• I FROM THE PRESIDENT the necessary action needed to bring the • Anyother technique to increase the antlerless harvest. herd down to 1.3 million deer." Finally, if Michigan's white-tailed deer population is not Michigan Fann Bureau believes that brought down to 1.3million, Fann Bureau policy calls for an- all wildlife should be managed based on swering two questions through a class-action lawsuit. Webelieve sound scientific principles. Our organiza- the following twoquestions must be resolved legally in order to tion aggressivelysupported Proposal G, protect agricultural businesses from further economic losses: which was approved by Michigan voters • Do private landowners have the legal right to manage over- in November.This ballot proposal gave population of wildlife on their land in order to avoid eco- the DNR'sNatural Resources Commis- nomic losses through destruction of their crops? sion the ultimate responsibility of sound • If the DNRcontinues to limit the number of pennits for the scientific management of wildlife. taking of deer, while at the same time, from 1986-1996 it The DNRhas at its disposal a number managed between 100,000-700,000 deer above its 1.3-million WILDLIFE CROP of different options it could implement, goal, should the State of Michigan be obligated to provide DAMAGE POLICY - such as reducing the size of DeerManage- full compensation and/or provide fencing to landowners who SETTING THE ment Units (DMUs)to micro-manage are unable to control the deer engaged in the destruction of RECORD STRAIGHT overpopulated areas and/or requiring their crops? . M ore than 450 farmer hunters to fill an antlerless pennit to be If byJan. 1, 1999, the deer population is not reduced to the delegates at the recent considered eligible for a buck pennit. True DNR'sgoal of 1.3million, Michigan Fann Bureau members asked Michigan Fann Bureau - Michigan Fann Bureau supported Pro- that their organization evaluate and initiate, if feasible, a class- annual meeting endorsed numerous posal G, and we still do. Allwe're asking action lawsuit against the State of Michigan on behalf of fanners recommendations for developing wildlife now is that the DNRaccept that responsi- suffering economic losses due to the overpopulation of deer. crop damage policy,specifically regard- bility and take action. Fanners have the ability, through a broad range of tools, to ing the state's runaway deer herd popula- Fann Bureau policy recommended control pests - including insectS,\odents and weeds - that have tion, which currently totals over 2 mil- numerous measures the DNR could the potential to destroy crops. TI1e objective of pest management lion head . implement, including the following: is not total annihilation - the goal is managed control. If deer While the general media has devoted • Extension of the fireann deer season, are engaged in the destruction of both harvested and non-har- a great deal of space and criticism to the for antlerless only, prior to Nov.15 and vested crops, Fann Bureau believes fanners should have the portion of the policy calling for consider- following Nov.30. ability to control this activity. ation of a class-action lawsuit against • Liberal issuance of out-of-season block Hunter access to fannland can always be improved. Fanners the state of Michigan if the deer herd is pennits at no charge to landowners in and landowners who rent fannland to fanners need to cooper- not reduced to the Department of Natural overpopulated areas, or to fanners with ate by allowing access if and when possible. However,there are Resources' stated objective of 1.3 million damage during that year. approximately 10 million acres of fannland in Michigan. byJan. 1, 1999, it has largely ignored the • Liberal issuance of out-of-season Assuming all 750,000 hunters would like to hunt on that fann- other significant policy recommenda- shooting pennits to landowners in land during the opening week of fireann deer season, there tions endorsed by delegates to accom- overpopulated areas. These pennits would be one hunter for every 13.3 acres. Put simply, it just isn't plish that 1.3-million-head objective. must allow for the landowner to seek feasible for fanners to provide access to everyone. Since 1985, the deer population has outside hunters and must, in all cases, Hunters also have an obligation to respect property owner risen substantially above the Department allow disposal of the deer at the requests and rights. Hunters should realize that in order to es- of Natural Resources' statewide objective landowner's discretion. tablish a trophy deer herd, the harvest of antlerless deer must be of 1.3 million animals. Not only did this • Establish population quotas by DMUs. increased and accepted as a nonnal population management increase destroy nearly $32 million worth When population exceeds quota by 20 strategy. The DNRacknowledges that the greatest challenge to of agricultural crops in southern Michi- percent, immediate action must be controlling the deer herd is encouraging the additional harvest gan alone in 