Michigan Farm News Rural Living 5J!ptember 1982 A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau County Newsletter Inside • DEBORGIA ALAN 93900 6773 3198 0300 BlUE ClIO" BlUE SHIELD Ie. II 3b5 03b Lf29 0 210 BlUE ClIO" Of MlC~AN 1210, BlUE 'Hl(LOOF MlCHIOAN 171 01 0fT1tOfT. M1CH "12211 September 1982 Volume 61, Number 9 IN THIS ISSUE 10 Farm Families Say 'Yes' to State Fair Tradition Tradition and, of course, winning livestock breeds, keep bringing generation after generation of the Chapman and Powell farm families back to the Mich- igan State Fair. 12 Members Set Policy in Their Own Words Larry & Brigette Leach have been involved in policy development for their farm organization for the past 10 years. They urge all Farm Bureau mem- bers to share ideas and take part in the policy devel- opment process. 14 County Leaders Work for Safe Bridges From policy development to the voting booth, Sanilac County leaders are pushing for improvement of criti- cal bridges. 19 AgriCom - The Marketers' Information Edge Speed of information delivery ranks high in 'pioneers' ratings of MFB's new AgriCom program. IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Rural Route 16 County Newsletter 5 Donna 26 Agrinomic Update 6 Lansing Review 28 Discussion Topic 8 Washington Report 30 Market Place Michigan Farm News RURAL LIVING (ISSN 0026-2161) Michigan Farm News Rural Llulng is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Office Box 30960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural L1uingDec. 1. 1981. Third.class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mailing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor; Marcia Ditchle. Associate Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Cathy J. Kirvan. Copy Editor. OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. Jack Laurie. Cass City; Administrative Diredor. Robert Braden. Lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson DIRECTORS: District 1. Arthur Bailey. Schookralt; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; District4. Elton R Smith. Caledonia; District 5. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City; Distrid 7. Robert Rider. Hart; DistrictS. Lyle LeCronler. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. Bernard Doll. Dafter DIRECTORS AT lARGE: Dave Conklin. Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Robert Roilier. Fremont FARM BUREAU WOMEN: Vivian Lott. Mason FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: Glenn Preston. Quincy POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mail to: Michigan Farm News Rural Uuing. P.O. Box 30960. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 3 Rural Route AgriCom - A Technological Advantage Satellite dish, telephone modem, took a leadership role in developing on-farm computers and videotext are the on-farm computer program. They terms that were unknown to most also hired a very competent staff to farmers five years ago but are now secure, analyze and interpret informa- starting to be used throughout Farm tion needed by farmers. This quality Bureau daily. The reason is the Agri- staff is the key to a successful program. Com project which is being expanded In fact, Illinois Farm Bureau's Agri- from a pilot program to a commercial Visor service has an excellent track service to members. record in advising farmers for several When the MFB board of directors years and keeping them in the top discussed the expansion of this pro- third of the market. gram in July of this year, I felt a sense In Michigan, we too have a quality of pride in our organization for step- staff. We are obtaining weekly and ping out to serve the needs of mem- twice daily marketing advice from the bers. The AgriCom program is truly most reliable sources. Cash prices, one to help farmers make their future weather, legislative reports, news and more secure and profitable. other items are also available with the AgriCom has not come about easily computer system. A Farm Bureau or quickly. Its roots can be traced to member using the AgriCom informa- the policy set by Farm Bureau mem- tion can depend on it. bers several decades ago. In the purchase feed for livestock, in order to There has never been certainty in 1960s, fruit and vegetable farmers have a more profitable farm business. agriculture. As government farm pro- were looking to their organization for Marketing information and educa- grams change, there may be even less assistance in the area of marketing. To tion - these are two strong areas of stability of prices for agriculture prod- meet that need, the organization of Farm Bureau. ucts than has been in the past. I be- marketing associations was pursued. In surveying farmers, an American lieve decision making will be the differ- Here in Michigan, the Michigan Ag- Farm Bureau-sponsored research ence in making a profit in farming. ricultural Cooperative Marketing Asso- study learned that farmers felt market- And good information is needed for ciation (MACMA) was started to assist ing information was too late to help decisions. farmers in their marketing and bar- them make good decisions. News- I believe the action of the board of gaining efforts. As a part of the Ameri- letters were days old. Information in directors to establish the AgriCom can Agricultural Marketing Associa- newspapers was at least one day old. project on a self sustaining financial tion, MACMA joined with other mar- Radio reported what happened hours basis as a service to farmer-members is keting associations from other states. before but farmers often missed these a good decision. I encourage Farm The results of these