FROM THE PRESIDENT I I your next county Farm Bureau board meeting to discuss this issue. You may FDAirradiation approval a win not be in one of the open districts in for consumers and producers 1998, but you will be in 2000. Talk to your current legislators and ask them who may be considering running. F ood and Drug Administration (FDA)approval of irradia- tion for beef, lamb and pork is good news for livestock producers and consumers. And,despite opposition from some Take time to make a list of potential consumer activist groups expressing concerns over radiation, candidates and begin contacting them Michigan Farm Bureau's KenNye,director of the Commodity to encourage their candidacy. and Environmental Division,says the technology has been In September of this year, Michi- used safely for years on poultry, fruits, vegetables and grains. gan Farm Bureau conducted a cam- "This technology should be viewedas just one more tool ; paign managers' workshop designed to use in making sure our food supply is as safe as possible," ACCEPTING THE to help train those who are seeking Nyesaid. "It's really no different than the other processes that CHALLENGE office. Wehad more than a dozen we use, such as pasteurization of milk, canning of fruits and AND THE participants who learned about every- vegetables and other products, so that we can make sure that OPPORTUNITIES OF thing from campaign financing to those products are shelf stable and are as healthy for consum- TERM LIMITS dealing with the media. This type of ers as possible." T here's a significant challenge training is critical for political suc- The process has been shown to be safe and to significantly ( for Michigan Farm Bureau and cess. Let me assure you that the state reduce bacterial contamination. The FDAgave its stamp of all of agriculture regarding the organization stands ready to assist in approval to irradiation after three years of study. Irradiation impact of term limits. Si'xty-five mem- any way we can to support your efforts does not make meat radioactive and it does not change the bers of the Michigan House of Repre- on the local level. meat's taste, texture or appearance. sentatives - that's almost 60 percent You may recall that Farm Bureau It is now up to the Agriculture Department to change its - will not be able to seek re-election supported term limits for elected offi- regulations over the next fewmonths to allow for irradiation, in 1998, meaning that at least 65 new cials. We must be willing to step for- says Nye. "Hopefully,we'll have a final rule in effect as soon representatives will be elected next ward and deal with the consequences as possible, so that we can utilize this new and improved tech- November. of that decision. Our organizational nology. Estimates indicate that irradiated meat products Many of the incumbents who will structure is perfectly suited to surface, could cost consumers about 5 cents more per pound. That not be eligible for re-election have train and support successful candi- would add about $2 per person to the average grocery bill." been proven friends of agriculture. dates. By developing a relationship Food irradiation is a safe, simple and relatively inexpen- Much of what we have accomplished early on, we will be able to have even siveprocess, which has been available since the 19505.It is has been because of the strong part- greater influence once a candidate is much more effectivethan steam pasteurization or sterilizing nerships we forged with representa- elected to office. rinses, which only kill food-borne bacteria on the surface. tives who understood agriculture and The effort to identify and encour- Irradiation penetrates the meat, which kills any internal bac- our grass-roots policy development age candidates must be given atten- teria that might be present. Irradiation can be used after meat process, and who were willing to tion now. We cannot wait until next is packaged for shipment. support our organizational policy spring. The success of MFB'sAgriPAC Nyesays that in reality, the United States, is behind the objectives. Committee has always been our grass- rest of the world in utilizing irradiation. More than 35 coun- The stakes are too high for us to roots involvement. I encourage you to tries use the procedure, which was approved earlier this year wait and see who decides to seek of- continue that level of commitment by by the World Health Organization. fice. We must begin now to identify utilizing your county Farm Bureau to "FDAhas undertaken a complete and comprehensive candidates who are interested in our surface and support candidates for the process to determine the safety and effectivenessof irradiation industry - candidates who under- 1998 election who will indeed be for red meat," Nyesaid. "More than 40 years of research show stand agriculture and are willing to "Friends of Agriculture!" irradiation is a safe, effectivetechnology that kills germs work with Farm Bureau. Sincerely, causing food-borne illness. This ruling means that FDAhas There are still several open dis- found absolutely no health risk for consumers." tricts with no candidate filings and Irradiation should not be looked at as a "magic bullet" many of the other districts have only but as another valuable tool in our food safety arsenal. The one candidate currently seeking elec- process has been endorsed by the World Health Organization tion. This means that Farm Bureau Jack Laurie, President and the American Medical Association. Farm Bureau expects members have many opportunities Michigan Farm Bureau use of irradiation on red meats to be given final clearance by themselves to file as candidates or to mid-1998, according to Nye. RL encourage others to file. I would challenge you to attend 2. RURAL LIVING. WI NTER 1 998 M Ie HI G AN FAR M BUR E AU WIN T E R 1998 FE AT U RES Farm Bureau Insurance given clean slate 4 In early January, Michigan's Insurance Bureau found no problems with the handling of denied fire claims by Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan and cleared the member-company of Michigan Fann Bureau from any wrongdoing in handling the claims. --.J .., Michigan Farm Bureau's 78th Annual Meeting 6 ~-~=..- - ......::::= It was an exciting week teeming with activityin Traverse City for the thousand Farm Bureau mem- to 111,121 bers who attended the state annual meeting Dec. 9-12. to .. J,NI lIJ,IU You ng farmer focuses onfamily, education 8 = 1-----1.. ---- to US,II) Loretta Benjamin, recently named the Michigan Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Agricultural Leader, ---._._- "-" ...--....~-.- ~. places her family first. She and her husband, Todd, live on a family farm near Webberville. On top of 1~I ... r raising 90 dairy cows and 600 acres of crops, they also raise Danny and Cassie, their two young ~::=:._.. - t=.=:'=::"-:::l:=~'.':::-_"":"_-::::""_-==-_::::- ..-- ~L __ children. ~~a:-=E--:;:.===::s:.:::..=:====:.. .._ .......4~....- ....._.._ ..... .._.~ ......_l ~=:=:=~::=~=.~::._~o.:==_- MSU's national Food Safety and Toxicology Center 10 =~'==-----...-.......... _- The recently completed, 115,OOO-square-foot Food Safety and Toxicology Building at Michigan State Univer- sity (MSU) will house the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. The center seeks to develop a safer ........,~~..-:== .~ lW~il~ iiI~ • food supply, well-rounded public policy and a greater public understanding of food safety issues. :~.~~~:':. ~2-~-=.-----_._- -::::. The Rural Living, Vol. 17, No. 4 (ISSN:0743-9962) is published quorterly in the months of Jonuory, April. July and October, as a service Member to associate subscription of $1.50 byisMichigan pricemembers, included inFarm Bureau, onnual dues 7373 West Saginaw of Michigan Highway, Farm Bureau lonsing, as.sociate MichiganAdditional members. 48917. subscription fees required for mailing Rural living to nolHllembers ond outside the continental U.S.A. Periodical postage ~~~ paid at lonsing, Michigan, and additionol mailing offices. Letters10 the editor and statewide news articlesshould be sent to: Editor, Rural Living, Post Office Box 30960, lansing, :~5:.~::E;t..?.=.::$:--=-~::.::. - .....- ..,,"~ Michigan 48909-8460. Michigan 48909-8460. POSTMASTER - Send address changes 10: Michigan Farm Bureau, Post Office Box 30960, lonsing, Editorial:Dennis Rudot, Editor and Business Manager; Thomas Nugent, A$sociate Editor. Design and Production: Stephanie Goeckel. Stoff Contributor: Sue Stuever Boltel Officers: President, Jock lourie. Cass City; Vice President. Wayne Wood. Marlette; Third Member. Tom Guthrie, Dellon; ..51!::-:==:.==-- ......- . Administrative Director. Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Porker; Secretary, David VanderHoogen. .... ~ ..~ Direclors: District1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District3. Michael Fusilier,Manchester; District4. t~ (! \1. ....• -:= il iI Tom Guthrie, Delton; District5, Alan Garner, Mason; District6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District7, Rick Johnson, leray; District8, Oon Sutto, Saginaw; District9. Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District10, Margaret Kortes, "NesJ Branch; District11, Roberl ~ •f1 .r:£.~i:L_:::::_=_:---~. Wahmhoff, Promotion andBoraga. At-large: Educotion, Jock lourie, Merlann Keinath,Cass City; FayeYoung Deckerville; Adam, Farmers, Snover;JeffHorning. Jon Vosburg, Manchester Climax; Judy . Emmons, Sheridan . MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 3 I early n January, Michigan's Insur- insurance provided by Farm Bureau ance Bureau found no problems Insurance, with fewer than 1 percent with the handling of denied fire denied on the basis of arson, fraud or claims by Fann Bureau Insurance of false swearing, he said. Michigan and cleared the member-com- "Since 1994, we've had approxi- pany of Michigan Fann Bureau from any mately 7,000 homeowner fire claims," wrongdoing in handling the claims. Monroe added, "fewer than 100 denied The six-month investigation began on the basis of arson or fraud." after a complaint was filed by Portland With more than 300,000 Farm Bu- resident Dennis Green, who lost his home reau Insurance policyholders, it is a for- in a fire in October 1994. Fann Bureau midable task protecting all policyholders Insurance's investigation team ruled from fraud to keep rates low,Monroe Green's fire to be arson and denied his said. "The tremendous amount of fraud claim. and arson is estimated at $20 billion per year in the United States. Wehave to ((Notonly were they justified fight it on behalf of the overwhelming number of honest people that are insured in denying the claim, but to that have to pay almost $500 per year do anything else would have extra just for arson and fraud." The Green case has been appealed been irresponsible. JJ and is waiting on action in the Court of - Kurt Gallinger, Appeals,which could take more than two Insurance Bureau Commissioner years to be settled, according to Monroe. "We feel that the judge excluded some "Wefeel that he was responsible for crucial evidentiary testimony that would the arson of his house and we have lost have resulted in a totally different jury our claim so far in the circuit court," . verdict." said David Monroe, Farm Bureau Insur- According to Monroe, when the In- ance vice president of claims. "He made surance Bureau initially looked at the a complaint to the Insurance Bureau Green file, Insurance Bureau Commis- and he provided them with the names of sioner Kurt Gallinger said, "Not only 10 other people whose fires had been were they justified in denying the claim, denied due to arson. The bureau asked but to do anything else would have been for 11 of those files inJuly, including irresponsible. " Green's, and from then until now they Monroe quickly quotes the Pennsyl- investigated every aspect of our handling vania Supreme Court when it stated, "It of those files. is in the best interest of society that valid "The result was the letter (see claims be ascertained and fabricated sidebar) indicating that we did every- claims be exposed and the only thing thing right," Monroe explained. necessary for fraud to triumph is for good Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 people to do nothing." RL claims are filed per year on all types of 4. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1 998 ., The peifect truck for all you farm animals is Magnum \1-6 or \1-8 engine. Even our Ram Vans .. a Dodge. And if you're a member of a partic- and Ram Wagons are part of the deal with $500 back. All this cash is on top of any other _;::"::~p~::: t:~:/:n; Bureau,thisis theperfect national Dodge consumer incentiveoffer, too.** ~ As a member, All you need to do is get a certificate from you qualify for $400 your state's Fann cash back on Ram 1500 Bureau validating that Regular and Club Cab you've been a member for Pickups: And $500 back on at least 30 days. Then stop by Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickups and your Dodge dealer. Where you'll Chassis Cabs, and including our new find a line of trucks that work 2500 and 3500 Quad Cabsn~ This offer covers as hard as you do. our full line of Magnum@ engines including the *Excludes Quad Cab. **This cash back offer is valid for members of partici- V-6, V-8, V-10 and the Cummins Turbo Diesel. pating Farm Bureaus, is scheduled to expire 7131/98, and is subject to change. It may not be used in combination with any other Chrysler certificate program We're also giving cash back on select or certain other special programs. Ask for restrictions and details. Farm BureaufJ Dakotas. Get $400 back 011 models with a is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation. This offer is not available to Farm Bureau members in CA, HI, OK and TX. Up to $500 Cash Back to Farm Burealf Members Ram. The New Dodge For more in!o17nation, calli-BOO-WORK RAM or visit our Web site at www.4adodge.com Hundreds of Traverse TB-infected livestock. New policy would City schoolchildren also allow livestock producers who have heard agriculture's deer in close proximity to feed or live- message as 135 Farm stock to eliminate these deer at any time Bureau members gave and have them removed and tested by lessons in their the Department of Natural Resources classrooms. (DNR). In an effort to reduce deer concen- tration in TB areas, delegates supported policy to eliminate the feeding of frefr ranging deer, except during the regu- lated hunting season when baiting is allowed. While delegates voted to continue TB-testing of livestock, they said the Highlights of the 1997 testing should be reduced to every two years unless domestic animals are found with the disease or the rate of infestation An'!:u~e~lMeeting in deer greatly increases. Delegates also said the DNR should compensate live- stock producers for their time and ex- pense in cooperating with the testing. Farmland presenJtJlion I was t an exciting week teeming with Should TB be found in domestic Keeping land in agriculture produc- activity in Traverse City for the thou- livestock, Michigan's Bovine Thberculo- tion also topped the delegate discussion. sand Farm Bureau members who sis Accredited Free Status, earned in For the first time, delegates voted to attended the state annual meeting 1979, could be lost. Out-of-state buyers support Purchase of Development Rights Dec. 9-12. would be leery about importing Michi- (PDR) and Transfer of Development While 452 delegates and dozens of gan livestock, resulting in an estimated Rights programs. PDRs would allow alternates considered policy resolutions, loss of $67 million over a five-year pe- farmers to maintain ownership of their 135 volunteers headed into Traverse City riod. farmland, but sell the right to develop elementary school classrooms to teach Delegates passed policy stating that if their property to a local unit of govern- second- and third-grade students about TB is found in livestock, the organiza- ment. agriculture. Amidst awards programs, tion will support legislation requiring Delegates voiced support for en- banquets, keynote speeches and enter- the state to compensate livestock pro- abling legislation granting townships tainment, members also sat in on two educational sessions. There, experts shared knowledge about land-use plan- ning and trends in agriculture. ducers for the full market value of any 11# ~;J' .'" <~,~ '" and counties the authority to move £or- lk • :.' '. '\ lj,l I~.,I~~~~~ Key policies passed Annual meeting delegates considered 1 .. J 180 policies, which were brought forth by the state Policy Development Com- (~':;:'{:k' ...; ,. -'¥ • .....'.~.j.' I ...,. -I mittee from 850 county annual meeting :::;:J resolutions. Of those, two garnered the most discussion. Bovine tuberculosis In deer Delegates approved policy supporting legislation to eliminate white-tailed deer infected with tuberculosis (TB). The contagious disease, which could be transmitted to humans and domestic livestock, has been found in deer in an area of northern lower Michigan. 6. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1998 ,"" ..c _1 ~~ .. .