Michigan Farm News Rural Living February 1982 Princep Caliber 90 Rebate. Get4 bucks bock a box. Get 2 bucks bock a bog. Now you can control weeds and grasses in your corn and save money, too. Princep~ Caliber@ 90 dissolving r----------- Princep Caliber 90 Rebate. granules pour right into your tank, mix easily and stay- in suspension. Mixed with AAtrex~ it gives you the I Fill out this coupon, attach your original paid invoice showing your name and quantity of Princep Caliber 90 bags or boxes purchased between November 2,1981 and April 30, 1982. Send to Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div., General Services Dept., Box 11422, Greensboro, NC 27409. Rebate is good for $4.00 on every 50 lb. box or $2.00 for each 25 lb. bag you buy. All claims must be postmarked best control of annual broadleaf weeds and grasses, lasts right up to harvest, and is a low-cost combination. I by May 21, 1982. (PLEASE Name PRINT) Supplier Name And now you also get a cash rebate: 4 bucks back for every 50 lb. box and 2 I Address City Number of acres treated State __ Zip __ Supplier Address City State __ Zip _ _ _ bucks back for every 25 lb. bag you buy bE:tween November 2nd, 1981 and April 30th, 1982. All you do is fill I Of Number of 50 lb. boxes purchased - Number of 25 lb. bags purchased __ X $4.00= $ X $2.00= $ Rebate Rebate OHer open only to end users. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for relund. ThIS coupon may not be transferred and must accompany tne ociginal paid .n\lOu show"'9 number boxes and bags purchased and name and address of purchaser. OHer good only in Conn., Del., III., Ind., Ky.. Maine, Mass .• MIl , MICh., N.C .. N.H .. N.J., N.Y.. OhIO, Pa .. R.I .• Tenn., Va.. VI., Wis. and W.Va.lA:lid whare prOhibited. taxed or reSlrICted. ----------- out the coupon and mail it to us. We'll ACT NOW! ALL PURCHASES MUST BE MADE BY APRIL 30,1982. send you back the cash! \: @1981 Coba-Ge'llY CorporatIOn elBA-GEIGY February 1982 Volume 61, Number 2 IN THIS ISSUE 10 Michigan's Ag Expansion Team Geared for Big Win Leaders in government, education and agriculture act on a plan for growth. 19 Freedom's Lesson: Get Involved Patriotic speaker, Maria Schultz, shares her experiences as a refugee and now U.S. citizen. 20 Michigan's Man on the Grow From community group leader to vice president of the nation's largest farm organization, Elton Smith tells how leadership grows. 22 AFBF Highlights Delegates call for more reliance on free enterprise. Program achievements honored. IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Rural Route 5 Donna 6 Lansing Review 8 Washington Report 16 County Newsletter 26 Discussion Topic 28 Agrinomic Update 30 Market Place Michigan Farm News RURAL LIVING (ISSN 0026-2161) Michigan Farm News Rural Living is published monthly. on the firstday. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Office Box 30960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. 1. 1981. Second-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mail- ing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor; Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Copy Editor. OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. Jack Laurie. Cass City; Administrative Director. Robert Braden. lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson DIRECTORS: District 1. Arthur Bailey. Schoolcraft; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; District 5. William Spike. Owosso; District 6. Jack laurie. Cass City; District 7. Robert Rider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. Bernard Doll. Dafter DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dave Conklin. Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Robert Rottier. Fremont FARM BUREAU WOMEN: Vivian Loll. Mason FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: Glenn Preston. Quincy POSTMASTER: In using form 3579._maillo: Michigan Farm News Rural Living. P.O. Box 30960. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 3 Rural Route Members Lead Grassroots Action How can we make Farm Bureau ties in the next few months to be in- more of a grassroots organization? volved. The annual Lansing Legisla- Clark-Chandler Community tive Seminars are scheduled for Febru- Action Group, Clinton County ary and March, giving members the opportunity to be updated on state issues and talk to their legislators about As I answer this question from San Farm Bureau's position on those is- Diego at the American Farm Bureau sues. Federation annual meeting, I am wit- The Washington Legislative Semi- nessing a powerful example of grass- nar, scheduled for March 29-April1, is roots action. one of our most effective activities to The resolutions on which voting help execute our national policies. delegates are taking-action, and which Knowledgeable, articulate farmer will guide the nation's largest farm ,) members can have a tremendous im- organization during the coming year, pact during their visits with Michigan's originated at the grassroots level. They started with individual farmers speak- I congressional delegation. You can encourage your members ing out at Community Action Group to respond to "action requests" from meetings, at county policy develop- our Public Affairs Division with letters ment meetings, county annuals, and You can become active in local af- and calls to legislators. It is these con- the state annual meeting held in De- fairs. There is no other organization tacts, from the grassroots member- cember. that has the structure and people- ship, that can influence the "right" We have had several illustrations power to be as effective as Farm vote for agriculture. here in San Diego that Farm Bureau is Bureau in solving local problems. An effective grassroot organization highly-respected as a grassroots or- Many county Farm Bureaus have takes the time and effort of individual ganization. The president of the earned the reputation of not only be- members, commodities they are not United States and the U.S. secretary ing participants but leaders in solving always willing to give. If you have such of agriculture both expressed appreci- local problems. Nothing earns that im- members in your group, pass along ation for the continued support Farm age of being a grassroots organization this food for thought phrased many Bureau has given the administration in like taking leadership in addressing and years ago (but more appropriate now its efforts to put our country back on helping to solve problems that affect the than ever before) by Theodore Roose- the road to economic health. people in your own community. velt: They know that if Farm Bureau You can encourage your members "Every man owes a part of his time were not a grassroots organization, to be well-informed on current issues and money to the business or industry congressmen would not have received and Farm Bureau policy. Knowledge- in which he is engaged. No man has a so many letters from individual farm- able members make an effective grass- moral right to withhold his support ers urging support of the economic roots organization. Every member of from an organization that is striving to recovery program. your community group should request improve conditions within his sphere." How can we make it even more of a and study the 1982 policy books for How can we make Farm Bureau grassroots organization? In your own Michigan Farm Bureau and the Ameri- more of a grassroots organization? Be Community Action Group, you can be can Farm Bureau Federation, so they informed, be involved, support the or- more active in the policy development know their organization's position on ganization that is striving to improve process. Help your organization sur- current issues. They should read their conditions within your sphere - Farm face the concerns and needs of your Farm Bureau publications thoroughly Bureau. members and submit resolutions to to be aware of, and effectively involv- your county Farm Bureau. ed in, action needed to execute those Did you know that P. L. 480, the policies. Food for Peace Program enacted in We are just completing the policy 1954, started with a resolution from a development portion of our organiza- Michigan Farm Bureau Community tion's effective grassroots PD/PX pro- President Group? You can have an impact on cess. Policy execution is the next step Michigan Farm Bureau national policy! and members have many opportuni- 4 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 Donna RationMaster Feeding System "Ask Thy Neighbor" Guest Column By Gwen Nash MFB Outstanding Young Farm Woman "It's such a big job!". . . "It's not easy to sell an organiza- tion!" . . . "That's a lot of money to ask for!". . . "There aren't any more people to sign up!". . . "They will say no anyway!" . . . "It's too cold out there!". . . "The wind is blowing too De Laval technology enables you to place the hard!". . . "Can't, I had carrots for lunch!" dairy herd's grain feeding program under computer control. With the RationMaster Feed- It's that time of year when these phrases seem to become ing System, each cow gets only the concentrate a common part of our Farm Bureau vocabulary. We've needed for optimum milk production. Compo- nents include neck-worn transponders.. .single- probably all used one or two ourselves, even while recogniz- stall feeding stations where grain is dispensed ing them for what they are - limp, flimsy excuses for not automatically.. .and a Computer Command Center where a micro-processor stores and helping out with the annual membership campaign. I've retrieves data on individual animals. come to the conclusion that, like a lot of jobs we have to Reduced labor, more milk, less wasted feed, tackle, we spend too much time thinking about the member- healthier cows, and shortened calving intervals ship campaign instead of doing, and the longer we think are typical benefits. Let us explain more about the RationMaster Feeding System — Module about it, the bigger and harder the job seems. One of the advanced De Laval® HerdMaster™ Most of us have a "catch all" room in our homes. Mine is Management System. [ * 3 DE LAVAL the basement bathroom; everything seems to land there. I made the decision that it had to be cleaned, then I thought CENTRAL DAIRY SUPPLY Inc. about it for several weeks. Every day I'd pass the door and 2 B 1 0 S o u t h Canal think: "It's got to be done. . .tomorrow." Lansing, Michigan 4 8 3 1 7 Tomorrow came when we were expecting overnight 517-322-20B3 guests. No time for making excuses, just time for doing it. "It will surely take forever," I thought, but just 27 minutes later, I was standing in a spotless bathroom. It had taken weeks to think about a job that took less than half an hour to com- plete, and I had used up valuable energy thinking instead of Don't Miss Your doing! Speaking of time, how many of us NEVER watch those County Newsletter in "silly soaps"? I've noticed a lot of those farmers who "never watch them" know all the characters and story lines! Possibly we could use that half-hour to see a neigbor about a Farm Rural Living Magazine Bureau membership instead. Through past experience, I've found that most new mem- Participating county Farm Bureau ber prospects are neighbors. Many times, we think we know publications are: these people and how they feel about issues so we don't bother to ask them for a membership signature. It takes Allegan Ingham Montcalm someone from the other side of the county, who doesn't Antrim Ionia Muskegon know our neighbor isn't interested in Farm Bureau, to sign Barry Iron Range Newaygo him up. Bay Jackson N.W. Michigan Maybe there should be an eleventh commandment: "Ask Benzie Kalkaska Oceana thy neighbor." Can you think of anyone you would rather Branch Kent Osceola talk to than a neighbor? And while you're talking don't be Charlevoix Lapeer Otsego afraid to direct the conversation toward Farm Bureau and all Cheboygan Livingston Ottawa the things its offers - Blue Cross-Blue Shield coverage, Chippewa Mac-Luce Presque Isle Safemark, NuVision optical discounts, accidental death and Clinton Macomb St. Clair dismemberment benefits, to name just a few. Don't be shy Copper Country Manistee Sanilac about telling your neighbor that membership in Farm Bu- Eaton Mason Shiawassee reau is an investment rather than a cost. Genesee Mecosta Tuscola After you've signed him or her up, then ask about the Menominee Wexford Hiawathaland family and strengthen your neighborly relationships. Hillsdale Missaukee My challenge to you, in this month of February, is to get Huron Monroe out, sign up, and involve new members in Farm Bureau and its programs and services. Remember, the sooner you sign up your new members, the sooner they will realize the bene- See center pages of this issue. fits of Farm Bureau. That's really being a good neighbor! RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 5 Lansing Review When it returned on Jan. 13, the S.B. 360 would allow a business to Gov. Milliken Honored by Ag Legislature focused on the rest of the exempt 25% (50% in 1984) of work- Conference: William Milliken became economic development package of ers' compensation and unemployment the first governor to receive the bills including: compensation costs from its taxable Michigan Agricultural Conference base. "Distinguished Service to Agriculture" Workers' Compensation: As award at the organization's 34th an- H.B. 5181 and S.B. 533 increase nuallegislative dinner, Jan. 13. Tradi- summarized in the December Rural deductions for capital acquisitions and Leader and reported in more detail in