Michigan Farm News Rural Living April 1982 *^ \ ,-. Ita. loved (though likely an afterthought), two-year-old. And Why Shovel or Hoe? Use An AGCO just a year ago, a photographer looked just slightly puzzled (and sympathetic) when she told the wild 18-month-old to sit on his "Mom's" lap for just one moment. But there was no one behind me who bore the slightest resemblance to Granny when I, with 5- and 2-year-old grandsons in tow, , )\ entered the circus arena. It was I who was Granny. Weeds Narrow Rows fast Not that I mind; that role has been the light of my life. It's New Agco Tiller - Power Hoe ... Tills Deep ... Ve,y Easy To Handle ... Makes just that it came as a jolt that it was so obvious (and that was Gardens Weed Free Fast Without Hard Work ... 2 Wk Money BD Trial Period. before I paid $4 for an airplane balloon on a stick - who else but a doting grandparent would pay that?). 1 Helps you grow 5400 to 5600 worth of 51 vegetables m your back yard It 5 like tax AGCO POBOX 75 DE PT I The lions roared ... but I kept thinking: it shouldn't have free mcome' SOUTHAMPTON. PA 18966 I 2 High speed tiger tmes tills 6 to 8 Inches I want more mformatlon please send I been such a jolt because of the indicators I've been getting deep. works your 5011 to the texture of : literature to lately when the conversation turns to The Great Depression. granulated sugar • NAME I 3 Makes weeding fast easy ard fun Weeds: - --- -- I I hasten to clarify that I don't remember the Wall Street narrow rows 1 to 3 mches deep • STREET ------ I 4 Aerates & Thiltcr't'~ lilwns 15 day trial • CITY crash, but I do remember the aftermath. I didn't know why period your money back I Less shlPpmg' -- -- I my folks packed up our belongings and left our ranch in cha~gesnaturally! IltheAGCOlsntthe: STATE __ liP ----- I best and easiest to handle tiller you ve • For ruSh delivery of literature call I South Dakota for a "better life" in Michigan. ever used : 215-947 -8855 24 hrs a day' It wasn't until much later that I realized the toll it took on my Dad to give up and take a job as a herdsman for a dairy ---------------------------- . I farmer here in Michigan and later live out his life as a cottage cheese maker in a milk plant. There's a lot of farmers who recognize, more than I, the price he paid on behalf of his family's welfare. The price was not monetary. The price was the loss of pride in admitting . there was no way he could make it. The price was the loss of independence, of having to follow someone else's directives and having little part of the decision-making process. The price was giving up the daily battle with Mother Nature - sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always the warrior (and the lions roared) - for the "protection" of four, firm, suffocating walls of a building. The price was giv- ing up the title and power of "boss" for a steady, weekly paycheck to feed his family and pay the bills. There are some farmers today who may be forced to pay the same price my Dad did. My heart goes out to them. But so does my reassurance. If my Dad hadn't made the deci- Harold Yuker is Provost sion he did, I wouldn't even be in Michigan, let alone writing this column. He's not here to read this, but somehow I know of Hofstra University. that he knows that a decision he made a long time ago did have a positive impact on down the line. He has cerebral palsy. That belief keeps me striving to stay worthy of the Disabled people have sacrifices me made. He lived as a farmer; he didn't die as a job to do. Give them one - but I'll build on the heritage he gave me. I'll serve the a chance to do it. farmer he always wanted to be, but gave up being - for me. President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped Washington. D.C. 20210 Produced by The School of Visual Arts Public Adwrtising System Donna Wilber is a contributing editor to Rural Living. RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 5 Lansing Review Workers' Compensation: S.B. the licensing of all grain dealers, re- Summer tax collection would not be 715 has been introduced by Sen. quires financial audits, -changes re- automatic as the school would have to Mowat at Farm Bureau's request. It is quirements for price later agreements, request that one-half of the school an effort to solve a serious problem plus makes several other major taxes be collected at that time. Any several farmers have had by clarifying changes. It should be helpful in pre- one concerned with this issue should the meaning of "self-employed U and venting grain dealer bankruptcies. contact their state senator immediately "contractor. as it may be acted upon soon. U Farmer Highway Signs: The State Many farmers who cut wood and Highway Commission has reversed an logs in the winter find that most mills administrative law judge's decision on Buckle Up the Babies: Beginning will not buy the product. Other April 1, a new law requires all motor- a case involving a farmer who has a farmers have had similar experiences ists to insure that children up to age farm market on his premises and was in having to pay premiums on con- four be safely secured in the car. denied a license to put a sign on his tracted work by self-employed people Children under one year of age must own property. The judge maintained for such things as excavating, bulldoz- U be carried in safety seats. Those be- that the land was not "contiguous be- ing, trucking, etc. Another example: a tween one and four must be secured in cause it was bisected by a local road. person owning his own combine and a safety seat if they are riding in the Sen. Allen and Farm Bureau pre- doing custom work for other farmers front seat; however they may be se- pared material to refute the decision. was injured and is now claiming the cured in a safety belt when riding in A letter from Farm Bureau was read farmer owning the crop is liable for the back seat. It is claimed that 90 % of into the record. The commission voted Workers' Compensation. child deaths in auto accidents can be unanimously to reverse the adminis-' It has been a difficult problem prevented. trative law judge. This was the first because farmers and other self- time the commission has reversed a Capital Punishment: Petitions are employed people cannot buy workers' law judge's decision. compensation on themselves. The being circulated to put the issue of wording for such an amendment is Right to Farm Guidelines: New capital punishment on the ballot for proving to be complex due to a 1972 ~uidelines were formulated by the next November's election. Michigan's Supreme Court decision. MDA as a result of public hearings constitution prohibits the use of the held throughout the state by local Soil death penalty. Any change must be Payment for Milk: S. B. 111 and Conservation Districts. Farm Bureau made by a vote of the people. S.B. 338 have finally passed the has met with the department and a In the past few weeks there have Senate after the bills were rewritten. representative of the attorney general's been two horrible mass murders of en- These bills are also designed to help office on the final draft and recom- tire families in rural areas. A state prevent bankruptcies of milk buyers mended additional changes. All were trooper was murdered when he stop- and assure farmers payment to the ex- accepted. The guidelines are in good . ped a car on a simple traffic charge. tent possible. The key is financial re- shape now and will be helpful to the Other police officers have been mur- ports that provide information on the implementation of the Right to Farm dered as well as several elderly peo- ability to pay. This is accomplished by legislation. About eight cases are pres- ple. stricter licensing requirements. The ently pending in which the legislation L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland bills are in the House Ag Committee. may. be useful. County prosecutor, is leading the peti- ti~n drive. Farm Bureau has sent peti- Payments for Fruits and Vege- Summer Tax Collection (H.B. tions to community action groups for tables: S.B. 113 has been the most 4150): This controversial legislation circulation if they desire. Petitions can controversial of the "prompt payment U . has passed the House and is now in also be obtained by writing Michigan bills. The bill is still in the Senate Ag the Senate. Farm Bureau policy op- Farm Bureau in Lansing. Committee. It is minimal legislation re- poses the summer tax collection be- quiring the buyer to pay the grower cause many farmers spend large State's Budget Problems Worsen: within 30 days after acceptance of the amounts of money and borrow funds Gov. Milliken has recommended a fruit and vegetables or provide a sign- at high interest and may well have to program to further cut the budget by ed, written contract stating the date on borrow additional money to pay sum- $450 million, eliminate state employ- or before which payment will be made mer taxes. On the other hand, schools ees' pay raises for 1983 (as this is writ- in full. Other provisions provide for have a serious problem of borrowing ten the unions have refused conces- procedures for complaints. money for opening of schools. sions), and increase the state income Another bill (H.B. 5405) is still in tax from the present 4.6 % to 5.32 % . Grain Dealers Act: S. B. 112 has the House. It would permit farmers to The increased tax will generate $160 passed and Is expected to be signed by delay a summer tax until the regular million in additional revenue to be the governor. This legislation requires time. It has not been acted upon. used to restore the General Fund and 6 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 1 make it possible to borrow $500 mil- lion to meet state bills. Beginning Jan. 1, 1983, .3% of the additional income tax would go to the transportation fund for roads and other transportation, .2% for schools and .2% to the General Fund and Gov. Milliken, in his last appearance at the traditional Farmers' Week "Breakfast with cash restoration. the Governor," was presented with a "Right to Farm" Permit No.1, a Farm Credit Ser- While there would not be an in- vice straw hat and bib overalls. With the governor is Larry DeVuyst, Gratiot County hog crease in gas taxes and license fees for producer who serves as president of "Republican Farmers for Better Government," cars, there would be an increase in sponsors of the breakfast. commercial vehicle license fees of 85 %. The proposal would shift fund- ing away from the traditional "user taxes" for roads. One problem this creates is that money from the income tax and General Fund would not be guaranteed for roads, as it is from the "user taxes," and therefore, could not be bonded against for road projects. Farm Bureau policy, as passed by the delegate body, supports the "user tax" revenue because the constitution guarantees that 90% of the revenue will be used for roads. The average driver is paying $5 to $10 less toward roads than he did in 1978. This is due to less driving and more fuel efficient cars. The state work force has been re- duced by 10,000 people in less than two years. Property tax rebates to homeowners and farmers are continu- ing upward from $500 million; they are expected to be $800 million this Look ahead this spring e". year. Farmers are signing up in P.A. 116 at a record rate and due to low in- comes are receiving a greater share of ChalH't'S art' you'll bt' farther aht'ad In Ihe long run If you'll sp('nd 1I10r(' Ilm(' planning and kss their property taxes refunded. t I. I 11111t'doing Ihln~~ you'n' used 10 doln~. e\!('n at Contrary to general belief, total state pia III iIIg a nel harv('sl. revenue, as a percent of personal in- Bul hUl11alls art' ('r('alun's of habit. who I('nd 10 come, is the lowest in 10 years, almost do Ihlngs 'h('~"n' uSl'd 10 doing and a\'oid Ihings 7.4% compared to 8.2% in 1979 and I h('y ough I III do. ('V('II wh(,11 I he: payoff can be so previous to that as high as 18 %. Infla- Illll('h gn'a' (.... tion, however, has dropped from a Look al1l'ad I his spring. Make surl' your plans an' high of 15.7% in 1980 to 6% in 1982 In orcin and your ('ourse Is S('!. You'll bl' a much l11on' ({f('('1 !V(' nHllla,~('r I hal way, and 8% is expected in 1983. Federal cuts to Michigan have to- Look 10 PCA lor hdp. A 1I11l'of l'fl'dlt t'rom peA lllakes 11101lt.y available wh('n you 1H'l'd it so you taled over $1 billion; however, federal (';111('On,Tntrat(' I11l)rl' on farming and kss Oil income tax cuts to take effect this com- borrowing. TI1(' payoff Is u~ually mu('h gn'alt'r ing year will mean $2 billion less for I hal \\'a~'. Michigan citizens to pay. Lansing Reuiew is prepared by Production Credit Associations 01 Michigan Robert E. Smith, MFB senior legislatiue counsel. RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Washington Report Members Seek "Fair Play" Legislation FB Seeks Bargaining Legislation self-employed persons is greater since Michigan Farm Bureau members in they must bear the full cost of the Washington, D.C., March 29 through premium, they said. April 1, are telling their national On the other hand, employment re- representatives that producers of lated health care coverage is often pro- perishable agricultural commodities vided to an employee as a fringe need enabling legislation that would benefit at nq cost, or for a substantially require processors and handlers to reduced premium. In addition, em- bargain in good faith with producers ployees are not taxed for this fringe for terms and conditions of sales con- benefit by either state or federal tracts for fruits, vegetables, nuts and governments. poultry. For the self-employed person, the The legislation, H.R. 4975, which tax system operates differently. Under has been introduced by California current law, a self-employed person Congressman Leon Panetta, would who itemizes expenses is permitted to amend the Agricultural Fair Practices deduct up to half of the amount paid Act of 1976 to allow agricultural pro- for health insurance premiums to a ducers to form accredited bargaining maximum of $150. The balance ofthe associations and to negotiate with premium amount can sometimes be handlers of any qualified commodity. deducted when added to the taxpayer's It would also make it illegal for the medical expenses. In that case, only handler to refuse to bargain with such the amount of medical expense that is an accredited bargaining unit. more than 3 percent of the adjusted Michigan Congressman