-" ,(:; 4~ ....... '~;~:':' '-.,.,'"" . , . ward with the transfer of development rights. Farmer Discussion Meet. Laurenz, who Other details of the PDR policy include: was raised on a cash crop farm near • The PDR program must be voluntary and private prop- Breckenridge, recently completed his erty rights must remain intact for the landowner with the ex- master's in business administration at ception of the right to develop the land. Michigan State University. His bachelor's • The value of the development rights shall be the differ- degree is in agricultural engineering ence between the fair market value and the agricultural value from the university. of the land. Kelly Chapman, Barry County, was • Each participating township or county must create a named Discussion Meet runner-up. Farmland Preservation Board to administer the program and Other finalists were Matt Smego, Cass to select the farmland parcels. The composition of each board County,; Charles Scovill, Clinton Loretta Beniamin, Outstanding Young shall have the majority being agricultural landowners within County,; and Shelly Strautz and Usa Agricultural Leader the township or county. Johnson, both of Montcalm County. • The state of Michigan should provide additional funding Michigan Farm Bureau also honored to assist townships and counties in an effective purchase of two Michigan State University crop and development rights program at the local level. soil science professors with the Distin- To be eligible for state funds, a township or county must: guished Service to Agriculture Award. Dr. • Contribute local funds. Milo Tesar spent more than 50 years • Applyboth local and state funds for development rights researching alfalfa production. Dr. Mar- purchases locally. tin John Bukovac has dedicated 40 years • Land eligible for this program should be enrolled in PA to improving fruit size and quality. RL 116 of 1974 and/or an Agricultural Security Area. • Farmland covered by a development rights agreement should be assessed on the agricultural value only. Rodney Laurenz, Delegates did approve a provision that would allow for the sale of development rights back to a landowner, following the FREE WIG Discussion Meet winner 25th year after the purchase. However,the township or county Farmland Preservation Board must develop stringent criteria to CATALOG! determine that the land is no longer practical for farming purposes. All funds received from the sale of development rights back to a landowner would be designated exclUSivelyfor additional purchases of farmland development rights. Honors bestowed Montcalm County's Jack Jeppesen earned the Young Farmer Achievement Award.Jeppesen farms near Stanton with his brother. Together, they milk 167 cows and grow 660 acres of com, alfalfa and oats. Other finalists were Jerry Kroll, Oceana County; Bruce Mike Boensch, Outstanding Young Lewis, Hillsdale County; and Scott Miller, Shiawassee County. America's favorite wigs at Discount Prices! Farm Employee Loretta Benjamin, Ingham County, was named Outstand- All sizes, styles and colors. Natural-looking, ing Young Agricultural Leader. She and her husband, Todd, cool, light and comfortable. Guaranteed. own and operate a 600-acre dairy farm near Webberville where _~E!~~_ !~~ !:~~~_\!I~_~~!~~~~! they milk 90 cows and raise corn, hay, wheat and soybeans. Debra Kubacki, Huron County; Beth Snider, Oceana PLEASE PRINT Name in Full County; and Patti Warnke, Clinton County, were also finalists. Mike Boensch, from Whittemore, laseo County, was named P,O. Box or Street Address state Outstanding Young Farm Employee. He is employed at Whittemore Acres, a 3,600-acre crop and cattle operation, City Apt Number where he's responsible for routine maintenance and repair of State Zip Code the farm operation's tractor, farm equipment and truck fleet. Do you ever wear wigs? 0 Yes 0 No Finalists for Outstanding Young Farm Employee were Eric McNeilly,Gratiot County; Peggy Miller, Ogemaw County; and P1\ULA \T.IaUNG e Dept. 1128, Box 246 s. Easton, MA 02375 -America's Largest Wig Company" Jack Jeppesen, Young Farmer Mark Todd, Osceola County. Copyrighle 1998, Paula Young@ Achievement Award winner Midland County native Rodney Laurenz won the Young MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 7 Young Farmer leadership award winner loclses on lamill education for Cassie and Danny, their time is filled had to work full time outside the home," with school, sports, 4-H and feeding the she says. 'Td want someone to tutor my calves and rabbits on the farm - a job children if for some reason I couldn't they don't seem to mind too much. do it." "Farming is a way of life for the What Loretta's too modest to mention whole family," Loretta says. is that she single-handedly spearheaded A spirit of volunteerism is also part of efforts to organize a three-county Rural that way of life. Loretta's resume lists a Education Day set for April 14. She has myriad of volunteer activities. She's a put together a 10-member steering com- member of the board of directors for the mittee of Farm Bureau members that Ingham County Farm Bureau and is the expects to educate 3,000 third-grade organization's Promotion and Education students about agriculture and natural Chair. She is secretary of the district Hol- resources. stein Association. Through the Michigan Todd gets in on the education action, Milk Producers Association, she acts as a too. The couple makes an annual trek to dairy communicator. the children's school to teach lessons Todd and Loretta Ben;amin are dairy farmers from There seems to be a common thread about agriculture. "Ag in the classroom Webberville in Ingham County. Cassie, age 6, and woven among Loretta's activities - sticks out as something we both enjoy," Danny, age 10, like to help out on the family farm. education. Thtoring other children in Loretta says. "When Todd gets in front of Cassie's classroom is just one more ex- those kids, he's in all his glory talking by Sue Stuever Battel ample. ''I'm fortunate that I've never about the cows." RL Y oung Danny and Cassie Benjamin are living proof that their parents have done something right. Cassie, a bubbly 6- year-old who's missing her two front Getaway with Farm Bureau in 1998 teeth, has Mom's long, blond hair and an unquenchable thirst for ice skat- ing. Danny, 10 years old and in the fifth grade, is already a bright, polite young gentleman and an award- winning dairy showman. It's not simply by stroke of luck. On top of running a productive dairy farm near Webberville, Loretta and Todd Benjamin obviously put their offspring first. The family's hard work has paid other divicmds, as ~ll. Loretta was mmtly narnOO Out;tmding Young Agricultural Leader in the Michigan Fann Bureau Young Fanner rompetition. Plus an Agricultural Study Tour to Northern Europe! Besides caring for the children Call now for reservations on any or all of the Getaway Tours listed! and volunteering countless hours, Mon. - Frio Loretta works a part-time office job. ... FARM BVRfAV JRAm. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m . Todd farms 600 acres and milks 90 • -. OF MICHIGAN 800-292-2693 cows in partnership with his father. As 8. RURAL LIVING. WI NTER 1 9 Thinking of buying, building, refinancing or remodeling the house of your dreams? Come to Farm Credit Services. We finance primary residences--country homes, small farms, 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 peoDle. like vou. who live and work at the heart of a growing America. + FCS Mortgage The country living specialists FCS Motlgoge 1$ Farm Cntdl _ ...r--------r-- __ of Agriculture and Michigan Department intervene so safety can be increased. of Community Health will be mobilized The National Food Safety and Toxi- whenever there is a threat to human cology Center will look at microbiologi- health involving the food supply. cal hazards, food chemistry, epidemiol- "The two agencies have already had ogy and toxicology. Toxicology studies an extraordinary and successful partner- poisons and their effects. Epidemiology ship in handling food safety emergen- is a branch of medical science dealing Residing just south of the agricultural department on Farm cies," Engler said. "The development of with incidence, distribution and control Lane is the new Food Safety and Toxicology Building. the SAFETeam formalizes and strength- of disease within a population. ens that relationship, ensuring food sup- "We've been familiar with pesticide by Kris Totzke ply threats will be prevented or mini- issues for quite awhile, and now we see T he recently completed, 115,000- square-foot Food Safety and Toxi- cology Building at Michigan State Uni- mized." Prevention and minimization are also the main mission of the National things like E. coli and Salmonella," Hollingworth said. "Essentially, we're seeing a number of these problems trace versity (MSU) will house the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. back to the farm, either in animal or Food Safety and Toxicology Center. Located behind the Plant and Soil Sci- plant production." Dedicated Oct. 24, the center seeks to ence Building's greenhouses on MSU's While researching, the center's main develop a safer food supply, well-rounded campus, the center appears to be one of a goal is to help producers produce a safer public policy and a greater public under- kind. product. standing of food safety issues. It will "There's nothing quite identical to "Wewant to help solve those prob- assess and identify hazards, develop this," Hollingworth said. He said one or lems occurring at farm level and reduce management techniques for handling two national centers exist and one is their impact," he said. "So, pre-harvest, these hazards and then communicate its forming at University of Maryland to which is really what we're talking abou~ research findings to the public. focus on food safety issues. is a very significant focus for what we are' Dr. Robert Hollingworth, National "I hate to separate us from the oth- doing." Food Safety and Toxicology Center direc- ers, but our mission is to look at food According to the national Centers for tor, said the center could be traced back safety issues right across the whole spec- Disease Control and Prevention, up to 81 to historical Michigan concerns over the trum of the food chain," Hollingworth million cases of food-borne illness occur safety of its food supply. Said. "That includes pre-harvest food each year, including up to 2.5 million "Over the years, we've had funding ~ety situations occurring on the farm cases in Michigan. Nationwide, the total from the United States Department of or at producer level,processing and costs associated with food poisoning are Agriculture (USDA),in particular, to look packaging, retail, and increasingly, in estimated to be $23 billion. RL at food safety issues that arose from food service, where at least 50 Michigan concerns," he said. percent of the meals people eat The impact came in 1989 after USDA are prepared outside the appropriated $25 million, through the efforts of then - congressman Bob home." Hollingworth, who is also DIABETICS Traxler, to construct and establish a pro- director of the Pesticide Re- gram for the new food safety and toxicol- search Center, said the Food WITH MEDICARE OR ogy center. and Drug Administration has a INSURANCE. GET YOUR The center's 52,000-square-foot Ani- center in Illinois, and Texas DIABETIC SUPPLIES AT mal Research Containment Facility pro- A&Mis hoping for one more NO COST. vides an environment for complete con- like MSU's. tainment of hazards and strict control of Food safety issues can arise (INSULIN DEPENDENT emissions. at any stage, or more than one. ONLY) Called the Special Actions for Food He said the whole food system Emergencies (SAFE)Team, the group of needs to be looked at to under- CALL 1-800-337-4144 professionals fromMichigan Department stand where the best place is to to. RURAL LIVING. WINTER 1998 The shock that saves Automatic external defibrillators ing abnormal heart rhythms and in car- properly placed, the machine takes a read- diac arrest. ing of the victim's heart rhythm and deter- In most people suffering a cardiac mines if the heart rhythm problem is of arres~ the situation is reversible if the the type that can be corrected by electric heart can be restarted within a few min- shock. When the rhythm disturbance is utes'. Unless someone at the scene delivers treatable, the AEDdirects the operator to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and push a button to deliver a very brief shock. emergency medical technicians (EMTS) The heart rhythm is then reassessed. If it provide advanarl cardiac life support to still isn't normal, the AEDinstructs the I you f watch medical shows on television, you've seen the restart the victim's heart, by the time he or operator to deliver a second shock. The same countle&Citimes. The line on the monitor showing she reaches medical help, it may be too AED also directs the operator when to the patient's heartbeat becomes erratic or suddenly goes flat. late. "You can buy a little time with CPR check for a pulse. The doctor yells for the "paddles," places them on the patient's and medications delivered by the EMTh," Greater access chest, and calls out "everybody clear" explains Anne H. Dougherty, associate There is a growing interest in wider The machine that delivers the shock to the heart is called a professor of medicine at The University of use of AEDsby first responders, such as defibrillator As technology has advanced, the machine has grown Texas-Houston Medical School, "but you police officers and firefighters. Police offic- smaller, more portable and easier to use. And it has moved out of need shock to reestablish normal heart ers often arrive at the scene before other the hospital. Now,even trained lay people are using automatic rhythm." Dougherty emphasizes that the help arrives. A long-term program of AED external defibrillators (AEDS) in emergency situations to help amount of time elapsing between the use by police officers in one area in Michi- save the lives of cardiac arrest victims. The American Heart Asw- onset of the cardiac arrest and first delivery gan had achieved a 20 percent survival dation is campaigning to place the machines with all "first re- of shock is critical in determining rate in cardiac arrest victims; when a new sponders," such as fire department paramedi~, police officers and someone's outcome. "Since there is a administration discontinued the program, emergency medical technicians. Someday the compact little window of only five to six minutes in the survival rate dropped to 4 percent boxes, located in public places which shock is likely to restore normal 11Ie future of AEDs such as stadiums and offices, may be as common as fire heart rhythm," Dougherty says, "time is of While AEDs cannot revive people extinguishers. the essence." It is estimated that with each whose hearts are damaged beyond hope, Why restoring hean rhythm is essential minute that elapses between cardiac arrest AEDs have shown that they can save lives. All four chambers of the heart - the right and left atria and and defibrillation, the victim's chance of . They are designed to deliver an electric the right and left ventricles located below them - must contract survivai decreases by about 10 percent countershock only in those instances in in an organired manner for the heart to beat normally. When the Imp~yecl technology which it is appropriate. heart is in fibrillation, its muscles twitch chaotically instead of Automatic external defibrilators Uability laws may have to change contracting normally. The most serious erratic heartbeats you (AEDS), which were first introduarl in before AEDssee more widespread use. Most have seen on medical dramas typically are either "ventricular 1979, differ in a number of ways from the states do not have a "Good Samaritan" fibrillation" or "V tach" (ventricular tachycardia). Tachycardia defibrillators you see on television. Origi- la\v. Only Florida protects bystanders from means a more organized, but very rapid heartbeat nally somewhat bulky, AEDs are now a lawsuit if they use the machine on a 'kntricular fibrillation can cause the heart's pumping action about the size of a laptop computer and person and the person dies. AEDs are rela- to virtually cease. The body also receives insufficient blood in the are relatively simple to operate. tively expensive, costing from about case of "V tach," or rapid contraction of the ventricles. Once the AEDis turned on, its com- $2,000 to $4,000. But they appear to be Defibrillation - the saving shock puter provides audible instructions telling here to stay. An increasing number of In the 1960s doctors began to use electrical countershock to the trained operator what to do. In sho~ facilities - basically anywhere large rrestablish normal heart rhythms. Use of electrical countershock, the machine "talks" to you. instead of crowds gather, will provide access to AEDs a technique called defibrillation, improved survival in victims of paddles, adhesive pads are attached to the in an effort to avoid preventable deaths cardiac arrest In the last three decades, the challenge has been to victim's chest There are diagrams to illus- from cardiac arrest RL find a way to use this technology earlier in cases of life-threaten- trate proper placement After the pads are M I CHI G A N FAR M 8 U'R E AU. t t HEALTH HARVEST tion from breast cancer among women who get more sun is linked to their synthesizing more vitamin 0 from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The thought that radiation reduces the risk of any cancer might sound counterintuitive, but preliminary experiments ~ 1 have suggested that vitamin 0 - which requires sunlight to be ~J _! 