tionally, the award has been presented increased export sales to foreign coun- the January Rural Living publication, to legislators who have displayed tries. The bills, as written, do not in- strong support for the agricultural in- the 13 bills signed by Gov. William clude agricultural products. Farm Bu- Milliken, together with last year's dustry, but this year, conference reau is preparing an amendment to in- legislation which became effective this members voted for Milliken in recogni- clude farm products such as grain, year, constitute workers' compensa- tion of his leadership in workers' comp beans, fruit, vegetables and processed reform, the Governor's Conference on tion reform. There are still three more food and fiber. bills in the reform package to be con- Agriculture, and his "open door" sidered. Unemployment Compensation policy to agriculture's leadership Reform: This will be a very controver- throughout his term of office. Special Another workers' compensation is- sial issue, however, Michigan now tribute was paid to the memory of sue now being worked on by Farm Bu- owes the federal government well over "Pip" Wenner, who served as the con- reau for introduction would amend the $1 billion, and it is expected to be $1.5 ference's executive secretary for many law to clarify the meaning of "self- billion or more by the end of 1982. years prior to his recent death. An employed" and "contractor." Many Michigan employers will have to pay MSU dairy scholarship has been set up farmers who cut wood and logs in win- this debt through increased premiums. in his name. ter find that most mills will not buy the product. Other farmers have similar Federal penalties will go into effect experience in having to pay premiums later this year. Some reforms include Ag Commission Elects Officers: on contracted work by self-employed requiring a "waiting week" before Dr. S. Leon Whitney of Detroit is the people for such things as excavating, benefits begin; extending the qualify- new chairperson of the Michigan bulldozing, trucking, etc. ing work period from the present 18 Commission on Agriculture. Other of- weeks to 20 weeks; increasing the ficers elected at the commission's It is a difficult problem because wage base on which the tax is paid and January meeting were John Krone- farmers and other self-employed peo- increasing the tax rates. meyer, Pickford, vice chairperson, ple cannot buy workers' compensation and Robert Chaffin, Ithaca, secretary. on themselves. The wording for such 1982 Lansing Legislative Semi- Other members of the bipartisan an amendment is proving to be com- nars: Volunteer leaders from 69 policy-making body for the Michigan plex due to a 1972 Supreme Court county Farm Bureaus are scheduled to Department of Agriculture are Rebec- decision. meet with Michigan senators and rep- ca Tompkins, Traverse City, and resentatives during a series of six David Diehl, Dansville. Single Business Tax: While Farm legislative seminars at the YWCA in Bureau succeeded in exempting farm- Lansing. The seminars will begin with ers from this tax a few years ago there a morning legislative briefing followed Lansing Review is prepared are three bills that will be helpful to by lunch with the legislators. monthly by Robert E. Smith, small businesses such as elevators, im- Farm Bureau members from the MFB Senior Legislative Counsel plement dealers, small processors, etc. South and Southwest Regions met with their legislators on Jan 19. Other S.B. 240 expands the present 50% regional seminars are: Feb. 9 - Sagi- limit on certain deductions to 90%, naw Valley Region; Feb. 11 - South- doubles the present gross receipts east, Thumb Regions; Feb. 16 - Cen- limit, increases the maximum "ad- tral Region; Feb. 23 - Upper Penin- justed business income," raises limits sula, North, Northeast, Northwest for a single owner 50% along with Regions; March 10 - West, West Cen- other. reforms. tral Regions. 6 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 Student Shortage Congress Faces Budget Challenges Concerns MSU Sen. Walter Huddleston (D-Ky.) second half of 1982 can be achieved Short Course identified the "biggest challenge" in this session of Congress as control of without a tighter monetary policy to control inflation, budget deficits may Administration cost of living adjustments in federal en- titlement programs, and predicted that decline. However, about that happening. he has doubts The MSU Elevator and Farm Sup- the Reagan administration will have a There is the uncertainty of whether ply Short Course is suffering a shor- difficult task in further cutting the bud- recent declines in interest rates repre- tage of students. Last year, 20 get. sent normal responses to a recession students were enrolled in the course; Huddleston, speaking at the AFBF rather than permanent adjustments," this year there's only eight. Dr. Harold annual meeting, said the administra- he said, adding that rising deficits may Ecker of the Ag Econ Dept. is con- tion's economic program, which he spur higher inflation and interest rates. cerned because the employment op- called trickle down economics, needs Huddleston, ranking minority mem- portunities in this field are excellent, "adjustments that must be balanced to ber of the Senate Agriculture Commit- and placement is "no problem." The achieve increase productivity, lowered tee, said the farm sector is experienc- current, average starting salary for unemployment and lowered inflation ing troubles unequaled since the graduates is $12,000 with ranges from and interest rates." 19305, and without unexpected devel- $10,000 to $14,000. The Kentucky senator said that if opments, net farm income may de- One of the advantages of the course the economic surge projected for the cline for the third consecutive year. is that students can "earn while they learn, " Ecker said . Fall and winter terms are spent on campus; spring and summer terms working in the industry. The short course has been very well supported by the industry through scholarships. Farm Bureau Services furnishes a $2,000 scholarship each year and the Michigan Grain and Agri- Dealers Association has set up a $50,000 scholarship trust fund. Stan Sherman, executive vice presi- dent of Michigan Grain and Agri- Dealers Association, is asking for Farm Bureau's support in spreading the word about the short course and scholarship opportunities to potential students. Information on the course may be obtained from Dr. Harold Ecker, One Ag Hall, MSU, East Lans- ing, Mich. 48824. Your growing season AGRIHOL began January I the Though fields are barren, the first few months of the year can be your most productive . Super Unleaded 11 .• ,. I They give you time to plan. Time to order at an • supplies. Time to find the best deal on new equipment. or to make repairs. And time to Economy Pri~e arrange for the money you'll need. at your Call us about your credit needs before another day of your growing season goes by. FARMERS PETROLEUM Production Credit A•• oclatlon. of Michigan Service Centers & Dealers Good for Michigan Farmers RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 7 Washington Report Orderly Recovery Must Come First In separate statements to the Ameri- other parts of the administration's can Farm Bureau Federation conven- economic plan. tioneers gathered in San Diego, Calif., The recently-enacted federal farm for the organization's 63rd annual program, which continues price sup- meeting, Secretary of Agriculture ports and loans for certain commodi- John R. Block and AFBF President ties, is not the answer to farmers' eco- Robert B. Delano echoed messages of nomic problems, Delano said. He independence from reliance on gov- noted how all the "political in-fighting ernment programs and subsidies and and pressurized dealing make it plain confidence in the free market system. once more that the road to improved "As farmers and ranchers," Block farm income does not lie through stated, "we share a common philoso- Congress. " phy concerning our nation's agricul- Delano called for farmers to become ture and our economy in general. We "better marketers" and not to year- know that prosperity will not come on after-year produce bumper crops that the heels of crash programs. remove most possibility of profit. "We have learned a harsh lesson Farm Bureau supported passage of from history that these types of pro- the 1981 Farm Bill even though it did grams do not have long-lasting suc- not comply totally with FB policy, par- cess, simply because they are not bas- ticularly in meeting the original budget USDA SECRETARY BLOCK ed on the solid foundation of free en- targets. The alternatives of reverting to terprise. As farmers and ranchers, we outdated permanent farm statutes or realize that long-lasting prosperity will Congress rewriting the bill next year come only if we have the patience to were "unacceptable," Farm Bureau allow an orderly economic recovery said, and urged congressmen to pass program to function," Block said. the legislation, with the hope that "Patience is the key. When it has proper implementation would aid in taken decades to create our current minimizing excess costs. economic situation, we should not be The bill passed by a narrow 205- surprised if it takes more than a few 203 vote and President Reagan signed months to work our way out. it on Dec. 22. "I am certain that with your support, Michigan congressmen who voted we will reach a level of prosperity in with the Farm Bureau position were agriculture that will be long-lasting. Hal Sawyer (R-5th), Jim Dunn (R- And when that prosperity arrives, this 6th), Guy VanderJagt (R-9th) and administration will not tamper with it. John Dingell (D-16th). When the good times come, the farm- Those who voted against the Farm ers and ranchers of this nation have Bill were John Conyers Jr. (D-lst), earned the right to reap the benefits," Carl Pursell (R-2nd), Howard Wolpe he said. (D-3rd), Mark Siljander (R-4th), Dale AFBF PRESIDENT DELANO Kildee (D-7th), Robert Traxler (D- Policy Must Be Consistent 8th), Don Albosta (D-l Oth), Robert AFBF President Delano, in his ad- Davis (R-llth), David Bonier (D- dress Jan. 11 to the 7,000 members 12th), George Crockett Jr. (D-13th), attending the AFBF annual meeting, Dennis Hertel (D-14th) and William said farmers and ranchers cannot Brodhead (D-17th). credibly call for economic reform and Those who did not vote were Wil- continue to rely on federal price sup- liam Ford (D-15th), James Blanchard ports and loans. (D-18th) and William Broomfield (R- "Public pressure will grow against 19th) . transfer payments to special groups, including farmers," he said, and reiterated Farm Bureau's support for further cuts in the federal budget and 8 RURAL LIVING. 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West Branch,Farmers Co-op 517 -345-0428 Yes! If it's Farm Bureau LPS' ... the quality liquid feed supplement, the liquid leader. Convert to the LPS' liquid concept and say Producers' Co-op, Williamston FBS, Yale 517-655-2161 313-387 -2202 YES! to maximum production and bigger profits! Where )bur Farm Comes First F8Rmi1 BUreaU FaRmr1 !l[}J!E U(JUID PROTEIN BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC SUPPLEMENT 76 Michigan's Ag Expansion Team Geared for Big Win ture almost unanimously, was a com- mitment to the continuation of agricul- ture. "The conference impressed the gov- ernor and he took what we said there Introducing the 'Starting Five'. seriously. We said we had a dynamic -Governor William Milliken industry with the potential for growth - The Michigan Legislature and he believed us. "We said that MI-OSHA impacted -Michigan Department of Agriculture on our industry and today, although -MSU Extension Service it's still in existence, the harassment that used to exist has pretty much end- -The Farming Community ed. "We said workers' compensation was more expensive in Michigan than in other states and curtailed the ex- By Donna Wilber soybean processing facilities have pansion of agriculture in this state. The been built, the livestock and broiler in- governor took the leadership and, "The ball is back in agriculture's dustries have not expanded, and with the help of some courageous leg- court. " there's no line of potential investors for islators, it has now changed. That's the message being carried expansion projects. "We said we needed more money across the state by Michigan Depart- Not that the "intangibles," which for research and Extension and while ment of Agriculture Director Dean were a direct result of the conference, we didn't get enough, the governor, Pridgeon and he's committed to con- aren't important, Pridgeon says, and again with the help of some legislators, vincing the agricultural community to date that side of the scoreboard is stood up for more money for the uni- that they should pick up that baIl and reason for cheering. versity. score. "The most notable was a change in "The elevator industry made it clear It's been nearly a year now since the attitudes," the director said. "From the there had to be more money for the Governor's Conference on Agriculture governor through much of the Legisla- Department of Agriculture to continue was held and nothing really tangible ture, there is now a belief that Michi- with elevator audits and, in a tight has resulted from the recommenda- gan agriculture is very important to our money year, we have funds now to tions for agricultural expansion in economy. To me, the 'Right to Farm' adequately audit and keep that in- Michigan. No hard cheese plant nor legislation, which passed the Legisla- dustry credible. 