Jim Dunn Other provisions of the amending (D-East lansing) has added his name as gross income is deductible. Further, legislation would make it illegal for a co-sponsor to bargaining legislation. the self-employed person must pay in- handler to: come tax on the money used to pur- .Coerce or induce any producer we must assure that markets run in a ~hase health insurance. from joining an association of pro- smooth and fair manner. If we do not, Two options have been suggested ducers or to refuse to deal with a pro- farmers will remain in an unfair posi- to correct the tax inequity that exists ducer because of his membership in a tion in their negotiations with large between health insurance costs for bargaining association. handlers, who control the market. self-employed persons and employ- • Make false reports about the liT 0 see to it that guidelines are ees. finances, management or activities of established to protect farmers, we First, legislation could be enacted to associations of producers. must secure passage of marketing and tax the value of health insurance • Discriminate against any producer bargaining legislation," Dunn said. premiums employees receive as a with respect to price, quantity, quality fringe benefit. No such legislation has or other terms of purchase, acquisi- Cure for Tax Inequity been introduced. tion, or other handling because of his membership in a producer association. Farm Bureau members are prescrib- The second solution, which has the The legislation would also authorize ing a cure for a tax inequity that has support of Farm Bureau, would allow civil and criminal penalties for viola- self-employed persons digging deeper the self-employed taxpayer, as well as tions. Civil fines of up to $100,000 into their pockets to pay for health employees, to deduct all health in- may be levied and criminal penalities care insurance premiums than taxpay- surance premiums without limit, re- of up to $25,000 or one year in prison ers employed by others. gardless of whether or not the tax- are provided in the amending legisla- Washington Legislative Seminar payer itemizes deductions. tion. participants reminded Michigan con- Legislation which would establish Recently, Congressman Jim Dunn gressmen that self-employed persons this tax equity has been introduced by of East Lansing added his name as a are paying increasingly higher health Ohio Congressman Bob McEwen. The co-sponsor of the legislation. care insurance premiums; reflecting bill, H.R. 3777, is pending in the Dunn, who attended a breakfast the higher costs for hospital care, doc- House Ways and Means Committee. meeting of Michigan congressmen and tor fees and prescription drugs. While Two Michigan congressmen, Guy MFB Washington Seminar participants costs for service benefits are spread VanderJagt (R-Luther) and William on March 31, told the group that "dur- among the insured members of the Brodhead (D-Detroit), are members of ing these difficult economic times, group or health r.are plan, the cost for this committee. 8 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Evaluation Committees Looking for "Friends" As politicians consider campaign ance at Farm Bureau sponsored meet- .Integrity and dedication to the cam- strategies, AgriPac, the political action ings, communications with farmers on paign. arm of the Michigan Farm Bureau, is legislative issues, liaison with Farm Bu- • Involvement of agricultural persons also gearing up for the 1982 elections. reaupersonnel on legislative develop- in the campaign. Fundraising activities conducted at ments and results of AgriPac contacts • Results of AgriPac contacts with several Farm Bureau functions have with county Farm Bureaus. county Farm Bureaus. brought MFB's political action commit- Criteria for non-incumbents include: Many Fundraisers Held tee more than halfway to its goal of - Recognition of the importance of ag- Not all candidates who are named $35,000. At the county level, Farm riculture to the economy. "Friends of Agriculture" receive finan- Bureau boards of directors are appoint- • Demonstrated interest in agricultural cial support from AgriPac. Only those ing bi-partisan Candidate Evaluation issues and possible solutions to such is- who are facing a tough election and Committees from their memberships to sues. can show financial need receive funds. help AgriPac select "Friends of Agricul- • Position on agricultural issues. (continued on page 27) ture." Formation of these committees was called for by voting delegates at the 1981 MFB annual meeting. "The committees will be asked to evaluate their legislators on the job they have done during their terms of office," said Al Almy, director of the MFB Public Affairs Division and Agri- AMI BEN: Pac secretary. "The committees will also be asked to evaluate new candi- THE MOST VALUABLE dates running in districts where the in- cumbents are retiring." Political offices to be evaluated in- PARTNER. clude state representative and senator, governor and U.S. representative and senator. County Farm Bureau boards will re- view committee recommendations and send the results to AgriPac. "AgriPac will utilize local evaluations No other herbicide brings so much with other factors before naming strength to dry bean weed control. 'Friends of Agriculture' prior to the And strength is what AMIBE~ dllo- Aug. 3 Primary Election," Almy said. ramben herbicide is all about. It gives you great crop tolerance, so beans start fast-and healthy. And it has broad spectrum activity. In "Friend of Ag" Criteria fact, no other herbicide controls a wider variety of tough weeds like wild "Candidates make a real effort to mustard, kochia, nightshade, lambsquarters seek the 'Friend of Agriculture' desig- and many more. With AMIBEN there's no carryo~er, so nation. It means a great deal to them," you can rotate crops with confidence. And it Almy said. "They appreciate the publi- comes in convenient container sizes-5's, 30's and 55's. city surrounding our endorsement. AMIBEN chloramben herbicide is wonh They feel it is a reward for the job they more because it does more. That's why dry bean growers are making AMIBEN their have done to help our industry." M.V.P.- Most Valuable Panner. Criteria for the "Friend of Agricul- A favorite with Michigan dry bean growen is the 3-way tankmix of AMlBEN, ture" designation for incumbents in- Eptam and Treflan herbicides to wallop the clude: most challenging weeds. -Voting record on major issues affect- ing agriculture. -Degree of special effort to introduce, support or oppose legislation in ac- See your Farm Bureau dealer cordance with the position of agricul- or call 1-800-292-2639, ext. 667 ture. -Overall support of Farm Bureau poli- cy. / Farm Bureau Services, Inc. - And special factors, including attend- RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Good planning will be a key to surviving in the troubled agricultural economy Make a plan and work it, is the ad- much rather take their chances in the rates drop when you have lowered in- vice for producers in the 1982 crop marketplace, but assuming normal flation. " year from MFB agricultural economist weather and yields and a low partici- Why then haven't interest rates be- Robert Craig. He says that producers pation In the set-~side, the market is gun to fall? who plan to stay in business will use just not going to support that kind of Craig attributes the sluggish re- every possible alternative to control decision. sponse to the influence of huge federal their costs and minimize their losses "On the other hand, if farmers sign deficit projections and poor manage- during this critical year for farmers. up in the set-aside, they've locked in ment of the money supply by the' Like most Americans, farmers and $3.15 to $3.30 per bushel corn, and Federal Reserve Board (Fed). ranchers find themselves in serious that's a lot better than the $2.00 to "This is really a key to the economic economic difficulty. Net farm income $2.50 we're predicting during the next recovery phase," Craig says. "We're in real terms is expected to fall during year .. _ not going to see any significant recov- 1982 to the lowest level since the De- . "The set-aside is clearly a defensive ery in our nation's economy, and con- pression of the 30s. Agricultural in- move that will allow the farmer to pro- sequently the farm economy, until debtedness is at an all time high of tect his investment." those interest rates fall. If you listen to $200 billion and high interest rates April 16 is the deadline for pro- the key policymakers in the Fed, you have forced farmers into a severe cash ducers to sign up for the 1982 acreage realize that they've set the condition flow crisis. reduction program for grain. Secretary that if Congress and the president can Interest charges on farm debts were Block has declared that only those work out a budget package that would approximately $19 billion in 1981, an who sign up and reduce the required significantly reduce the deficit, then increase of 20 percent from the pre- , acres will be eligible for deficiency the Fed would manage the money vious year. Commodity prices con- payments, CCC loan, and/or the supply such that interest rates would tinue a downward trend due to excess farmer-held reserve program. Signing fall substantially." supplies and the deflation that is un- up for the program does not commit derway in the farm e.conomy. producers to reduce acreage. Dates Reagan's Plan Can Work "This is clearly not a time when pro- for certifying compliance will be an- That's the fiscal and monetary ducers of cash crops will be looking for' nounced later. policy that farmers have supported big profits," says Craig. "For most, the If 40 percent of corn producers ever since they cast their vote for best strategy will be to protect their comply, the USDA predicts that pro- Reagan and his programs in 1980. equity and hope to break even. For duction will be reduced by about 300 Farm Bureau continues to be one of others, the best management plan will million bushels and cash prices for the administration's strongest support- anticipate a loss situation and those 1982-83 should improve 40 to 50 ers for the implementation of the re- farmers will be working out a market- cents per bushel. covery program, and while Farm Bu- ing plan to control losses at projected If 25 percent of the wheat producers reau leaders have expressed alarm levels for "their farm business." comply, the 1982 supply will be cut by over the deficit projections in the over 100 million bushels with an esti- federal budget, they have not with- Set-Aside Program Helps mated improvement of 20 cents per drawn their backing from the program's bushel in wheat prices. Although the USDA reduced acre- basic principles. Even at this level of participation, age program does not offer the cash In fact, support for the recovery pro- USDA is anticipating deficiency incentives suggested by Farm Bureau, gram is a major component of the or- payments on wheat and corn at the he recommends farmers sign up. A ganization's recently announced 12- rate of 30 cents and 15 cents, respec- decision to participate can be made point program to improve farm in- tively. later depending upon field and comes. weather conditions, as well as market Interest Rates Devasting to Ag The policy statement, announced outlook. by American Farm Bureau President "Agriculture cannot afford to allow Oversupply and reduced demand Robert Delano following meetings with production to go unchecked," Craig are crippling commodity prices but, administration leaders and officials In says, "If farmers over produce again Craig says, It's high interest rates that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this year, It will drive corn prices down are killing farmers right now and stall- establishes short-term, Intermedlate- even further and by the spring of ing U.S. business in general. and long-term solutions for improving 1983, we will see serious hemorrhag- "We've already seen a lowering In agriculture's economic future. Ing throughout the farm economy." the Inflation rate and that is a very The program's short-term goals call Craig says he understands the hesi- positive move toward Inter€~t rates," for a change in the wheat and feed tant response from farmers for the set- he says. "At the present levels, we'll grain set-aside program to Include a aside program. "Traditionally, farmers experience about a 6 percent Inflation cash Incentive for participation and for are pretty independent and would rate this year, and generally, interest (continued on page 27) RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 11 Yesterday, a discussion leader in a Farm Bureau: community group; today, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau and vice president of the nation's most power- ful farm organization. Yesterday, a The Leader Builder county Farm Bureau president; today, a director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Yesterday, founder of a county Farm Bureau in Virginia; today, AFBF president, named by U. S. News and World Report as the most influential, non-governmental figure in U.S. agri- culture. Yesterday, a member of the Il- linois Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee; today, the U.S. secretary of agriculture. With these prestigious products of Farm Bureau's leadership training ground as illustrations, the message of "it could happen to you" was woven throughout two recent Michigan Farm Bureau leadership activities - the Presidents' Conference and the Young Farmer Leaders Conference. How Does Your Leadership Measure Up? ELTON R. SMITH ROBERT DELANO County Farm Bureau executive committees were invited to this year's Presidents' Conference, held Feb. 24-25 at Flint's new Hyatt Regency, where participants were challenged to consider: "How does your leadership measure up?" The 162 conferees took a step toward answering that question during a special workshop on "Leadership Styles for Positive Results," conducted by Ginger Evans, president of Dynam- ic Concepts, Inc., and John Vander- Molen, manager of MFB's Member Services Department. Participants learned how to determine the best leadership style in a given situation and how to increase their leadership effectiveness. Other topics on the two-day agenda included an interchange with members DEAN PRIDGEON JOHN BLOCK of the state Membership Study Com- mittee, and with Newton Allen, ex- ecutive vice president and chief ex- ecutive officer of Farm Bureau Ser- vices and Farmers Petroleum Cooper- 12 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 ative, who challenged the county leadership to "grow food - not just corn" in a discussion on vertical in- tegration. A highlight of the conference was the appearance of Robert Delano, AFBF president. Delano told the county leaders that "people like you are keeping Farm Bureau alive and growing in Michigan." Delano stressed that "Farm Bureau families and county Farm Bureaus can do just about anything they set their minds to do, no matter how important and complicated it is - and much of the solution to large problems lies right here with you. 