1994, it also resulted in taken by the DNRto decrease popula- of antlerless deer. 62,535 car/deer accidents in 1995, a 117 tion levels in that DMU. It's our hope that all interested parties will quit playing the percent increase since 1985. Michigan • Limit baiting of deer from Sept. 15 blame game and come to the table with their respective recom- Fann Bureau members have supported through the end of the fireann deer mendations to do what everyone, including the DNR,sportsmen policy in each of those 10years asking season. The Natural Resources Com- and fanners alike, knows needs to be done - reduce the state's the DNRto take aggressive steps to con- mission should scientifically study the deer herd to 1.3 million through sound scientific management trol the deer herd. effects of baiting on overpopulation within a reasonable period of time. At their 1996 annual meeting, Fann and disease then enact a quantity re- ~~o;1p~t~ Bureau members endorsed a policy that striction that will help avoid these basically draws a line in the sand and says, problems. "Ten years of overpopulation isenough. We • The use of tree stands for deer hunting will give the DNR two more years to take during fireann season. Michigan Fann Bureau 2. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1997 ci> H G A N FAR M BUR E A U .S "5 o ~ .:0 o E ~o c: V) .... ~ ~.... Q) ~ Vi 0' Q) a ->0: I.J --.o ..0 >- .2 ~oa. .... Q) > o U WIN T E R 1 997 F EAT U RES Snowmobile safely this season 4 Ahhh! Michigan's winter splendor hits you in the face with the crisp chill of sub-zero temperatures as you and thousands of others suit up to take on part of Michigan's 5,300 miles of snowmobile trails located in six state forests, three national forests, and many acres of privately owned lands. ".".... .... /,C_ Policy debate headlines 77th MFB annual meeting 6 ..... " ••~ : 1.1.1>1.1.1.1.1,('";';.: .. _....., r -. 'r' 11'.:-- Wildlife crop damage, farmland preservation, increasing the state gas tax and reforming the dairy .~;;~..:... -. ---- ...--- r-= -.. Wulaa.1II1 '''-JJ~)a4 pricing formula dominated policy debate during the Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting in ~:-E}:::~-- ._, ~.-: __ Traverse City.While the 450 delegates considered a total of 175 policy recommendations, wildlife ~::-..:c ...., crop damage was a major focus of the policy discussion. ~=::~'::;~ rf:~~..-.-~- mversity is the key to Kerlikowske's success 8 ;:=-:~::-~t~.:;=:.~::=:w--==t-:::. Diversity is so important in any farm operation," explains Ed Kerlikowske, 28, Michigan Farm Bureau's 1996 Young Farmer Achievement Award winner. "You can't rely on one thing anymore, whether it be market-related or weather-related." Michigan-grown ginseng good for your health 18 ... ~=...~-=::~:::.-:=--:=:--- -",. -.---- Most farmers grow crops high in vitamins and minerals. Todd Hite grows one that can improve a person's memory and reduce stress. That's one of the many selling points of ginseng, a perennial . .... lUri -- .. _.1"' -----:== herb grown in Michigan. .- .----- ~.:~-- - IOI.KI III.'" .= 1--' I"=~---=- ..~ - -"_'1-- - - . ....... •• A. 1010 .... , 1".11l 1".1.' .------ The Rura/living, Vol. 16, No. 1 (ISSN:0743-9962) is published quarterly in the months of January, April. July and October, .. '."1 ),'12 ,-- .- 1,,-- -.--- ---...-....-- u ',"1 ..... J,JU III.'" as a service 10 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 Form Bureau associate members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Rum/living to llOlHllembers and outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage - I- ---- lor,141 poid at Lansing, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. --.....- ~~- - -..... .... . " I.'.~I ".U " Ill,'" ..... Lellers ta the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Rura/ Living, Post Office Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post Office Box 30960, Lansing, '5-==,=,- "IaUL1~_. .- __ '0''':' .~~_ . r...... Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent, Associate Editor. a.:.-=-.-=:..=.:.:"_ ..~._":-=-_::_' ---=- Design and Production: Sue Stuever Bollel. Staff Contributor: Henry Huisjen. - .. -. ::::=.:- ..__ •____ .....:.-_._. ___ . _._tl_____.. Officers: President, Jock Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlelle; Third Member, Tom Guthrie, Delton; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretory, Dovid VanderHoogen. ---.-.------.------.-.-. --.--.-- _____ ._ ........__ .......-,.--. ._n.._____ .-- .. - ...... - •• __ ._ .. _11 .. _ ... _.- .. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Michael Fusilier, Manchester; District 4, ~_ , ..------ .-.- ..--- ....__.-..___..._-.--_I_.._ ~._~----.----.---.- ....- ...--- ..-._ ......_1 ....,......... c-. .. _ Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Alan Garner, Mason; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Rick Johnson, Leroy; District 8, Don Sutto, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Io_ ...___ .... _. _____ .~ .... ..