10 RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 "The ball is back in agriculture's court .... " Dean Pridgeon, Director Department of Agriculture With the ball now in agriculture's its hands and it can only happen with court, what moves are necessary in their commitment. order to score? Pridgeon believes that, "Third, we need to make sure there first, there must be a commitment to is a soybean processing plant in Michi- the expansion of the livestock industry gan even if the industry has to finance in Michigan. Many farm families have it themselves. All of our soybean meal not yet been willing to make the total has to be transported from Ohio and commitment that it takes to succeed, Indiana. That's not bad if your farm is he said. on the border, but if it's north of Lans- A hog producer himself, Pridgeon ing or in the Thumb area, then trans- emphasizes the potential for expan- portation costs increase the price of sion of that part of the livestock in- soybean meal. We need a processing dustry. plant in central Michigan to give all of our hog producers a competitive ad- "We only produce 30 percent of the vantage," he said. hogs consumed in this state and only "Fourth, the elevator and feed in- 25 percent of the hogs slaughtered are dustries must put programs in place produced here. The conference report that will help make it happen, pro- recommended that we double hog viding know-how, financing, and production in this state - the easiest management programs. goal to achieve. I realize it is not profit- "I believe the greatest resource we MDA DIRECTOR PRIDGEON able to raise hogs now, but it will be, have is the people who make up our "When you consider all of this, I and it is more profitable in Michigan industry. If we have the will to make it think it's time those of us in agriculture than anywhere in the Midwest," he happen, it will happen. On the other realize the governor and the Legisla- said. hand, if we sit back and wait for out- ture have done their part - and now it "Second, we need to insist that side resources to come rolling in so we is up to us to see that the expansion Michigan State University put livestock can enjoy the benefits of an expanded we said could take place, does take expansion at the top of its priorities. agriculture, it will be a long wait ," he place," Pridgeon said. The university really holds the key in concluded. Gratiot Project Uses Local Initiative Not willing to "sit back and wait," that those involved in the pilot project are a group of farmers and agri- don't expect their efforts to produce business leaders in Gratiot County. any quick results. Seventy local leaders responded to an "We don't expect some big com- invitation from Sen. Richard Allen and pany to say, 'we want to build a plant Rep. Gary Randall to explore ideas for in Gratiot County, we've got lots of agricultural expansion in that area. money to do it and thanks for inviting Now, several subcommittees have US,lll Allen said. "We think we're prob- been formed to work on the ideas sur- ably going to have to start smaller, faced by the group. perhaps put together a local company These subcommittees are studying or some local investors to do some- vegetable production and processing; thing that will be an attraction for a seed production; utilization of corn group to come in." products such as sweeteners, oil and That farmers are willing to make gasohol; soybean processing; securing such investments was illustrated by the funds to finance feasible projects; development of the gasohol plant marketing; equipment leasing; a hard- located in Gratiot County, Allen cheese processing plant; and swine believes .. production. "It's there because 20 farmers were Allen and Randall, both of whom determined -, absolutely determined - were born and raised on farms in that they were going to do it, and the seed money, the venture money, was SEN. DICK ALlEN Gratiot County, are quick to point out RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 11 Agriculture is a minority in numbers, but a majority in importance and. . . support systems must play a major role in "selling" a sound and stabilized agriculture. Ken Davis Gratiot County Committee Member their own. They each put in a certain "I think we're at the stage now strongly about doing some moving lump sum and they made that invest- where it's really a self-help thing. We now. ment prior to the government pro- have some studies from MSU, we "The truth is, we in agriculture don't grams that eventually came into have the support of the Departments know what we need or what to ask for. place," he said. of Commerce and Agriculture, the We've been so long not having any at- "I think if we get to the point where governor's made a commitment, and tention that when the governor and we can say - yes, this is viable and this the Legislature, I think, stands ready others said, 'agriculture is a priority,' is how it can be done - we'd be able to to do what it can. Right now, the in- we didn't have eight bills asking for come up with quite a bit of capital from itiative and the drive has to come from $12 million for various kinds of things. farmers in Michigan. Maybe we need the local communities to really capital- Other than fighting for the Extension to form a cooperative or use an exist- ize on the potential that's there," he Service and some of those traditional ing cooperative and extend it. We've concluded. things we have, we don't know just got lots of cooperative expertise in what we need." Gratiot County and we've got lots of Both Allen and Randall believe that good farmers." the Gratiot County project and the ex- Randall believes the project has periences they have in interaction with already accomplished something im- potential businesses and investors will portant and that's a more optimistic, help correct that problem. enthusiastic outlook on the part of the people involved. The Farmer's Viewpoint "I think, because of the difficult Ken Davis, an Ashley farmer who economic times in the state, we - serves on the subcommittee to study agriculture, industry, labor - lulled the utilization of corn products, agrees ourselves into feeling it's really a with Sen. Allen and Rep. Randall that dismal state and we don't have control their local project is not the "total over our own destiny. But I think answer" to making the Governor' Con- some of the research by Michigan ference on Agriculture recommenda- State University and the Michigan tions happen. Department of Agriculture showed REP. GARY RANDALL "It's an aid or a part of the process of ' that there are really some promising sizing up agriculture today and how it I areas as far as agriculture is concern- What about the "honeymoon" fares in the economical world," Davis : ed, and that we do have some advan- period agriculture is now enjoying with said. "Agriculture used to be a local, tages," Randall said. the Legislature? How long will it last? self-sustaining venture with each fami- ' "I think even if some of the ideas "I think if the auto industry came ly producing its own meats, vegeta- ' we've talked about don't materialize, roaring back and there were suddenly bles, and other basic necessities of sur- I at least we've brought about, within $23-an-hour jobs available, we'd lose vival. Today, agriculture is a business 1 the people in our area, a real desire for some of the grasp we now have on the venture with worldwfde importance, 1 doing something - and that's impor- attention of the political process," as has been recently demonstrated tant. Allen said. "That's one reason we feel when used as a political weapon. 12 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 "I think it is important that our sub- committees attest to the needs of the "I also get enthusiastic because agricultural industry with possible roads to follow for its adv'ancement," 1 see agriculture pulling together." he said. "I am very optimistic about the out- Dr. Paul Kindinger come of our committee's efforts, how- Michigan State University ever, I don't feel that one project is the cure-all for the agricultural industry. The members of the committee are. people with unlimited talents and I am very confident that these talents will be reaped with big rewards." According to Davis, the biggest stumbling block to agricultural expan- sion in Gratiot County today is an in- tricate situation with no one single solution. "Inflation and interest rates are big enemies of the ag industry. These two items erode profits and without profits, the means as well as the desire for ex- pansion is difficult ~o achieve. Our sub- committee has investigated several areas for agricultural expansion but, in most instances, the stumbling block has been a lack of profit potential." Davis believes agricultural expan- sion in Michigan is going to take a team effort, with commitment from MSU, MDA, the Legislature, farmers and farm organizations. "Agriculture is a minority in num- bers, but a majority in importance, and these support systems must playa ma- jor role in 'selling' a sound and stabi- lized agriculture," he concluded. The Wheels are Turning . • • Dr. Paul Kindinger, former assistant dinger believes there have been some industry is a part of agriculture. We've director of the Michigan Department "subtle changes" as the result of the got the opportunity now to tie a big of Agriculture and now assistant Ex- conference that have had an impact. yellow ribbon around the whole pack- tension director for agricultural "The Department of Agriculture has age and really deliver." marketing programs at Michigan State been upgraded, with the director now Kindinger remains optimistic, too, University, served as one of the coor- in a position where he's influencing that the economic development dinators of the Governor's Conference much more policy within the govern- recommendations that resulted from on Agriculture. He hasn't lost any of mental sphere than he did before," he the Governor's Conference will be- his .enthusiasm in the months that said. "That can't help but benefit the come a reality. have passed since that historic event, industry in a very significant way over even though "the first shovelful of dirt a period of time. "We know that sometime in the has not yet been turned." "I also get enthusiastic because I see future, there is going to be a hard- In addition to the new public aware- agriculture pulling together. We've got cheese plant built in this state. We ness of agriculture and the legislative discussions on how the horse industry know there are still groups interested progress that has been made to change fits into agriculture in a more inte- in a soybean processing plant. I'm the state's economic climate, Kin- grated fashion, and how the forestry confident that we're going to have a RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 13 "As long as we keep our priorities straight and keep agriculture on top we'll be In a better position." Dr. Paul Klndlnger Michigan State University beef packing plant. I'm confident that we're going to take the challenge - r particularly Cooperative through places Extension - to expand swine production in the state. "It wouldn't surprise me, with the number of investors who have been like \ seriously looking at the gas and oil boom in the northern part of the state, An Important Year for that we will have an anhydrous am- monia plant in Michigan. We also have a preliminary study completed Agriculture Lies Ahead that shows that we can have an advan- A Message from the Governor tage in a broiler industry in this state. "So, the wheels are turning, but I 1981 has been an important year We are moving in several other di- think that most of us recognize that in for Michigan agriculture. An event rections as well: agriculture, we tend to look pretty took place that will shape Michigan The "Say Yes to Michigan" promo- thoroughly at a situation before we farming, forestry and agri-business for tion campaign also has an agricultural jump into it. Right now, people are decades to come: the Governor's Con- component - promoting the good really checking out the situation, and ference on Agriculture. things that grow in Michigan. the Gratiot County folks are serving as Many of its recommendations are The regulatory task force chaired by a model to the rest of the state, show- now before a screening committee for Lt. Gov. James H. Brickley has iden- ing how to organize at the local level review and coordination. One of its tified 10 laws which should be repeal- and finance things at the local level - first areas of concern was the expan- ed as an unnecessary government in- and that's when it's going to get sion of agri-business in Michigan. To trusion into the fields and barns of done." that end, I am supporting creation of a Michigan farmers. Kindinger's optimism even rises new position in the Michigan Depart- We are moving on a regional basis above the budget challenges of MSU's ment of Agriculture - a person assign- to control soil erosion (which costs Extension Service which he views as ed to work with the Michigan Depart- Michigan 25 mil/ion tons of topsoil an opportunity to be more creative. ment of Commerce to coordinate ac- each year) and to monitor and control "What it does is force us to look at tion on the agri-business recommen- Gypsy Moths. what we can really do and do weIJ for dations of the conference. We are promoting forestry, an often agriculture instead of trying to be aIJ I also have directed the Department overlooked but major aspect of Michi- things to aIJ people. From the Exten- of Agriculture to give immediate priori- gan agriculture, and we already have sion standpoint, I think, we're starting ty to such recommendations as estab- made a commitment to improve the to look at how we can get back out on lishing a soybean processing plant, in- strength of Michigan's horse industry. the 'cutting edge,' and how do we be- creasing pork production, re-establish- The Michigan Department of Agricul- come innovators and how do we show ing a broiler industry, establishing a ture and the state Racing Commis- people the new technology and new regional beef processing plant, in- sioner, as well as other segments of ideas. creasing hard cheese production and the industry, are taking the lead in set- "As long as we keep our priorities developing and promoting a renew- ting up this conference. straight and keep agriculture on top, able energy industry as it relates to ag- One of the great and enduring we'll be in a better position than we've riculture. Progress already has been strengths of our state and our nation is- been in some time in terms of serving reported in a number of these areas: agriculture. I intend to do aI/I can to agriculture," he said. so...,beans, hard cheese and broilers. see that it remains so in Michigan. 