'That is why it is so important that you have a committed membership Newaygo President Fred Folkema and his wife, Faye, were among the leaders who took that is informed and has the backing of a look at their leadership styles during a workshop at the 1982 Presidents' Conference. strong county Farm Bureau organiza- lows you to pick the best 'options and vention, Farm Bureau members must tions," Delano said. "Sometimes it to take the best action. Membership devote a very great amount of time may be hard to see the relationship numbers provide the strength to do and effort to electing good delegates between starting a meeting on time - what needs to be done," Delano said. and through them writing an accep- or having a sound county Farm Bu- Members of Congress who still do table amendment. reau budget - or having a good com- not understand the anti-spending "This could be our most important mittee structure - and something like message voters sent them in the 1980 Farm Bureau project of the decade. passing a national marketing and elections "must be shown that we Farm people could do the most to bargaining- law. mean what we say in the elections this assure that the amendment process . "But the work, the finances and fall. In this election year, a strong and stays on track - as you did here in organizational principles that make a active county and state Farm Bureau Michigan," he concluded. county Farm Bureau effective are the membership will make all the dif- exact same forces that make the ference," he said. Young Farmers Committed to Michigan Farm Bureau or the Ameri- President Delano discussed the Their Industry, Destiny can Farm Bureau most effective. possibility of a constitutional conven- "The young farmers at this confer- "Farm Bureau involvement is a tion to restrict federal spending ence, as well as young farmers across form of continuing education. It keeps authority, and recalled Michigan Farm the state, have a solid belief in their in- you sharp by keeping you informed on Bureau's experience in dealing with a dustry," said Vic Verchereau, MFB actions and issues that affect your in- "con-con" on the state level. Young Farmer Department manager, come and your life. "There are plenty of responsible of the 185 young farmers who attend- "Farm Bureau encourages you to people available who can - and will - ed the MFB Young Farmer Leaders speak for yourself and to become ef- come up with a practical amendment Conference in Midland in early March. fective in expressing your ideas. There that contains workable spending limits "They've made a commitment not is a lot of personal satisfaction in to guide future actions of Congress. only financially, but also physically speaking for yourself as part of an The thing is to find them, and get them and mentaJly, to be a part of organization that gets things done! elected as delegates," he said. agriculture throughout the state and it Success in almost anything requires Chances for a constitutional amend- is my hope that they will continue to skill in picking the right options. Farm ment continue to improve, Delano grow," Verchereau said. Bureau work lets you know what the said, and when it happens, Farm "It is a trying time and a difficult options are - and helps you examine Bureau members must become fully situation for farmers and yet because them. involved. of these circumstances it gives them an "Your leadership as a county Farm "As occurred here in Michigan opportunity to grow and to progress Bureau officer or board member al- ahead of your state constitutional con- and to be those successful types of RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 13 Young Farmers Take Agricultural Leaders Honored Time to Get Involved Four Michigan agricultural leaders received Michigan State University's people which agriculture needs," he conditions generated a tremendous Distinguished Service to Agriculture said. amount of stress, especially for young award during Farmers' Week and Nat- To provide the young leaders with a farmers. ural Resources Days. means to address some of those prob- Sweeny said that to deal with stress David Farley of Albion, Grant lems, the 1982 leader conference fo- individuals need to be very much in Nichol of Saginaw and Wallace and cused on tax breaks and income sav- touch with themselves and suggested Laura Heuser of Hartford were pre- ers, partnerships in farming opera- four general techniques for coping sented with the awards by James tions, legislative issues effecting with stress: talk to someone you trust, Anderson, dean of MSU's College of farmers, farming for profit, - not for temporarily get away from the situa- Agriculture and Natural Resources, price, and stress management. tion causing the stress, think positively during the President's Luncheon on The pressure caused by the size of and volunteer"to help someone else. March 25. today's farming operations, financial Farley, the owner of one of the Young Farmers Are Special largest landscape plant nursery opera- responsibilities and the risks involved in agriculture necessitate farmers being Even with the uncertainties and tions in the Midwest, was cited for being able to take control of stress and to use challenges facing farmers today, a leader in many community organiza- it positively. Glenn Preston, chairperson of the tions, as well as being a successful "Stress can be a positive energizer state Young Farmer Committee, feels businessman. In addition to being or the extra push you need to get that young farmers still remain op- president of the nursery, he has also through a difficult task or situation," an timistic about their future. formed a new company which oper- expert in human resource develop- "Farmers are the most optimistic ates wholesale landscape plant centers ment told the young farmers in a stress people I've ever met. My association in major metropolitan areas. Farley, a management session. with farmers in my local area and member of the Calhoun County Farm Donna Sweeny, who has conduct- through Farm Bureau has given me Bureau, has provided leadership to ed workshops for many farm groups in this optimism and I'm sure that it is the the nursery industry by cooperating in her work with the MSU Extension Ser- main reason most of these participants valuable research projects. vice, cautioned that too much stress are here," he said. Nichol, a former vice president of can hurt an individual's performance, Preston said that those who do not the Monitor Sugar Company, was rec- health or relationships. take the time to get involved when ognized for his dedicated service to "Begin by becoming aware of what they are young will never get involved. Michigan's sugar industry. His con- is causing your stressful feelings," she "In farming, there are a lot of demands tributions to the state's sugar industry advised the young farmers and asked on our time and when our businesses include the development of spacing in those attending the conference to are young and our families are young, sugar beets, seed production and pro- identify major areas of stress. The au- it is hard to pull away; but through motion of herbicide use. dience agreed that the weather was their commitment to agriculture, their The Heusers were cited for their the most stressful factor for farmers farms and to their d~stinies, young work in developing one of the largest and that today's uncertain economic farmers are special," he said. fruit tree industries in the world, which, specializes in controlled dwarf root- stocks. As a result of their work, Michi- gan fruit tree technology is being dupli- cated around the world. They have .successfully developed one of the larg- est fruit tree nurseries in the world, along with managing one of the largest producing orchards in Michigan. The Heusers are Van Buren County Farm Bureau members. Two Farm Bureau members were honored during the Michigan dairy awards luncheon during Farmers' Week. The DHIA Progressive Dairyman of the Year award went to Mel Stofer of Leslie. Frank Lepinski of Buckley, an MMPA board member, received the U. don't know where you're from, but you've come," were the words of the theme song MSU Dairy Science Department of a slide-tape presentation honoring the young fanners who came from all parts of the state to the 1982 Leader Conference. Dairyman of the Year award. 14 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Front and Center Capitol Bean Dean, co-sponsored by the Michigan Bean Commission, the Gratiot Coun- ty FB Women, and the Fairgrove-Labor Day Bean Festival Committee, will be held on May 18 on the lawn of the Michigan capitol. Multiple bean dishes including dips, salads, desserts and baked beans, and bean soup from a giant soup kettle, will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to Jim Byrum, executive secretary of the Michigan Bean Commission, the ob- jectives of the event are to reinforce the importance of the state's dry edible bean industry to Michigan legislators and policy makers, plus increase the awareness of dry beans and bean dishes with consumers of the Lansing area. AFBF farmer trade missions to Japan and the European Economic Community, scheduled for April and May, will aim at removing barriers to trade expansion with U.S. agriculture's two largest customers. MFB President Elton R. Smith, in his role as AFBF vice president, will accompany the group of state FB presidents who will be arriving in Tokyo April 18. The farmer effort will back up U.S. government trade representatives in their current negotiations with Japan for greater market access. The other mission will be an attempt to stop EEC's use of export subsidies that disrupt U.S. markets with other nations, and other practices that deny access to the EEC market for U.S. agriculture. FB supports adequate funding for ag weather services: The AFBF board of directors recently took the position that private forecasting be encouraged in areas where it is needed; that AFBF will work to ensure that the National Weather Service be retained and made available to private forecasters, and that weather needs of producers be determined and conv~yed to the National Weather Service. State Police are warning farmers that they could become victims in a suspected farm buildings fraud operating in rural Michigan and Ohio. After paying a sizeable down payment for construction and materials, the farm building is never erected and the purchaser's letters are un- answered. If you suspect that you have been a victim of such a scheme, contact State Police authorities, they suggest. Farmers of the Week _ The Farmer of the Week program, Feb. 8 - Phillip Sommerfeldt, 32, a was named Outstanding Young Farm- co-sponsored by Farm Bureau Insur- dairy and livestock farmer from Cust- er by the Sparta Jaycess in 1979. ance Group and the Michigan Farm er, farms 680 acres with his brothers Radio Network, honors Michigan farm- and father. He is a community com- ers for their contributions to the com- mitteeman for ASCS; an FBS advis- Feb. 22 - Jerry Grobbel, 39, a vege- table grower and marketer from Rich- munity and the agriculture industry. ory board member; and an active mond, farms 200 acres and, with his February 1982 recipients were: member his church, the Mason Coun- two brothers, runs an operation that in- ty FB and the MMPA. Feb. 1 - James Robinette, 54, cludes a retail farm market and vege- grows apples, cherries and peaches on table wholesaling. He is a member and 125 acres near Grand Rapids. His Feb. 15 - James Lundquist, 30, a past officer of the Macomb County FB, farm also includes a cider mill. He is an fruit and grain farmer, farms 700 acres including two years as president; serv- elder in his church, president of the near Kent City, raising apples, corn, ed as Macomb County Young Farmers Farm Markets Cooperative of Michi- wheat and pickles. He is a Kent Coun- chairperson; served six years on the gan Certified Farm Markets, township ty FB member and an officer in the County Soil Conservation Board; serv- trustee, member and past president of Kent City FB, past member of his ed on various committees for the the Kent County FB, and past director church board, Lions Club member, preservation of farmland; and is a of the Michigan Horticultural Society. served on 'the local ASCS board, and member of the Knights of Columbus. RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 15 ~ ~lur" ~ • 1 FaRm"I' BUreau County Newsletter The county Farm Bureau newsletter is published monthly by the Michigan Farm Bureau. P.O. Box 30960. Subscription price to members. $1.25 per year. included in the annual membership dues. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Dances Attract Young, Not-So- Young Set-Aside Sign-Up Due By April 16 Farmers who wish to participate in the 1982 reduced acreage programs for wheat and feed grains (barley, oats, corn, grain sorghum) may sign up until April 16, 1982. The program is voluntary and only farmers who participate in the pro- gram will be eligible for program benefits such as government price sup- port loans and target price protection and the farmer-owned grain reserve and deficiency payments. Definiency payments will be the amount the applicable target price ex- ceeds the higher of the national average market price or the national loan rate, times the established yields, times the acres planted. To be eligible to receive program benefits, feed grain producers must Berrien County Junior Farm Bureau members remember square dances and other fund- reduce their acreage planted to feed raising events they conducted to finance the county's Youth Memorial Building. An grains (barley, oats, corn, grain alumni dance Is planned for April 17. sorghum) by at least 10 percent from an established base. There are two Young Farmers and some not-so- Memorial Building at the Berrien bases - corn/sorghum and oats/barley. young farmers in Gratiot, Bay and Springs fairgrounds. The group spon- Those who plant wheat must reduce Berrien counties are welcoming spring sored many fundraisingactivities to their acreage by 15 percent to par- by kicking up their heels at county finance the building construction, ticipate. Farm Bureau sponsored dances. which was completed in 1953. The bases were determined by tak- Dances in Gratiot and Bay counties The planning committee for the ing the higher of 1981 or the average were sponsored by the Young Farmer alumni event includes Alton & Mildred of 1980-81 crop acreages. However, groups, where 450 tickets were sold Wendzel of Watervliet, James & Char- if the producer has a definite crop rota- out in early March. The Gratiot Coun- lene Walter of Coloma, Verlin & Elda tion, the base should reflect it. ty Young Farmer dance boasted a Mae Dillman of Niles, James & The farmer can change his mind country-western band and door prizes Jeanne Harroff of Niles, Edward & anytime up until he certifies his for their March 6 celebration. The Bay Barbra Kolm of Berrien Springs and acreage about participating in the pro- County dance was held March 19. Jack & Martha Roberts of Galien. gram. Still coming up is a square dance Alumni Square Dance tickets are In 1981 the deficiency payment for April 17 at the Youth Memorial Build- available for $5.00 a couple in ad- wheat was 15 cents and barley was 11 ing at Berrien Springs. The dance is a vance or $3.00 per person at the cents - there was no payment for corn special reunion for all alumni of the door. Contact any committee member or sorghum. Junior Farm Bureau and their friends. or purchase tickets at any of the The notice of bases will be mailed The Junior Farm Bureau group in following locations: Greg Orchards soon and producers have 15 days Berrien County was organized during and Produce, Millburg; Berrien Coun- from the date on the notice to appeal the early 40s as an organization dedi- ty Youth Fair office, Berrien Springs; their bases and their yields - appeals cated to developing leadership of Farm Bureau Oil Co., Eau Claire; or must be in writing and addressed to young people in agriculture. Radewald Farms, Niles. the county committee. The Junior Farm Bureau members Dance proceeds will be donated to If you are interested in the program in Berrien County initiated the plan- the Youth Memorial Building Mainte- or have any questions, contact your ning and building of the Youth nance Fund. county ASCS office. FB Members Complete First Year of Township Agricultural Leadership Program Program Several Farm Bureau members making for agriculture in the state. Proposed have completed a year with the Areas of emphasis are political, eco- Michigan Agricultural leadership Pro- nomic and social. If and when President Reagan's gram. The participants recently visited This leadership program, now "New Federalism" becomes a reality, Washington, D.C., and traveled to the under the direction of MSU Ag Econo- county Farm Bureaus in Michigan may southeast. United States, exploring mist Dr. Gene Trotter, is an outgrowth have already taken a giant step toward farm and economic policies in those of the Kellogg Foundation program of being a dominant force in their local areas. the sixties. governments, according to Charles Thirty farmers, 25 to 35 years old Today the program is funded one- Burkett, director of MFB's Field Oper- (including four women), were selected third by the participants and two-thirds ations Division. for this program from nominations by by such organizations as the Federal In a presentation before county county Extension agents in 1980. The Land Bank, Michigan Horticultural Farm Bureau executive committees at purpose is to help develop the knowl- Society, Michigan Farm Bureau, the recent Presidents' Conference edge and skills of the farmers with an Pacesetter Bank and the Production Burkett outlined a proposed progra~ e!Je toward mnre ;md better decision Credit Association. to build member participation based on township boundaries. Scheduled to begin on a pilot basis in three to five counties this spring, the township concept would involve key county Farm Bureau leadership who A Parting Message would be responsible for planning and executing approximately four town- from Old Man ship meetings per year. The township meetings would consist of discussion Winter and action courses dealing mainly with local township or county issues. "Townships are usually the smallest From Sanilac County unit of government in rural Michigan - Farm Bureau Newsletter a unit that, if current trends continue will become increasingly important t~ the people residing within its bounda- ries," Burkett said. "Farmers will be particularly impacted by township gov- ernment in the future and this struc- ture would allow them opportunities to be actively involved in solving prob- lems that affect them. "Under this system, county Farm Bureau boards would probably deal with more local issues and they could Dear Friends, a top selection of tires and batteries on well become recognized as effective I realize that, considering the last hand. Whether you're preparing for problem-solvers and power centers several weeks, we may not be on the spring planting, or merely want to within their counties." friendliest of terms with one another, pump some life into a tired family The program would involve the but I truly am here now with the hopes auto, chances are a dose of quality counties' Community Action Groups that I may be helpful with my off- Safemark goods will fill the bilI. and Local Affairs Committees in sur- season all but upon me. Heck, they may even have lawn- facing concerns and action to resolve I'd like to patch things up between mower batteries in stock, and you local problems, he said. us - at least for a while - with some know what warm weather and rain Vie Verchereau, Young Farmer De- time-honored advice, the kind that will can do to your lawn! partment manager, has been desig- no doubt prove valuable as my ac- As for next year, well, I'll be nated the project leader. An advisory quaintance, Ms. Spring, gears up, frank ... I cannot promise that I'll committee consists of four MFB re- then yields to that "whiz kid" with the . loosen my grip at all, though I'll en- gional representatives - Bernie sunglasses who calls himself Summer. courage those darn meteorologists to Bishop, Thumb Region; Becky Jeppe- You see, I'd like to point you in the talk less about that "wind chill." sen, Saginaw Valley; Don Nadeau, right direction if you're in the market In the meantime, stop in and see South; and Jim Westbrook, West; and for supplies with which to tune-up or your Safemark dealer. It'll help you forget that my show Ron Gaskill, MFB's local affairs spe- refresh your tractors, trucks, cars ... cialist. well, just about anything with tires and returns in just eight months! Pilot counties will be selected and an engine. Your Safemark dealer has Affectionately ... Old Man Winter announced in the near future. Farm Bureau Women They Make a Difference • In Legislative and Political Action • Leadership Development • Ag Understanding • Health and Safety You can make a difference, too! Contact your Farm Bureau office for further information. Agriculture: It's Your Heartbeat, Michigan Members of the Michigan Farm Bu- reau Women's and Young Farmer committees, state board representa- tives, and resource people from Michi- gan State University and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, went to the heart of Detroit March 18 to cele- brate National Agriculture Day with the city's key opinion leaders. City guests at the Ag Day activity held at Detroit's Fisher Building in- cluded representatives from the De- troit-Wayne County Port Authority, SEMCOG, Ford Tractor, Detroit Farmers Club, Detroit Edison, the AFL-CIO, Parity Economics, the State Fair board, Building Trades Council, .Detroit Public Schools, and a Detroit legislator. Media guests included WJR radio, WDIV radio, the Detroit Free Press, Channel 7-Detroit, and the Michigan Farm Radio Network. Joyce Foster, Presque Isle County, and member of the state Women's Committee, ex- In her welcome to the city guests, changed ideas and concerns with Detroit Public Schools representative Nonnan McRae. Women's Committee Chairperson Vi- vian Lott said, "It's difficult, during ferent kind of planting ... that we will bean processing plant, and expansion these economic hard times, to be posi- plant seeds of commitment to our mu- of the livestock and broiler industries in tive about the future. It's difficult for tual growth, that our industries will Michigan. auto workers and small business peo- find ways to complement each other He listed passage of a Right to Farm ple, and it's hard for farmers, too. and build a cooperation that will lead law, Lt. Gov. Brickley's regulatory re- "Each year, at this time, we're asked to a revitalization of Michigan," Lott view task force, a more reasonable ap- to make an act of faith in the fu- said. proach to occupational safety and ture ... ," she said. "It takes faith and Guest speaker Dean Pridgeon, MDA health standards, and changes in the hope, labor and money, to plant seeds director, told the audience that even Workers' Compensation laws as posi- in the spring, seeds that will sprout, though farmers face some of their tive results from the ag conference. ripen and mature into commodities most serious economic problems in 40 "There are a lot of good things that will be processed for your con- years, he remains optimistic about the growing in Michigan," Pridgeon said. sumption. There are many unknowns future. "You have to be an optimist if "Michigan's agricultural diversity can when we plant those seeds - weather, you're going to be a farmer," he said. be credited in large measure to the supply, demand, market flucuations, "Otherwise, you'd just get out of the variety of soils we have here, to our the costs involved in planting, the business and find some other way to climate which is moderated by the prices we will receive at harvest - so it make a living." Great 'lakes, and especially to the does, indeed, take an act of faith. The director reviewed the Gover- abundance of water with which this "Farmers are producers, but they nor's Conference on Agriculture, held state is blessed. are also consumers ... consumers of a year ago, and said that although "Situated as we are, with major large quantities of products produced many of the recommendations that re- cities within easy transportation, from in this city. You, our guests, are con- sulted have not been implemented the East Coast to Chicago and the sumers of the products we require in yet,' he believes most of the proposals Midwest, I believe that Michigan can the 'food from farm to you' process. will be operational within the next few become the 'agricultural supermarket' "It is our sincere hope that this years. Those proposals include devel- for a significant portion of the United meeting with you will represent a dif- opment of a hard cheese plant, a soy- States. " RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 19 Governor's Ag Bountiful Welcome for Conference Update "Ag Day Baby" Held March 22 w~ p; Determined that the recommenda- tions from the Governor's Conference on Agriculture would not "fall victim to complacency and become just another report on the shelf," conference coor- dinators and steering committee members have kept the momentum for Michigan's ag industry expansion going for almost a year. The enthusiasm that reigned during the two-day conference held in Lan- sing last April was still high during a reunion of participants at Farmers' Week at MSU's Kellogg Center on March 22. In the words of Dr. Paul Kindinger of MSU's Cooperative Extension Ser- vice and one of the conference coordi- nators, the update meeting was called to "bridge the time gap" since last April and inform the agricultural community of what has happened to the recom- mendations, what has not yet hap- pened, and to surface new considera- tions in view of the current economic situation. Agricultural leaders opened the ses- sion by listing the positive things Ryan Joseph. first-born son of Mary & Jim West. Grand Rapids. was named Ag Day brought about by the Governor's Con- Baby in honor of National Agriculture Day by co-sponsors Kent County Farm Bureau ference on Agriculture. Women and Women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan (WSAM). James. Anderson, dean of MSU's Dr. S. Leon Whitney, pastor of a Day Baby, and the proud parents College of Agriculture and Natural Re- Detroit church and chairperson of the were presented with a special basket of sources, said the governor's confer- Michigan Agriculture Commission, a variety of West Central Michigan ence had brought "total agriculture to- presented the governor's declaration farm products. gether speaking loud and clear with a of Agriculture Day in Michigan to MFB A surprised shopper at a grocery unified voice." Since the conference, President Elton R. Smith. Whitney store in Gratiot County found a gra- Anderson said, the priorities identified said that of all economic groups, farm- cious county delegation that paid for by the governor and the Legislature ers are the most resilient and most like- food items in her grocery cart. had eased the erosion of the Extension ly to bounce back from economic hard The Bay City Chamber of Com- and research budgets. times. merce honored area farmers with a (continued on page 30) In addition to information on how breakfast on Ag Day. Also, Herb the agricultural industry impacts the Schmidt, a long-time Bay County state's economy, the city guests receiv- Farm Bureau leader and farm broad- ed "Good Things Growing in caster, was recently appointed to the Michigan" bags filled with Michigan- Bay City Chamber of Commerce grown products. board of directors. A mall display at the Muskegon Mall Besides the Detroit luncheon, many the two days following Ag Day also county activities were conducted told the story of agriculture to urban throughout the state in celebration of people. The display was sponsored by Agriculture Day. the Oceana, Muskegon and Newaygo In Clinton County, a luncheon was County Farm Bureau Women. held with 50 members of the St. Johns Many other counties are planning Chamber of Commerce in attendance. activities later this spring to help create In Kent County, the first baby born a better understanding of agriculture on Agriculture Day was named Ag among city dwellers. DEAN ANDERSON 20 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 Clearing Away the Debris Changes and improve- ments in the state's drain code are in the works during this legislative session By Connie Turbin Would you stand by and watch your money go down the drain? Of c.ourse not, but thanks to an outmoded and cumbersome state drain code, that's just what property owners in Michigan communities are doing. Outlays for major construction of drain projects are literally going down the drain after several years, because those drainage projects are not on a regular program of maintenance, says Rep. J. Michael Busch of Saginaw. He acknowledges that the current drain code does provide for mainte- nance of drains somewhere in its 25 cross-referenced and amended chap- ters, but he points out that no drain maintenance fund is established to provide monies for the maIntenance .services required, and local adminis- trative offices often lack adequate staff to carry out regular inspections. Steps for correcting these inade- quacies are just part of a comprehen- sive revision of the Michigan Drain Code he has introduced in the Legisla- ture this year. Busch says the bill, H.R. 5424, is designed to outline practices and procedures to protect the state's multi-million dollar investment in drainage projects and ensure their wise and efficient use. Revision of the drain code has been under study for several years and, says Busch, this legislation to revise the code is the result of nearly two years of work by a special task force on drains The Michigan Drain Code affects 50 and consultation with the departments of agriculture, public health and nat- percent of the state's urban population ural resources. The proposal reduces the current 25 chapters of the code to and 70 percent of the agricultural lands 10. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 21 Improper Drainage Affects Yields "It's been 25 years since the 1819 Norman J. Brown, Michigan De- Drainage also plays a significant role law (Act 40 of 1956 as amended) was partment of Agriculture deputy direc- in keeping land in production. Land last overhauled," Busch says. "In the tor and chairperson of the Governor's that is improperly drained can mean meantime, Michigan's agricultural in- Task Force on Drains, points out that lower yields and soil erosion. "If pro:' dustry has grown to an estimated $12 . most Michigan land suitable for agri- duction drops off, very often this' will billion annually, while 68 percent of cultural purposes has already been open the way for other non-farm de- our cropland has drainage needs or drained. velopment," Brown cautions. problems. The code also pertains to "Unfortunately," he says, "it has "Everyone wants maintenance (of cities and counties across the state, been the practice to construct a drain drains)," he says, "and the inventory is many of which also have drainage and let it remain in operation until a the only feasible way to look at every problems. " reconstruction project is petitioned." drain and evaluate the condition of Drain Inventory Planned our state drainage system. Every drain that is operating properly or needs The first steps toward a more cost- minor work will go on maintenance. effective system of drain maintenance The inventory will also identify which and needs assessment is a require- aren't working properly." ment for an inventory and summary of It will take at least a year for all all drains in every county and the es- counties to complete this inventory, tablishment of a revolving fund for the according to Rep. Busch. He says that on-going maintenance of drainage his proposal allows the drain commis- projects," Busch says. sioner to delegate a portion of the "We have fairly good, accurate rec- responsibility for the inventory and in- ords of drain projects completed in the volve the Soil Conservation Districts, last five years," he says, "and these for instance, to compile the data fEi- could immediately be placed on a quired. maintenance and inspection program Under Busch's proposed legislation, to keep them operating effectively. once the inventory is completed and But the real problem is that we have REP. J. MICHAEL BUSCH the information is evaluated, operating no solid, accurate, broad-based infor- drains will go on to a maintenance mation about drains constructed prior Much of the fault for this practice lies with the provisions of current law. It is program. As work needs to be done to that time. We .don't really know and as a cost factor is established for what's out there and what condition a basic requirement in the existing law that there be a petition before correc- doing the work, a percentage of the those drains are in. cost will be assessed for that purpose. tive or reconstructive work on a proj- "BetWeen the years of 1972 and ect can be done. Mindful that taxpayers are wary of 1977, it has been conservatively esti- "This is both costly and prevent- additional assessments, Busch empha- mated that more than $219 million able," Brown says. "For the majority sizes that assessments will not be tag- was assessed for drainage improve- of constructed drains a maintenance ged to any drain that is working pro- ments around the state. program would assure its proper func- perly. Assessments will be made only "But that figure doesn't even take tioning almost indefinitely. With costs when a problem has been identified into account the money spent on pri- of construction for drainage projects and constructive work is r'equlred to vate farm ditching, or tiling, municipal on the rise, a maintenance program is reinstate the proper functioning of the drainage projects or road drainage. the landowner's best hedge against a drain project, he says. large dollar outlay for future recon- Another significant change pro- "Money in this state is simply in too struction, " posed in the code revision would allow short supply to repair and. rebuild local units of government to assess the drains that aren't well maintained in Positive Impact for Agriculture state for the benefit it receives from a the first place. Nor can we afford the The drain code affects 50 percent of drainage project. In the past, state loss of crops that are ruined by a build the state's urban population and 70 lands have been exempted from the up of sediment from old drains," percent of agricultural land. benefit apportionment costs and the Busch says. In many areas of the state, particu- local government and taxpayers have Without an inventory and evalua- larly in the southeastern quadrant, shared the cost. tion of the existing projects, the state's proper drainage is essential. That land "In some areas, this change in the drain commissioners and landowners area was once the Huron Lake bed benefit assessment process can have a will too often learn about a damaged and, says Brown, for farmers in those very positive impact. There are town- or poorly functioning drain the hard counties, drainage is the next major ships in Michigan where virtually half way - when water problems cause capital Investment after purchase of of the lands are state owned. If the flood damage to property or cropland. farmland. (continued on page 30) 22 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 MASA Meeting Focuses on Labor Issues Farmers were advised to be astute in are going to have to learn to compete labor practice charges filed by the their employment practices or pay the in the labor market. They need to union. consequences by speakers at a Farm recruit good people and then work out Newman warned the Michigan farm- I labor Conference held during the good programs to make them more a ers to watch for attempts to get similar 16th annual meeting. of the Michigan part of the farming operation and to legislation passed at the state or na- Agricultural Services Association on get better productivity from them." tional level. March 17 in Grand Rapids. Patty Newman, a California journal- "I don't think I have ever met any They also heard an overview of ag- ist known for her investigation of group of more smug, more know-it- ricultural issues being debated in Cesar Chavez and the United Farm all, more complacent people, in my Washington from Chuck Fields, assis- Workers Union, also had some advice entire life, than the agricultural tant director of national affairs for the for farm employers. . growers in California" prior to passage American Farm Bureau Federation. "Find out what is going on. Don't be I of CAlRA, Newman said. above it. learn what's bothering your "The importance of Cesar Chavez is • Farm Labor Contractor Regis- not so much his UFW union as it is his workers and do what you can to better tration Act: "We've been working the situation," she said. power to get legislation passed, or to with the new administration, trying to Newman also discussed the Califor- keep it from getting passed," she said. draft a bill that will be agreed to by nia Agricultural labor Relations Act. MACMA General Manager Noel both labor and farm employers. It ap- "We have a law in California like Stuckman reviewed Michigan prompt pears we are fairly close to reaching nobody has," Newman said. "Abso- payment legislation for producers of agreement on it," Fields said. Under lutely nobody. It's called CAlRA. It grain, dairy, potatoes and fruit and the revised act, not all seasonal work- allows the unions to indulge in secon- vegetables that would help reduce ers would be classified as migrants. dary boycotts and to have access to farmers' losses from processors' slow • Immigration Reform: Proposed fields during a strike." pay practices. But he said changes In legislation, H.R. 4795, would place She said the act also requires the the Federal Bankruptcy Code to guar- criminal sanctions against employers growers to pay back wages and bene- antee growers priority as creditors is who knowingly employ illegal aliens. fits if they are found guilty of unfair the ultimate remedy. "If this passes," Fields told the group, "then we have to have a workable temporary foreign worker or guest worker program so that we can bring -- foreign workers in on a legal basis for temporary periods to get the crops harvested. " Old pumps never die ••• • Minimum Wage: Fields explained They just waste energy. that no action on youth exemptions --- --- from the minimum wage is expected because of fears that attempts will be made to increase the wage if debate on the act is opened. -, , --- - - ..... Protect your crop yields & profits ... • National Labor Relations Act: Farm Bureau wants the agricultural exemption removed from the act, but Let fuel/energy saVings pay for favors creating special provisions in new & renewed irrigation pumps! the act for ag labor, including the for- The best of pumps wear with time and usage ... And mation of an agricultural council. efficiency declines ... And that causes your energy "Farm workers should have the right costs to go up. Every pump reaches a point when you to organize, but farm employers save money by repair or replacement. Rely on your should provide conditions so there is local Goulds Irrigation Pump Specialist to help you ob- no incentive to organize," Fields said. tain and maintain maximum irrigation profitability. • Farm Employment: "This is a period in agricultural reform when Rlly an yair &OUlDSDI.llr ... __ . Congress and state legislatures are Goulds Agri-Pump Centers throughout the . gradually bringing farm workers under USA stock deep well turbine pumps, ~Ub- 0 mersible turbine pumps and centrifugal ~ .•. the same social programs as other booster pumps ... so your Goulds ~~:"'W. workers," Fields said. Irrigation Pump Specialist can .., '. "Ag employers need to be better serve your needs best. L.I \ managers of labor," he advised. ~GOULDS PUMPS, INC. "Farmers who want to employ people ~ 133 Veers old end ,UII growing RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 Removing Incentives Would Pose sales growth, Michigan ranks second only to California. , ... - Many of the producers involved in Michigan's gasohol industry believe. that gasohol is a partial answer to our country's energy woes . 111111 ••• Ken Nye, energy specialist with Michigan' Farm Bureau, believes that agricultural and forest commodities converted into alcohol for gasohol can play an important role in meeting our country's future energy needs. "Gaso- hol can be one of several answers we'll have," Nye says, -"and we certainly have to look at a number of different ways to replace those energy sources which are not renewable." Harold Lietzke, vice president of Michigan Agri Fuels Inc., says "gaso- hol, wood and solar are all parts of the energy puzzle." Lietzke and his 17 business partners in Michigan Agri Fuels will be opening an 8 million gal. Ion a year ethanol production plant (the state's largest alcohol plant) this summer in Alma. Why are so many people buying gas- ohol? Rockey believes that people who bought gasohol during the fuel crunch we,re so impressed by gasohol's performance in their automobile's engine that they continued to buy the fuel even after gasoline supplies were abundant again. "Gasohol is a quality product," Rockey says. "It enhances starting, eliminates much of the dieseling in By Cory Blake pressive. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, engines, increases the octane, and Michigan's gasohol industry has 19,79, 275,000 gallons of gasohol some people claim gasohol delivers grown rapidly since gasohol's intro- were sold in the state. 