marketing efforts reports. Buyers of agricultural prod- Bureau members to learn more about have delivered millions of doHars of in- ucts, on the other hand, seemed to this program. It may be the wisest de- come to members, primarily produc- have methods of obtaining more cur- cision made on the farm this year. ers of fruit and vegetables. rent information than did farmers. However, marketing needs of other Staff of the research firm conducting major commodities - grain, beans and the study analyzed modern communi- livestock - continued. Another Farm cations technology. They, along with Bureau affiliate, Michigan Elevator Ex- AFBF, put together a package com- change, serves farmers in marketing bining computers, satellites, telephone President their grains and dry beans. However, and television sets. This combination Michigan Farm Bureau Farm Bureau's Young Farmers, state allows a farmer to have information commodity advisory committee mem- only minutes old. The futures market, bers and others have requested more as an example, is updated on the Agri- If you have a question or opinion assistance. They desired marketing in- Com system every 10 minutes during that you would like to share in Rural formation and education for farmers the trading day. This timely, useful in- Route, send it to Rural Living Maga- who must decide when and how they formation gives farmers an advantage. zine, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. should market their commodities, or AFBF and the Illinois Farm Bureau Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. 4 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 Donna A Tough Lesson DELIVERED TO rOUR JOB SITE In the next several months, you're going to be hearing a IN MOST PARTS Of U.S. lot about "in your own words" and "YOU make it happen. " That's what Farm Bureau is all about. You, in your own words, help write the policies that guide our organization and then you help make it happen when you take. action to execute those policies. ANY LENGTH UP TO 40 fEET cut to the inch Part of my job involves working with representatives of the news media. Once these people get to know and trust REGAL RI B is available me, a common question arises: "Off the record, is Farm in three ways: Bureau REALLY a grassroots organization?" I wouldn't give • Colored Steel (12 beautiful colors) these people a bum steer or a snow job for anything in the • Galvalume (Aluminum-Zinc . world, so I'm grateful to be able to give, from years of Coated Steel with a 20 Yr. Warranty / witnessing the power of the membership, an unqualified • Galvanized Steel- Full 36" Coverage, 29 & 28 Gauge "YES!" response. I've got to tell you members, though that you've shaken CHECK OUR LOW PRICES BEfORE rou BUr - my confidence a bit in your "you make it happen" power,. We mean business' and I'm not looking forward to the question from my, news media friends: "What happened to your organization's grassroots power during the primary?" It was five years ago that you; "in your own words," directed your organization to develop a PAC, a political ac- 1-800-321-7670 tion committee that would give farmers, at long last, some /Jib' HOLMES LUMBER real political clout. You charged your AgriPac to study the voting records, the philosophy and awareness of the impor- ~ & BUILDING CENTER tance of agriculture by political candidates, endorse those who met the stiff criteria for designation as "Friends of Agriculture" and give you guidance in the election process. In the 1978 and 1980 elections, you made it happen and LOCAL AgriPac scored big. Political candidates began to recognize what we already knew - that while overall voter turnout might be a weak 25%, farmers could claim a powerful 50% . This primary election was a crucial one and AgriPac en- dorsed 79 "Friends of Agriculture." Of those 79, 66 surviv- ed the primary. Not a bad record, but the "friends" who lost were big losses for the agricultural community. It would be easy - and more comfortable - to blame it on the number of candidates, redistricting, the large turnout of voters in labor-oriented, metro areas. But, if we're honest, the real blame has to lie with Farm Bureau members who failed to "make it happen." They didl1't have enough faith in Participating county publications are: what they had asked for "in their own words." They diluted Allegan Ionia Monroe their potential power by dividing their votes instead of stand- Antrim Iron Range Montcalm ing together in strong support behind designated "Friends of Barry Jackson Muskegon Benzie Kalkaska Newaygo Agriculture. " Branch Kent N. W. Michigan It's too late to cry over spilled milk, but not too late to Charlevoix Lapeer Oceana learn a valuable lesson from organized labor. They had the Cheboygan Lenawee Osceola disciplined unity that we've illustrated we do not yet have, a Chippewa Livingston Otsego unity that spells power in the political arena. Clinton Mac-Luce Ottawa Hopefully, we'll prove we learned from that lesson by Copper Country Macomb Presque Isle making it happen for our "Friends of Agriculture" in the Eaton Manistee St. Clair general election. Genesee Mason Sanilac Hiawathaland Mecosta Shiawassee Friends and readers may wish to send cards or messages Hillsdale Menominee Tuscola to Donna wishing her a speedy recouery from recent Huron Missaukee Wexford surgery. Send care of Rural Living magazine. Ingham RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 5 Lansing Review The Michigan Legislature returned will be as much as $2.7 billion by the tion (H.B. 5591) to eliminate the Aug. 30 to begin the fall session and end of this year. problem