14 RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 Front and Center "Reach Out for Understanding** will be the theme of the District 6 Farm Bureau Women's rally at the Colony House, Cass City/^on March 11. Their agenda will include a discussion on animal care with Sandra Gifford, secretary of the Michigan Pork Producers Assn., as the resource person. Karen Kaiser Clark, professional consultant and lecturer who was widely-acclaimed by participants in the state women's leadership conference, will be the key- note speaker. An AgriPac bazaar will be held to raise funds to help elect "Friends of Agriculture" in the 1982 elections. Those interested in attending should contact chairperson Betty Laurie at 517-872-2659. Vic Verchereau New Young Farmer Department Manager: Verchereau, a former southwest regional representative for MFB, has replaced Don Currey as Young Farmer Dept. manager. Currey, who also served as manager of the Organization Dept., has accepted a posi- tion with Farm Bureau Services, Inc. and Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. Verchereau, a past state FFA president, brings many leadership experiences to his new job. Michigan's AgriCom Pioneers called on their information/communications databank nearly 1,000 times during the first two months of the pilot project. The files requested most were for grain comments and analysis and grain futures information. Requests for other data files which offer general agricultural information, weather, price or legislative information, averaged approximately 125 per file during the same period, Oct. 2 through Dec. 4. Michigan was the first state to go "on-line" with the AFBF's new satellite marketing information project. Five county Farm Bureaus have reached their 1982 membership goal. Clare County was first to reach 1982 goal under the leadership of Don Davis and Arlie Schepperley. Other counties which reached goal by Jan. 18 were Iron Range (Jack Honkala, campaign manager), Ogemaw (Bob Kartes), Muskegon (Keith Ramthum) and Emmet (Vern Rasmussen). All five counties are members of the "Fabulous Fifteen" in their respective membership categories. As of the Jan. 15 membership report, MFB was at 79.14 percent of goal, with the North Region leading the pack at 85.24 percent and District 10 tops at 84.54 percent. Wiseman Appointed by Governor : Gov. Milliken has announced 15 appointments to the Energy Awareness Advisory Committee, an expansion of the former Energy Month Com- mittee. Among those appointed was Robert E. J. Wiseman, executive vice president of the Farm Bureau Insurance Group companies. Appointees serve at the pleasure Of the governor; Senate confirmation is not required. • The Farmer of the Week program, member, past school board treasurer Sickle, who farms 1,000 acres, is co-sponsored by Farm Bureau Insur- and is a Kalkaska County FB member. school board vice president, Calhoun ance Group and the Michigan Farm County FB president, township zoning Dec. 14 - Steve Carlson, 39, oper- board member, and a recipient of the Radio Network, honors Michigan farm- ates an 800-acre potato and dairy State Farmer Award from FFA. ers for their contributions to *the com- farm near Rockford and also raises munity and Michigan's agriculture in- Dec. 28 - William Middleton, 42, grain as cash crops. He is Oakfield dustry. Award recipients for December operates a 1,300-acre dairy farm in Planning Commission chairperson, 1981 were: partnership with his brother. The farm, member and past president of the located near Ortonville, also includes a Kent County FB, active on church U-pick strawberry operation. Middle- Dec. 7 - Donald Cotton, 44, committees and a lay leader, a 4-H operates a 745-acre potato and cash ton is Oakland County FB president, leader and member and past treasurer an Oakwood Community Church crop farm near Kalkaska. He is on the of the Chief Wabasis Potato Growers. Kalkaska County Zoning and Planning board of trustees member, Brandon Commission and local ASCS commit- Dec. 21 - Blaine Van Sickle, 42, is Township board of review member, tee, is a past church board member a Marshall area cash crop farmer who and serves on the Eastern Michigan and Soil Conservation District board also raises beef cattle and swine. Van U-Pick Assn. board of directors. 15 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 County Newsletter The county Farm Bureau newsletter is published monthly by the Michigan Farm Bureau. P.O. Box 30960. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Subscription price to members. $1.25 per year. included in the annual membership dues. Make the Best of Delano, Smith Elected to Your Farm Bureau Top AFBF Offices Membership ... from the Hiawathaland County FB Newsletter You have just renewed your mem- bership or have taken out a new membership from one of our workers or an insurance agent .... You can sit back and watch what happens . Probably absolutely nothing Our leaders - insurance agents - board members - Women's Committee - and others are just too busy to take each member by the hand and see that they take advantage of every benefit they are entitled to .. . . So how do you make your membership pay for itself? First of all you start by reading the material sent to you - primarily the Rural Living magazine. Then consider At the recent AFBF annual meeting in San Diego, Robert Delano joining a community action group or (left), AFBF President, and newly-elected vice president Elton R. getting one started yourself. They offer Smith, discuss challenges in the year ahead. a wonderful opportunity for people to work together on common problems FBIG to Offer All-Risk Insurance in their area. You learn information on state and national issues together and All-risk crop insurance, formerly cutting back on its disaster payment form friendships at the same time. available only from limited govern- program for crop losses. If you want to make the most of ment sources, will now be offered The crop insurance will be provided your Farm Bureau membership, con- throughout Michigan through Farm in cooperation with the Federal Crop tact the board member in your area Bureau Insurance Group. Insurance Corporation. and he or she can provide or get the FBIG agents will begin offering the information you need to become truly all-risk insurance in February, in time Farmers Enjoy! an active Farm Bureau member. to cover this year's spring crops. The "Farmers are significantly more crops eligible for all-risk insurance pro- satisfied with their work than tection in Michigan are wheat, corn, Americans as a whole. An over- soybeans, dry beans, barley, sugar whelming 95 percent of farmers say if FaRm~ beets, oats and grain sorghum. given the choice they would prefer to The all-risk protection, which begins continue in their present occupation at the time the seed is put into the compared with only 60 percent of the BUreaU ground and continues-until the crop is general public." That's the word of a harvested, covers crops for losses from study by Research & Forecasts, Inc. hail, freezes, all kinds of bad weather The survey also said that the farmer blight, insects and other unavoidabl~ deserves high marks for "preserving Renew your membership natural hazards. traditional family values, enjoying his FBIG expects to reach many work despite its high risk aspect, taking in the nation's largest Michigan farmers who have never an active role in community life, sup- farm organization today! been offered the benefits of all-risk in- porting the U.S. political system, surance for their crops. This is cashing in on modern technology and especially important now, since in turning his farm into an efficient and many cases the federal government is productive business." Energy Facts High Marks to Ponder for Sqfemark By Sharon Steffens Kent County FB All time high marks in total sales and Newsletter Editor in average sales per member were reached in 1981 by AFBF's Safemark program, reported Eldon Schnoor, company general manager. An- nouncement of the achievement was made at the Safemark Conference held at the AFBF annual meeting. "Quality and service were the key R.J. Robel, professor of en- of any new oil production from those elements in the success of the pro- vironmental biology at Kansas State frontier areas. Recent state-federal gram," Schnoor said, "and it was a University recently addressed the Kan- litigation may add another two or team effort that started 16 years ago." sas Farm Bureau Water Conference. three years to the sale of leases on our The Safemark group purchase pro- His information on enery sources and continental shelf area. gram experienced an $8 million in- supply give one food for thought as to What about our petroleum reserves? crease in sales in 1981 over the pre- future costs not only for water usage Proved reserves for the U.S. including vious year, with a total sales volume of but all agriculture. Alaska indicate that in 1980 we had $84.2 million. Average sales per Farm The cost of foreign oil is a major 26,402 millions of barrels at the year- Bureau member reached an all time component of our international bal- end. This is down from 39,001 mil- high of $37.00 ance of payments deficit which in lions of barrels in 1970. We consume Schnoor said that quality control 1981 was $2 to $4 million barrels of oil 6,000 million barrels per year (about and member feedback were the most per day in the U.S. In 1980, we im- half domestic and half imported). important factors in the success of the ported 45.2 percent of our oil, which program, protecting the member was down from 51.2 in 1977. At that Petroleum Facts: through manufacturer auditing, field time we began to receive some oil •Even though the 4,500 drilling rigs inspections and laboratory testing of all from Alaska which has gradually in- now active in the U.S. are delivering products the American Farm Bureau creased and is reflected in the drop in more oil to us, they are not increasing Service Company sells. the percentage of imported oil. Unfor- our reserves of oil. tunately, production from the Alaskan •Projections for future oil produc- fields will begin to decline in 1985. tion in the U.S. are not good. Even if Michigan Scores Second The idea that when the Alaskan pipe- our oil demand per day remains where it is we will have to increase the Highest Sales Increase line is fully operational, the U.S. will no longer need to import oil, is a amount of imported oil by the year During the annual awards program myth. 2000 and that assumes that our de- some 19 states met or passed their Currently, the U.S. is looking op- mand will not increase. Domestic oil sales quotas for the year and received timistically toward the Outer Conti- production will not be able to fill the special plaques. Michigan had the sec- nental Shelf for oil reserves, but lease gap- ond highest increase, achieving 175 sales on the east and the west coasts •Demand for oil during the first percent of quota. have been delayed by environmental seven months of 1981 was down a lit- litigation. Congressional amendments tle but it has now increased so that it is to the Coastal Zone Management Act equal to or higher than the figures for and the Outer Continental Shelf Act 1980. Gasoline sales are climbing will delay by three to six years the start steadily again, but use of jet fuel and SAFEMARK industrial oil are down 4 to 11 percent. Robel believes that there will be a significant increase in petroleum usage rl macma as soon as the economy recovers, for example, when our industry is oper- ating at its normal level instead of the See Your Local current 82 percent of its capacity. Mid-Winter Sale Energy will be much more costly in Safemark Dealer For participating the future. As you contemplate your counties, check the future energy needs, figure in a dou- For All Your bling or tripling of the real price of order form on page 29 energy within the next decade. Plan to Tire and of this issue. counter the effects of rising costs by us- ing less energy in your operations. Battery Needs Conservation of energy will be critical. Help Send "friends of Agriculture" to Lansing and Washington WE NEED THEM! As less than 3 percent of the country's population, farmers need representatives in Lansing and Wash- ington, D.C., who