-.. WahmhoFf, Boraga. AI-lorge: Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jon Vosburg, Climax; Judy Emmons, Sheridan. =;'::::=-:-.---.-.-- Promotion and Education, Merlann Keinath, Deckerville; Young Farmers, Jeff Homing, Manchester. MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 3 Take a friend - don't snowmobile alone. Not only is snowmobiling more fun with family and friends, it's safer, too. File a plan wind, sun, glare, cold, vibration, motion Airplane pilots and boaters file flight and and other factors work together to affect float plans, respectively, so that others both driver and passenger. know where to look if they're overdue. According to the International Snow- "Snow plans" describing your ma- mobile Manufacturers Association, here chine and your planned route can be are some more tips especially for Michi- time- and life-savers. Leave one with gan snowmobilers: your family or friends. Like those who file travel plans, al- Beware of water ways let your family and friends know The safest snowmobiling rule is never to you're back or have arrived at your desti- cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger nation. No one likes needless searches. of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning and Recommended equip- stopping on ice than on snow. ment for operators Collisions on lakes account for a and passengers significant number of accidents. Don't • An insulated snowmobile suit. hold the attitude that lakes are flat, wide • Sturdy gloves that provide both hand open areas, free of obstructions. and finger protection and a secure grip Remember, if you can ride and turn on the controls. in any direction, without boundaries, so • Insulated boots for ankle and foot pro- Photo by Ski-Doo can other riders. The threat of a collision, tection. then, can come from any direction. 1u.-__ JlI.JjJ. However, if you do snowmobile on the ice, make absolutely sure the ice is safely Emergency equipment • Tool kit (knife, pliers, adjustable ------ "JJAGJJ frozen. Don't trust the judgment of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safe snowmobiling. Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatali- ties. Consider buying a buoyant snowmo- bile suit. wrench, electrical tape, plug wrench and screwdriver). • Flashlight (extra batteries and bulb). • Matches (candles). • Disposable blanket (heat reflecting "space" type). If you go through the ice, remember • First aid kit. A hhh! Michigan's winter splendor hits you in the face with the crisp chill of sub-zero temperatures as you and thousands of others suit up to take on part of Michigan's 5,300 miles of snowmobile trails located in six state. that your snowmobile suit (even a non- buoyant one) and helmet may keep you afloat for several minutes. Slide back onto the ice, using anything sharp to dig Safe riding hints • Always keep your machine in top me- chanical condition. forests, three national forests and many acres of privately owned in for better pull. Kick your feet to propel • Always wear insulated boots and pro- lands. you onto the ice, like a seal. tective clothing including a helmet, Michigan is one of only three states that offer such a large If the ice keeps breaking, continue gloves and eye protection. system of interconnected snowmobile trails. If you're a moving toward shore or the direction • Never ride alone. snowmobiler, you know you can count your blessings that you from which you came. Don't remove • Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen live in the Great Lakes State with its unique combination of your gloves or mitts. bodies of water. abundant and dependable snow, exciting terrain and extensive Once on the ice, roll away from the • Never operate in a single file when trail network. hole. Don't stand until well away from crossing frozen bodies of water. But do you know the latest rules of the road to make your the hole. • Always be alert to avoid fences and low- adventure even more enjoyable and safe? And are you ready for strung wires. all that Mother Nature has in store for you? Take afriend • Never operate on a street or highway. Snowmobiling is fun, but it's work, too. It challenges the Don't snowmobile alone. Not only is • Always look for depressions in the snow. body and mind, and that's part of the reason you're so relaxed snowmobiling more fun with family and • Keep headlights and taillights on at all at the end of a day of snowmobiling. While you're riding, the friends, it's safer, too. times. 