of elevators. farmers and consider numerous issues pending in While most of the debt has been in- other buyers of farm products having committees and on the floor of both curred by unemployment in the auto to pay the lender a second time in the Senate and House. This will be a and related industries, every em- cases where there is a lien on the com- "lame duck" session as many legisla- player, including farmers, will have to modity. The legislation would set up a tors, along with the governor and help pay the debt. Penalties plus in- state reporting service for use by other leadership, will not be returning terest will soon take effect. They will elevators and other buyers and would for the 1983 session. Some of the amount to $18 per employee and in- exempt farmers, to some degree. who issues to be debated include: crease another $18 each year per em- buy such commodities for their own ployee for the next nine years. At that use. The lending businesses would file Budget - The appropriations com- time, the total additional cost per such information with the state com- mittees are working on the 1982-83 employee per year will be $162 just to puter program so that buyers could budget which takes effect on Oct. 1, payoff the present federal debt. call to determine if a lien is on the 1982. The outlook is dim, with major Several reforms were achieved in property. Such liens are presently cuts expected. These will include fur- 1980, but benefits were also greatly in- recorded in the county, but with ther cuts in state aid to schools which creased. Legislative proposals that are modern transportation and business in turn puts greater pressure on pending include: require a waiting methods is no longer effective. schools to seek increased property week before unemployment compen- taxes. Agricultural programs will also sation is available, increase the present Right to Farm - The Right to Farm face further cuts as will practically 18 weeks to qualify to 20 weeks, and law was signed into law over a year every other division of government. raise the tax base from $6,000 to ago, on July II, 1982. The final There appears to be no end to Mich- $7,000 along with other reforms that guidelines were approved by the Agri- igan's economic problems. Another are being considered. cultural Commission on April 14, $100 million or more is expected to be 1982. The Oakland County Circuit cut by executive order from the pres- Transportation - Highway use tax Court ruled that the law is constitu- ent year's budget which ends Sept. revenues continue to decline (down tional and the guidelines adequate on 30. Most of this will probably come 27 % for the first three months of April 21, 1982. from state aid to schools. Schools are 1982) and repair costs continue to in- The MDA has published a represen- not likely to receive the Oct. 1 state aid crease by 10 to 15% per year. Roads tative sample of inquiries since the payment which makes "payless pay- and bridges continue to deteriorate at court ruling. Farm Bureau has also days" in some districts a distinct possi- an increasing rate. had numerous inquiries. Some of bility. Several bills are in a House commit- these include: Since 1980, Michigan has used its tee that would, in effect, raise the gas • A Kent County dairy farmer cited "rainy day" or emergency fund of tax 2 cents per gallon; increase auto- by a petition of 80 residents on noise $263.7 million, adjusted its books by mobile weight taxes 15 %; increase and odor. The Extension director used $282 million, cut spending by over commercial and truck weight taxes the law and guidelines to defuse the $800 million and raised taxes by $300 30%; index the rates; and maintain situation. million because Michigan's constitu- the present constitutional "90-10" • A Livingston County veal calf op- tion requires a balanced budget. The allocation limits. The legislation would eration was threatened with a suit by increased income tax which took effect automatically expire in 1987. Most the township because odor from a ma- on April I, 1982 automatically expires states have either raised the highway nure holding tank. The farmer gave on Sept. 30. user taxes or are considering doing so. copies of the law and guidelines to The budget cuts are even more sig- Thirty-two states raised highway taxes local officials. No further action up to nificant when it is recognized that costs in 1981 and seven so far in 1982 in- this time. continue to rise; however, inflation cluding Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wis- • Five Clinton County farmers were has dropped considerably since 1980. consin and Minnesota. required to obtain a permit to operate There is some better news as welfare There are also serious problems because of non-compliance with a lo- case loads have declined. This is not caused by the loss of railroad services cal ordinance governing hours of op- due to an improving economy, but in- to several rural areas in the state that eration. The permit requirement was stead to much stricter requirements. affect grain elevators, fertilizer plants discontinued after local officials were and other agricultural businesses. Rail- informed of the law. Unemployment Compensation - road subsidies end Sept. 30 if they are .A Monroe County police chief was This has been a major issue for some included in the 1982-83 budget. petitioned by 300 residents objecting time, but the Legislature has not ad- to dust created by planting a large dressed it. It is estimated that Michi- Uniform Commercial Code - field. He used the law to quiet the ob- gan's debt to the federal government Farm Bureau is still working on legisla- jections. 