understand and will support agri- culture. If we do not have that representation, deci- sions wiTIbe made that adversely affect our industry. Michigan Farm Bureau's Political Action Commit- tee, AgriPac, was formed to accept voluntary contri- butions from members and disburse those contribu- tions to "Friends of Agriculture" in support of their campaigns. The selection of "Friends of Agriculture" and financial assistance to their campaigns is based on demonstrated basic beliefs and/or actions which are consistent with those of Michigan agriculture - ir- regardless of their political affiliation. For the first time, this year MFB members can. contribute to AgriPac at the same time they pay their 1982 dues. A special box on the membership dues notification may be checked to indicate members wish to voluntarily contribute $1 to AgriPac. If you have not yet paid your 1982 membership dues, ~ark the box on your dues notice and add $1 to the amount of your check. If you've already paid your 1982 membership dues, you may still contribute to the election of "Friends of Agriculture" by sending a check to AgriPac, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Through support of AgriPac, farmers can. have a significant, positive impact on the political decisions that affect them. SUPPORT AGRIPAC Help Elect "friends of Agriculture" Freedom's Lesson: Get Involved By Connie Turbin The I he teiepnone teiepnone rings rings and ana Maria Maria . . .A 65-year-old cousin who lives Because she has seen the rights of Schultz is reminded of her freedom in a windowless, one room shack with free people taken away, Schultz even in this commonplace occurrence. her son, daughter-in-law and four stresses that freedom is a gift with In fact, after spending much of her small children. responsibilities. adult life in the United States, she is . . .A brother-in-law who fears the "When there is an election, I would still in wonder at the freedoms Ameri- possibility of "informants"in his own never just go and vote. I r e a d . . . . We cans take for granted. family circle. invite them (candidates) to speak on Supermarkets. . .telephones. . . . . A man whose pension from the the issues. Then I go and vote. It is our automobiles. . .even the trip she government barely covers the cost of a responsibility." recently made from St. Joseph, Mich., new pair of shoes. She says encouraging young people to stay with her daughter and newborn . . .A childhood friend who is not to participate actively in their govern- granddaughter in Kalamazoo. These allowed to write letters to Maria after ment and teaching them how the elec- are the freedoms and, yes, even lux- her visit to the United States. tion process works is the greatest value of the Young People's Citizenship Seminars, sponsored by Farm Bureau. "The young people who go there are eager to learn and eager to know. Last year when I was in Indiana with the Citizenship Seminar there, the young people had so many questions after I spoke. Then when I was on my way out, they circled me and we sat on the grass and talked. These young people missed their free time to talk to me. And so many questions. . . . "If fathers and mothers and children would only realize how freedom af- fects their families. We can still talk together. We can voice our opinions together. We can decide together. We can move to another city or change our job. Children can get an education whether their father belongs to a political party or not; regardless of uries, she says Americans have come "This is what communism means to whether you are Christian or not." to take for granted. the people who live in those counties," These are the simple, everyday Maria Schultz, a naturalized U.S. she says. freedoms that Maria Schultz empha- citizen from the Ukraine, who will sizes in her talks before young people, From the darkness of her own past speak to young people at the MFB business and church groups. It is a as a refugee in post-war Germany and Citizenship Seminar in June, says the story of an ordinary woman whose life Russia, Maria hopes that she can recent events in Poland have increased has been transformed from one of make the future of freedom for young her commitment to make young peo- fear, want and repression to one of people in the United States brighter by ple and all Americans aware that their freedom, privilege and accomplish- impressing upon them the importance freedoms are a precious gift. ment. of being involved in their government "In America," says Schultz, "we do and exercising their responsibilities as not really understand communism. It citizens; not just their rights. is nothing like it is written in books. Editor's Note: County Farm Bureau That is not communism. In communist "Everywhere I go I tell people that groups are seeking high school juniors countries you have no rights, that is the United States is still the greatest and seniors who are interested in communism in action. It's horrifying. It country and we are still free people. learning more about the rights and re- scares me." Just 10 percent of the world's popula- sponsibilities of their U.S. citizenship. She talks of freedom in the contrasts tion is free and it is so exciting to think These students will be considered as she has known in her life and the pres- that I am one of them. It is not that I applicants for the 1982 Citizenship ent hardships of friends and family still am any better or that I work harder, Seminar, June 14-18 at Albion Col- in communist countries of Poland, but I am privileged to have been given lege. For more information, contact Russia and Czechoslovakia. this gift." your county Farm Bureau secretary. RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 19 ELTON R. SMITH Michigan's Man on the Grow reau Community Action Group to "second in command" of the over 3-million-member-family American Farm Bureau. That same philosophy made him re- cognized by several U.S. presidents and their secretaries of agriculture as a strong, knowledgeable, forward-think- ing representative of the nation's farm- ers. It made him worthy of multiple awards for his dedication and contri- butions to agriculture, cooperatives, conservation and 4-H. It took him on world trade missions and gave him the opportunity to participate in world trade negotiations. And all of this might not have hap- pened if a neighbor hadn't asked him ("and kept on asking me," Smith re- calls), 39 years ago, to join Farm Bu- reau and attend the monthly township meetings with him. "That was before our community group program started," Smith re- members. "We met at the school house and did a lot of the same things we do now. When community groups By Donna Wilber were formed, I went through all the of- fices and that's where it all started. On Jan. 14, 1982, at the conclusion Then I began going to the county an- of the American Farm Bureau Federa- nual meetings and serving on the tion 63rd annual meeting in San policy development committee. I re- Diego, Calif., Elton R. Smith, a Kent member my first state annual meeting. County, Mich., dairy farmer, was I thought it was pretty big then. elected vice president of the largest, "Everything I've grown into started most influential farm organization in with Farm Bureau and Michigan State the nation. University. Back in those days the It was a moment of pride - but no county Farm Bureau and the Cooper- surprise - for the Michigan Farm Bu- ative Extension Service, even though reau members who were there to see they were separate, they were almost their state president elevated to this one," he said. high position. He had been a "man- Smith was elected to the Michigan on-the-grow" since he first joined the Farm Bureau board in 1956, became organization in 1943. vice president in 1961 and president in His philosophy then (a philosophy 1964. Two years later he began his he still retains) was, "If you're asked to service on the AFBF board and has serve on a committee or take on the served on the AFBF executive com- responsibilities of a position, you either mittee since 1976. ought to give it your best or else you During this same period, he was ought to say you can't do it." also becoming recognized by those That philosophy has taken him from outside of Farm Bureau circles. In an office in a neighborhood Farm Bu- 1973, he was named by U.S. Secre- 20 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 He never loses touch with his farm roots ... even though his responsibilities often take him for away. tary of Agriculture Earl Butz as his per- sonal representative on the Federal Farm Credit Board. Two years later, he was appointed to the Technical Ad- visory Committee on Fruits and Vege- tables for Trade Negotiations. In 1981, he served on President-elect Reagan's agricultural transition team and was one of the leading persons being con- sidered for the secretary of agriculture position. Today, in addition to servil'1g as MFB president and AFBF vice presi- dent, Smith is also president of all MFB's affiliates: Farm Bureau Ser- vices, Inc., Farmers Petroleum Co- operative, Inc., Farmers Crude Pro- duction Company, Michigan Agricul- Those "others' in his life are his wife, 1943. While he's become comfortable tural Services Association, Michigan Lynde, his daughter Barbara's family, in high-echelon meetings in Washing- Agricultural Cooperative Marketing and his partner, Jerry Good, who ton, D.C., and around the world trade Association, MFB Group Purchasing handles the responsibilities involved in tables at Geneva, there's still nothing Inc., and the six Farm Bureau In- the 800-acre, SOD-head dairy opera- he enjoys more than "just stopping by" surance Group companies. tion when Smith is "on the road" for at a farm somewhere in Michigan to This steady leadership growth has Farm Bureau. Smith and Good have chat with a farmer about common meant some sacrifices for Smith, tak- developed a Red and White registered concerns. He never seems to lose ing him away often 'from his "Med-Q- Holstein herd that is known as one of touch with his farm roots, or the Farm Bloom" farm near Caledonia. Taking the best in America today. Bureau grassroots, even though his re- on leadership roles at whatever level Has it been worth the sacrifices? sponsibilities often take him far away requires some personal I sacrifices, "You bet! I might do some things from them. Smith says, and the higher the posi- differently, but I'd sure do the whole He looks at his latest achievement. tion, the more .sacrifices must be thing again. It's been a real challenge, not so much as another honor, bth a made. but I've gotten a lot more out of it than challenge. "First, you get on a committee and it I've put into it - the learning, the op- always seems the meetings are on the portunities, meeting so many great "This is an office where I'll represent days when you should be farming. people across the nation," he said. all Farm Bureau members across the Then when you get into district, state Despite the fact that he's nationally nation, so it will be quite a challenge - and national positions, you often have recognized as a powerful spokesper- and I look forward to it with a great to leave the farm when you really son for agriculture, Smith remains as deal of enthusiasm," he said. ought to be there. This, of course, unassuming and down-to-earth as he A writer once called Elton R. Smith means sacrifices for others as well," he probably was when he attended his "The Farmers' Farmer." He liked that said. first Farm Bureau meeting back in title. It fits. RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 21 AFBF Delegates Call for More Reliance on Free Enterprise ... Free Markets to Boost Economy The American Farm Bureau Feder- federal food and drug laws be amend- ation elected its president, Robert B. ed or repealed to allow "safe Delano, a Virginia grain farmer, to his tolerances for additives and chemical second two-year term as head of the residues in food based on scientific re- nation's largest general farm organiza- search." In addition, the farmers called tion. for a scientific advisory committee to The federation also elected a new review federal food additive decisions. vice president, Elton R. Smith, a Delano said after the convention dairyman who has served as Michigan that the delegates "intended to move Farm Bureau president since 1964. away from government farm pro- During the five-day meeting, dele- grams," and said the fate of the trou- gates debated and decided the organi- bled farm sector will be determined by zation's stand on an exhaustive list of the country's entire economic condi- issues which included government tion, which he sees as improving. To farm programs, the gold standard, achieve a healthy economy, the dele- AFBF President Delano addresses warehouse bankruptcy laws, food gates voted to support a return to the general session at AFBF annual. quality, crop insurance, and pesti- gold standard "unless the Federal Re- cides. serve Board returns to a sound mone- U.S. agriculture, the 261 voting tary policy," Economy to Improve delegates said, should be "market- The Reagan administration will get The delegates also extended their oriented" and they strongly urged that the economy back on the track - if the philosophy of reliance on the private after 1985, when the current federal Federal Reserve Board doesn't derail it sector for the federal crop insurance farm program expires, "all laws ... to - predicted a Chicago economist, Dr. program which they said "needs major implement government-subsidized Robert J. Genetski. improvements," and they urged that farm programs should be eliminated." Genetski, chief economist for the the program become both "self-sus- The delegates overwhelmingly re- Harris Bank of Chicago, told a general taining and independent of govern- jected a proposal to call for a man- session at the AFBF annual meeting, ment as soon as possible." datory reduction in the number of that the key to recovery from a "severe acres planted to reduce the crop On warehouse bankruptcies, the recession" is correction of a "highly er- surpluses currently pulling down farmers voted to support the ratic, unpredictable monetary policy" prices. Delano said after the conven- strengthening of grain licensing and managed by the "Fed" - the Federal tion that he believed farmers would bonding regulations and to support Reserve Board. voluntarily cut their acreage to laws that would establish the rights and Genetski charged the Fed with re- stimulate prices .