMOS ~N~ ANDY Hillsdale Sept 11 630 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. mlg, DOW Cool. Center, Hinsdale College , Huron Aug 28 6 p.m. trade exhiMs, 7 p.m. dinner, Ubly Heights Country Club, 2409 E.Atwater, Ubly Huron Shores lkt4 6 p.m. potluck dinner, St Matthews, 7109 Wolf Creek Rd., Herron 'Ingham Sepl25 630 p.m ..rece~on~m. dinner, Ingham Co. F~rgrounds' Community B dg, Ionia Aug 12 7 p.m., lon~ Cou~ F~rgrounds Insco lkt9 to be announced 'Iron Range (kt 28 6 p.m. CST, Sagola Township Sportsman's Club Isabella Aug 24 1 p.m., Rnnerty Park, BeaI Ci~ Jackson Sept 18 7 p.m., Bullinger's Restaurant, 501 Longfenow Aw., Jackson Kalamazoo (kt7 630 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meelirg, The Birches, 3082 S. 9th St, Oshtemo , KalusU Sept 20 530 p.m., Kalkaska Coun~ Civic Center Vii II 1be Dille" ariI "tofIIau ~'s Vf.ict~ Kent lkt 14 630 p.m. reg., 7 p.m. dinner, Duba's, E. Beltline, Grand Rapids Vii 12 1be Ki.egIisII SdIs HisL3Dd" m1 '1be~ Show" IJpeer Sept 11 7 p.m. social, 730 p.m. dinner, lapeer Co. V~ Tech Center, 600 lake Pleasant, AlOCa Vii 13 '1beH~~" m1"1lt KiDfuiGtlsIAN , Lenawee Sept 16 The landing, 5447 Rogers Hwt, Tecumseh Vii J;t "Geuing M3Ill1).!ri£ (2 ~ 1dI3 0JII!i:lc~) LiYingston Mac-luce-Sch (kt8 (kt4 630 reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Woodshire Place Banquet Facility 7 p.m., Amertan Legion, Nel\terry fVi~'Yeskl);r 7cce-;fs~ ;;j;c;;ili~;;! I CaD toD-fl'tf 1.800-243-0987 Opmtor I92J Macomb (kt 18 630 p.m. social, 7 p.m. dinner, Michigan Meadows Go" Course, Casco CaD during Wftkday business boon (nmr OD Sunday!) , Manistee Aug9 6 p.m., John Urb's Farm, 16919 Pole Rd, Brethren or stud to VideoYNU}ur' Box C Sandy Hook, CT 06482 , Mason (kt9 630 reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Mason Co Reformed Church, US 10-31 & Amber Rd OK: Send me the following side-splitting video C~t1es! Mecnsta (kt 13 7 p.m., New Hope Methodist Church, 7~ 9 Mile Road, Mecosta Q S19.95 Volume #_(1, 2, 3, or 4) Q S29.95 Volumes I & 2 logether ~ Menominee (kt 14 730 p.m. C.SI, Carney Legion Hall, US 41 Q $49.95 All 4 volumes ~~ , Midland Sept 11 630 p.m. dinner, Ingersoll Township Hall, corner of Freeland & Sasst Road (add applicable sales laX plus S.UO shipping &: handling) j My check or money order is enclosed. or "charge il." i Misslune Credil CanI: Exp:__ ~ Monroe Sept 13 600 p.m., Pnnce of Peace Church Community Center, 1920 Lewis Aw., Ida N~: ! Montcalm lkt23 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. meet~, Masolt Temp~, 514 N. New Street, Stanton Address: Ii City: Sulte:_Zip __ 0 , Montmorency Sept 30 6 p.m., Montmoreocy Township Hall, 20841 Cou~ Rd 459, HiDman Muskegon (kt7 7 p.m., Whitlow's Forerunner, 4610 Ai~ine Rd, Muskegon Nmno lkt2 730 p.m., Newaygo Co. Senior Resource & Community Center, While Cloud MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 17 et onne(te I I oye Cash in on long-distance savings with The Farm Bureau Connection • 8.5( per minute for all in-state calls, 11.9( per minute for all calls anywhere else in the United States, 24 hours a day • Charges are based on six-second increments; if you talk for one minute and six seconds, you pay for one minute and six seconds, not for two minutes as you would with some other compames • Dial-one service with easy access • Free calling cards • Personal 800-numbers are available • Low monthly access fee of $1.50 r---------------------------, lETTER OFA(iEN(Y - I choose The Farm Bureaue ConnectlonSMas rrrt primary long-distance provider for the service(s) and telephone number(s) indicated below and I authorize The Farm BureaufJ ConnectionSMto act as my agent by notifying rrrt local telephone company of this choice. I certify that I am legallyresponsible for the payment of charges incurred on the telephone number(s) listed below and that I have the authority to change the prescribed I+ long-distance carrier currendy providing service to these telephone numbers. Further, I recognize that I can have only one primary long-distance company for a given telephone number, that I will no longer be pre-subscribed to my current long-distance carrier's services and that rrrt local telephone company _ MICHIGAN may impose a charge for this and any later change. I also understand that The Farm BureaufJ Connection'sSMname • WI. FARMBIlREAIl will appear on rrrt long-distance bill as a result of this switch and that this only affects my I + long-distance services. I understand that rrrt signature will result in my inuaLATA (where avaiiable),lnterLATA long-distance telecommunications service, interstate and intrastate being provided byThe Farm BureaufJ ConneCtionSM. THE STATE'S LARGEST Signature: Print Name: Date: GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATION Telephone(s): ( Street Address: MailingAddress (If different from above): ;.-0. ""'0/ 1 ~-; .I',