'j .. 'I __~ ~ -=::4_':' . produced in the skin - may protect against breast cancer by I ,~ ~, ~ ~wing or stopping the growth of cancerous cells. In the latest 1 ~\ research, consisting of preliminary findings presented recently II iJ' at a government conference, scientists followed a group of some j/~/ 5,000 women for about 16 years, comparing their lifestyles and diets. They found that it wasn't only D from the sun that helped. Vitamin 0 from foods also appeared protective. Women who got 200 or more International Units of 0 in their diets had about a 30 percent reduced risk of breast cancer compared to women who got fewer than 50 units. Foods with vitamin 0 include milk and fortified breakfast cereals, fatty fish, egg yolks and liver. The research coincides neatly with new recommendations that adult women get more 0 in their diets: 400 to 600 units for women over 50 as opposed to the previously recommended level of just 200 units. "Wedon't know exactly how many units of vitamin 0 might prevent breast cancer," said lead researcher Esther John, Ph.D., of the Northern California Cancer Center. "But we do know that the intake of vitamin D from foods in the Redudng breast U.S. is low." The new dietary advice is especially apt for people who live in the northern states, where the sun's rays generally cancerrfSk aren't strong enough to produce 0 in the skin during the winter. John emphasized that her study does not warrant getting W omen who live in sunny like Boston or Seattle. There's a similar excessive exposure to the sun. "I~takes only about 10 to 15 places such as Atlanta or difference in breast cancer risk between minutes of sun exposure on the face, neck, arms and hands to San Antonio are 30 to 40 women who catch frequent rays during meet the body's daily requirements for vitamin 0," she said. You percent less likely to get breast cancer work or play and those who tend to stay also shouldn't overdo it with vitamin 0 containing foods or than those who hail from northern cities indoors. Researchers suspect the protec- supplements, as 0 can be toxic at 1,000 to 2,000 units a day. RL Color yourself healthy H ealth-savvy consumers know that the deep orange hue of a carrot signals that it's rich in beta-carotene, an like spinach are also high in beta-caro- tene - you just don't see the orange color because it's masked by the green by their color? Afterall, beta carotene is only one of several members of this family of plant chemicals (there are more than 500) that appear important to good health. Take a look at the antioxidant thought to be linked to can- pigment chlorophyll. color chart below to see which foods are high in four caro- cer prevention. Dark green vegetables What about finding other carotenoids tenoids that scientists are now linking to disease prevention. RL Orange or deep yellow Dark green Red or pink Beta-carotene: Awell-known antioxi- apricots,cantaloupe,carrots,dried beetgreens,collards,fennel,fresh red pepper dant which may reduce risk of some peaches,mangoes,pumpkin, sweet parsley,kale,mustard greens,ro- cancers by protecting cells from damage II potato,wintersquash maine lettuce,spinach Lutein/zeaxanrthin: May help protect broccoli,brusselssprouts,freshpars- pumpkin,summer squash ley,greenleaf lettuce(not iceberg), against macular degeneration, a leading greenpeas,kale, leeks,mustard cause of blindness in older people greens,spinach Lycopene: Linked with a decreased risk driedapricots .guava or guava juice,pink~fruit, fed tomatoesand tomato-b prod- of prostate cancer ucts (e.g.,ketchup,tomato sauce, tomatopaste) watennelon '12 • R U R ALL I V I N G • W J N T E R 1 9 9 8 • Michigan Farm Bureau • Farm Bureau Insurance • Farm Bureau Group Purchasing • Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association, Inc . • Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. Make the Farm Bureau Framework Work For You resulted in new management tools that will finally ing withl These entrepreneurs don't have the begin to help get our deer herd under control. luxury or the security of being held unaccountable Make no mistake about it. Farm Bureau, in for their actions or business decisions. They, un- cooperation with the Michigan United Conserva- like a lot of our bureaucrats, have bills to pay, pay- tion Clubs and the Michigan Department of Natu- rolls to meet and loans to repay. ral Resources, made these changes a reality. Will The bottom line to this issue is the bottom they be sufficient to get the job donel Only time line, pure and simple. The 36,000 tons of soybean and our constant monitoring will tell. meal that were not produced this past fall have a Value-added ventures direct impact on your profitability, both as a live- Another success this past year on the state stock producer purchasing soymeal and as a crop level, thanks to our Farm Bureau framework, was farmer attempting to sell raw soybeans. the educational programs on value-added process- The Farm Bureau framework cannot and should Jack Laurie ing cooperatives. Michigan Farm Bureau, in coop- not sit idle on this situation. It threatens the very -.d Presldent.s Report eration with Michigan State University and a host prospect of any additional value-added processing of commodity organizations, has held numerous here in Michigan that we're so eagerly seeking. ~ little more than 100 years ago, in educational workshops and tours over the last 12 Ask Clifford Meeuwsen, one of the owners of Illinois, one of the greatest inventions in the months. ZFS, knowing what he knows today, if he would history of construction occurred. In 1884 and We are, I believe, at a crucial crossroads, in still risk his family's business by investing in a soymeaI 1885, the Home Insurance Company sky- moving beyond the discussion stage to the actual processing facility. His answer, in short, no way! scraper, all 10 stories of it, was built in research, development and implementation of Farm Bureau has the clout to aggressively pursue Chicago. value-added processing here in Michigan. We can- legislation, to make sure that regulations and regu- What was remarkable about this struc- not afford to let the momentum that's been build- lators balance their demands with common sense. ture was that it did not rest on a firm foun- ing for value-added processing in this state die. Land-use planning dation.lnstead, the architects relied on a new Farm Bureau can ensure that producer edu- Land-use planning. or the lack of it, is another form of support cation and coordination on value-added contin- challenge that the framework of Farm Bureau con- Instead of heavy foundations and load- ues. Farm Bureau can also continue to provide the tinues to work on. As you all know, our legislators bearing walls, they built a steel skeletOn, a leadership to secure additional funding through missed a prime opportunity this past year to pro- scaffolding. that was internal to the building. Project GREEEN to make sure that new product vide genuine reform to our state's subdivision con- On that skeletOn they hung the skyscraper. development, market research and business analy- trol act. This system of girders and skeletal frame- sis can be conducted for value-added ventures. According to estimates from the Department work remains, to this day, the technology for The Farm Bureau framework can also ensure of Natural Resources, farmland acres in Michigan building skyscrapers. It is much more pow- that these new ventures aren't regulated out of will shrink from 10.1 million acres to approximately erful than just a foundation because it is inte- existence even before they have a chance to suc- 8.1 million acres over the next 20 years.Anytime gral to the structure. It weaves itself through- ceed.That suggestion, unfortunately, is based more you destroy the production base for an industry- out; it becomes part of the very structure it on fact than on fear. whether it's farmland for producing crops or an is trying to support Zeeland Farm Service, which operates the assembly plant for manufacturing automobiles - it This story should encourage all of us to state's first soybean processing plant, has a $180,000 has a direct impact on the economy. view Farm Bureau as the framework that flaking machine that sat idle for nearly four months, I would be willing to bet that if the big three builds upon a firmly established foundation, while the company awaited permit approval from auto manufacturers announced they were shut- in creating a brighter future for Michigan ag- the Department of Environmental Quality. They ting down 25 percent of their auto manufacturing riculture. just received that permit in late December. capacity in this state, they would quickly have the The Farm Bureau framework has been To get that permit, unfortunately, Zeeland undivided attention' of our legislators. UnfortU- dealing with numerous issues this past year Farm Service had to agree to spend an additional nately, that's exactly what we have allowed to hap- - improved deer population control, value- $425,000 to $700,000. Whyl Because DEQ ap- pen to. our farmland base here in Michigan. added processing.zoning ordinances and wise parently has grave concerns about dust emissions It never ceases to amaze me how lawmakers land-use planning. farmland preservation, es- from a soymeal plant. in Lansing fail to grasp that simple fact. There is a tate tax reform and global wanning. just to As a result, Zeeland Farm Service will have to desperate need for wise land-use planning to sup- mention a few. spend $1 50,000 to blacktop their driveways and port an industry that contributes more than Regardless of the issue, the Farm service yard. DEQ also thinks it would be nice to $37 billion annually to this state's economy. Again, Bureau organization can provide the frame- build a $40,000 dust-containment structure around where's the common sense in the decisions made work for getting the job done. Discovery, it's the receiving pits to prohibit soybean dust from by our lawmakersl said, consists of seeing what everybody else being released into the atmosphere. ~nother Development is inevitable. We can choose, has seen and then thinking what nobody else $60,000 will be spent on installing air monitors, however, whether we want to manage that growth has thought. More importantly, it also re- and possibly another $250,000 for a bagger house. or allow the prime farmland base we all depend quires action. The Farm Bureau framework The final insult to injury - Zeeland Farm Service upon to continue eroding. has done just that this past year. has spent $130,000 in attorney and consultant fees The Farm Bureau framework has spearheaded Wildlife crop damage thus far. several educational programs on the Purchase of At last year's state annual meeting. wild- When I hear of these situations, I often find Development Rights. The potential for local PDR life crop damage was a major policy issue. myself asking, 'Whatever happened to good old programs is phenomenal. They provide an oppor- While our policy debate was controversial, common sense?" Do these regulators - and in tunity to maintain the local agricultural land base the Farm Bureau framework of policy devel- some cases, legislators - have any appreciation for while keeping the existing farm operations intact opment and, consequently, policy execution, the economic realities these individuals are deal- and providing revenue to local economies. It aJ- lows residents to decide for themselves if they often the push that's needed to get the job done. are willing to support a local PDR program. Legislative clout Fast-track Nationally, the Farm Bureau organization was On the national level, we suffered a major ranked as the 17th most powerful interest group in blow to future economic prosperity with the Washington, D.C., by Fortune magazine through a failure of Congress to pass fast-track authoriza- survey of congressional leaders and senior White tion. With declining government support to U.S. House aides. agriculture, increased access to international At the state level, Michigan Farm Bureau contin- markets is crucial. ues to be a force to be reckoned with, thanks once .Amid all of the legislative rhetoric you will more to our grass-roots framework. Among single hear on fast-track during next year's election interest organizations, Michigan Farm Bureau was campaigns, remember one vital fact. Fewer than ranked fourth in the state by Inside Michigan Politics in 4 percent of the world's consumers live in the 1995. United States, while at the same time, we pro- We need to capitalize on that clout. As mem- duce 20 percent of all agricultural and manufac- bers of the Farm Bureau framework. each one of us tured goods in the world. must strive to constantly ensure that common sense We cannot possibly purchase enough food prevails and that economic opportunities continue or manufactured goods to sustain a sound do- to exist for the agricultural industry. mestic economy. If there's any hope of continu- Persistence is what makes the impossible pos- ing economic growth, we need access to the sible, the possible likely, and the likely definite. The other 96 percent of the world's consumers limits we set for ourselves, and perhaps the Farm through trade. Bureau organization, exist only in our minds. Some- It's essential that the Farm Bureau frame- times, if we let our hearts do the talking and believe work encourage our legislators to employ com- in our ability to overcome past perceptions, we can mon sense in making their decisions on fast- create another reality. track renewal, rather than focusing on their next I urge each of you to become an active part of election campaign. Personal phone calls and let- the Farm Bureau framework to help our agricultural ters from those of you in the "real-world" are industry achieve its potential in the coming year. Michigan Farm Uqutdtty PosWon (CUrftat Assets pIUs UqWd ~~ Bureau Revenue ~~ts Ius Curftet ,~) $4.353,'45- • '94 '95 '96 '97 *Net of $101,835 Increase in deferred membership dues reserve. '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association Taking on new venwres, maximizing finan- Feeder Pig Division The committee made a motion to change the cial reWms to members and raising charitable Feeder pig prices have been under a lot of marketing fee from 1.50 percent to 1.75 percent funds for the hungry highlighted the Michigan pressure, but have improved with the advance- for the 1997 crop year. Agricultural Cooperative MarketingAssociation's ment of com harvest and the drop in soybean Michigan asparagus growers finished the 1997 (MACMA) past year. Since 1961, MACMA's six meal prices. Overall, producers had a season with a total of 22.2 million pounds of as- divisions have continued to find new and innova- good year. paragus delivered to processors. A total of tive ways to provide Farm Bureau members with Planning and development is underway to 14,450,679 pounds of asparagus was canned and a market for their productS. implement a three-stage, multi-site hog produc- 7,708,683 was frozen. This was 4.2 million pounds Reel Tart Cherry tion network. The scope of the project is 1,000 less than the 1996 crop season. Growers Division hogs per week, involving six to I0 farm owers, an Michigan Plum The USDA estimated the 1997 Michigan tart off-site nursery and several finishers with total Growers Division cherry crop at 180 million pounds out of 242 capacity for 18,000 head. MACMA is taking the . The plum crop was up slightly from last year, million pounds nationally. However, the crop lead on this project with support from the Pork with Michigan plum processor prices for Stanley picked out at 278.9 million pounds delivered Alliance. One of the keys to networking the plums ranging from 14 cents to 16 cents per mainly because of favorable weather conditions project will be the construction of a nursery pound. Damson prices ranged from 18 cents to which produced an excellent crop. facility. 