• priorities of producers who have sold cently relaxing months of restraint in Farmers must be allowed "to pro- grain but not received payment in a administering the money supply to duce for a profit," they stressed, and reasonable period of time. check inflation; pouring in new monies getting the government out of farm The delegates said that pesticides at a time when inflation was abating. policy is a more efficient system for were an "essential tool of agricultural He suggested Congress establish a le- "producing plentiful supplies of high production" and voted to recommend gal upper limit for money "created" by quality food." that the ban on 2-4-5- T and Mirex be the Fed, removing the "money lever To insure that consumers receive lifted and that the Environmental Pro- from its shaky hands." high quality food at a reasonable cost, tection Agency re-evaluate its ban on Genetski said a vital ingredient to the farmer and rancher delegates urg- DDT and allow limited use of the pesti- recovery was a turnabout in the "de- ed that the Delaney amendment to the cide. terioration of productivity" in the 22 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 Program Achievements Honored Michigan Wins Six Gold Stars Illinois and Texas Farm Bureaus topped all others in 1981 member- economy. He said that to revitalize ship program achievement awards productivity requires tax relief and at the AFBF annual meeting by reductions in government spending winning seven gold stars. and regulations. Each state Farm Bureau that We have an "overtaxed" economy, achieved a membership gain re- with 40 percent of the economy's total ceived a gold star plaque with an product directed to government pro- additional star for each area of pro- grams, he added. gram excellence among 12 pro- Despite this, Genetski said he saw grams in each of six membership an answer in the making - something classes based on size. of a "revolution" by the Reagan ad- Four states, including Michigan, ministration in the change of direction won six stars. Winning MFB pro- from high taxes and heavy govern- grams were Membership, Young ment spending. This, he predicted, Farmers, Women, Policy Develop- can restore the economy and turn the ment, Marketing and Commodity recession around in a period of three Activities. The awards were to six months. presented to MFB President Elton R. Smith by AFBF President Robert Delano and Secretary John C. Datt Commodity Conference at a special program Jan. 12 in the Focuses on Special San Diego Sports Arena. Interests Although the Reagan administration has, no intention of imposing a selec- tive embargo of agricultural exports, Young Runner-Up in YF Meet talk of a potential embargo is now hurting farm prices, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Richard Lyng told farm- ers at the AFBF grain conference. He assured the farm audience that this administration would not impose a limited embargo like former President Carter did in January 1980. However, he added, "to say there ^L rJS • . By mf ^m HflLfl PUr 3L&4 will never be another embargo is im- • • I H I •A\V.-\ ^ 1 — ^ —• III mi possible." If another embargo is im- posed, it would apply to all U.S. ex- John Young, 29, a St. Clair have a market-oriented system in a County cash crop farmer from limited free market," Young said in ports, he said. Brown City and Michigan Farm Bu- his presentation. The administration, he said, had no reau's representative in the AFBF "Producers of the future will have alternative but to impose the economic Young Farmer and Rancher opportunity provided for tremen- sanctions against Poland and the Discussion Meet, was one of three dous success, but there will also be Soviet Union. These sanctions in- runners-up in the finals held in San responsibilities involved. Leader- cluded suspension of grain talks with Diego Jan. 11. ship talents will need to be devel- the Soviets scheduled for February. Young had won his district meet oped for our farm organizations to To date, under the present agree- help meet the tremendous manage- prior to winning the state title in De- ment which allows purchase of up to ment demands and challenges. cember. 23 million tons of American grain, the The topic for discussion in the "The future looks bright as long Soviet Union has bought about 11 mil- final was "In the past, government as we can have a free market for lion tons and, Lyng said, he expects has interfered in the markets for our agricultural products," he con- more Soviet purchases soon. cluded. agricultural products. What are the One of the priorities of the adminis- implications of a market-oriented Young competed against 35 tration, he said, is to promote farm ex- policy for producers of the future?" other state Farm Bureau winners. ports and "sell everyone in the world The winner of the national contest "It is very clear, with the com- on the fact that we're a reliable sup- was Patricia Wulff of Iowa who, plexity of our society, that we will plier." with her husband, operates a hog never have a completely free mar- Referring to domestic farm pro- ket for our products, but we can farm and raises corn and oats. grams, Lyng said the Agriculture De- partment has not made a decision on RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 23 Speakers Emphasize Marketing Strategy whether to have a set-aside program proposals to change federal marketing Livestock Conference for corn this year. He said he opposes orders. But, he warned, this is no time Increased marketing efforts and commodity set-aside programs be- - because of the difficult economic keeping pace with consumer demands cause they have the effect of making times - to fool around with marketing were highlighted as key concerns for U.S. farmers residual suppliers in the orders. livestock producers during a con- world market. Panetta, who serves on the House ference at the AFBF annual meeting. Agriculture Committee, also said that Chicago Mercantile Exchange Presi- ~ farmers deserve greater bargaining dent Dr. Clayton Yeutter told livestock strength in marketing their products. producers: "We've got to think mar- He recently introduced legislation keting, marketing, marketing. The (H.R. 4975) which would further de- greatest management premium in the fine the obligations of buvers in their livestock industry will be in marketing, negotiations with producers. not production," he stressed. " In another presentation, John In order to meet future demands, Gardner, USDA's Agricultural Market- Yeutter said, livestock production ing Service official, told the group that must be more efficient. "We have to fruit and vegetable growers must de- produce beef with less grain than mand stronger credit arrangements before. " with their buyerS, in the face of the Grain fed beef has an important current economic problems. market, according to Yeutter, but it is "Slow pay on the part of buyers is a small .market. "We've got to get going to be a problem as long as selIers away from producing what we want to allow it to happen. Sellers must layout produce," and be more in tune with the terms and force the buyers to com- the needs of the consumer, he said. ply," Gardner said. Citizen Responsibility Stressed CONGRESSMAN PANETTA AFBF President Robert Delano told cares for his animals and how this re- the Farm Bureau women that "this is lates to the good quality of the food the year of citizen responsibility. " produced. Horticultural Conference Delano stressed that FB women have Farm safety promotion, strengthen- American farmers must become bet- a great record for accepting responsi- ing of the educational system, crime I ter foreign salesmen and demand fair- bility. "Your priorities are excellent as prevention and participation in our er trade practices on the part of foreign are your results." government are other areas of 1982 countries, if they are to protect and ex- program emphasis. Bert White, chairperson of the pand their export markets, warned "It is important," White said, "that AFBF Women's Committee, outlined speakers at an AFBF horticultural con- we continue our contacts with our law- the priorities established by the mem- ference. bership for the coming year. "Machin- makers at home and in the Congress, "We (farmers) must learn to com- We have a responsibility to these law- ery for Freedom" is a new program '1 pete in the foreign marketplace. If we makers to inform them of our views." designed to promote education on don't we're going to get buried," said American agriculture and the nation's Congressman Leon Panetta (D-Calif.), a conference speaker. "Japan has 10,000 sales represen- system of government through semi- nars and information materials. AGRIHOL I tatives in the United States who virtu- White pledged that FB women will the I ally all speak English. At the same time work vigorously to communicate to Super ~~Ieaded ..oj there are only 900 U.S. salesmen in the American public the nutritional I Japan, few of whom speak Japanese," value and quality of "the food pro- at an Panetta said, describing that country's duced in this country. "Farm-City Economy Price I trade surplus. Festival projects will compare the quality, value and good nutrition of at your In addition to more aggressive mar- keting, Panetta warned that the United States must take a tougher stand in our food with that of other countries around the world," she said. FARMERS dealing with the trade practices of other countries. The women of the nation's largest PETROLEUM farm organization will also address the In other remarks, Panetta told the Seivice Centers & Dealers issue of animal welfare by continuing Good for Michigan Farmers farm audience that they can anticipate to inform the public on how the farmer 24 RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 Farm Bureau Blue Cross-Blue Shield Group Enrollment Scheduled Choose the Farm Bureau offers a choice of Complete details about all three Farm Bureau Group plans designed to meet your health plans are available from your county care needs. You can choose a full Farm Bureau secretary. Health Care Coverage coverage Comprehensive plan, or In these days of inflation and high You Need share-the-cost programs with Blue medical costs, few can afford to be Cross-Blue Shield's new Dimension III without health care coverage. Contact plan as well as the Econo plan. your county Farm Bureau secretary Both of these share-the-cost pro- and take advantage of the upcoming grams save you money in your quar- enrollment opportunity in the first two Michigan Farm Bureau will have a terly premiums, however, they require weeks of March. Effective date for two-week open enrollment period for some out-of-pocket expense when coverage established during the enroll- current Farm Bureau members who care is needed. ment period is May 20, 1982. want to enroll in the Farm Bureau The Comprehensive plan provides It will be your last opportunity to Blue Cross-Blue Shield Group from a full range of benefits including enroll in the Farm Bureau group or to March 1 to 15. Master Medical. Both the Comprehen- make changes in your current cover- To be eligible, the member must sive and Econo plans can be contin- age until March 1983. have renewed his or her membership ued after retirement to complement by Jan. 31, 1982. Medicare programs. Bring you pecans from Farm Bureau the famous Mesilla Marketing Valley of New Mexico. Corp. of New Mexico "CRACKIN' GOOD" ...and they're GOOD for you/ Pecans are not only delicious...they're good for you. Of all the foods contributed by North America to International cui- That's because thay oro on sine, none are of more importance excellent source of calcium. than the pecan. phosphorus, iron, protein, Today, plump, delectable pecans quality carbohydrates and are used in tantalizing delicious ap- petizers, soups, main dishes, breads, Vitamins A, B. desserts, salads and snacks. and B Complex. Look for pecans from New Mexico on your mid-winter sale list. RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 25 Discussion Topic The Opportunities of Vertical Integration Farmers see themselves as basic producers of food. However, a look at "If farmers are not willing to plan long range and take the total food business shows that food risks in investment, they are going to be totally depen- production is only a piece of the total dent upon public suppliers. " picture and farmers are in the middle. - Newton Allen, FBS/FPC Farmers need supplies and need to be in control of their supplier to mini- mize cost, to assure a supply, and to threats, and their opportunities. They Most farmers are familiar with co- assure the quality