6 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 In addition to dozens of farmer re- quests, at least two dozen lawyers have requested information. A provision is being recommended as part of the revised Subdivision Con- trol Act to require a statement on each parcel deed as follows: "This land is adjacent to property utilized for agri- cultural purposes and, therefore, resi- dents may be subject to inconvenience or discomfort arising from agricultural operations which are protected by Public Act 93, 1981 (Right to Farm)." Construction Code - A Farm Bu- reau member in southeastern Michi- gan was told by a local building in- spector that he could not build a pole barn machine shed and use a small portion of it to sell his own produce to the public unless it was built to "com- mercial specifications" and provided with a cement drive and curb. The member turned to Farm Bureau for help. A meeting was arranged between the local officials, the head of the state building code inspectors, and Farm Bureau staff. The state official made it clear that under state law, farm build- ings are exempt from the state building code except for the portion used for retail purposes, and that a local building code cannot supercede the state code. Farm Bureau gained this exemption a few years ago in the Legislature and won it again this past year when there was a strong attempt to repeal the exemption. Many farm- ers, however, have had problems with local officials. Lansing Review is prepared by Robert Smith, MFB senior legislative counsel. 227 page illustrated book explains sausage making plus home curing and smoking o! meat. fowl and fish. OVer 100 recipes. Free eqUlP"lent and supply catalog has more information. For yours. send to: The SAUSAGEMAKER 177-56 Military Road Buffalo, N.Y: 14207 ~ACII.A'CM"C,*U COOPER I CO. :.~~~c::;.... 'OOl ..... _ ... mllA 2095 SEYMOUR CINCINNATI. OHIO 45237 AVE. 'OOlILlC~ ...... TS <* ALlIllWlI WATCMlII*CI,MI RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 7 Washington Report Support for a Balanced Budget A balanced federal budget is seen by RL: How would an individual shape it's in, the highway program suf- many as an answer to bringing federal benefit from a balanced budget? fers and that affects agriculture. deficit spending under control, lower- DUNN: In addition to lowered interest RL: Are there any drawbacks to a ing interest rates and improving the rates, federal spending as a percent- federal balanced budget? economy. On Aug. 4, the U.S. Sen- age of the gross national product DUNN: I guess that depends on your ate passed a resolution supporting a would go down. This would result in perspective. There would need to be constitutional amendment to require a more money in your pocket for you to some wording in the amendment to balanced federal budget. House delib- make individual decisions on how to deal with a national emergency such eration on this issue is underway. spend and save your own money. as the federal government suddenly Eight of Michigan's 21 congressmen needing to vastly increase defense have joined as co-sponsors of balanc- RL: Are there any special ways spending in a war situation. ed budget legislation: Don Albosta, that Michigan could benefit from a William Broomfield, Bob Davis, Jim balanced federal budget? RL: How close are we to a constitu- Dunn, Carl Pursell, Harold Sawyer, DUNN: When you look at the biggest tional requirement for a balanced Mark Siljander and Guy VanderJagt. purchases that the average consumer budget? During a recent interview in his makes in their lifetime, you get down DUNN: First of all, there are two ways Washington office, Congressman to a house and a car. When you have to get a constitutional amendment. A Dunn discussed the need for a balanc- high interest rates, people can't pur- majority of the states can ratify it and ed federal budget. The following com- chase a house or a car. That's why the present it to the U.S. government. ments are from that interview. Michigan economy is in such terrible That takes support from 34 states; 31 shape. I believe that Michigan would have supported it thus far. (Editor's RL: Why do you support a con- benefit more than any other state from Note: States may petition to convene stitutional amendment to bring a balanced budget. Another problem a constitutional convention for the about a balanced federal budget? we're facing in Michigan is the lack of purpose of amending the U.~. Consti- funding for our state highways. The tution.) DUNN: I see a balanced federal bud- farm industry relies very heavily on Or, both Houses must pass, by a get as a viable alternative to the type of those highways to move produce. two-thirds vote, a resolution and then spending that goes on in Washington. With the Michigan economy in the it goes to the states for ratification. Overspending goes on, not for any deep seeded conviction on the part of the members on each and every vote, but rather for political reasons. It's MACMA Sponsors Ice Cream Social much simpler to go home to any district and any special interest group and say that I voted for your program, and your program, and your program. This is definitely not in the best interest of our country. RL: Under a balanced federal budget. how would the economy Improve? DUNN: We are all basically in one worldwide money market. The world's largest single borrower is the U .S. government. If you lower the amount of money borrowed by our federal government, that leaves more money available. Michigan's agricultural, automotive and construction in- dustries rely heavily on borrowing. On Aug. 4, the Direct Marketing DIvision of MACMA sponsored a red tart cherry pro- Lower borrowing by the federal motion In Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 people, including the Michigan congressional government means there's more delegation, sampled various cherry products and MACMA sold over 3,000 pounds of money left for private business. IQF red tart and sweet cherries. 