22 cents per pound. Since the new Cherry Federal Marketing Michigan Processing Regulatory Compliance Order (FMO) instituted last year could not es- Apple Growers Division Assistance Program tablish pricing, a new cooperative structure was The division continued to sell large quanti- With the help of numerous county Farm formed inApril when tart cherry growers across ties of apples at prices considerably higher than Bureaus, 10 winter Safety Challenge Seminars the United States formed a federated marketing last fall's negotiated minimum prices. Michigan were held to address fitting, use and care of per- cooperative called CherrCo, Inc. CherrCo, Inc. processors recently were awarded orders from sonal protective equipment. Three agribusiness reached an agreement with 24 grower coopera- the USDA for apple productS produced from the management seminars were also held through- tives and announced pricing for frozen and hot- 1996 apple crop. Michigan processors were out the state. Core program services expanded packed tart cherries. The MACMA board of di- awarded 75 percent of the total applesauce or- and the use of the 800-number increased. rectors and the Red Tart Cherry Growers Mar- der and 70 percent of the total apple juice order. Michigan Sampler Program keting Committee authorized the establishment The Michigan Processing Apple Growers To raise funds for the Food Bank Council of a Capper-Volstead producer cooperative, Marketing Committee estimated the 1997 apple of Michigan, two special-edition gift boxes fea- named Millennium Marketing, Inc., to strengthen crop at 22.3 million bushels, up 22.6 percent for turing the Mackinac Bridge and a Great Lakes supply and pricing for independent growers.This last year's 17.2-million-bushel total. Lighthouse were offered for sale. President Jack cooperative is a member of CherrCo, Inc. Asparagus Growers Division Laurie and Gov. Engler's wife, Michelle, pro- MACMA continues to provide grower price lead- The Asparagus Marketing Committee met moted the joint project through statewide public ership as an advocate for fair prices. March II to set the 1997 processing price for service announcements. A holiday catalog was The division continues to work on further MACMA members. The price was set at a cash developed and mailed to members and purchases from the USDA of tart cherries for discounted price of 66 cents per pound.The de- corporations. school lunch programs. layed terms price was set at 67 cents per pound. Michigan Farm Bureau Group PurChasing, Inc. Michigan Farm Bureau Group Purchasing, Uncoln Welders, accessories and welding sup- percent. We have pre-ordered significant quan- Inc. (GPI) is a member-only ag replacement parts plies, and high-quality pressure washers. tities of inventory, which will allow them to be supplier specializing in tillage wear parts, cutting The year of 1998 began a period of signifi- delivered to our customers much earlier than parts, roller chain, nuts and bolts, and other items cant change for GPI. Its best discount for cash in past years. Commissions to vendors have been that are needed year after year. They also offer orders is 25 percent, where last year it was 20 improved and the search for more commission- paid vendors to serve at the county level, will be more aggressive in the next two years. GPI was originally conceived to be a mem- ber benefit program through the distribution of high-quality replacement parts at low, affordable prices. By design, we purchase, as a group, two times each year. We begin with a 25-percent- discount winter sale, which this year runs through Feb. 14, 1998. We follow up that sale with a 25-percent-discount summer sale during the month of July each year. In addition to our two annual sales, GPI of- fers productS to members year-round. Based on our inventory and customer demand, we can ship direct either from our warehouse in Grand Ledge or from regional warehouses based in In- diana and Illinois. We can also ship direct from the manufacturers .. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative to modify Its name and become FPC Changes in the farming and fuel industries represent constant change, and this past year certainly proved that for Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc.One of the greatest challenges is to procure the highest quality product and deliver it at the best value. One of FPC's main focuses for 1997 was an increased emphasis on effectively promoting its product lines to all members and to create a greater awareness of the company in the mar- ketplace. Other challenges facing FPC are com- plying with and helping member cooperatives deal with governmental regulations, and main- taining the cooperative in a decreasing market with increasing competition. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc., evaluated and will be implementing a modifica- Farm Bureau Insurance tion of its name and logo. Beginning in 1998, The top 10 reasons why we proved our Guardian policy for Michigan busi- "FPC" will replace the full name in an ongoing are proud of 1997 ••• nesses. The many enhancements will make us effort to obtain more non-traditional business. Was 1997 a good year for you and your even more competitive in the Michigan busi- Another focus during 1997 was to imple- familyl It was for Farm Bureau Insurance. We ness insurance market. ment and maintain job training for employees helped more people, added more services, and 6) Benefits paid: We paid more than $200 to enhance the safety of operations, and to in- invested more in Michigan's future. Take a look million in claims and policyholder benefits last crease the level of professionalism in all areas. at our top 10 highlights of 1997: year and added thousands of new policyhold- The transportation department continued up- I) National recognition: For the sixth ers ... an indication of how much we help this dating its fleet by adding one new semi-tractor, straight year, Farm Bureau Ufe was named one state. two new propane delivery units, a new chassis of the SO most outstanding life insurers in 7) Property-casualty production: Total and refurbished liquidfuel tankwagon,and a new America, based on safety,security and outstand- premiums in our two property-casualty com- service vehicle. ing financial performance. panies (Farm Bureau Mutual and Farm Bureau The propane program also continued its 2) New company: We formed a new com- General) reached $252 million,an increase over upward growth trend. This growth was aided pany,the FB Equity Corporation, which will of- 1996.Farmowner sales were up in 1997,thanks by the partnership between Farmers Petroleum fer mutual funds and variable annuities to our to our continued leadership in the farm mar- and Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) to be- clients.This new company will enable us to ex- ket. Sales of Homeowners insurance were es- gin offering TEC's customers propane and ser- pand our products and services to Farm Bureau pecially strong, reflective of our success in at- vice from FPC's Caro Retail Center.This includes members. Several agents are being licensed to tracting higher-quality homes. the installation of a 30,OOO-gallonbulk propane sell the new company's products. 8) Ufe insurance production: Life and plant in Ubly. FPC also installed an 18,000- 3) New products and services: Farm annuity premium exceeded $64 million in 1997. gallon propane plant at the Kinde Co-op to Bureau Ufe introduced a new Universal Lifepolicy, Farm Bureau Ufe added $17 million to surplus maximize propane deliveries in the Thumb area offeringseveral enhancements that willbetter pro- in 1997, bringing this policyholder protection of the state. tect you and help you reach your financialobjec- fund to more than $137 million. FPC continues to provide Farm Bureau tives.And we now offer two new IRAs:the Roth 9) Market strength: Besides being members with a diverse array of products be- IRA,featuring taX-deferred interest earnings and Michigan'snumber-one farm insurer,we are now yond propane and fuel, including oil, tires, taX-freewithdrawals,and the SIMPLEIRAfor small the sixth largest home insurer, seventh largest livestock equipment, salt, batteries, car care employerswho need an easy,affordableretirement auto insurer, and fifth largest commercial auto products and pumps. planfor their employees. insurer. We protect more than 350,000 Michi- 4) Farmowners coverage expanded: gan policyholders and haveassets of greater than We expanded our farmowners policy 21 $1.5 billion. ways, one of the biggest overall coverage 10)Community involvement:As a long- improvements in the policy's history.The 21 im- time partner with the MichiganHighSchoolAth- provements range from expanded coverage for leticAssociation, we are a major sponsor of high newly acquired farm machines and livestock to school sports and youth programs in this state. emergency road service for farm machinery and We also provide 24 scholarships each year for twice as much coverage for debris removal. Our Michigan'stop scholar-athletes. And we help raise farmowners policy is the best-selling farm pro- millions of dollars for the fight against cancer by tection program in the state. sponsoring 30 American Cancer Society golf 5) Other policy improvements: We im- tournaments and the state finals each year. 1997 Chief Farm Bureau members Operating Young Farmers killed the death tax OHicer's Report The value of belonging made a difference for you this past year. Farm Bureau members were active on numerous county, state and national issues, proving once again the value of belonging to a general Young Farmers, the future of Farm Bureau, were Farm Bureau's "Kill the Death Tax Campaign:' a active again this past year.The average age of young nationwide letter-writing campaign urging Congress farm organization that farmers attending the 1997 MFBYoung Farmer lead- to reform the federal estate tax, resulted in 2,044 provides one unified voice for ers' Conference was 26 years. More than 60 percent MichiganFarm Bureau members writing 6,132 letters. of those attending were at their first Leaders' Confer- Thanks to the efforts of Farm Bureau, the current agriculture. ence to participate in management and leadership $600,000 standard exemption will be increased to workshop activities. Ninety-nine people, including na- $1 million over a 10-year period. In addition to the tional runner-up Rodney Laurenzfrom MidlandCounty, standard exemption, a new family business exemp- participated in the 1996-97 district Discussion Meets, tion is provided. When combined with the standard the largest participation ever. exemption for familybusinesses, which includes farms, the total exemption will be $1.3 million. Farm safety John Vander Molen Chief Operating Officer Membership growth Because of outstanding efforts by Farm Bureau More than 400 Farm Bureau members let their Farm Bureau members are keenly aware of the volunteers, Insurance agents and county Farm Bureau voices be heard in the state capital during the annual need to protect themselves from accidents on their staff, Michigan Farm Bureau ended the year with a Lansing Legislative Seminar.The one-day seminar al- farming operation. Ogemaw County Farm Bureau 5,648-member gain, boosting total membership to lows members like Kalamazoo's Larry Leach, left, to even sponsored an Ag Accident Rescue Seminar to 16I,366 and making this 10 straight years of member- encourage their state legislators to support Michigan educate other members and emergency personnel ship growth. Your organization also experienced the Farm Bureau's policy position. Rep. Don Gilmer, right, about the situations they might encounter on a mod- second consecutive year of regular member growth, earned MichiganFarm Bureau's prestigious Silver Plow ern farm. closing out the year with 44,847 farmer members. award for his support of agriculture in Michigan. Project GREEEN Livestock initiative Membership services As an organization, MichiganFarm Bureau is con- stantly searching for ways to save every member money. New this year to the member service lineup is The Farm Bureau Connection, a long-distance phone service for members only. More than 800 par- ticipants have already signed up for the discount ser- vice. Rates are just 8.5 cents a minute for all instate calls,24 hours a day,and 11.9 cents a minute for out- of-state calls. Health services Michigan legislators supported our state's plant- Completion of the $70 million livestock initia- Community Blue is a new PPO health-care plan based agriculture by providing$1 millionin partial fund- tive was commemorated this past summer at the now available to members. It offers $10 office visits, a ing for Project GREEEN (Generating Research and renovated Anthony Hall location, during Agriculture's wide range of wellness benefits and a lower deduct- Extensionto meet Economicand EnvironmentalNeeds). Summer Celebration. More than 1,200 Farm Bureau ible.ln addition, 1998 will also bring the introduction Farm Bureau members and commodity group leaders members and guests were on hand to tour all of the of new prescription drug coverage in all non-Medi- thanked the legislators by heading to Lansingand pre- new livestock facilitiesmade possible by Farm Bureau's care plan options. You'll also find added features to senting their stat~ representatives and senators with grass-roots efforts. the Farm Bureau VISAcard in the coming months. baskets of plant products and information. State legislative victories Farm Bureau was instrumental in securing legis- lation to increase highway funding by an estimated $300 million through a 4-cent gas-tax increase. As a result more than 400 miles of new road will be con- structed across the state. Farm Bureau continues its efforts to change the state's donor status in the Fed- Adding value to what our members grow is the concept behind value-added agriculture. Farm Bureau, eral HighwayTrust Fund.Currently, Michigangets back recognizing the potential of value-added processing to boost farm income, co-hosted a value-added, new-wave only 87 cents for every dollar sent in. cooperative meeting in Frankenmuth last January; published "Trends inValue-Added Agriculture;' an eight-page supplement to the Michigan Farm News; and helped send more than 30 Farm Bureau members to North Dakota to give them an in-depth look at value-added processing on the high plains. Michigan FFA Foundation Caring about the environment Miracle of Life exhibit Supporting FFA members throughout Michigan BayCounty Farm Bureau President Dave Duyck, The popular Miracle of Life exhibit drew thou- was the driving force for the Farm Bureau-managed left, earned the 1997 Conservationist of the Year sands of visitors at the Michigan State Fair.The ex- MichiganFFAFoundation. In 1997, more than $1 mil- award from the Michigan Senate's Republican Cau- hibit was also featured at the u.P. State Fair,where lion was raised through corporate and individual do- cus for his work protecting the Saginaw BayWater- more than 100 Farm Bureau volunteers educated nations through a matching grant from the Michigan shed. Like all Farm Bureau members, Duyck demon- passersby about agriculture. Department of Agriculture. The newly created Vi- strated the care he provides for the resources from The Miracle of Lifeexhibit features farm animals, sion2000 Endowed Fund will better equip the next which he earns a livingon his farm. which are brought in within a few days of givingbirth. generation with the knowledge about agriculture Fair spectators have the rare opportunity to watch they need. the births as they learn about our industry. Young People's Citizenship Seminar Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies Mission Statement The purpose of the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies is to promote) protect and represent the business) economic) social and educational interests of the Michigan The 1997 Young People's Citizenship Seminar Farm Bureau memberj to re-ot;ganiu and Michigan Farm Bureau spread the word about agriculture through displaysat numerous malls across drew more than 200 high school students to Calvin advance the Michiga" FarmBureau as the the state, Lansing's Capital City Airport and Rural College last year. A majority of the students indicated parent ot;ganizationj to maintain and Education Days. New this year; the Miracle of Milk that they understood the political process better now than before the seminar and 73 percent indicated that enhance the leadership role of the Michigan exhibit, a three-dimensional display of a modern dairy farm,also helped share agriculture's message.The dairy they would be more inclined to seek an elected posi- Farm Bureau Family of Compa"iesj and display made stops at county fairs, the state fair and tion. Plans are already underway for next year's con- to be supportive of each affiliate's effort to other events throughout the state. ference. scheduled for June 15-19 at Calvin College. meet their specific company objective. uf6chigan Farm Bureau State Board of Directors Each year at the Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting, the 452 delegates elect 17 representa- tives to the board of directors.They are responsible for leading Michigan's largest farm organization during the upcoming year and making your organization a place "Where Belonging Makes a Difference:' Front. left to right Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Thomas Parker, Grand ledge; Michael Fusilier, District III,Manchester; Faye Adam, Director-at-Iarge, Snover; Donald Sutto, District VIII, Saginaw; Amy Martin,Young Farmer Representative, leroy; Margaret Kartes, District X,West Branch; Middle row: judith Emmons, Director-at-large, Sheridan; Alan Gamer, District V, Mason; Vice Presi- dent Wayne Wood, Marlette; Jan Vosburg, Director-at-Iarge, Climax; Rick Johnson, District VII,leroy; Robert Wahmhoff, District XI, Baraga; President jack laurie, Direccor-at-Iarge, Cass City; Back row: Chief Operating Officer John Vander Molen, Charlotte;james Miller,District I,Coloma;Terry Bellville, Promotion and Education Representative, Whittemore; BlaineVanSickle, District II, Marshall;Joshua Wunsch, District IX,Traverse City; Secretary David VanderHaagen, Okemos; Not pictured: Thomas Guthrie. District IV.Delton ' . , I.