of supplies. As a can set qualifiable objectives and ops, but most farmers are not commit- supplier to themselves, farmers need develop long term strategies on how to ted to co-ops. Young and old, too to be as nearly 100 percent basic sup- get there. many farmers today are short-term plier as possible, to maximize their re- Farmers must be willing to take opportunists, rather than long-term turn for their farming operation. greater risks. They already take more strategists when it comes to their sup- Farmers are being squeezed on both risks than most other businessmen but plies and their markets. sides. They are in a vise that has a they must be willing to go further, 'and handle on each end. The supplier to take risks on a short range basis in farmers turns one handle, telling them Co-op Membership and order to minimize the long range risk. how much they must pay. On the Responsibility That risk is further investment in other side of the vise is the marketer Farmers must be committed to the human and physical resources to get turning the handle, telling them how co-op objectives, which means they control of their supplies and to better much he will pay for their commodities must be willing to buy from and sell control their commodities in the before they spoil. through their cooperative. They can't market place by developing branded, Farmers really have never been be short-term opportunists. marketed products close to the con- marketers; they have been producers. sumer. Farmers must be willing to make a They produce a commodity and they Each can go their own route or they commitment to the extent of putting "get rid of it." They don't really sell can choose to do it collectively. Col- up equity for the right kind of projects. food; they sell commodities. lectively, tbey can spread their risk. One of the greatest reasons, besides When farmers sell a commodity, Collectively, they could have the poor management, that co-ops have they cannot expect any price premium finances to compete with the major failed is because they have been because there is no uniqueness in suppliers and the major marketers of underfinanced. Farmers must be will- commodities; no point of difference food. Collectively, they could have a ing, when they see the right kind of between their commodify and some- greater opportunity to get the re- projects, to put their money on the line one else's commodity. Usually, the sources that they need. for their business. market on commodities is called by the Farmers have the vehicle - their There are farmers who compete user of the commodity, and it is in cooperative - to collectively integrate with their co-ops. Some sell feed, their interest to buy as cheaply as pos- today! With a co-op they have four some sell all kinds of things competing sible in order to increase their margin. major strengths to do things collective- with their own business. That is the Farmers should be selling their own ly: same thing as competing with their b~and rather than just producing and selling commodities for foods sold -The Capper-Volstead Act gives own investment. under the brands of Kelloggs, General farmers the opportunity to do things If a regional co-op is going to be a Mills, etc. legally, that very few individuals or long-term, good quality, consistent, public or privately held companies and efficient supplier just in fertilizer Options and Opportunities have the opportunity to do. alone, then over a billion dollars in Farmers are champion producers. long-range investment has to be made -The ability to earn money and No one on earth does a better job of at the inter-regional level in order to postpone paying taxes, which means producing than the American farmer. guarantee farmers a supply. If farmers they can invest in growth opportunities Their cooperative can and must build are not willing to plan long range and to expand the organization. on their production strength abilities. take risks in investments in order -to Farmers have a choice. They can - A major piece of the total integra- make the co-op work, they are going stay as they are and be only producers tion system which is the production to be totally dependent upon public or they can change. They can spend piece. suppliers. more time planning in order to plot -Co-ops are one of the few Farmers need to understand co-op their destiny. They can analyze their organizations where the farmers, who programs, be willing to communicate, strengths, their weaknesses, their are the users, have total control. to tell the truth. 26 RURAL LIVING. FEBRUARY 1982 Your Membership In The MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Now Makes Available Benefits There are benefits to farmers if they do this. By using the strength of the co-op in taking -the advantage of the opportunities in the future food busi- Institutional ness, and by integrating through their cooperatives, farmers can more than triple the gross margins they are pres- ently receiving for the commodities. Liquid Assets Farmers have the greatest oppor- tunity of an industry in this country Designed to provide daily and the world, because they are in the money market income with Three Portfolios: most essential business on earth - the food business. With the world popula- PRIME TREASURY tion growth, with our natural resourc- OBLIGATIONS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS es, the skills of the efficient farmer pro- ducers, with the legal advantages and 12.40% 11.44% 11.64% the financial advantages that farmers have through and with their coopera- Investment Advisor, GOLDMAN, tives, they are a sleeping giant. Administrator and SACHS & CO. It is time to wake up! It is time for farmers to be willing to rededicate, to Sole Distributor make sacrifices and full business com- mitment to the co-ops, because it's the • Seven day annualized net investment income yield, computed by dividing the greatest strength farmers have to in- Portfolio's average dally net investment income per unit for the period ended January 8, 1982 by $1.00 and multiplying the result by 365. On that date the crease their return on their present average portfolio maturities in Prime Obligations was 31 days and in Govern- farm invest. Vertical integration is right ment was 31 days and Treasury Obligations was 1 day. The yields change in for the farmer. response to fluctuations in interest rates on portfolio investment and operating It is management's responsibility to expenses. bring forth the ideas and strategies to A prospectus containing more complete information including reach the objectives of getting the management fees and expenses, will be sent upon receipt of the at- farmer out of the middle. But first, tached coupon. Send the coupon to Michigan National Bank, Trust farmers must rededicate, must recom- Department, 77 Monroe Center, P. O. Box 2804, Grand Rapids, mit themselves to making the co-op Michigan 49501. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or work, not just for short range, but long send money. For current yield information call toll free range for the future of farmers. 800-621-2550. Farmers' business, farmers' co-op, and farmers' financial sheets are a direct reflection of their own initiative. Will farmers remain as they are, in the o Please send me a prospectus. middle, or will they integrate in- dividually or integrate collectively? Name (as it appears on membership records) What is the decision? Discussion Questions Address In your opinion, is total integration right for the farmer? City State Zip In your opinion, is the co-op the Membership No. best vehicle to use in implementing vertical integration? Mail to: Money Market Fund Program Editor's Note: The information for this month's discussion topic is based for Michigan Farm Bureau Members Goldman on remarks by Newton Allen, execu- Michigan National Bank, Trust Department Sadls tiue vice president and chief executive P.O. Box 2804, 77 Monroe Center officer of Farm Bureau Seruices, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI 49501 and Farmers Petroleum Cooperatiue, Inc., at the cooperatiues' annual meet- ings Dec. 1, 1981 in Grand Rapids. RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 27 Agrinomic Update Dairy Programs Under Scrutiny Milk Production Per Cow, United States, Selected Years, 1960-1990. Change From Milk Previous Year Per Cow Period lbs. 1960 7,029 1965 8,205 + 1,276 1970 9,751 1,446 1975 10,350 599 1980 11,875 1,525 1985 12,875 1,000 (est) 1990 13,875 1,000 (est) Estimated Number of Milk Cows to Supply Domestic Market; Selected Years. Cow Numbers Change To Supply From Year Market 8/81 (1,000) 1981 10,186 - 725 1985 9,685 -1,226 "Based on the current dairy situa- has already instructed the secretary of 1990 9,189 -1,722 tion, dairymen should not expect any agriculture to review the present pro- change in the support price for the gram and to consider programs that 1981-82 marketing year," was the minimize dairy surpluses," Hatfield message to those attending the dairy told farmers. to build up herds. It is estimated that conference of the American Farm Bu- According to Hatfield, the dairy in- by 1990, 9.2 million cows will be ade- reau Federation in January. dustry is faced with the largest produc- quate to supply the U.S. market - Hollis Hatfield, director of the AFBF tion/sales imbalance on record .. Milk 496,000 fewer than will be required in dairy department, further stated that production, already at a record level of 1985. dairymen should be prepared to ac- 132 billion lbs. in 1981, is expected to The current dairy plant is over- cept a support price of $13.25 for the reach another record (134 billion lbs.) expanded by about 725,000 cows. 1982-83 marketing year and possibly in 1982. While commercial sales of "T 0 get our house in order, the a $14.00 support for the 1983-84 dairy products have increased only build up in cow numbers must cease," year, "but I hope I'm wrong," he add- 1.1 billion lbs., in the period from Hatfield told dairy farmers. He con- ed. 1978 to 1981, milk production during tinlJ.ed by saying that the downward In reviewing the recently enacted the same period has increased by 10.4 trend in cow numbers must be re- Farm Bill, Hatfield pointed out that the billion lbs. sumed and the present herd reduced dairy price support provisions contain In addition, Hatfield reported, cow by about 1.2 million cows by 1985 to three fundamental first time changes: numbers have increased for 23 con- achieve a reasonable balance between Minimum support level set below 75 secutive months. Replacements are up the market for milk and the milk sup- percent of parity; support level is more than 658,000 since 1978, repre- ply. directly tied to CCC dairy product pur- senting a 17 percent increase. chases; and support price under cer- "Dairymen should be prepared to tain conditions is not related to parity. consider alternatives to the present Agrinomic Update is prepared "All dairy programs will be under programs," he stressed. One adjust- monthly by the Commodity Actiuities close scrutiny during 1982. Congress ment would be a reversal of the trend and Research Department. 28 RURAL LIVING, FEBRUARY 1982 Your Membership in the IRAs Promise MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Tax Savings, Itl makes available Retirement Income mICHIGan'S FB Annuity Company now pays one of the highest interest rates in ~ JJ FaRm BeST Michigan for Individual Retirement Accounts, thanks to a decision by the products through the company's board of directors to raise the rate 13 percent. MEMBER-TO-MEMBER MID-WINTER SALE The 13 percent rate, guaranteed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1982, appl~es Featuring frozen fruit, fresh citrus to accumulated funds already on deposit and to new deposits. and other taste tempting items. FB Annuity Company's flexible premium annuity offers many advan- Participating counties - see center pages tages that make it especially attractive of this issue for ordering information. as an IRA for farmers, who must set up their own retirement plans. Prices on citrus to be announced! Because it is tax-sheltered, the FB Annuity IRA will save you tax dollars year after year. You can deposit up to ~-------------------------~---------- Name _ $2,000 a year (or up to $2,250 a year Address _ if you have a non-working spouse) in- to the IRA and deduct the amount as tax-free income on your income tax Phone _ return. The interest your funds earn is also tax-deferred. You pay no taxes at all on your IRA Quantity Item and Size Price Amount until you begin receiving payments as Dark Pitted Sweet Cherries. 22 Ibs.• no sugar $16.12 retirement income, which you could Black Raspberries. 12 Ibs.. no sugar $15.40 choose to start as early as age 591/2 or Blueberries. 30 Ibs.• no sugar $24.50 Red Tart Pitted Cherries. 30 Ibs.• IQF $26.40 as late as 701/2. By then, most people Whole Strawberries. 30 Ibs.. lQF $27.45 are in a much lower tax bracket and Cling Peach Slices. 10 Ibs., IQF $9.80 will pay much lower taxes. Red Raspberries. 10 Ibs.. IQF $17.50 Besides the tax breaks, an FB An- Peas. 30 Ibs. - 1212112 lb. boxes $19.85 nuity IRA guarantees you a generous Asparagus. 30 Ibs. - 12/21/: lb. boxes $35.60 retirement income for as long as you Cauliflower. 24 Ibs. - 12/2 lb. boxes $19.85 live. Your local FBIG agent can pro- Broccoli. 24 Ibs. - 12/2 lb. boxes $19.85 vide details. Sliced Mushrooms. 10 Ibs. - 215 lb. boxes. lQF $15.90 The FB Annuity Company is one of Michigan Red Delicious Apples. C.A .• I/: bu. (44 ct.) $7.90 the insurance companies that makes Oranges. 