4. RURAL LIVING. WI NTER 1997 • When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, Minimal equipment required' rise off the seat and look for traffic. • Brakes • Alwayscheck the weather conditions before you depart. • Noise control - Each snowmobile manufactured after July 1, 1977, must be Registration requirements equipped with a muffler which does not exceed 78 decibels of sound pressure at 50 feet as measured by the 1974 SAEJ-192a. • Asnowmobile cannot be operated in Michigan unless the • Helmet - Allpersons operating or riding on a snowmobile must wear a Depart- owner first obtains a certificate of registration and a registra- ment of Transportation-approved crash helmet. tion decal. • lighting - Allsnowmobiles must display a lighted headlight and taillight at all .A snowmobile owned by a non-resident, before operation in times during operation. This requirement does not apply to snowmobile models 25 Michigan, must display a valid registration from their home years old or older. state or province, or be registered in Michigan. • The secretary of state registers snowmobiles for a three-year The law and your sled period for a fee of $15. The registration cycle begins on Oct. 1 The DNRreminds all snowmobilers that operating their high-perfonnance machine and expires on Sept. 30 of the third year following registra- can be dangerous and illegal unless they follow the following simple rules: tion. Operating on a roadway • Anytime a registered snowmobile is sold to another person, Asnowmobile may be operated on the right-of-way of a public highway (except a lim- the registration must also be transferred. ited-access highway) if it is operated at the extreme right of the open portion of the Display of registration decal right-of-way and with the flow of traffic on the highway. Snowmobiles operated on a road right-of-way must travel in a single file and shall not be operated abreast except It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile without having a valid when overtaking or passing another snowmobile. registration sticker pennanently attached and visibly displayed Asnowmobile may be operated on the roadway or shoulder when necessary to cross on the forward half of the snowmobile. a bridge or culvert if the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before entering Snowmobile trail permit onto the roadway or shoulder and the operator yields the right-of-way to an approach- ing vehicle on the highway. In addition to registration of a snowmobile in Michigan or from Asnowmobile may be operated across a public highway, other than a limited ac- another state or province, a person who desires to operate a cess highway, at right angles to the highway for the purpose of getting from one area snowmobile in this state must purchase a snowmobile trail to another when the operation can be done in safety and another vehicle is not cross- pennit sticker. The snowmobile trail pennit sticker is valid for a ing the highway at the same time in the immediate area. An operator must bring the period of one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the snowmobile to a complete stop before proceeding across the public highway and must following year. yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic. Snowmobile trail pennits are available from snowmobile Snowmobiles may be operated on a highway in a county road system that is not dealers and many retail businesses located adjacent to or near nonnally snowplowed for vehicular traffic; and on the right-of-way or shoulder when the Michigan snowmobile trail system. Pennits are available no right-of-way exists on a snowplowed highway in a county road system, outside the from the secretary of state at the time of registration renewal. corporate limits of a city or village, which is designated and marked for snowmobile Snowmobiles are exempt from the trail permit sticker if use by the county road commission having jurisdiction. they are: Accident prevention • Operated exclusively on lands owned or under the control of Alcohol and snowmobiling don't mix. The two contributing factors present in nearly the owner. all fatal snowmobiling accidents are: • Used entirely in a safety education program conducted by a Speed and alcohol abuse certified snowmobile safety instructor. Modem snowmobiles are capable of high rates of speed far beyond the ability of a • Exclusively operated in a special event of limited duration driver to react in sufficient time to take preventive action . that is conducted according to a prearranged schedule Beginning this snowmobile season, conservation officers will be conducting inten- under a pennit from the governmental unit having proper sive patrols in Wexford, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties, which have accounted jurisdiction. for a total of 18 fatal snowmobile crashes in the past five years. • Usedsolely for transportation on the frozen surface of public "Last year, Michigan had a record 45 fatal snowmobile accidents, many of which waters for the purpose of ice fishing. were directly attributable to operating under the influence of alcohol and hazardous Display of trail permit sticker operation infractions," said Captain Curt Bacon, field operations supervisor, Law En- forcement Division, Marquette. "So we will watch for these types of violations during The trail pennit sticker must be pennanently affixed to the intensive patrol efforts in this three-county area, along with a selective effort in prob- forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the lem areas across the rest of the state." R L headlight. MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 