~c: ., z- ~ .. M.'. 1 .... > ....~~* H'~ ~. <'".1 ,G'. ,.A I"~.~ >,. N BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP When you join Farm Bureau, you are port of an organization that represents a majority of the nation's farmers. Since its establishment in 1919, Form Bureau has been dedicated to defending the rights and economic interests of its members. Rated as the fourth Best Single Interest Lobbying Organization in Michigan~ * Farm Bureau members get top-notch ref'resentation for under $50 per year. We're not just there ... we're effective! Policy Development AgriPoc With over 950 registered lobbying organizations in Member-developed policy is the foundation of Farm Cutting through the campaign rhetoric to the real Michigan, Fann Bureau's top four ranking proves Bureau and the blueprint for a strong, competitive issues! That's the goal of Michigan Farm Bureau's once again that our member-developed grass roots rural economy today and in the future. Through Political Action Committee,AgriPac. Without regard policy is being heard in the halls of the Michigan policy development, farmer neighbors come to- to political affiliation,AgriPac defines the issues and Capitol. While most organizations have member gether to analyze and find solutions to agricultural then scrutinizes the candidates. Committee memo dues priced in the hundreds of dollars, Farm problems. Join this grass roots process! Your input bers are looking for candidates who demonstrate Bureau members have shown that you don't have is essential for policy development to work. concern and involvement in agriculwre. If they to be pricey to be effective. measure up, they receive AgriPac's endorsement as Local Affairs - "Not in my backyard" is a catch Legislative Seminars a "Friend of Agriculwre." phrase for the '90s. What happens in your backyard Get good government by getting involved! Farm AgriPac's election year activities rely on grass roots is of concern to all Farm Bureau members. County Bureau helps you become informed and influential opinion. County volunteers, who earn their living in Farm Bureau Local Affairs committees provide as a participant in the Farm Bureau legislative agriculture, give their time to serve on county members with a great opportUnity to detennine seminars.These seminars put you in touch with the Candidate Evaluation committees.They interview the fuwre of their communities and help mold their issues and the decision makers in Washington, D.C., candidates and pass on their "Friend of Agriculwre" neighborhoods for coming generations. and in lansing. Now that's accountability! recommendations to AgriPac. State Affairs - Tangled in red tape? lambasted by Are your interests national and international? Then legislation? During the 1995-96 legislative session, your choice should be the three-day legislative over 3,450 bills and 1,400 resolutions were intro- seminar in Washington, D.C. You'll attend top level duced by members of the Michigan House and legislative briefings conducted by American Farm Senate resulting in over 880 laws. Farm Bureau Bureau staff.Then you'll join a select group of reviewed and monitored these bills and resolutions county Farm Bureau members on the front lines of for their potential impact on agriculture and rural this grass roots lobbying mission - making per- communities. sonal contacts with Michigan's senators and repre- sentatives and attending congressional hearings. National Affairs - Sometimes it seems the "big" Member-developed policy is the source for the national issues are so far removed from your farm positions taken on issues.Vigorous support by Farm and community, that you feel powerless to influence Bureau members - like you - is crucial in con- the outcome. No matter how complicated and vincing our state's elected leaders to back Farm overwhelming a national issue may seem, your voice Bureau policy with their votes. is being heard because you're a Farm Bureau mem- ber. Want to make a difference closer to home? Attend a Lansing Legislative Seminar.This annual seminar is your opportunity for face-to.face discussion with -Ratings compiled by independent political newsletter Michigan legislative leaders.You'll have the infor- ImJde MJchiggn Poitks. mation and examples to give legislators an accurate picture of how Fann Bureau policy refleCts the real issues that face agriculture today. To learn more about legislative activities and making a difference, call 800-292-2680, extension 2040, or call your county Farm Bureau. Promotion and Education Commodity Activities Promotion and Education is as dynamic and excit- An impressive agenda of top commodity, govern- ing as you want to make it! It's designed for farm ment and private sector officials awaits Farm families who want to spread the message of agri- Bureau members every year at our annual com- culture. Farm Bureau members have found that modity conference. Providing Michigan farmers the through this program, they can address specific latest information about the most current issues in needs in their communities and make a difference their industry is the main objective of this program. by taking action on local problems. Ask yourself if the following are concerns in your county: Communicating • Do children really understand that farms are for Agriculture the source of their favorite (and some not-so- favorite) foods? When it comes to farming and your county Farm .. Do community and local government leaders Bureau, you're the expert! And Farm Bureau gives understand the agricultural industry? you so many opportunities to tell the story of .. Do farmers in your area have access to the agriculture and share your knowledge. Your latest information on new regulations and interests may be in working with the news media management practices? in your local newspaper or radio and television markets, or editing the county Farm Bureau If these sound like concerns you have in your newsletter. You can choose to volunteer as an community, then you should join thousands of Farm Information Committee member, media response Bureau members statewide who participate each team member or newsletter editor. You'll get year in promotion and education activities. practical, hands-on training in writing, planning Activities like agricultural mall displays, agriculture media events and preparing for on-camera in the classroom programs, commodity information interviews. It's a chance to affect hundreds, meetings, agricultural accident rescue seminars and even thousands of people! For additional many more. For additional information, call 800- information, call 800-292-2680, extension 6540. 292-2680, extension 3213. How ore you monaging your farm to protect the e v ronment? Michigan Farmers know that environmental security and responsibility starts at home. They're involved every day with issues like water quality, food safety, and soil and wild- life conservation. Ken and Larry Nobis (above) discuss their Clinton County farming operation. "All the things we do in farming have to be economically sound as well as ecologically sound because there's not much profit in it unless you do it right. We utilize sophisti- cated monitoring equipment on our field sprayer to enable us to apply the precise amount called for. Our integrated pest management program means that insect and weed control is done on an as-needed basis only.Treatments may be cultural, biological, or chemical and we keep written records on each field so there is no chance of ovef\oapplication. "Our dairy herd management includes physical and environmental measures to protect animal health and reduce the need for medication. Beyond that, each load of milk that leaves this and every dairy farm in Michigan is tested for quality and purity before it reaches the consumer. We are proud that Michigan consistently leads the nation in monitoring the quality of our dairy products." Health Insurance Farm Bureau Connection SM Long- Term Care Insurance Do you feel like your It's simple, convenient, A recent addition to health insurance costs and comes from some- Farm Bureau's family of :J" -V~~ ,"~,",\~4,j. you more and more one you trust. That is benefits is long-term while covering less and lessl If so, you're not the cornerstone of the FB Connection Long I --0'~~ -;\ care insurance offered through CNA Compa- alone! Michigan Farm Bureau is an organiza- tion committed to Distance program. Our 8.5 cents per minute in-state rate and our J ~J J/ nies. farm Bureau members receive a 10% discount plus an addi- health care reform and 11.9 cents per minute tional 10% if both providing its members with affordable, quality out-of-state rate are some of the lowest in the members of the family health care. country. And because it's 24 hours a day, 7 days a take out coverage. Contact a farm Bureau Insur. week, it's simple to understand. Billing in 6 second ance agent for more information. Michigan Farm Bureau has had individual health increments also means you only pay for the time insurance as a member service for over 40 years, you use, not the one minute minimums most and now offers plans for sole proprietors and small companies charge. We also have personal 800 businesses. If you would like information on these numbers, calling cards and business services. Con- cost-saving plans, please contact your local Farm tact your county Farm Bureau or call .'-800-805- Bureau Insurance agent or the county Farm Bureau 4864 for more details. Accidental Death and office. Dismemberment Insurance Farmowners Insurance Most county Farm Bureaus offer accidental death and dismemberment coverage as part of your basic Auto Insurance Farm Bureau Mutual Farm Bureau membership fee, so you pay no extra introduced the very first cost. This benefit provides coverage if you are killed Finding a friendly place or suffer certain injuries In an accident. Your county to insure your car is farmowners policy in the nation. We were the first Farm Bureau will be happy to fill you in on the easy when you're a details. (Not available in 011counties.) Michigan Farm Bureau and we're still the best. member: Farm Bureau We offer customized Insurance has nearly 400 protection, fast claims agents around the state service, and people who ready to serve you. know the Insurance needs of Michigan farmers. In faCt, we insure more Michl. Ag Work Comp Insurance Check out our competi- tive auto rates - ask for a fast, free price quote gan farms and farm families than any other com- We are Michigan's leading provider of agricultural and let your Farm Bureau agent tell you about the pany. For top-quality farm protection, choose workers' compensation Insurance, protecting many available discounts. You may qualify for the Michigan's largest and most experienced farm thousands of Michigan farm workers. No matter safe driver discount, seat belt wearer's discount and insurer. You may find better ways to run your farm, how many ag workers you employ, Farm Bureau multi-car discount. Take advantage of this exclusive but you won't find a better way to insure it. MutuaJ will provide the protection you need. member benefit. Member Life Insurance For the low price of $25, you and your spouse can get a full year of member life insurance coverage. A member life brochure is available from the county office or your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. The brochure lists the life insurance coverage that is provided for your age group. Over the past several years, members who renewed their mem- ber life insurance policies have received a bonus - an increase in the amount of coverage but the same low $25 annual premium. FOR M 0 REf N' FOR MAT ION To learn more about insurance programs and member benefits, call 888-805-4864, or call your county Farm Bureau. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Theme Park Discounts VISA and Gold MasterCard Member Publications Pump up the value of .., I Take a look at what a - ff£ -C-~ Michigan Form News is vacation dollars and have more fun with (' ~. ') E)i'l Michigan Farm Bureau Michigan's most up-to- date statewide farm ~ \ '- )- Gold MasterCard or Fann Bureau's theme /.1.': -J ~> scenic VISA (with a , ~'v l ~ .\.~~ publica0farme'on. Twice a park discount program. ::", ... J .~. " ~ plctureofaMichigan "" '.~ ~ \' ::: 'month, r mem- fa)nn c..rom Fi rst 0 f Get discount cards or {~ .~ - (j ~~ v C . '% ~ 9! bers rec~ first-hand advance tickets for \J " :J ." :~ [l America Bank has to ~ ~", Informauon about admission to the \t.:: r offer. You'll want to ~ ~~ • state and national I nation's top park ~ _ " switch from your old legislative and regulatory issues, including farm attractions by contacting your local county Farm credit cards and start program updates, weather forecasts, farm safety Bureau secretary. Select any of these theme park saving right away. No annual fee, 5.9% introductory and market analysis. destinations: APR for the first six months, variable APR on the Gold MasterCard (Prime+6.9%) and on the scenic Rural Livingis a four-color feature magazine mailed Busch Gardens • Henry Ford Museum VISA (Prime+8,4%) thereafter, plus a 5~ial bonus quarterly to non-fanner members. It is packed with Cedar Point • King's Island - FREE custom trip routings, twolll'" 12 months . consumer-oriented agriculnJraI news, food market MGM Studios • Disney To request your trip planner, call ~292-2680, information and trends, as well as legislative re- Pleasure Island • Epcot Center extension 3235. To receive a VISA or Gold views of issues impacting Michigan. Members also SeaWortd • GreenfieldVillage MasterCard application, contact your county Farm receive home safety information, lawn and garden- Universal Studios • Six Rags GreatAmerica Bureau office . ing tips, and features about seasonal Michigan scenic attractions and Michigan people. Dodge Truck $500 Rebate Purchase or lease a qualifying new truck or cargo van FPC's propane division receive up to a $ offers Farm Bureau Farm Bureau Travel rebate. The reba~ members a 5~ per Whether you're plan- is in addition to any gallon member dis- ning a world toUr or other factory rebates. count, 5t per gallon just a weekend trip to Contact your county prompt payment dis- visit family and friends, Fann Bureau for a list of qualifying Dodge trucks. count, special initial fill you'll find Fann Bureau pricing, free Installation Travel ready to save you and free use of tanks and regulators, 24-hour money on airline emergency service. budget pay and continuous fill tickets. hotel accom- plans, and gas check. In addition, FPC offers special Group Purchasing rates on agricultural use propane for milking par- modations and many other travel expenses. If you carry the Farm Bureau Our Group Purchasing lors, grain dryers and more. Contact your county VISA or Gold MasterCard, we can also provide affiliate enables mem- Farm Bureau for more information. (Service not FREE Custom Trip Routing. Let us take care of the bers to purchase steel ovailable in oil counties.) cretails and you take care of the fun! Call 800-m~ tillage tools, roller 2693, extension 6572, for more details. chains, cutting parts. power~hers,we~ ers and welding acces- sories throughout the II Order year - with additional discounts of up to 20% scription Dra, offered twice a year. Call 800-292-2680, extension 20 I5. for details. Save as much"as 50% Re,ulatory Compliance on your family's pre- The Regulatory Compliance Assistance ITognm scriptions, vitamins, (RCAP) offers subscription programs and services and over-the-counter designed to provide agricultural regulatory infor- NuVision Eye Care medic;ines with this mation and management aides in a single source. unique discount ser- You'll "see" savings for The services available include the 18-section RCAP vice. Heartland your family's eye care Prescription Service, a Form Labor Management Manual, RCAP Newsletter needs with NuVision. mail order pharmaceu- and a required poster pack. The RCAP manual is The NuVision centers, tical service, provides overnight prescription the most comprehensive review of rules and located throughout delivery to your home. For a free Feld Drug cata- regulations covering agncutturallabor. If you have Michigan, offer mem- log, call 800-228-3353. any questions. or are interested in subscribin&, bers a 10-50% discount please contact CraigAnc:lerson at 800-782-6432. or on eyeglass frames, your county Fann Bureau. lenses and contacts. NuVision discount cards are available from your county Farm Bureau office. S0 Differeo(e. fanners - Professionals from the Ground Up! All across Mlchigan~ farmers are promoting agriculture while developing leadership sld"s by actively participating in numerous programs available through Farm Bureau. Regardless of your inter- ests or previous experience. them an opportunity for you. From classrooms to the fleld~farmers are demonstrating that they truly are "professionals from the ground upl.