4/5 bu. - price to be announced Grapefruit. 4/5 bu. - price to be announced up Farm Bureau Insurance Group. Florida Skinless Peanuts. 20 oz. can $2.20 ~ew Mexico Pecans. 10 lb. box (In the shell) $15.50 New Mexico Pecans. 5 Ibs. (shelled halves) SI8.50 NEW! Apple Cider Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans $26.90 AGRIHOL HI-D Orange Juice Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans HI-D Grapefruit Concentrate. 24/12 oz. cans $32.00 $25.80 the IApprox. $39.951 MACMA Vintage Ham. 4/4 lb. hams/case S2.50/Ib. Super Unleaded Thick Sliced Bacon. 15 Ibs. - 10/1112 lb. pkgs. 522.50 at an Hickory Slick. 4 lb. average $10.90 Economy Price Wyoming Buffalo Sausage Stick. 12 oz. $3.50 Mississippi Cadlsh Steaks. 15 lb. box. IQF $28.95 at your Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar Cheese. 4/1 lb. pkgs. FARMERS Wisconsin Medium Cheddar Cheese. 4/1 lb. pkgs. S10.85 SIO.50 PETROLEUM Wisconsin Colby Cheese. 4/1 lb. pkgs. Wisconsin Monterey Jack Cheese, 4/1 lb. pkgs. S10.15 S10.15 Service Centers & Dealers Total Good for Michigan Farmers RURAL LIV1NG. FEBRUARY 1982 ------------------------------------~ Farm Bureau Market Place LIVESTOCK FOR HOMEMAKERS FARM EQUIPMENT For Sale: Used Storage Tanks, 6000 to 20,000 gallon CORRIEDALE SHEEP breeding stock. 313-429-7874. Home Accessories Brochure. Enclose long SASE. Mailmart. capacity. Vertical or horizontal. Phone 616-798-1805. (12-12t-5p) Box 36188-LC. Cincinnati, OH 45236. (2-2t-15p-ts) (l0-12t-15p-ts) Nutslt Quart each pecan halves, pecan pieces, walnuts. Three- For Sale: Springing Holstein heifers due In February. Irrigation Equipment - Complete line - Lockwood center 517.645-2161 before 7:30 a.m. or evening after 7 p.m. (2-15p) quart SlImpler, $14.95 postpaid!!! Canecreek Farm, Box pivots - Rainbow and Alumax travelers, pipe and pumps. We 2727-MF, Cookeville, TN 38501. 12-12t-2Op-ts) 20 Well Bred Holstein heifers. Due after March 1. Byron repair pipe and make up pumping units. Plummer Supply, Great! Ice Cream Cake! Birthdays. anniversaries, catering! Waddell, 517-543-3415. (2-12p) Bradley, Mich. 616-792-2215. (l1-12t-27p-ts) Easy instructions, decorating! $1.00, Hamiltons, Box 652-131. For Sale: Purebred Simmental Bull. 19 mos. old. Larry NewUlm, Minn. 56073. (2-17p.ts) Manure Pumps, agitators, pipe and travelers for sale to pump Kindel, St. Johns, 517-224-404~. (1-2t-12p) manure directly from lagoon or pit to field. We also custom Great Sausage Recipes. illustrated book with over 100 recipes pump. Plummer Supply, Bradley, Mich. 616-792-2215. For Sale: Service Age Yorkshire Boars. Richard Cook, explaining 5iluSllge making, curing, smoking. Free equipment (11-12t-27p-ts) phone 517-649-8988. (2-3t-9p) and supply catalog: SAUSAGEMAKER, 177-56 Military, Buf. New All Wire Cages and Equipment. also Pedigreed Meat 7/8 Slmmental Bull. Polled. 17 mo. old. 313-634-7147. falo, N.Y. 14207. (9-9t-25p-ts) Production New Zealand White Rabbits. Dettmer's Bunny Holly, Mich. (2-1Op) SaUSllgemakers, Greatl Recipes. Frankfurters, Summer, Patch, a full time commercial rabbitry. Carson City, Mich. Bologna, Headcheese, Venison, Pepperoni! $1.00, Includes 517-584.3765. (9-6t-25p) catalog! 45 more recipes available! Ham, bacon. curing, smok- For Sale: Howard Rotavator, Model E-50, $1500. One row Ing! Meat, fish, pickling! Hamlltons. Box 652-131. New Ulm, r1dger and fumagator, $600. Both excellent condition. Minn. 56073. (2-3Op-ts) 517-375-2529. (l1-4t-16p) REAL ESTATE Spices, Herbs, Teas and Coffees. WholeSllle prices to Farrowing Stalls - All steel $142.96. Includes feeder-waterer, everyone. Free catalog. Siers Spice Co., 3730 Robinson, top rail, rump rail. Weighs 204". Free literature. Starr National, All Farms - need farms for Midwest and international buyers. Snover, Mich. 48472. (2-19p) 219 Main, Colchester, IL 62326. 309-776-3446. (2-24p-ts) Top dollar. Details: John Peck, Four Seasons Realty of Lansing. Cook With Honey: Reduce calories and promote health! Six 517-482-4555. (4-13t-2Op-ts) Marshall's Tractor Tune-up Manual gives basic tune-up delicious recipes plus Info to convert sugar recipes to honey. specifications on almost 400 popular tractor models 1%5-up. A $1.000.000 Farms Wanted - Can be stocked or equipped. In Send $2.00: Roggenbuck, Box 211, Ruth, Mich. 48470. must for farm and dealer mechanics. $14.50 postpaid. Marshall Tuscola, Lapeer, Huron, Sanilac counties. Write or call national (2-27p) Publications, Dep!. M-l, Box 1190, Minnetonka, Minn. 55343. farm brokers at United Farm Agency, 1764 M-24 Caro, Mich. Midwest Country Cooking Favorites: "House Specialties" by (l-2t-34p-ts) 48723. Phone 517-673-6888. Free! Farm and business catalogs Deanna House, a creative recipe collection from 20 years of upon request. (l-3t-27p) Wanted: 22 to 24 ft. grain tight truck rack; also, "850 Cater- teaching adults. Helpful hints, clear Instructions and microwave pillar loader - good condition. 313.659-6535. (2-14p) 20 acre farm. 15 acres muck, 4 bedroom home, garage, barn, adaplions make this a must for the farm wife on the go. $11.85 Wanted to Buy: International No.9 or No.7 silo filler, corn chicken coop, cold storage, packing shed and greenhouse, one covers book, mailing and sales tax to House Specialties, P.O. binder, grain binder and manure spreader. John Spezia, mile from Decatur village limits, $79,900.00, call office for Box 492, Portage, Mich. 49081. (2-3t-53p) Leonard, Mich. 48038. 313-628-4147. (2-24p) details. Phone 616-423-2622. (2-2t-30p) For Sale: 213 New Idea manure spreader. excellent condi- Beautiful Lawrence, Michigan. farm. 224 acres with 70% tion. Phone 517-777-5568. (2-12p) ullable. Ponds and river frontage. Newer ranch style home with walkout basement and large in-ground swimming pool. Dairy Wanted: 23.lx30 tires and wheels for duals; also, 18 x 22.5s barn, farrowing house, machine sheds. On good blacktop road, tires, good condition. 313-659-6535. (2-12p) close to town and three miles from 1-94. By owner. 616- MISCELLANEOUS Antique Tractor Books! Make Ideal Gifts! New! Newl 674-8571. " (2-3t-47p) Titles. Just released! "FARM TRACTORS 1950-1975," covers Good Clean Rental Type Work Oothes: 6 pants and 6 shirts, SW Michigan U-Plck Fruit Farm, Established clientele since tractor design, performance, turbocharging, transmissions, com. $24.95, postpaid. Send sizes with order to: Walt's WholeSllle, 1957. New. executive quality hilltop home. By owner - will fort, etc., 415 photos, 176 pages, $15.95. "THE AGRICUL- 251 Pearl Street, Darlington, S.C. 29532. (6-9t-26p-ts) carry contract. 616-668-3603. Westview Farm, Route 2, Mat- TURAL TRACTOR 1855-1950," 300 photos, specifications, Auctton and Appraisal Service. Antiques - Agriculture - tawan, Mich. 49071. 12-4t-?5p) component drawings, and mechanical features, 160 pages, Commercial. Jim Erskine, Freeland (Saginaw County) $13.95. "FARM TRACTORS IN COLOR," 80 years tractor I! you know of anyone locating In Lenawee County, have 517-695-9182. (l0-6t-12p) history, 118 true color photos, 183 pages, hardcover, $11.95. them check this home out. Attractive four bedroom, energy effi- SPECIAL! Complete collector's library, all 3 above books, cient home with natural woodwork on 1.3 well landscaped acres Uncoln Log home model ready for Inspection. Bart & Hope $38.95 postpaid. "THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN with lots of barn and garage storage. Located among some of McFarlane, Spring Arbor. 517-750-2025. 11-2t-14p-ts) FARM TRACTORS," covers tractors from 1890s to 1979, 1500 Lenawee's most productive soil. Only minutes from Adrian or New Correspondence Magazine loaded with penpals anxious photos, 352 large pages, full descriptions, hard leatherette Toledo. Priced in the 60s and an assumable mortgage is to know you. Sample copy 50 cents. Homestead Hotline, cover, $26.95. "150 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL HAR- available. Linehan Realty Co .. contact Ken Mitchell, 517- 720-30 Morrow, Clayton, N.J. 08312. (2-2Op-ts) VESTOR," covers tractors and all equipment, 416 large pages, 265-2164 or 517-423-8147. (2-69b) 2000 photos, hard leatherette cover, $26.95 postpaid. Free cir- Mall Delivery flip-Up Signals: No more of those unncessary cular, many more titles. Diamond Farm Book Publishers, Dept. Wanted to Buy: International No.9 or No.7 silo filler, corn trips to your mailbox. Flips up automatically when mall camer MFN, Box 537, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607. Phone 613- binder, grain binder and manure spreader. John Spezia, delivers your mall, then can be seen from your house window. 475-1771. (l2-4t-132p) Leonard, Mich. 48038.313-628-4147. (2-24p) Not plastic. Last for years. Try one and you would never be without. Only $3.95 + 85 cents postage and handling. Money ------------------------------------- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY: Members pay 10 cents per word for non-commerical ads and 15 cents per word for ads which pro- refunded including postage if not completely satisfied upon return within 60 days. You cannot lose only gain. Many SlItisfled customers. Order today. Home Product Sales, 1171 Sandcreek mote a commercial business other than agriculture. All other advertisers pay 20 cents per word for one insertion and 15 cents per Hwy., Adrian, Mich. 49221. (2-2t-82pl word for two or more consecutive insertions. The deadline for advertisements Is the 15th 01 the month preceding publication and the publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy submitted. Advertisements should be submilled on the form below. All Keep Informed Services. Current Information. Research. ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to one year in advance. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad Reasonable charge. Box 420. Okemos, Mich, 48864. (1l-5t-13p) on a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. Send ads to Michigan Farm News Rural Llvfng, P.O. Box 30960. lansing, Mich. 48909. No ads will be taken over the phone. 99~ effldent kerosene, fuel oU. propane heaters. Save 35% on fuel costs. UL-AGA approved. Buy distributor direct. Free literature, prices. IRS Dist., Box 8, Curran, Mich. 48728. Name _ 517 -848-5168. (l-2t.28p) Book - "Shining Through" - 120 pp. with illustrations. Address _ Beautiful rural romance 1897-99, based on diary and letters. 01 am a Farm Bureau member. This Is a non-commercial ad and I am enclosing 10 cents per word. $3.70 postpaid. R. McKim, Box 168, Holt, Mich. 48842. 01 am a Farm Bureau member. This ad promotes a business other than agriculture and I am enclosing 15 cents per word. (1. 12t-25p-ts) Please run the following ad in the -'--issue(sl of Michigan Farm News Rural Living. Have penpals worldwldel Directory of magazines around the 'world wtlh free penpal columns, $2.00. Flo, 720.5 Morrow, AD C0PY (please prtntclearly): _ Clayton, N.J. 08312. (2-2Op-ts) How to weld on the farm and save money. Facts that work. Send $3.00 to Marshall. Box 632, Altavista, VA 24517. (1.2t-21p-ts) Ash Remover Shovel: A new way to remove those unwanted ashes from your wood stove or fireplace Insert without soot and ashes everywhere. Write for free brochure. Wood Stove Ac- cessories, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Mechanlc5vllle, VA 23111. 11-3t-38p-ts) Work Shirts and Pants - reconditioned - low as $2.35 each. Also, new coveralls, jackets, gloves, boots, shoes. For informa- tion catalog, send $1.00. Sara Glove Co., Box 4069-C.95, Waterbury, Conn. 06704. (l-5t-29p-ts) Total Words _ Total Enclosed _ -------------------------------------- 30 RURAL LlVING, FEBRUARY 1982 ACROX@D-LPWS. works as well in your planter as it does for your corn seed AGROX D-L Plus has been developed by Chipman to provide corn seed with critical protection from seed corn maggots and wireworms. The proven combination of lindane and DIAZINON@ provides excellent insect control at economical cost. The plus is captan as a supplement to previous fungicidal treatment, to give your crop added protection against seedling diseases. Best of all, AGROX D-L Plus has been carefully formulated to provide all this protection with no interference to your planting operations. AGROX D-L Plus will not cause bridging, clog plates, slow down air planters or block monitors. AGROX D-L Plus works well with MAX-EMERGE@ (Deere and Co.) or International air planters. University trials have shown the combination of DIAZINON and lindane in AGROX D-L Plus, applied in the planter box, provides significantly better control of seed corn maggot than soil applied granular insecticides at a fraction of the cost. A convenient 2 ounce pack treats one bushel of corn seed. ~ AGROX is a registered trademark of Chipman Inc., Canada ~ DIAZINON is a registered trademark of Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation, Greensboro. NC Keep the good things growing iliJ MAX-EMERGE is a trademark of Deere and Co. Read the label before using any agricultural chemical. Chipman Chemicals Inc. P.O. Box 718 River Rouge, MI 48218 ~--------------------------- -------------~ I I I For more Information contact: Name I I Chipman Chemicals Inc. Address I I P.O. Box 718 I I River Rouge, MI ------------ State I I l 48218 ~ Z' Phone_( ~ I I M FN RL/2-82 Ip I . Address Correction Requested MOVING? To change your address, clip out your present address label (at left) and this form and send to Rural Lilling, P.O. Box 30960, lansing, Mich. 48909. Please try to give us for weeks' notice. Name _ New Address _ City Stale Zip _ o Permanent Change OTemporary Change - willreturn to present address