5 The 1996 Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting attracted national attention for its debate and resulting policy stance for reducing Michigan's deer population. ABC World News Tonight correspon- dent Ron Claiborne lleft) interviews Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau member Bob Gregory at his Cherry Bay Orchards in Suttons Bay about the size and scope of the impact deer have had on his operation. POLICY DEBATE HEADLINES 77TH MFB ANNUAL MEETING i1dlifecrop damage, said in comments to the standing-room- Burgoyne, chief of the DNR'swildlife fannland preselVation, only crowd of approximately 300 produc- division. increasing the state gas ers from across Michigan during a wild- "One of the most significant tools for tax and refonning the dairy pricing for- life crop damage educational session. deer herd control is the taking of mula dominated policy debate during Cool suggested that landowners, antlerless deer during the regular fireann the Michigan Fann Bureau annual hunters, the DNRand concerned organi- deer season," Burgoyne said. "We also meeting in Traverse City.While the 450 zations work together to successfully need to go beyond the nonnal opportuni- delegates considered a total of 175 policy manage Michigan's white-tailed deer ties that we currently have available to recommendations, wildlife crop damage population. "It won't be done today, it help address the crop and forestry dam- was a major focus of the policy discus- won't be done tomorrow and it won't be age being caused." sion, according to Michigan Fann Bu- done next week," he said, noting that "If all of the interested parties partici- reau Public AffairsDirector AIAlmy. fanners know a great deal about animal pate - the fanners, sportsmen, conselVa- In addition to approving aJanuary management that could be translated to tion clubs - we can get the job done. We 1999 deadline for reducing the state's deer management. may argue the numbers, but I think they deer herd to 1.3 million before consider- "If you can apply that knowledge know there is a problem with wildlife ing a possible class-action lawsuit with us in a scientific way, then we can crop damage," said Michigan Fann Bu- against the state, delegates also approved have fewer deer, greater success, more reau President Jack Laurie. "It's not a numerous measures to help accomplish people halVesting bucks and less of an matter of whether you're for or against that objective. "Delegates approved policy impact on your operation," Cool urged. deer, it's an economic issue." calling for extension of the fireann deer According to Ed Langanau, wildlife Laurie said that Fann Bureau will season, allowing the use of tree stands big game specialist for the DNR,one of continue to hold the DNRaccountable in during regular fireann deer season, and the biggest obstacles to reducing the deer following through on their good-faith the establishment of a quota system for population lies in convincing sportsmen offer to do things beyond the ordinary in each of the state's deer herd manage- to halVest more does during the fireann reducing the size of the current herd. ment units," Almysaid. deer season. "Fanners also need to follow through on While admitting there are serious "Big buck mentality is largely respon- good-faith offers and do things coopera- and honest disagreements between land- sible for the herd increases we've experi- tively,such as allowing people access to owners and the Department of Natural enced," Langanau said. "We're simply not their fannland to hunt," Laurie said. Resources on how to best manage the taking advantage of the deer herd we have state's deer population, K.L.Cool, director in this state. As a result, the size and the Delegates take of the DNR,asked that agriculture exer- body weight of the deer herd is dropping action on a host cise "kitchen-table diplomacy" in reduc- due to the increasing deer herd." of other issues ing the state's white-tailed deer herd Preliminary figures from the 1996 Delegates also endorsed a 7-cent increase from 2 million to the department's stated fireann season show that only 50 percent in the gas tax to raise revenue for dealing objective of 1.3 million deer. of the state's hunters applied for an with the state's rapidly deteriorating road "For the kind of problems we have, antlerless pennit. Out of the 279,000 deer infrastructure and supported continua- the kitchen table is almost always a bet- halVested during regular fireann season, tion of the current distribution fonnula. ter forum for resolution than the legisla- only 102,000 does were taken compared Almyexpects the gas tax issue to be a tive halls or a judicial chamber," Cool to 177,000 bucks, according to George priority in the new Legislature. 6. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1997 "I think there will be considerable discussion of this issue by this Legislature, but r would not predict much likelihood of legislation being passed to increase the gas tax until at least mid-1997 at the earliest." Farm Bureau members also endorsed numerous farmland preservation measures, including legislation that would allow local units of government to create agricultural security areas and revisions to the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, or P.A. 116. According to Almy, policy recommendations for P.A. 116 would enhance the financial rewards to producers with farmland enrolled in the program by changing the formula for refunds from property taxes exceeding 7 percent of their house- hold income to property taxes exceeding just 3.5 percent of their household income. "If all of the interested parties participate - the formers, sportsmen, conserva- "This would provide additional financial incentives to pro- tion clubs - we can get the job done. We may argue the numbers, ducers whose tax burdens have been lowered by the enactment but I think they know there is a problem with wildlife crop damage," said of Proposal A, which reduced property taxes to 6 mills for school Michigan Form Bureau President Jock Lourie. "It's not a matter of whether operating purposes," Almy explained. you're for or against deer; it's on economic issue." The formula used for detennining the price of milk was the subject of lengthy debate as well. Many farmers were upset over Class I and Class II products (flUid milk, reduce wide swings in milk prices. Del- the profound impact the cheese market has on their milk yogurt, butter) from Class III and Class egates ultimately went on record support- checks and on consumer prices. Delegates voted to decouple IV products (cheese and milk powder) to ing the federal order reorganization. R L "Not good, sore bones, bad back, stressed -out, chest pains ... & constipated, errr! " "Try the Herbalist, Ted. This company has experience!" "I Feel Great!" "The Herbalist has really helped me. You too, should call the Herbalist today for your FREE Catalog with over 500 herbal remedies!" MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 7 Chalkngesofayoungfanmertoday Ed and his wife of six years, TIna, have faced many challenges in making their operation successful. Both agree that land availability will play an important role in the future growth of their business. "We're under pressure from development of housing," Ed illustrates. "It seems like everybody from the city wants a five- acre piece of property that's a scenic view where they can put their $250,000 house and call it home." "If he sees something that wasn't fanned last year or during the season," TIna notes, "he'll go find the owner and ask him what he's doing with it, if he'd like to rent it out or maybe even sell it. It's a pretty big issue. We know quite a few people around here - if land comes available, it's taken up just like that." Ir).;WCI1S",'S the ke, to Advkeforyoungfanmers "One thing I guarantee is that I hope I never lose the ability to t(:e;ttliJllowske'S SlK-US$; listen to my elders," he says. "I've gained more knowledge from them than I did through four years of college or anything else or any book they can possibly give you. It makes me upset to see iversity is so important in any search as you can about the opportuni- D some of the young fanners just looking at the older fanners as fann operation," explains Ed ties; the infonnation is there." obstacles when they should be gleaning years and years of expe- Kerlikowske, 28, Michigan "I've known since 1 was in middle rience they've had from them." Fann Bureau's 1996 Young Fanner school I was going to be a fanner," he "The biggest thing is to start slow, start at a crawl, and then Achievement Award winner. "You can't adds. "I didn't have to struggle going eventually get a little base underneath yourself," Kerlikowske rely on one thing anymore, whether it be through high school wondering what my suggests. market-related or weather-related." occupation was going to be. I just always "If you have no family background or a person that you can And diversify is exactly what knew I was going to fann." glean infonnation off," he advises, "I would probably recom- Kerlikowske did as soon as he bought his Today, if you're reaching into the mend going to work for an operation that deals in what you first 72 acres, taking 13 acres of Welch- frozen juice aisle at your local grocery, would like to do. If you're going to go into fruit production or contracted Concord grapes to 21 acres by you could very well be tasting the fruits vegetable or dairy, whatever it may be, you can gain invaluable pushing out 35 acres of apples and plant- of Kerlikowske's labor, as his operation knowledge from ground level." ing 15 acres of fall-bearing red raspber- has grown to 285 total acres of owned "I've got a four-year degree in horticulture," Ed adds. "At first ries. The balance was put into zucchini and rented property. "We have 21 acres of I really didn't know how much that was going to help what I was squash and eggplant production. grapes, about 100 acres of zucchini, 40. doing on a day-to-day basis, but it's helped tremendously." "There are two reasons why I went acres of eggplant, 15 