~ . The Young People's Young Farmers Citizenship Se~lnG': Leadership Institute You are tomorrow's farm professional. Naturally, The annual Young People's Citizenship Seminar "ProFILE," short for Project FILE- Farm Bureau's you're eager for the challenge of leadership in your provides over 200 students from across Michigan, Institute for leadership Education, is an in-depth industry and your organization - the Farm Bureau. who will be high school juniors and seniors in the leadership experience for a select group of If you're between the ages of 18 and 35, the Young coming school year; with an intensive five-day agriculture's most promising future leaders. The 15- Farmer program offers you the leadership develop- informational and educational experience. Students month program is designed to enhance personal ment experiences you're looking for. register to vote, run for mock political office and skills and Farm Bureau organizational knowledge. give campaign speeches. Some students even get The goal of ProFILE is to develop management and You'll meet young fann men and women from elected! leadership skills, and instill within participants a around the state - and across the country - who desire to contribute to their community, county produce everything from blueberries to sugar Sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau in coop- Farm Bureau and the state organization. For more beets. There are conferences, seminars and other eration with county Farm Bureaus across the state, information, call 800-292-2680, extension 3234. learning experiences. Whether your interests lie in the seminar focuses on fIVetopics: production agriculture, agricultural education or legislative issues, the program offers you an oppor- • Our country's democratic political system Community Action Groul!!.. tunity to develop and utilize your leadership skills. • The American free enterprise market system The year was 1936 and Michigan Farm Bureau had You'" have the chance to compete with the best at • People and governments around the world been in existence for 17 years. Farm Bureau lead- the local, state and national levels in leadership • The fun of meeting fellow students from around ers decided to initiate rural community group recognition programs. And there will be plenty of the state meetings. Neighbors would meet regularly to fun as you participate in events like bowling, discuss issues and plan action to solve problems dances, picnics and softball tournaments. Young people will discuss topics with outstanding facing their farm communities. resource people and take part in problem-solving You can get more information from your county sessions which encourage the application of infor- Issues change rapidly in the complex world of Farm Bureau office, from the Young Farmer Com- mation provided by the instructors. To learn more agriculture. Farmers need to keep abreast of these mittee chairperson in your area, or by calling about this popular program, call 800-292-2680, situations and how issues may affect their industry. 800-292-2680, extension 3234. extension 6585. Community Action Groups fill this need for infor- mation with the monthly discussion topic. FarmUnk Community Action Group members find unity and FannUnk is a member-only program designed to strength with neighbors when dealing with local help preserve the family farm business by matching issues. Whether the issue is zoning. community beginning farmers who do not own land with planning, school finance or even a neighborhood retiring farmers who do not have heirs who wish beautification project, a Community Action Group to continue the family farm business. Farm Bureau is the perfect tool to find solutions, gain knowl. realizes that for agriculture to continue to prosper, edge, share ideas and take community action. there must be a steady supply of qualified young agriculturalists entering the farming profession. This is one way we can ensure agriculture's future. Call 800-292-2680, extension 3234, for more information. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Easter Sea's FaRM Project ~~Fore" FlghtinJ Cancer The faRM Project is a cooperative fund-raising Farm Bureau Insurance and the American Cancer effort, sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau Society have joined forces in the fight against Family of Companies, county Farm Bureaus, and cancer. Farm Bureau Insurance now sponsors the the Michigan Easter Seals Society. Funds collected Cancer Society State Golf Tournament at Boyne Highlands - Michigan's largest amateur golf tour- , have established a statewide AgrAbility Network of rehabilitative and adaptive services that farmers and nament for men's and women's divisions 1,2 and 3. their families can use to help them resume farming Each year, Farm Bureau Insurance also sponsors 30 after a disabling accident or illness. County Farm county qualifying tournaments. In 1995, the golf Bureau members have held picnics, conducted tournament raised over $1 million in the fight auctions and sold food at fairs to help make this against cancer in Michigan. For more information program available to Michigan farmers. about participating in local tournaments, call BOO- ACS-GOLF. FFA Support Educationa' Scholarships Building youth participation in agriculture is a key goal of Farm Bureau and our support of FFA has Farm Bureau, supported by the Young Farmer Trust never been stronger. Farm Bureau is playing a key and Marge Karker Scholarship funds, offers financial role in leadership of the FFA Foundation. The support to swdents at Michigan State University organization is a major financial contributor to FFA. who are preparing for careers in agriculture and agriscience education and ag literacy programs related fields. Two- and four-year students from funded by the foundation. Farm Bureau families or who are Farm Bureau members are eligible. The application deadline is December I.The scholarship award is $1,500 for America and Me twO-year students and $3,000 for four-year stu- Inspiring! A breath of fresh air! That's how judges dents. Contact your county Farm Bureau for describe the essays of the eighth grade contestants complete eligibility guidelines and the scholarship in Farm Bureau's America and Me Contest. Since application. 1968, Farm Bureau Insurance has sponsored the contest to help build students' writing skills and Michigan High School Athletic Association - foster individual patriotism. Each year, eighth-grade Athletic skill and scholarship excellence is a very students from about 500 Michigan schools submit special combination! Farm Bureau Insurance helps their essays. The winners are recognized by the reward the outstanding young men and women Michigan Senate, meet political dignitaries and who achieve such all-around performance. Each receive up to $1,000 in U.S. savings bonds for their year, $1,000 scholarships are awarded in each of the MHSAA's 24 tournament sports, for a total of achievement. $24,000 funded by Farm Bureau Insurance. Criteria and selection are administered by the Michigan 4-H Youth Programs High School Athletic Association. Key requirements are: lettering the prior year in the sport in which an In 1995, Michigan Farm Bureau and its netwOrk of applicant enters, 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale, and county Farm Bureaus pledged over $165,000 writing an effective essay. '. toward the renovation of Kettunen Center, the state ....H volunteer and youth training center. Farm County Scholarships - In many counties, the Bureau members and staff also provide thousands Farm Bureau leadership have established cotlege or of volunteer hours as ....H leaders and resource vocational scholarships for local studen~ 'ijigit)lJQ:y people for a variety of +H programs. criteria varies from county-to-county, and lfe scholarship offering is not available in every county Farm Bureau. Ask your county Farm Bureau about local scholarship opportunities. HEALTH HARVEST Don't ignore these headache Hold onto your hat warning signs Hypother- Headaches are usually not mia, or abnor- serious. But they can be ominous mally low body signs of major problems. Head- temperature, is aches are present in 60 percent a life-threaten- of patients with brain tumors, 70 ing condition percent of brain abscesses and a that can occur third of stroke cases, wrote Dr. even at temperatures well above freezing. Alzheimer's research David Dodick in a recent article in Postgraduate Medicine. In addition to adequate clothing, wearing studies brain ceUs "Warning leak" headaches precede about half of brain a hat is a key defense, since fully 30 percent hemorrhages and headaches are the single most common of the body's heat loss comes from the Alzheimer's symptom of a subdural hematoma and inflammation of head. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids, disease affects the temporal artery in the face, which can lead to perma- particularly if you'll be exercising outdoors, four million nent blindness. Only rarely does a serious condition give since staying well hydrated is vital for gen- Americans, kills rise to a headache that exactly mimics a migraine or ten- erating body heat R L 100,000 a year, sion headache. Inevitably atypical features or warning sig- and has no cure. Sleep problems? nals are present, including: There's a better understanding about • A new or different headache • Headache brought on or worsened A 16-week study of healthy, middle- what is happening to the brain cells, how from usual, usually resistant by changes in IXNtion aged men and women with sleep prob- they might be repaired, and how the to reliefby pain relierers • Confusion, seizures or ~ess lems found that just 30 minutes a day of disease might be prevented. Latest find- ing: Mega doses of vitamin E can delay • Nausea or vomiting • Anyabnormal neurological syrup- brisk walking helped people faIl to sleep • Headaches at night or upon tom, such ~ numbness or tingling faster and sleep longer. Possible reasons: the disease's progression by half a year. awakening in the morning • Fever Exercise decreases muscular tension and The disease is a gene defect; it's primarily found in children of affected mothers. RL Any of th~ symptoms should be a red flag to see your doctor soon. mental anxiety. RL Mayonnaise, especially the lower-fat ately effective. A stronger alternative is Ho~e the prescription drug scopolamine versions, can start to look curdled or a,l opene~jJJr of "broken down." I would use that as a cue (Transderm Scop) Administered through agbefti saliee or G n to replace it with a new jar, even though a small patch worn behind the ear, it's !fpJu4 sauc~ t.~ the separated low-fat mayo could be effective until the patch is removed, up to rfrIg~ator J,UlJwur tllfts, 1 stirred to make it look better and is prob- ably safe to use. three days. (A scopolamine patch can also be used to prevent postoperative Any,~OJ1arr4~ Remember, you won't be able to de- nausea and vomiting.) Some people , ~.~haaed~, pend on appearance, taste or smell of swear by an acupressure gadget worn on e LUce~~~"~ food to tell you if it is unsafe. Foods that the wrist, but there's meager evidence to safely in the refrigerator foftwO'tO three are beyond their prime can harbor food- show that it works. RL days. If you have no use for the extra poisoning microorganisms even though sauce in that amount of time, then you they will look deceptively safe with no could put the leftovers in a freezer ron- off-odor 0 tainer and tiw.e it for six to eight months QJe sure to label it so it doo;n't get leN in the ftw.er). Thin~ like ketchup, mustard and may- onnaise are differen~ ba:ause they are made to last longer. I would use the "~ll-by" date on the bottles ~ a rough guide, but catsup and mustard usually last indefinitely, espe- cially if you krep them refrigeratfrl MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 13 HEALTH HARVEST Medical Focus Crushing kidney stones A bout 12 percent of men and 5 percent of women will suffer from kidney stones at some time in their life. The stones, ranging from Small stones, less than 5 millimeters in diameter - a little smaller than the width of a pencil eraser - will usually pass from the body in the urine. Until smooth, popcorn-kernel shapes to jagged then, if pain is minimal, the best thing to starbursts, can cause severe pain as they do is wait it out. Passing a stone can take move down the ureter toward the bladder. a few hours to a few months, depending Nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, on its size and how far down the ureter it it the easiest treatment from the patient's point of view. and an urge to urinate frequently may is. Drinking lots of fluids helps, and Ureteroscopy is more invasive and always requires anesthe- accompany the pain. painkillers can be taken if necessary. A sia. Atiny instrument is inserted through the urethra, and then Attempts to treat kidney stones date stone the size of a large grain of sand through the bladder into the ureter. Here, smaller stones are back to ancient Egypt: Ahollow reed with may be easy to pass, but anything bigger grabbed with a minuscule forceps and removed; larger stones a diamond attached to the top was in- can trigger a lot of pain. When the pain are fragmented with lasers or devices like a pneumatic drill that serted up the urethra and into the blad- is bothersome, or stones are too large to pulverize the stone. People need a little longer to recover from der where the diamond broke up the pass, then high-tech treatments come ureteroscopy, about three to four days. But the success rate for stone. Fortunately, treatments for kidney into play. The two most commonly used this procedure is greater than 90 percent stones have advanced by leaps and are lithotripsy and ureteroscopy. Choosing a treatment depends largely on the size of the stone bounds since then. Improvements over lithotripsy, from the Greek tenn for and where it's located. For stones in the lower half of the ureter the past 20 years mean physicians rarely "stone crusher," uses shock waves, a type (closer to the bladder than the kidney) lithotripsy and uretemc;copy need to surgically cut open the patient to of sound wave, to break up stones, The are equally effective,so it is often the patient's choire. remove stones. Instead, stones are patient lies in a bath of water or on a Stones higher up the ureter are nearly always fim treated with ground or retrieved with tiny instruments water-filled mattress. Using x-ray to pin- lithotripsy. It's easier to see the;e stones on x-ray, boowse the pelvic or, more commonly, are zapped with point the stone, the urologist aims the bones aren't in the way. Uretem;copy is more risky on stones in the sound waves. shock waves at the stone. The waves upper half of the ureter because there is a chanre that part of the So what can you expect if you have travel through the water and the body's stone will be pushed into the kidney. Inserting instruments that far the misfortune of developing these pain- soft tissues with ease until they hit the into the urinary tract also increases the risk of injwy. ful pebbles? stone; the resulting energy release shat- Athird treatment, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, should Strictly speaking, the tenn kidney ters the stone into small pieces that can only be used after lithotripsy or ureteroscopy have failed. During stones refers to stones that are in the be passed easily. Most people have this procedure, the urologist pierces the skin on the back, and kidney. Once they move into the ureter, lithotripsy under sedation rather than then creates a tunnel into the kidney. The doctor then p~ a the narrow tube linking the kidney to the full anesthesia. lithotripsy has a 70 to 90 viewing instrument through the kidney into the ureter and bladder, they're called ureteral stones- percent success rate, depending on where either removes the stone or grinds it up. Percutaneous these are the ones that cause the most the stone is in the urinary tract. Its short nephrolithotomy is usually reserved for very large stones that pain. recovery period of one to two days makes are too big to be fragmented by lithotripsy. Patients must stay in With a Iithotriptor the hospital for sever3.ldays with this treatment device, shock Finally, there is surgery, but this should be perfonned in waves are extreme cases only, such as when many attempts fail to remove focused on the stones, or in very obese people who are hard to treat with other kidney stone, methods. The surgeon opens the patient to expose the ureter pulverizing it into and then cuts into the ureter to remove the stones. sand-like Of course, most people would prefer not to develop stones in granules. These the first place. But whatever treatment you need to undergo, it's granules are then important to save your stones, usually by passing the urine passed normally doYNI the ureter through a sieve for a few days afterward. Prevention depends on and bladder and the type of stone to which you are prone. out of the body. Source: Health News 14 • R U R ALL I V I N G • WIN T E R 1 9 9 8 Buying an older house could cause headaches Trim often must be removed to fix sash hot water system. Water piping has cor- cords. roded, leading to low water pressure and • Insulation, seldom installed origi- deterioration of the pipes. nally, may be hazardous urea formal de- • Shower stalls with lead or copper hydefoam. pans beneath, prone to leakage because • Porosity of old stone and some- of aging or the house settling. times brick foundations as the mortar • Inadequate wiring, often less than deteriorates, allowing water to penetrate. the minimum 100 amp., 120-240 volt • Wood "locust" posts to support the electrical service recommended today. main beam instead of lally columns • Knob-and-tube wiring that may used today under the main girder. Mois- require replacement Older houses may be built better, ture or termites can damage the bottom To avoid major mistakes, have a but there are many problems to of the old posts and cause the house to thorough pre-purchase inspection that be aware of settle. includes a written report detailing the • More wood components suscep- condition of major elements and cost O lder houses have chann and prob- lems. These "old ladies," whether tible to termite damage estimates on certain repair items. victorian or colonial, are better built • Siding, supports, framing, etc. Old houses have advantages but do than most modem houses. But mainte- Carpenter ants are also common threats. require more effort to maintain. Many nance problems such as outdated materials • Asbestos-containing insulation people would not live in a newer house. around heating pipes, a health hazard if To them the chann, quality of work- and methods that no longer meet building codes, foundation problems, inadequate or flaking or damaged. manship and traditional styling make • Low water pressure and volume in up for any extra work or costs. RL unsafe insulation, and window and framing that need upgrading, could cause headaches for the new owner, ac- cording to Cheryl Krysiak, of Michi- gan State University Extension. If you plan to buy an older home, be aware of the following common problems: n't take it so hard ..