1980 was a better gas mileage." duction to the state in September growing year for sales as Michigan Another key to gasohol's popularity 1979 at the Farmers Petroleum Coop- motorists bought more than 29.5 mil- is tax incentives. The Michigan Legis- erative outlet in Breckenridge. lion gallons. lature passed legislation in 1980 which "The Arab oil embargo of 1974 is The sales figures for 1981 were a lowered the gas tax by five cents a gal- 'what initiated the interest in gasohol," surprise: 66.2 million gallons of lon on gasohol, from 11 cents a gallon says Bill Rockey, director of opera- gasohol were sold, more than double to six cents. Prior to the reduction , tions for FPC. "We saw the opportuni- the amount sold in 1980. Sales of the gasohol had sold for about five t~ ty to extend short fuel supplies by sell- "farm fuel" have grown even though seven cents a gallon more than the ing Agrihol (FPC's registered trademark overall gasoline sales in Michigan standard grade of unleaded gasoline. for gasohol). We could sell a premium declined from 3.94 billion gallons in With the reduction, gasohol became gasoline product and at the same time 1980 to 3.67 billion gallons in 1981. much more competitive and sales in- help improve the market for grain." In fact, Michigan drivers are burning creased accordingly. Since FPC's introduction of the fuel so much gasohol in their automobiles The five cent reduction is scheduled in the state, sales of the gasohol, a that Michigan now ranks fourth na- to be phased out by 1985. For the re- blend of 90 percent unleaded gasoline tionally in gasohol consumption as a mainder of 1982, the fiVe cent exemp- and 10 percent ethanol alcohol pro- motor fuel right behind Iowa, Califor- tion will remain intact. However, in duced mainly from corn, has been im- nia and Illinois. In terms of gasohol 1983, the state gas tax on gasohol will 24 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1982 Threat to Future of Gasohol climb from six cents to eight cents, 11 cents per gallon to 11 percent per altogether different picture on the eco- from eight to nine cents in 1984, and gallon, in an effort to increase road nomics of gasohol," Rockey says. "If it back to its regular tax rate of eleven revenues for road and bridge repair. is eliminated, gasohol would not be cents a gallon in 1985. "Whatever happens with the gas tax competitive. " There is an effort to delay the entire on gasohol, Michigan is not alone on Michigan has one large scale alcohol gasohol gas tax phase-out period, ac- the gas tax exemption of gasohol," production plant (above 500,000 gal- cording to Vince Parris, energy coordi- Parris says. "Thirty-seven other states lons a year) in operation. Food and nator with the Michigan Department of have reduced the gasohol tax. Only Energy Incorporated, Litchfield, pro- Agriculture. Parris says the Michigan Maryland has repealed its rate reduc- duces about 1.5 million gallons of tion for the fuel." ethanol alcohol a year. However, with There are two other major incen- an estimated production capacity of 8 tives in the complex gasohol picture. million gallons of ethanol a year, the The first is the current exemption of Michigan Agri Fuels plant will become gasohol from the four cent a gallon a large volume producer when it goes federal excise tax. The second incen- into operation this summer. tive, which is for alcohol producers, There are currently seven alcohol allows a ten percent energy invest- production plants being developed in ment credit for those people who con- our state. Key to their final develop- struct alcohol fuel plants. ment is the question of whether the The two latter incentives' are now two federal gasohol credits will be under fire by the U.S. Treasury De- adopted. partment. In an effort to pump up fed- What are the chances that the two eral revenue, the Treasury Depart- gasohol cuts will be enacted? ment has recommended that Con- "The impression that I get from gress phase out these two tax incentive Washington is that they will not pass," programs. Energy Department officials says Parris. "There is a letter in the estimate that the plan could increase House Ways and Means Committee revenue by nearly 2 billion dollars in that calls for the dismissal of the pro- five years, although Treasury Depart- posed cuts. The letter is sponsored by ment officials say the amount may be committee members Cecil Heftel of substantially less. Hawaii and Joseph Duncan of Ten- nessee. Congressman Guy Vander- News of these federal proposals has Jagt is on that committee." angered Lietzke, who views the propo- John Graykowski, legislative assis- sals as short sighted. Lietzke says that tant to Sen. Don Riegle, says that "the tax incentives were made so that what is needed to defeat the proposal an alcohol industry could develop, and is Uto get together with a number of the now they want to change the rules." influential senators from farm states The federal gasohol program, says and let them tell the administration Lietzke, "is based on credits which are that the revenue savings from the pro- no different than the credits that go to posed cuts cannot be large enough to roads, airlines, and railroads." In some justify losing our viable gasohol in- respects, he says, the gasohol credits. dustry." are subsidizing the consumer by giving "I don't believe the cuts will fly," them a quality fuel. The Michigan Agri Fuels plant at Alma, predicts Parris, "but the damage will with an estimated capadty of 8 million How would the 8 million gallon al- have been done in terms of the time it gallons of ethanol, is expected to go into cohol plant in Alma be affected if the will take to defeat the proposal, in operation this summer. two federal gasohol incentives are terms of the financial community feel- Alcohol Fuels Association wants to eliminated? "In the short term, it ing a lot more hesitant about investing move the whole phase-out time frame would create serious problems," Liet- money into an alcohol fuel project and back two years. zke says. "The price we have planned because of the uncertainty that has Another area, Parris says, which to sell our alcohol is based on those been raised again in this infant in- could change the current gas tax on credits. " dustry. " gasoline, including gasohol, is the Rockey believes that the elimination package of bills in the Legislature of the investment tax credits could sponsored by Rep. Mary Brown of very well have an effect on whether an Cory Blake works in the Broadcast Kalamazoo. One of the bills, Parris ex- alcohol plant is built or not. "If the four Services Department of the Michigan plains, would change the gas tax from cent excise tax is eliminated, it puts an Farm Bureau. RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 25 Agrinomic Update New Beef Grade Standards Proposed Proposed changes in the official this matter and also supports a change moderate to modest degree of mar- U.S. beef grade standards would allow in grade standards. bling. (This would provide consumers leaner beef to qualify for Prime and - NCA supported research that shows with more consistent quality in the Choice cuts, but according to the that fat thickness is the best indicator Choice grade than the present stan- USDA, these changes would not sig- "that cattle have been fed grain. It has dards) . nificantly lower the palatibility of either an impact on palatibility. Research - Provide a new grade for beef that grade. Beef in the Good grade would shows that exterior fat tends to result has a small or slight degree of mar- be leaner and, it is believed, would in greater edibility and palatibility than bling. (It would include "A maturity" have lower palatibility. marbling. carcasses with slight amounts of mar- The iowa Cattleman's Association bling that have at least .3 inches of fat Recent production and consumer also has a proposal that would con- thickness over the 12th rib and exter- preference studies have shown that a tinue the same marbling requirements nal fat that is not more than slightly leaner beef product would be more ac- that are now in effect for the Prime "yellow. It has been suggested by the ceptable and beneficial to consumers, grade; tighten the Choice grade; and Community Nutrition Institute that this processors and producers. The propo- create a new grade between Choice grade could be called "USDA light. ") sals for revising the existing standards reflect this research and the current and Good. - Beef with traces or practically de- consumer trends. The existing U.S. The USDA proposal does not rec- void of marbling would be called grading standards for carcass beef and ognize the NCA recommendation that Good. This Good grade would also in- slaughter cattle were last revised in "A maturity" carcasses with slight clude beef with a slight degree of 1976. amounts of marbling be graded Choice ' marbling that does not qualify for the if they have at least 0.3 inches of fat proposed new grade. The USDA proposal currently thickness over the 12th rib and exter- -Utility should continue to be ap- under consideration would provide nal fat that is not more than slightly plied to older cattle. This will prevent that: yellow. confusion. -The minimum marbling require- The USDA did not include these -The marbling-maturity relationship ments for animals in the UA maturity" items in its proposal because it believes should be set for uB maturity" cattle at (cattle up to approximately 30 months the additional criteria would be difficult a one for one ratio. It is believed a two of age) would be reduced. Marbling for graders to quickly determine and for one ratio as proposed by the USDA requirements for the Prime grade would slow up the grading process. I would work a hardship on heifer would "be "minimum moderate," the However, USDA admits that fat thick- feeders and packers. Choice grade "typical slight," and the ness is determined in yield grading. AFBF also supports retention of the Good grade would be "minimum American Farm Bureau policy for present USDA yield grading system. traces." All young beef not meeting 1982 concerning beef grades is as Beef in the proposed new quality minimum requirements for the Good follows: "We support amending U.S. grade should also be yield graded, the grade would be graded Utility, thus beef grade standards to modernize the board said. eliminating the Standard grade. grades according to the latest research Michigan Farm Bureau has submit- -The rate of Increase In marbling re- data to provide a leaner, more accept- ted comments to the USDA which quirements in the "B maturity" (cattle able product that will benefit con- support the AFBF position. After a about 30 to 42 months of age) would sumers, processors and producers." series of hearings which were held be doubled. At a recent meeting of the AFBF across the country during February -Quality grade requirements for board, directors voted to support the and review of the written comments, bullock beef also would be changed so USDA's proposed changes in U.S. USDA officials will review and analyze they would still be the same as those beef grade standards with the follow- this material and make a decision for steer, heifer and cow beef In the UA ing minor revisions: regarding the proposed changes. maturity." Bullock beef would still be - Prime grade would remain the Identified for class. same as the present standards. (This -The related standards for grades of should satisfy the restaurant trade Agrinomic Update is prepared slaughter cattle would be changed to which has expressed concern that the monthly by members of the Michigan refleft changes made for grades of car- USDA proposal will lower the quality Farm Bureau Commodity Activities cass beef and no changes would be of Prime causing" dissatisfied custom- and Research Department, Robert made In yield grade standards. ers.) Craig, manager. The National Cattleman's Associa- - Narrow the marbling in the Choice tion has given considerable study to grade to include only beef with a 26 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Member Efforts Boost AgriPac (continued from page 9) land got a final bid of $10,900 ($109) Funding for AgriPac comes not for a toy International Harvestor 2 + 2. from Farm Bureau members' dues, Another high bidder paid $18,500 but from individual contributions by ($185) for the sign from last year's members and through various fund- Young Farmer AgriPac Auction be- raising drives. cause "it is for a good cause." At the 62nd MFB annual meeting The state Young Farmer Commit- last Dec'ember, 246 members paid tee, which surpassed its AgriPac fund- $15 each to attend the annual AgriPac raising goal by $1.00, has challenged Breakfast. They heard a distant rela- the state Women's Committee to raise. tive of Abraham Lincoln's mother, more than $2,001 during the Farm Bruce Hanks, who closely resembles Bureau Women's Leader Conference Lincoln, give a moving speech entitled to be held in September. "Lincoln Speaks Today." District 6 Farm Bureau Women held In January, Washtenaw County an AgriPac fundraiser at their district Farm Bureau Women held an auction rally on March 11. The women raised and raised $410. $415 at a bazaar; items sold included , More recently, $2,001 was raised baked goods. and many handmade. during an AgriPac Auction at the 1982 items. Young Farmer Leaders Conference in early March. Conference participants Individual Farm Bureau members are also encouraged to contribute to Items on display at the Fann Bureau purchased "Bogus Bucks," which Women's District 6 Rally were donated were worth 100 times the cash paid, to AgriPac. So far, members have do- by county Fann Bureau Women for an bid on donated items ranging from pie nated $6,141.21 by adding a contri- AgrjPac Bazaar. filling to toy trucks to an electric bution when paying their dues. AgriPac Breakfast. Members who do- heater. Members who donate $200 or more nate $100 to $199 receive an AgriPac During an exciting bidding contest, are given an AgriPac Ambassador pin Diplomat pin. Those who give $50 to auctioneer Don E. Wegner of Free- and special recognition at the annual $99 earn an AgriPac Supporter card. Program Aims for Improved Farm Income (continued from page 10) islation guaranteeing that grain pur- able marketing. If the USDA farm stor- assurances that the farmer-held re- chased by foreign buyers scheduled for age loan program is continued, Farm serve will be used as an orderly mar- delivery within 120 days will not be em- Bureau proposes, the costs should not keting tool, not a quasi-government bargoed for any reason short of war. be subsidized. storage program to limit market price -Funding of the Commodity Credit - Farmers need information and re- opportunities for farmers. sources that will demonstrate the need Corporation's export revolving fund. Intermediate actions that call for to keep production in line with demand. will help U. S. grain compete in world cooperation of producers and govern- -Cutting the costs of production markets and expand new markets. ment include: and marketing is still important for im- - Agriculture is asking for a "fair proving farm income. Farmers, and -Support of the economic recovery share" of Export-Import Bank financ- those who serve them, should be programl Farm Bureau members in ing for agricultural imports. At present, watching for every cost