acres of red raspber- into vegetable production," Kerlikowske ries and the balance is rotational field What about thefuture? says. "Because my father had never done com," Kerlikowske notes. "Although the American fanner of today is the most technologi- much of that and I wanted to seek my According to Kerlikowske, the red cally advanced that's ever been in history and is producing far own identity in the community since raspberries are fresh-packed and sold at more than they ever have before, we still teeter fairly close to a we've always been known for the grape fruit stands and to a broker, and the rest situation where if we had a couple of bad seasons nationwide, industry. Secondly, I figured I needed of them go to the St. Julian Winery to we'd be in a world of hurt," Ed continues. something that could generate income make non-alcoholic sparkling red rasp- Ed's wife, TIna, who started working for the Kerlikowske immediately. Now the vegetables have berry juice. family fann in the roadside stand, intends to continue growing turned into a bigger part of the produc- "The vegetables are all packed at our that portion of the business into their retail shop and other tion than some of the fruit production." facility and marketed through a broker markets in the area. ''I'm not afraid to take a chance and to the fresh market," he says. "We "I want to eventually have kids and grow our own labor," to fail," states the Berrien Springs young shipped as far as from the very tip of she jokes. "I want to be as involved as possible. I foresee us famler. "I've certainly had failures, but Florida to right into the East Coast and growing quite a bit. I really enjoy when my husband comes I've had more successes. So don't be all over." home and says, 'I have a new idea.' It's really exciting - seeing afraid to fail and then do as much re- him look into that and asking me what I think. And it feels really good to be involved and to be a part of it." R L 8. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1997 *AJJiitt~ by Steve Tomac ,~tt.wt. and refreshing, which also includes the A merican Soy Products, Inc., based in southeast Michigan, has begun the vitamin and nutrient requirements not typically found in flavored waters, to offer its latest product nationwide. The other juices and teas." company, noted for production of organi- Vruit is packaged in TetraPak con- cally grown soy milk, has entered the tainers, more commonly known as juice fruit and vegetable drink market with its boxes. It comes in single-serving and first company-licensed product, Vruit. family sizes. The packaging allows the Vruit is packaged in TetraPak containers, more commonly Vruit is a non-tomato-based drink that product to be stored on the shelf with no known as juice boxes. It comes in single-serving and family combines fruit and vegetable juices. preservatives, added sugars or colors. sizes. The packaging allows the product to be stored on the Originally introduced in August 1995, The drink works with the USDA's new shelf with no preservatives, added sugars or colors. the product had only been available in recommended daily servings. One drink southeast Michigan stores. Since the be- is equal to one serving of fruits and veg- strictions. It seems natural to expand to the juice market area. ginning of this year, however, American etables. Three flavors offer three benefits; It has seen growth in the past few years and is expected to in- Soy Products has been distributing the Apple Carrot Blend for vitamin A, Orange crease rapidly in the future. product in states like California, Pennsyl- Veggie Blend for vitamin C and Lemon The makers ofVruit are working closely with the five-a-day vania, Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Veggie Blend for calcium. program. This program is designed to ensure that the recom- NewJersey and Missouri. American Soy Products has been mended five servings of vegetables and fruit are eaten. Only 25 Ron Roller, president of American making soy milk for the last 10 years. percent of Americans currently receive the five servings per day. Soy Products, said that Vruit offers all the Based in Saline, Mich., they produce soy Vruit was made to assist people in meeting the recommendations. benefits of a health drink but tastes milk for people who are lactose intoler- For more information on Vruit or soy milk, contact Ron much better. "We began with the idea of ant, health conscious, vegetarians or Roller or TIm Redmond at (313) 429-2310. R L developing a beverage that's good tasting unable to drink milk due to dietary re- Honey, Garlic and Vinegar Better Than Prescription Drugs? (SPECIAL) We know that ancient civilizations general public. It shows you exactly how to make until you can get to the dentist relied on their healing power for a wide variety of hundreds of remedies using honey, garlic and vine- • WEIGHT LOSS: Secret remedy speeds fat bum ailments. In fact, honey was so prized by the gar separately and in unique combinations. 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