• Physics softens your water • Slate or tile roofs, though longlasting, require routine mainte- like lightening treats the rain without electricity, salt or chemicals - (or city or well water nance and repair. They are also SoPbTec: Water Conditioning System for HOME & AGRI- more expensive to replace than wood CULTURE. Controls hardness, calcium scale and corrosion. Removes existing scale. Helps control sulfur odor. Saves energy or asphalt shingles. costs. Installs easily. Maintenance and service free. Use 50010less soaps and detergents. SoPbTec: water conditioning system makes • Inadequate ground clearance. hard water act like soft water. Wood framing that touches the Farms Other APPlications~ Greenhouses ground can deteriorate due to mois- ~ Irrigation Systems Dairies ture and termites. SoPhTec water conditioning system extends equipment life. Prevents scale build-up, clogging oflines, fixtures and equipment Safe for soil, plant life and • Lack of flue liners, proper animals. SoPbTec: is a cost effective alternative to a lalt water syltem. Total sys- smoke shelves and hearth framing tem cost for the home is $359 plus $8.50 shipping. A 90 day money-back guarantee plus a ten year warranty. for fireplaces. To place yo"r order or to nceive ",on iIIformation, cGl/ or write: • Plaster ceilings and walls. CARL KNIGHT Ceilings may sag due to loosening SoPhTec Distributor plaster or wood laths may sag be- 4860 Quarry Lane. Cleveland, OH 44143 tween ceiling joists, giving a rippled TOLL FREE 1-800-708-2872 www.sopbtec:-water.com effect. • Difficult-to-repair windows. M I CHI G A N FAR M BUR E AU. '5 WJh.t Is • llealtll CII,. d.II•• ., spee., Or~ wll. rJri tll. difference IMtw. II •• HMO .nd .. PPo, Michigan Fann Bureau's Mem- for payment as payment in full. BCBS work doctors - without needing a refer- ber Services Department ex- participating doctors also me claims for ral- and your insurance will pay for plains the diHerences that mat- you. Ninety-seven percent of the doctors their services at the in-network benefit ter to you about how to choose in Michigan participate with Blue Cross level. a health care provider. Blue Shield of Michigan. Farm Bureau's Community Blue PPO A ccording to Doug Fleming, MFB's Health maintenance organization plan uses the PPO delivery system. Mem- manager of member services, a (HMO) bers must use physicians and facilities in delivery system is defined as the The HMO delivery system has what is the Blue Preferred PPO Network to re- way in which your health care is "deliv- known as a "gatekeeper" or a primary ceive in-network benefi~, including the ered" to you, or how you are allowed to care physician. If you have the HMO $10 office visit copayment and preventa- access your health care benefits. There delivery system, your primary care physi- tive service;. If they use non-network are primarily three delivery systems: cian coordinates all your health care providers, they will have higher traditional, preferred provider organiza- needs. In order to have services paid for deductibles and copaymen~ to mee~ but tion (PPO), and health maintenance by your insurance, your physician choice they will still have coverage for mnst organization (HMO). is limited to your primary care physician services. Traditional and whomever they may refer you to. If Ninety-five percent of the doctors in The traditional delivery system is also you go to a doctor that your primary care Michigan participate in the Blue Pre- referred to as "fee for service." You can physician has not referred you to, your ferred PPO Network. That's only two go to any doctor you want to and your insurance pays nothing for that claim percent less than thnse who participate insurance will pay the doctor a fee for his (except in medical emergencies). with the BCBS traditional plan! or her service. If you don't like what that Primary care physicians are paid a Many people mistakenly believe HMO doctor tells you, you can go to the doctor monthly fee for each member they ser- and PPO are the same thing. PPOs are next door and your insurance company vice. They get paid every month whether much more flexible in benefi~ and phy- will pay that doctor a fee for service. If you see them or not So it's in their best sician choice than HMOs. And our PPO you're still not satisfied, you can go to interest to keep you healthy. HMOs tradi- even has participating doctors out of the doctor in the next town or the next tionally have richer benefits and make it state.Jmt calI1-800-810-BLUE for a county, or wherever, and your insurance easy for you to see your doctor by charg- participating doctor near you anywhere company will continue to pay each doc- ing very little for office visits. in the United States. RL tor a fee for their service. For example, if Farm Bureau's Blue Care Network there are 20 doctors in your town and HMO uses the HMO delivery system. you have a traditional delivery system, Preferred provider organization you can go to any or all of those doctors (PPO) and your insurance will pay a fee to each The PPO delivery system is a hybrid doctor who provides you with service. of the traditional and HMO delivery sys- Fann Bureau's Comprehensive Major tems - in other words, it's the best of Medical (CMM) plan uses a traditional delivery system. Subscribers can go to any doctor they choose. However, if they both worlds. In order to receive PPO in- network benefits, subscribers need to use \ \' doctors and facilities that participate in use Blue Cross Blue Shield - participating their PPO network. For example: if there physicians, their benefits will be maxi- are 20 doctors in your town, perhaps 11 mized because BCBS- participating doc- of them participate in your PPO network. tors accept the BCBS - approved amount You can go to any or all of those 11 net- te • R U R ALL I Y I N G • W J N T E R 1 9 9 8 • • 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 MAIL THIS COUPONTO: MfB HEALTH SERVICES. P.O. BOX 30960. LANSING. MI 48909 Individual/family coverage - for people who don.t have employment-based coverage. Small group coverage - for farm and small business ownen. Medicare supplemental coverage - for seniors over 65. NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE ~ LCOUNTY ~ ~ ... MICHIGAN THE STATFS LARGEST ... FARM BUREAU GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATION et onne(te I I aye Cash in on long-distance savings with The Farm Bureau Connection • S.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 {II Dial-one service with easy access •.. Free calling cards .: Personal SOD-numbers are available • Low monthly access fee of $1.50 r---------------------------. I lETTER OF A(iEN(Y I choose The Farm Bureau~ ConnectionSM I as my primary long-distance provider for the service(s) and telephone number(s) indicated below and I authorize The Farm Bureau~ ConnectionSM to act as my agent by notifying my local telephone I company of this choice. I certify that I am legally responsible 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 currently providing I 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 J longer be pre-subscribed to my current long-distance carrier's services and that my local telephone company may impose a charge for this and any later change. I also understand that The Farm Bureaul8l Connection'sSM name will appear on my long- I distance bill as a result of this switch and that this only affects my I + long-distance services. I I understand that my signature will result in my intraLATA (where available), interLATA long-distance telecommunications service, interstate and intrastate being provided by The Farm Bureaul8l ConnectionSM• I Signature: Print Name: Date: ~ Telephone(,): ( Street Address: J.~ MailingAddress (if different from above): THE STATE'S LARGEST GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATION City/State/Zip: I County Name: Farm Bureau Membership #: I - Please issue a personal8QO numb,er (14.7~ per minute, no extra fees). I - Please indicate the number of Farm, Bureau Connection calling cards you want delivered (22.5~ per minute, no surcharges). ~ For Office Use Only .I Signature of Authorized Re : Print Name: ~ FARM BUREAU' and THE FARM BUREAU' CONNECTIONSM are service marks owned byAmerican Fann Bureau Federation. 7/96 '\ All enrollees in the Farm Bureau Connection program will be charged a $1.50 monthly billing fee. Members are also ,( responsible for anyone-time switchover fee (average $5) that may be charged by their focal telephone company. J Michigan Farm Bureau ) Member Services Department Where BelonGinGMakes a DiUereIKf. t. 2<>~x 30~ ~~g, MI~8~-~~ -I Taste yes. Cholesterol no. tion researcher Denise Smith oversaw begins with separating the egg yolk from Awad's work on the project, and for a the egg white. The egg yolk is physically year they conducted many preliminary and chemically treated by adjusting the experimen~. They first examined several pH to a higher alkaline level and is di- existing paten~ for cholesterol reduction luted slightly with distilled watet The in foods and then searched for ways to increase in pH separates the protein par- improve the techniques and develop the ticles from the cholesterol particles, process further. They found the equation which prevents the loss of necessary egg for cholesterol reduction one morning nutrien~ when the cholesterol is re- MAES food scientists find a bet- moved. Water simply decreases the yolk's around 2 a.m. ter way to produce lower cho- "When we found the magic formula, viscosity,which allows the particles to lesterol egg yolk with original I was so happy and realized that this is separate better. The egg yolk is heated taste properties what research is all abou~" Awadsaid. "I and beta-cyclodextrin is added. The com- M SU food science graduate student Aziz Awadused to dream about corning to the United States. He was born had been there all day and that time was going to be my last try before I went home. Instead, I ended up dancing right bination is mixed to expose the choles- terol to the beta-cyclodextrin. After one to five minutes of mixing, the egg yolk is in Lebanon, and when he began his there in the lab." Though recognized as cooled and centrifuged to separate and quest for the land of opportunity eight a nutritious food, eggs have a substantial remove the beta-cyclodextrinlcholesterol years ago, his country did not have an cholesterol content - one egg contains complex. This complex is insoluble and American embassy. He had to drive two 213 mg. of cholesterol. American Heart sinks to the bottom, while the egg yolk hours to the American embassy in Syria Association guidelines suggest an intake floa~ on top. The treated egg yolk is and usually set out about 1 a.m. By 3 of no more than 300 mg. per day and no removed, the pH is readjusted back to a.m. there was an enormous line wrap- more than three eggs per week The that of the original egg and combined ping around the building, a mass of public's growing concern about blood with egg whites, creating a liquid egg people in search of his same dream. For cholesterol levels and the risk of heart with all the properties of a regular egg - three years he made countless midnight disease associated with high cholesterol except it has only 8.5 mg. of cholesterol. treks to Syria, only to stand ou~ide alone has led to a great decline in egg con- Functionwisc, they are similar. The for hours watching the sun rise and set sumption. .main difference is that the treated eggs in the cold, rain or heat and have the The typical breakfast of two eggs and are a bit paler because the cyclodextrin embassy doors close in his face when he toast has 426 mg. of cholesterol but also absorbs some of the colot" was next in line. Hewould then drive 17 grams of essential protein. Most of the That breakfast of two fried eggs and back to Lebanon and pl~ the next trip. protein is in the egg white, but all of the toast now becomes more healthful. It still Finally, around the 50th try, it happened flavor is in the egg yolk Atremendous has 17 grams of protein, but only 18 mg. o he got his visa. 1\voweeks later he was number of foods are made with eggs of cholesterol. When compared to a typi- on a plane to the United States. because they add flavor and help create a cal healthy breakfast of one serving of "That's where I got my patience desired consistency, including ice cream, oatmeal and one cup of lowfat milk from," Awadsaid with a great smile. cheesecake and many breakfast dishes. (plus a little brown sugar for taste), the "When you start research, every advisor "Youcan eat all the egg whites you treated egg breakfast comes out ahead in tells you patience is the most important want because they have no fat or choles- nutrition. 