cutting oppor- Washington, D.C., March 29 through farm exports represent 25 percent of . tunity at the farm level. April 1 are expected to tell their the U.S. export trade. Proposed legis- Long-term goals would end the elected representatives that farmers lation (H.R. 4510 and S. 1852) would farmer- held reserve and encourage are beginning to see some of the re- mandate that a share of Export-Import developing nations to build storage sults of the fight against inflation. Input Bank resources be devoted to financ- facilities in order to take advantage of costs are expected to rise only 5 to 8 ing export of ag commodities based on abundant supplies and favorable price percent this year, compared to 8 to 10 the ratio of. agricultural exports to total situations. In addition Farm Bureau percent in 1981 and 15 percent in 1979-80. They will also call for a re- exports. has called upon government and U.S. duction of about $50 billion from the -Over production and long-term farm groups to work cooperatively to projected 1983 budget deficit of $92 storage should not be encouraged by a expand international markets, with billion. subsidized storage program. Farmers particular emphasis on those develop- -Guaranteed grain delivery. The or- should be encouraged to properly use ing countries that have rapidly rising ganization wiJI work for passage of leg- storage as an essential tool for profit- per capita incomes. RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 27 Discussion Topic Acid Rain an Environmental Question There's something in the air ... it pared to a pH of 7.0 which is neutral, falls on fields and gardens, on being neither acid nor akaline. buildings and statues. Where it came Chemicals are part of every living from is difficult to determine. What ef- plant and animal, and many of these fect it will have on the future is elusive. chemicals are acidic. In our vocabulary This thing is acid rain, which may "acid" often implies unpleasantness. become the environmental issue of the But acids are not necessarily undesir- decade. Common everyday rain, which able or a hazard to life. nourishes us and other plant forms, is Amino acids are the building blocks accused of affecting water, killing fish from which the human body makes and vegetation. Reportedly, there is protein and other tissues. Ascorbic also acid snow, acid smog, acid fog acid, better known as Vitamin C, is . and dry acidic particles which settle to one of the dietary essentials. Citric the earth. acid gives oranges, lemons and limes Unfortunately, the subject of acid their familiar tang. Malic acid gives ap- rain is an issue on which scientists, ples their characteristic taste. reports, studies and individuals tend to Tomatoes are acidic, but most peo- take opposite sides. This article may il- ple are surprised to learn that a pear luminate the issue sufficiently to pro- can be more acidic than a tomato or vide you with a general understanding that bananas and carrots are nearly as non which has been going on for a of the subject. acidic. All of these have pH values very long time. Lightning's contribu~ The term "acid rain" implies a well in the range of acid rain. tion to the acidity of rain has been naturalness and danger. It creates fear Designating pH 5.6 as the divider calculated by several investigators and In many people. The term conjures up between acid and clean rain does not ranges from 4 to 50 pounds of nitric Images of destruction and damage be- always appear to be realistic. It does acid per lightning stroke. yond anything documented to date, not take into account chemically active Research indicates that the major but a closer look at this natural materials naturally found in the atmo- components of acid rain are sulphuric phenomenon shows that much of the sphere. Observations from researchers acid and nitric acid. These compo- new "evidence" is controversial and in many parts of the world show that nents, in excessive amounts, could considered by many to be speculative. the acidity in rain varies widely. Most have an effect on seed germination We cannot ignore the possibility that reported readings were below pH 5.6. and reproductive cycles. Agricultural there may be environmental and eco- Recent analysis of the ice pack in productivity has been said to be harm- logical damage due to the cumulative Anarctica shows the precipation there ed by acid rain. But, the evidence sup- effects of acid rainfall over many has not varied much from a value of porting these claims are from experi- years, but neither should we be ready pH 4.8 over the last 380 years. ments with artificially high levels of to acknowledge yet another "menace" Chemists have several ways to mea- acidity. without careful and reasonable scien- sure the acidity of solutions. Some of The most important aspect of cli- tific study. these methods can get different mate in estimating the potential effects Acidification of air, earth and water results. Futhermore, for some of the of acid rain is the amount and frequen- occurs continuously, rain or shine. simpler methods, there is evidence cy of precipitation. The make-up of Acid fallout results when sulfer and that the pH values from different the earth's surface soils, from bedrock nitrogen oxides combine with water to laboratories do not always agree with to depth of the soil, can make a differ- form sulfuric and nitric acids. Major each other. Consequently, comparing ence in the amount of run-off. The sources in various parts of the country reports from different sources using location and depth of bodies of water are reported to be coal-burning indus- different methods can lead to er- can determine the effect of high acidi- tries, but smelters, factories and motor roneous conclusions about trends in ty. vehicles also contribute in certain acid precipitation. The type of plants and trees in an areas. Recent research indicates that the area, their height, and whether they Chemists use pH as the system for average precipitation in most states are deciduous or evergreen, can have expressing the acidity of water solu- east of the Mississippi has a pH a part in the potential effect of acid tions in terms of the concentration of reading of between 4.0 and 5.0 with rain. But there is no confirmed evi- I)ydrogen ions. The lower the pH, the some storms having pH values lower dence that the acidity of rainfall in the greater the acidity. Acid rain is gener- than this. But it must be remembered natural environment has a detectable ally defined as rain whose pH level is that a thunderstorm is a familiar exam- impact on trees or plants. lower than 5.6. This reading is com- ple of acid rain as a natural phenome- Much of the public concern about 28 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Your Membership In The MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Now Makes Available acid rain focuses on the effect of acidi- ty on lakes and streams and the fish Institutional they contain. As the acidity of water increases, the fertility of fish eggs is im- paired, followed by reduced ability of the eggs to hatch. But it is not known if Liquid Assets acidity alone is the primary factor in Designed to provide daily having a healthy fish population. Studies point to calcium content of the money market income with Two Portfolios: water as important for fish survival, possibly even more important than pH PRIME OBLIGATIONS GOVERNMENT levels . • 13.62% .13.22% Research is being conducted by pri- vate industry, governmental agencies Investment Advisor, GOLDMAN, and international agencies in an at- tempt to unravel the puzzle surround- Administrator and SACHS & CO. ing acid rain. The research effort is Sole Distributor massive and expensive. Despite the professional optimism of scientists and • Seven day annualized net investment income yield, computed by dividing the administrators, no one expects the an- Portfolio's average daily net investment income per unit for the period ended swers soon. Many now believe it will March 10, 1982 by $1.00 and multiplying the result by 365. On that date the take another five years of collecting average portfolio maturities in Prime Obligations was 34 days and in Govern- ment was 32 days. The yields change in response to fluctuations in interest and analyzing data before there is rates on portfolio investment and operating expenses. enough information and enough un- derstanding of acid rain to permit the writing of intelligent, effective new A prospectus containing more complete informatidn including laws and recommendations. International relations are also af- management fees and expenses, will be sent upon receipt of the at- fected by the acid rain controversy. tached coupon. Send the coupon to Michigan National Bank, Trust The U.S. and Canadian governments Department, 77 Monroe Center, P. O. Box 2804, Grand Rapids, have embarked on a joint effort to Michigan 49501. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or stave off .disputes over the significance send money. For current yield information call toll free of emissions from Midwestern power 800-621-2550. plants and rain which falls on the Canadian provinces along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The o Please send me a prospectus. two nations are working toward a bilateral agreement designed to "de- Name (as it appears on membership records) velop measures to control transboun- dary pollution," with acid rain as a ma- jor item in those negotiations. It is too early to predict that the Address _ feared consequences of acid rain are unusual and will never be proven, but City State Zip _ it is also too early to resort to corrective actions without evidence of their prob- Membership No. able effectiveness. Discussion Questions Mail to: Money Market Fund Program - From where should the funds come for Michigan Farm Bureau Members to research the effect of acid rain? Michigan National Bank, Trust Department -To your knowledge, has there been P.O. Box 2804, 77 Monroe Center any effect of acid rain in your area? Grand Rapids, MI 49501 - What corrective measures should be taken if acid rain is indeed a hazard? RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Much Work Ahead on Drain Code Revision (continued from page 22) would have to bear as a result of his legislation without the pressure of an state can be assessed for its share of petition to intervene." impending legislative vote and to the benefit from a drain project and for There is also a provision in the pro- make their needs and concerns known maintenance costs, then it will reduce posed appeals system that requires the to their elected representatives." the dollar burden to the local unit," petitioner to post an appeal bond. Busch says. "I think this is only fair," Busch says. LOWEST PRICE Appeals Process Improvements "Public officials seem to spend an inor- PUMPING POWER dinate amount of time providing testi- ON EARTH Major drain construction projects mony, whether it's for a legitimate pur- cause concern among citizens and pose or on the whim of others. This re- these concerns and objections often result in court cases. In the proposed quirement for a bond would stop some WINDMILLS of these frivolous claims. tt Aermotor revision, any of the of the parties in- Busch expects good support for the The classic name volved have the opportunity for ap- in water pumping windmills peal of any substantive or procedural proposal, but he says that any legisla- since 1888 grievance to a state Board of Drainage tion proposing revision of a major Appeals. body of enacted law will not be ap- Write "Just from a practical standpoint," proved overnight. for complete information to Busch says, "the establishment of an "First, we have to build an aware- DEAN'S WINDMILLS appeals mechanism should serve two ness of the problems in the existing law Sales & Service purposes: It should speed up the pro- and educate the public and their repre- 32519 N. River Rd. cess because under the present system sentatives in the Legislature about the Mt. Clemens, MI 48045 of appeal through the courts, a project steps our proposal will establish to cor- (313) 469-2417 can be delayed by litigation for years. rect these problems," he says. In fact, it has been used many times as The' task force chairperson agrees. a delaying tactic by the parties in- Brown advises farm people to become TRUCKS volved in a dispute. aware of the issues involved in revising "The second benefit would be in the drain code and to look at the legis- substantial cost savings to the persons lative proposal for the benefits it pro- involved because the minute you file a vides and at what it takes away. petition in court, you're talking about "What we have is a working docu- securing expert witnesses, attorneys ment for change. Now is the time for and other costs that the landowner interested persons to analyze this Ag Conference "Update" SINGLE AXLE 1977 Ford LN700, 16' grain dump, 15 ton hoist ................................... $9,800"' (continued from page 20) in 1978, and if it had not been for the 1976 Ford LN750, 16' grain dump w/15 ton hoist Dean Pridgeon, director of the Mich- governor's conference, he said, "we ................................... $9.400" 1974 Ford F750, 16' bed w/15 ton hoist igan Department of Agriculture, re- would have had a much tougher time ................................... $7,800" ported that attitude changes on the getting it passed. n 1975 GMC 16' grain dump, 15 ton hoist ................................... $9,400" part of the governor, the Legislature, Rep. Gary Randall and Sen. Dick 1977 Chevrolet. 16' grain body, 18 ton hoist chambers of commerce, investors, Allen reported on a local pilot project ................................... $9.800" and the general public, have been a in Gratiot County, where committees of farmers and business people are ac- TANDEMS major benefit of the govenor's confer- 1976 GMC tandem, 427 eng., 20' grain dump, 25 ton ence for the MDA. There has also tively investigating the expansion of hoist $ 17 ,500" agriculture and agribusiness in that 1974 Ford LNT900 tandem. 20' grain body. 25 ton been a recognition by other state gov- hoist $14,800"' ernment agencies that agriculture is a area. A slide-tape presentation is being 1974 Chevy 427 tandem, 20' grain dump viable industry, making for a closer developed by the group, highlighting .................................. $14,800" working relationship and bringing the agricultural industry in Gratiot about "a unity that will pay great divi- County, and will be made available to dends, n Pridgeon said. the public in the near future. OVER 35 GRAIN TRUCKS Rep. Lewis Dodak, chairperson of Individual committee meetings were TO CHOOSE FROM!! 8 Grain Truck. Under 54,000" the House Agriculture Committee, held for updates and input on recom- said passage of some bills, and others mendations dealing with cash crops, currently in the legislative hopper, dairy, agricultural technology, for- Taber & Ottenwess, Inc. could be directly related to the gover- estry, horses, horticulture/ ornamen- 2501 Wilson N. W. at Remembrance Rd. nor's conference. Development of the tals/ turf, livestock and poultry, and Grand Rapids, Michigan Right to Farm bill, for example, began processing and food distribution. 616-453-2438- after 6 p.m. 616-453-0292 30 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1982 Farm Bureau Market Place FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS For Sale: Used Storage Tanks, 6000 to 20.000 gallon Production Tested Angua breeding stock and c:ross-bred Mali DelIvery FUp-Up Signals: No more 01 those unncessary capacity. Vertical or horizontal. Phone 616-798-1805. club calves. reasonably prlced. Delivery lIvallable. Bordner trlps to your mailbox. Alps up automallClllly when mllil carrier (l0-12t-15p-ts) Angus Farms, Sturgis, Mich. 616-651-3456. (3-2t-22p) delivers your mall, then clln be seen from your house window. Irrigation Equipment - Complete line - Lockwood center For Sale: ServIce Age Yorkshire Boan. Richard Cook, Not plastic. Last for years. Try one lInd you would never be pivots - Rainbow and Alumax travelers, pipe and pumps. We phone 517 -649-8988. (2-3t-9p) without. Only 53.95 + 85 cents postage and handling. Money repair pipe and make up pumping units. Plummer Supply, Milking Shorthorns: Young bulls, yellrllngs lInd calves for sale. refunded Including postage If not completely satisfied upon Bradley, Mich. 616-792-2215. (l1-12t-27p-tsl . Wrlte or visit Stanley M. Powell lInd Family, Ingleside Farm, return within 60 dllYS.You cannot lose only gliin. Mliny satisfied Manure Pumps, agitators, pipe and travelers for sale to pump Route 2,3248 Powell Hwy.,lonlli. Mich. 48846. (4-6t-12p) customers. Order today. Home Product Sales, 1171 Sandcreek manure directly from lagoon or pit to field. We also custom Hwy., Adrlan, Mich. 49221. (2-2t-82p) Top quality poultry at reasonable prices. Chicks for eggs, pump. Plummer Supply. Bradley. Mich. 616-792-2215. (1l-12t-27p-ts) meat or novelty. Also Guineas. Goslings. Ducks, Turkeys. Pic- Book - "Shinlng' Through" - 120 pp. with iIIustrlltlons. ture brochure 50 cents. Country Hlitchery. Wewoka, Oklahoma Beautiful rurlll romance 1897-99. based on diary and letters. For Sale: 2 • 780 Forage Harvestors: 2 Forage wagons: 74884. (4-3t-25p-ts) 53.70 postpaid. R. McKim, Box 168, Holt. Mich. 48842. green chop rllck: New Idea mounted com picker: Deere A trac- (l-12t-25p-ts) tor: 20)( 40 Hlirvestore silo. moving available: roller mill. John Barton's Oaklawn Farm 4th Annual Production Sale. SlIt- WlIre, Burr Oak, Mich. Phone 616-489-5589. (3-2t-34p) urdllY. May I, 1982. 1 - 4 p.m. Allegan County Fairgrounds, Harwst Fuel: On the farm alcohollind feed plant. 40,000 or Allegan, Michigan. (25 miles north of 1-94, KalamllZoo exit). more glillons per yellr. GUllrllnteed to produce 1Ilcohoi.Training Seiling up to 200 helld of Suffolks, Romneys. Oxfords and Dor- FOR HOMEMAKERS program Included. 616-887-7021. (3-2t.23p) sets, yearlings, rllm and ewe lambs, club lambs and mlIture Nutsll Quart each peclln halves. pecan pieces, walnuts. Three- For Sale: John Deere "BR"tractor. serial no. 331993. New ewes. Some of our winners Include: Champion Oxford Ewe & quart sampler. $14.95 postpaid!!! Canecreek Farm, Box rubber, like newcondltlon. 616-599-2817. (4-15p) Supreme Champion Ewe, Michlglln State Fair: consecutive 2727-MF, Cookeville, TN 38501. (2-12t-2Op-ts) Bulk Tank. 460 gal. with extra large Copeland compressor. Champion Romney Aocks: numerous Champions & Reserves, Spices, Herbs, Teas and Coffees. Wholesale prices, free Also 18 wllterlng cups. pipes and clamps. Used one yellr. Rich. North Amerlcan International Livestock Exposition. For more In- mlillorder catlilog. Siers Spice Co .. 3730 Robinson. Snover. mond, Mich. 313-727-1060. (4-2t-22p) formation and catalogue, write: Edward Read Barton. Box Mich. 48472. (4-2t-17p) 260 Used Scheu Jumbo Cone Orchard and Vineyard MFN, 920 Miller Road. PllIlnwell, Mich. 49080. 616-685-5028. Delicious Polish Dm Pickle Soup. Send 51.00 lInd S.A.S.E .. Hellters. 500 glii. supply tllnk on rubber. 616-429-4260, (4.88p) P.O. Box 817, Houghton Lake, Mich. 48629. (4-3t-13p) 429-3748. (3-2t-16p) Great Sa~ge Recipes, Illustrllted book with over 100 recipes Rubber Nylon Fencing' 12( foot. Strongest and safest aVlllI- explaining sausage making, curlng, smoking. Free equipment lIble!Ideal for horses! Rubber Aoor Matting - 3', 4', 5' wide rolls. and supply catalog: SAUSAGEMAKER. 177-56 Military. Buf- Excellent In stlills. alleys. livestock trailers. Tough and durllble. DOGS falo, N.Y. 14207. (9-9t-25p-ts) Large selectlon aVllllable!8 foot red cedar posts, 52.00. 52.50. The perfect gift - "Reflectlons from a Michigan Kitchen." 53.00. Munson's. Elsie, Mich. 517-862-5477. (4-2t-34p-ts) Dairy Dog Kennel Offen For Sale: Two registered Austrlllian Nostalgia lInd Insplratlon blended with foodstuff. 304 pages, 700 Farrowing Stalls - All steel 5154.32. Includes feeder-waterer, Shepherds. Red Merle mliles - welped 6-29-81. Stllrted on dairy recipes, 40 poems lInd rosy thoughts, 59.20 postpaid. Order top rail, rump rail. Weighs 196"'. Free Iiterliture. Starr Natlonal, cows and In basic obedience. Bob and Marthll Thuemmel, Port from P. M. Peters. Frlenshlp House. 221 West Street, Three 219 Main, Colchester,lL 62326.309-776-3446. (4-24p-ts) Austln.517-738-8667. (4-JOp) Rivers, Mich. 49093. (4-4Op) A Wells Cargo encloeed trailer behind your pick-up can take Border ColUes: Scotch-English pedigree, 5125. Also Collie or Midwest Country Cooking Favorlta: "House Specialties" by the place of a Ilirger van truck. 6' to 32' up to 5 ton capacity. Sheltle (mlniliture Collie) puppies: stud service. Baird Flirm Ken- Deanna House, 1I crelltlve recipe collection from 20 yellrs of Free brochures. Bosmll Fabrlcating, 999 Wood Road, N. nel. Lowell. 616-897-9462. (4-2t-JOp) teaching adults. Helpful hints, clear Instructions and microwave Muskegon. Mich. 49445.616-744-1882. (3.3t-37p) lIdaptlons mllke this 1Imust for the fllrm wife on the go. 511.85 covers book. mlliling and sales tliXto House Specialties, P.O. FarmaD 560 Gas Tricycle 4-14 plow, 12 ft. disc, 12 ft. sprlng- Box 492. Portage, Mich. 49081. (2-3t-53p) tooth, 14 ft. brillion packer, 4 row planter, 4 row cultivator, rotary chopper. Farmall560 diesel wide front 3.14 plow. Farm- MISCELLANEOUS So You Want to Write a Cookbookl How.to book for in- dividuals or groups writing cookbooks for money-making proj- all 230 wide front 2-14 plow. 7 ft. disc, cultlvlltor, blade, PTO "WOMEN - 50 Ways to See Through Men." Vernon ects. Send 55 - Judy Rehmel, Box l002R, Richmond, Indiana drlve sprellder. Sellrs 011 furnllce. Jenny steam generlltor dry Howard's Inspiring booklet. Refreshing! Romantic! 51. 47374. (4-27p-ts) stellm. Green house glass. Phone 313-522-0162. (4-2t-6Op) NEWLlFE, Box 684.VR, Boulder City, Nevada 89005. Wanted: Used bulk milk cooler, 400-425 glillon. Must be In (3-6t-2Op-ts) good condition. Respond to Ed Hebeler, 16950 East Street Road, Montrose. Mich. 48457. Phone 313-639-7869. (4-2Op) Why Ole Without a Will? Two legal "will forms" lInd easy In- NURSERY STOCK structions. Only $4 ... Order Today! GUllrllnteed! TV- Company. Box 752-MF. Pryor, OK 74361. (3-1Ot-22p-ts) Red Raspberry Plants - Canby (thornless), alate In- spected. Fruit Is large, sweet, conlclll shllped lInd non-crumb- Factory oudet work clotheS. &rgliins on new"shl~ '(Iow as LIVESTOCK $4.95), pllnts, jackets, shoes. boots, gloves, coveralls. Send ling. Excellent for fresh use lInd freezing. 60 cents ell. F.O.B. Quantlty discount aVllllable.Reynolds Berry Farm. 5861 Cedar CORRIEDALE SHEEP breeding stock. 313-429-7874. 51.00 for catlilog. Showroom MondllY - Frlday. Sara Glove Creek, North Brllnch, Mich. 48461. 313-688-3559. (3-2t-35p) (l2-12t-5p) Co .. 16 Cherry Ave., Dept. C-95, Wliternury. CT 06704. Asparagus Roots, Viking K.3 and Mary Wuhington, now (3-3t-36p-ts) Flnnsheep crou lambs, ewes and rams, yearling rllm, also taking orders - Klsh Farm & Mlirket, P.O. Box 5, Mears, Mich. Uncoln Log home model relldy for Inspection. Bart & Hope registered Ramboulet rllm lInd registered Hlimpshire rllm. 1Iiso 49436.616-873-2670. /4-1801 wool. 517-846-4164. (3-4t-I9p) McFlIrlane, Sprlng Arbor, 517.750-2025. (4-2t-15p) Walnut Trees (Carpathian) 3-5 ft. tall. Grown from selected Duroc and Yorkshire boan. Relldy for service. 1I1soDuroc Explosives Made EasIly, chellply from farm fertilizer. Blast seed of this lIreli. S8 each, 3-$21. 5-$30. Add 52 postage. gilts. QUllllfledlInd valldllted herd No. 0135. Delivery lIvallable. dugouts, stumps, rocks. Instruclions $3.00. DeFost, 925 Brlld- Frllnk Radosa. 4084 Kane ROlld, Merrill, Mich. 48637. 517- MlirkPlIlmreuter, 517-823-3745. (3-2t-21p) shaw, Prince Albert, SK, CANADA. S6V ~P~. (4-2Op-ts) 643.7592. (4-32p) ------------------------------------- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY: Members pay 10 cents per word for non-commerical ads and 15 cents per word for ads which pro- Strawberry plants: MldwllY. Sparkle, GUlirdlan, Surecrop. Robinson - 25 - 55. 100 - 514,500. $45.50. Everbellrlng - 25 - $6.50, 100 - 520. Bilick raspberry - 10 - 57.50. Red rllspberry mote 1Icommercial business other thlln lIgrlculture. All other advertisers pay 20 cents per word for one Insertion and 15 cents per - 10 . 55, 25 - 512. Concord grapevines - 52.25. Shipping word for two or more consecutive Insertions. The delldllne for advertisements Is the 15th of the month preceding publicatlon lInd under $10 - 51.50. over - 15%. I. J. Wolverton. 6197 Ellst the publisher has the right to reject any advertlslng copy submitted. Advertisements should be submitted on the form below. AU Llike Road. Millington, Mich. 48746. 517-871-2325. ads must be pre-pald and may be pre-paid up to one yellr In lIdvance. It Is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-Insert the ad (4-2t-44p-ts) on 1Imonth. by-month or yellr-by.yellr basis. Send .cis to Michigan Farm NelI.l8Rural Uulrtfl, P.O. Box 30960, Lanatng, MIch. 48909. No ads wiD be taken OWl' the phone. Nlime _ REAL ESTATE AD Farms - need farms for Midwest lInd Internatlonlll buyers. Address _ Top dollar. Detlills: John Peck. Four Seasons Realty of lansing. 517-482-4555. (4-13t-2Op-ts) Beautiful Lawrence. Michigan, farm. 224 acres with 70% tllllIble.Ponds lInd river frontllge. Newer rllnch style home with wlilkout blIsement lInd large In-ground swimming pool. Dairy Oilim a Flirm Burellu member. This Is 1Inon.commerrlalad lInd Ilim enclosing 10 cents per word. barn, farrowing house, mllchlne sheds. On good blacktop rOlld, Oilim a Farm Burellu member. This lid promotes a business other than lIgrlculture and lam enclosing 15 cents per word. close to town and three miles from 1-94. By owner. 616- 674-8571. (2-3t-47p) Pluse run the following lid In the Issue(s) of Michigan Form New. Rurol Lluing. Colorado - 40 acres. S500 down, 5174 monthly. Free: AD COpy (pluM print clearly): 1-800-528-2828. (4-9b-1s) SW Michigan U-Plck Fruit Farm. Established clientele since 1957. New, executive qUlllity hilltop home. By owner - wiD carry contract. 616.668.3603. Westview Flirm. Route 2, MlIt- tllwlln, Mich. 49071. (2-4t-25pJ 51,000,000 Farms Wanted - Anywhere In Michigan. with or without stock lInd machinery. Worldwide computerized buyers. Wrlte or clllIfllrm brokers at United Flirm Agency, 1764 M-24. ClIro, Mich. 48723. FREE farm and business catalogs. 517- 673-6888. (3-5t-35b-ts) BerrWn County - 100 acre fruit farm. Grapes. tart chemes, pellChes lInd more. 2,500' road frontage. Blossoms End Farms, Route 1. Box 215. Berrien Sprlngs, Mich. 49103. 616- 429-4260. (3-2t-26p) Total EndoIed _ Total Worda _ Farmowners Coverages Expanded 14 Ways . •• -::. -- I ~----l+-._~. __._. 01 ..... "': " :.. • ............ . .:..--: .. ~I at no extra cost to yc " $2,500 coverage is now provided for theft of jewelry, watches, and furs. The previous limit was $500. Michigan's number one farm Insurer leads • Coverage for theft of guns has increased from the way again. $500 to $2,500 . Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of • Also expanded were farm products liability Michigan, the state's largest farm insurer, announces coverage, cargo coverage, coverage on 14 major expansions of its Farmowners policy, business activities incidental to the farm providing much more protection for your farm at no operation, coverage for damage to the additional cost. We pioneered the first Farmowners property of others, coverages on rental policy in the nation in 1960 and have led the way in dwellings, and more. Michigan farm protection ever since. Now come our Your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent can tell latest innovations, all effective November 15, 1981. you more about our new expanded coverages. Find Here's just a sampling: out why we insure more Michigan farms than our • Maximum coverage on cattle, horses, swine, next three competitors combined. When it comes to and sheep has increased. For example, the Farmowners protection, we don't play follow the maximum coverage on anyone cow has leader; we're right out front with the innovative increased from $2,500 to $3,500, while coverages you need. protection for anyone horse has doubled from $750 to $1,500 . • Appurtenant private structures not used for farming purposes (such as garages or swimming pools) are now automatically covered at no extra cost. • Farm buildings previously excluded from coverage for collapse from weight of ice, FARM BUREAU snow, or sleet are now covered against this hazard. In addition, buildings over 10 years INSURANCE of age no longer require a $500 deductible for this coverage. FARM 1lJl(Al) MUTUAl • FARM GROUR 1lJl(Al) lfE • ~TY SERVO MUFWQ • FB AtHJrY Michigan Farm Bureau Non.Proflt Orgonizotion Rural Living Magazine U. S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 PAl D 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, Michigan Lansing, Michigan 48909 Permit No. 37