1\vo fried, treated eggs and two issue. You can test and test hundreds of terol- if you like their flavor," Awadsaid. slices of toast have 280 calories, 3.7 times and not come up with anything. "Or no flavor. The challenge here was to grams of unsaturated fa~ 17 grams of Then that one time it will suddenly hap- properly condition the egg yolk to retain protein and 18 mg. of cholesterol. The pen. You have to keep trying." its flavor and maintain i~ protein while oatmeal breakfast has 280 calories, 3.5 That is exactly what Awaddid for his reducing the cholesterol content. The grams of saturated fat, 13 grams of pro- master's thesis on reducing the choles- point is if you start with an egg yolk, you tein and 18 mg. of cholesterol. RL terol in egg yolks. MSUAg Experiment want to end up with an egg yolk" Source: MSU Outreach Station food science and human nutri- The cholesterol extraction process Communications MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU. 19 Don't let firewood insects bug you I M IfflrVftl bill llll 5-inch bug crawling from firewood you brought into \our house may sound scan, but insects that hitchhike on fire - i wood into homes are usu ally harmless, said Ohio State I niver- W inter may not seem like prime time for gardening questions, but there's no shortage even in the coldest months. Extension specialists at Michigan State University an- sit\ Extension entomologist Bill Lyon. swer timely queries about houseplants, vegetable garden plan- "For the most part, firewood insects are a nuisance only by their ning and related topics. presence and cause no harm to the home, household furnishings or Q. I recently came home from a long w e e k e n d humans." I A on said. a w a y to find that my furnace h a d failed a n d m y Viood can quickly warm a cold room, but it can also serve as a houseplants all got thoroughly chilled. After a home for nuisance insects. People become alarmed when they notice few days with the heat on a g a i n , the only one sawdust pushed out of firewood, hear faint rustling or gnawing that looks really sick is my poinsettia. All the noises, and see insects crawl or fly out of woodpiles, he said. bracts and a lot of the leaves h a v e fallen off. Is it Beetles of all shapes and sizes that bore into wood to eat and lay beyond saving? their eggs are common firewood insects. Some are drab, while oth- A. Temperatures below 50 °F usually cause poinsettias to ers are metallic or brightly colored. The beetles can be as short as drop their leaves, but your plant may very well survive and leaf one-sixteenth inch or as long as out again. If you were going to discard it anyway when the 3 inches. However, onlv two of the main beetle varieties will infest bracts faded, you'll probably want to toss it. If you had intended structural or interior wood in the house. Most wood-infesting to try to keep it growing and try toreflowerit next year, don't beetles will not reinfest wood that is painted, \arnished. waved or give up yet. Care for it normally and give it a chance! shellacked. Q. Is it ever necessary to p r u n e houseplants? Carpenter ants and termites can inhabit wet firewood stacked on A. Yes. You prune houseplants for the samereasonsyou the ground outside. But bringing in these insects with firewood usu- prune landscape plants: toremovedead, damaged or diseased ally will not cause infestations in the house. parts; to control size and shape; and to induce branching or Both are social insects, and the colony becomes so disturbed reduce legginess. when the wood is mo\ed, dried or split that establishment indoors is Q. Several of my African violets h a v e long stems verv unlikelv." I.yon said. "However wood stored in damp, moist with a tuft of leaves and flowers a t the top. basements or stacked on the ground outside against the house for These are all old plants that I've h a d for several several seasons should be avoided." years. I've started new plants f r o m single leaves, Other pests that mav be attracted to firewood include sowhugs. but I don't really w a n t to throw a w a y the old pillbugs. millipedes, centipedes, spiders, cockroaches, crickets, ear- ones. Is there any w a y I can S€Mve them and wigs and flies. make them look better? Sometimes, yellow jacket wasps, paper wasps and bumble bees A. Long "necks" on African violets are a result of the natural build nests in firewood piles, which could be dangerous to people aging process in plants. There are two ways to deal with it. You moving or slacking firewood. Their queens mav overwinter under can repot each plant into a clean pot with new potting soil after firewood bark and emerge earlv to fly within the house when wood cutting off the bottom third of the root ball and scraping the stem is stored in the warm indoors, he said. to expose the green tissue beiow the bark. Fill in with soil up to I von offers these tips to keep nuisance insects out of the house: the bottom leaves- new roots will grow from the scraped stem. • Store firewood outdoors in an open area, as far away from the Another option is simplytocut off the top part, leaving! to2 house as practical, to keep away insects and debris. inches of stem, pot it In moist potting soil, enclose the whole pot • Stack firewood off the ground to eliminate serious soil moisture in a plastic bag and place it where it will get bright, indirect light problems that lead to wood rot and pest problems. Stacking fire- New roots will form in fourtosix weeks. Trim the original stem wood in loose piles raised off the ground, and splitting or sawing back 1 Inch and keep the soil moist - new leaves will emerge in a wood into smaller sizes, speeds drying. few weeks and you'll have two plants. ^Jfcm • (over wood with dark polyurethane plastic or sheet metal to keep Q. What's the difference between intercropping it dry. During the summertime, the area under the plastic will build and successive cropping in the vegetable g a r d up heat, evaporating moisture and killing various stages of insects A. Intercropping is planting two crops that mature at differ- and other pests within. ent times in the same space at the same time. An example would • Ike sooner the wood is split, the quicker it will dry and become less sub- be radishes and carrots seeded together in therow.The radishes ject to insect infestations. Insplit wood with the bark kit on is very at- germinate faster and so help mark the row and even break up any tractive to wood destroying insects. If firewood is infested by insects, it is surface crust for the lesssturdy carrot seedlings. The radishes are not Side or effective to treat it with pesticides. I.yon said. Spray treatments harvested long before they begin to crowd the developing carrots. applied to the firewood surface will not kill vvoodborcrs vviiliiu and burn- Successive cropping is following an early-rnaturing crop wjtth a ing insecticide-treated firewood indoors could cause a potential health second planting of the same or a different crop. RL hazard from the toxic chemical fumes released into the air. RL 20 • R U R A L L I V I N G E R 1 9 9 8 v Have you prote(ted yourself and your fomi~ against the future (ost of long-term (are! 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. P.O. Box 30960 Lansing. MI 489 I 7 An open letter to all Farm Bureau members Dear Farm Bureau member: New federal medicaid rules, and changes in state laws,are putting Michigan Farm Bureau members at increased risk of depleting their lifesavingsto pay the high costs of long-term care. In 1996,the state of Michigan capped the number of Medicaid (Welfare) beds available in nursing homes and is using the savingsto get younger generations off Welfare and into the workforce. Twenty-eight states now have IIFamily Responsibility" laws requiring adult children to pay a portion of their parents long-term expenses, and new federal laws provide tax deductions for farm families and other businesses, as well as individuals,who purchase private long-term care insurance. The MichiganFarm Bureau, out of concern for their 16' ,000 Michigan members, is pleased to make available the CNA long-term care plans to allmembers. CNA has been writing long-term care plans for more than 32 years, longer than any other company. The CNA plans provide world wide protection, and will do more than any other company to keep one in their Own home and out of a nursing home.This would include Where Belonging Makes a Differen(e. basic home care (including homemaker services), adult day care, assisted livingfacilities and adult {oster care. Of course, nursing home coverage is also covered, and all Farm Bureau members receive a special I0% discount not available to the general public. Sincerely, Your Farm Bureau member services {... ltI,af,GAN P.S.Can you and your family afford to go it alone? If the answer is no, as it is for most ••• FAR" BIJREAV Michigan Farm Bureau families, contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent for more THE STAfFS LARGEST information and a (ree personal analysis. If you do not have a Farm Bureau Insurance GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATION agent calf 800-292-2680, ext 3240 or 3239 for a referral. M -I CHI G A N FARM BUREAU.2 ichigan is known by snowmobilers nationwide for M its unique combination of abundant and de- pend able snow, exciting terrain and extensive trail network. Over 5,800 miles of snowmobile trails are lo- cated throughout the state in six state forests, three national forests, and many acres of privately owned lands. Michigan is one of only three states that offer a large system of intercon- nected snowmobile trails. More than 100 grooming tractors are used by 17 DNR, Forest Management Division offices and by 61 grants pro- gram sponsors to groom the 5,800 - plus - mile trail system. ~ Registration fees and snowmobile pennit fees account for over $1.5 million annually allocated for trail grooming. RIIIII' till trill far $500,000-$800,000 is allocated annually for "off-season" repairs to snowmobile trail facilities. IllWIIlblllnll1 Mlablill Remember these snowmobile rruukOO. Landowners are affordOOliability Registration requirements There is no requirement to display registration numbers on a sled for the 1997-98 snowmobile season. However, a protfrtion under Michigan's REU'eational snowmobile shall not be operated in Michigan unless the and trespass basics ~ hiand the LanOOwnerliability for owner first obtains a certificate of registration and a registra- b)l Dennis Rudot tion decal. Q.nethesureappearance IS sign of winter in Michigan of snowmobiles in. both hunting and nueational whiclffi. "If you allow ~le to have aal'$ to your prop- The secretary of state registers snowmobiles for a three- year period for a fee of $15. The registration cycle begins on rural Michigan. Unfortunately, some of ertyfor that type of activity and you don't maliciously have something there that's going Oct. 1 and expires on Sept. 30 of the third year following those snowmobiles appear uninvited on to hurt somcl:xxiy, the landowner is protoctOO registration. farmland. by there two 1a\\S," he said Snowmobile trail permit Michigan Fann Bureau's Scott Everett Although Michigan law does not re- In addition to registration of a snowmobile in Michigan, says that trespass rules for snowmobiles are quire written permission anymore, Everett a person who desires to operate a snowmobile in this state no different from thooe for hunting. says it's still a good idea to make sure both must purchase a snowmobile trail permit sticker. The snow- "Whether you're hunting or snowmobiling, mobile trail permit sticker is valid for a period of one year, you're not allowro to trespass on someone the landowner and the snowmobiler clearly understand what's expected. "The land- beginning Oct. 1 of each year. else's property whether it's pa;ted or it's owner wants to make sure the individual is Recommended Equipment for Operators and fannland, pure and simple," Everett ex- responsible and what type of activity is Passengers plained. "If it's clearly farmland, the law going to take place," Everett said. "Alot of • An insulated snowmobile suit. dres not require that you ~ it in order to people, when they snowmobile, are trying • Sturdy gloves that provide both hand and fmger protection keep people off of there. You have to obtain to get from point Ato point B - maybe a and a secure grip on the controls. ~ion from the landowner to ~ friend's house that's located on the other • Insulated boots for ankle and foot that property with your snowmobile." side of your farm - and simply want to protection. Everett adds that tresp~ing with a drive down the fence row to get there. It's • Tool kit (knife, pliers, adjustable wrench) electrical tape, snowmobile is more than irritating and important from the landowner's perspec- plug wrench, and screwdriver}. Flashlight (extra batteries illegal, it's potentially unsafe for the opera- tive to know they're not going to end up and bulb). tor of the snowmobile who may be unfa- with 15 snowmobiles setting up a race • Matches (candles). miliar with the terrain and obstacles such course on their property." • Disposable blanket as fence; and equipment partially hidden Amendments to the Recreational Tres- • First aid kit. by snow. p~ Act are pending before the state legis- Restrictions on youthful operators "Snowmobiling at night across strange lature that would give property owners Aperson under the age of 12 may not operate a snowmo- property is a very dangerous business if you more muscle in pursuing legal action bile without the direct supervision of the parent or guardian don't know exactly what you're doing," against tresp~rs, according to Everett except on property owned or controlled by the parent, and Everett cautioned. "Today's snowmobiles "If a person is on your property and may not cross a highway or are not like they were 20 years ago. They are you can prove i~ whether that's by a police a street. very fast machines, and if you don't know report or a conservation officer's ticket Aperson who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age what you're doing, people can be seriously given to that person, landowners will then may operate a snowmobile under direct supervision of a per- injured" have the ability to pursue prosecution on son 21 years of age or older or have in their immediate p0s- Everett says landowners who do allow their own, rather than being required to session a valid snowmobile safety certificate .. sn<1MI1obiles on their property \muld be ~ll- work through their local prosecutor" RL . Source: Michigan Department of Natural Re- adWffi to make sure fenre; are clearly sources, Law Enforcement Division 22 • R U R ALL I V I N G • WIN T E R 1 9 9 8 s' , senior • , ~_1 USl'l5 Easy-TO- Learn VOCm Tnc'ks I You Can Too! You can sing better than you ever imagined possible with a INNOVATIVE and EASY singing improve- ment program that is so effective results are guaranteed. lilt you enjoy singing, even if you feel you are tone deaf, you can improve you voice and gain new confidence to sing in front of others, I know, I did," said J. Wiesend of Taylor. MI. IIThere's no better feeling than to entertain others and have them ask you to sing the songs you love ... and give you a standing ovation when you are through. I'm having the time of my life singing at senior citizen centers, a family gatherings and in church." If you are a good singer or even if you feel you can not carry a tune. you can learn how to be a great singer in the privacy of your home or car. You can learn how to give your voice new life! Verity music conductor. John Williams said: IIYou can learn to do amazing things with your voice in a short time and impress others as you develop your natural talents; even if you don't think you are talented! . Virtually anyone can improve his or her voice with the program. liThe cassette tape program, IIHow To Sing Great - At Any Age," is unique. You can learn little-know vocal tricks and techniques that can make you sound incredible" If you like to sing Gospel and Religious. Rock. PoP. Country and Western. Rhythm and Blues. Soul, Calypso and Regiae. Rap or Show Tunes. this Copyrighted program can be invaluable! You can learn to: -Gain incredible confidence to sing in front of others. -Sing wonderful Gospel and Religious songs. -Sing 1st-rate Falsetto. -Build strong vocal muscles. J~ ou can learn -Stretch your vocal range (higher and lower). -Follow difficult rhythm patterns with ease. -Stay in perfect key with the music. to do amazing things -Sing with proper breath control. -Create unique vibrato; enhance vocal tones. -Yodel; sing country with realism. with your voice." -Harmonize nicely with other voices. _nScatn (erfNIfive pop and jazz improvisation) .. liThe vocal improvement program has truly improved my voice. n wrote M. Hammond of Rochele. IL. III sing in good voice now. Thank You. I've taken voice lessons for years but I never knew anything like this existed. I can tell the difference in my voice and my confidence using the program. " G. Borne of Biloxi. MS wrote: III can really surprise people with the quality of my voice now thanks to the talent of the creators of this program. " A. Aversano of Uvermore. CA used to be a band singer in the 1920' sand 1930' s but overused his voice and damaged it. He never sang again until he got "You Can Sing Great - At Any Age. ". liMy voice is developing, slow but sure," he wrote. III want you to know that this is the first time that I really want to sing. I am 81 years old. I haven't sang since 1935. The songs I love to sing now are III Got The World on A String, ~ III Only Have Eyes For You," II/'m in the Mood For Love, " IIFools Rush In, " IIMoonglow" and many other old standards. It it weren't for this program I would never have sang in public again. Thank you ... Thank you ... Thank you." And P. Daniel of Moriarty NM writes that IIwe are medical missionaries and your hints, guidelines and exercises have come to us at an opportune time of the year. We want to use our voices to bring hope, encouragement and blessing to as many as possible. I have committed myself and my 9-year-old son to sing Christmas songs to my parents and other relatives at this years get-together. I have started this family tradition and I want to improve each year so that I can glorify God with my voice. " And K. Faddis of Rock Springs, WY writes: "1 am so glad you have this program available. I have some grandchildren with beautiful voices that I would love to see blossom to the fullest bloom possible. " This program is designed to be simple enough for a beginner of any age, but advanced enough for professional singers to sharpen their skills. This complete vocal improvement package contains most everything you would need to know about singing. To order your cassette tape/book program send only $19.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to: VERITY MUSIC, Dept. MI-SNG. Box 667, Taylor, M148180. You must be convinced that there is no better, faster way to improve your voice, or Verit will send ou a 100% refund if ou return the ro ram an time within a year. The New Roth IRA V Tax-deferred interest earnings V Tax-free withdrawals V Lifetime retirement income V Now available from your Farm Bureau Insurance agent Everything good about a Roth IRA is even better with Farm Bureau Insurance service. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. ~ YDur Ftdure- More- PredictaIJLe- Michigan Farm Bureau .-.@ ... FARM BUREAU INSURANCE FARM BUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE. FARM BUREAU GENERAL Rural living Magazine Post Office Box 30960 7373 West Saginaw Highway Lansing, Michigan 48909-8460