8 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 AgriPac Endorsements to Continue for November General Election Thirty-eight states must ratify the Sixty-seven candidates endorsed by Republican primary, Lt. Gov. James resolution. If both houses of Congress Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriPac were Brickley lost to Richard Headlee and pass resolutions this summer, and I victorious in the Aug. 10 primary elec- William Fitzgerald lost to James Blan- think there's a 50-50 chance of that tion. Seventy-nine candidates had chard on the Democrat ticket. In the happening, it would be sent on to the been designated as "Friends of Agri- U.S. Senate Republican primary, states. Then implementation of the culture," including 58 Republicans William Ballenger lost to Phillip amendment would be probably a two and 21 Democrats. Ruppe. year process. In state Senate races, 22 of 28 can- The AgriPac endorsement will con- didates endorsed by AgriPac either tinue for the Nov. 2 general election RL: Can you give us a synopsis of won their primary or had no opposi- for those "Friends of Agriculture" who the attitude of the Michigan Con- tion, 37 of 40 candidates in the state won their primary contests. The races gressional delegation toward this House races won and all eight candi- where AgriPac's candidates were not idea of the balanced federal bud- dates endorsed for the U.S. House of successful will be reviewed at a meet- get? Representatives were victorious. ing Sept. 1. AgriPac will investigate DUNN: We're pretty much split. There The key races which AgriPac-en- the candidates from both parties who are those who feel that all power, dorsed candidates lost were guber- won the primaries and may make ad- wisdom and money should be sent to natorial and U.S. Senate. In the ditional endorsements at that time. Washington and the major decisions that affect our nation should be made there. Then there are those who feel, ; as I do, that given the economic re- sources, we c"an do a pretty good job of making up our minds in Michigan. RL: How would you rate this ad- ministration's efforts to achieve econom'c recovery? DUNN: On the positive side, the ad- ministration has' taken inflation from 18 % down to about 6 %. This is a pos- itive note for those farmers who pay inflated economic costs every year. The prime lending rate has come down from 21 % to 15% and that's a step in the right direction. I believe the majority of farmers in this country also support the stronger defense and reprioritizing of federal dollars. Those are all positive achieve- ments. On the negative side, I think the ad- Look ahead this lall ministration prioritized their goals in Set' Production Credit Association and set up your line-of-credit loan for next year. the wrong order. They set out with 11 four goals: reduce taxes, reduce fed- "' ~ I. I Line of credit is a money reserve. It puts the • amount you need at the tip of your pen. and asks eral spending, increase defense interest only on what you use. spending and lower the deficit. The It lets you concentrate more on farming and less administration has been fairly success- on borrowing. It covers new and used equipment. ful. They have not revitalized the repairs. seed. fert ilizer. herbicides. labor. economy, in my opinion, because operating expenses ... even family living. they've been concentrating on the first Repayment can be tailored to your projected three. We should have been more income. beginning at the time most advantageous to you. concerned about the size of the federal deficit as a number one priority, then Look ahead this fall with a financial plan for next year. revitalize in the economy, further lowering interest rates and then con- We're approving line-of-credit loans right now. centrating on building up our defense ProductloD Credit AssoclalioDs of Michigan program. RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 9 In these troubled times of "no money," "no jobs," "no security," it is reassuring to know that some people are still saying "yes." Farm families across the state are saying "yes" to ilISTATE Michigan and the Michigan State Fair. The Delmont Chapman family of South Rockwood first entered the fair, in 1924, showing a pen of Shropshire sheep. With only a brief hiatus FIR during World War II, the Chap mans have participated in every fair since. Today the fourth generation continues the tradition showing Hampshire and Suffolk sheep. In the sunny kitchen of his family's three-story brick homestead, Bob Chapman explained why they contin- ue to support the fair year after year. "We're real close to the State Fair and have followed fair business for a long time," he said. "My dad, Del- mont, is a former chairman of the State Fair Commission. I guess you could say it's in our blood," he added with a slow grin. "Everything here stops when the fair comes. It's kind of like our vacation. Granddad, dad, me and the boys are just exhausted by the end of the fair. Every year we swear 'no more.' Then in the fall our ewes lamb, and as we look over the new crop, we start say- ing 'By golly, it'd be good to show this one or that one at the fair next sum- mer.'" For the last 14 years, Bob has been either a director or delegate for the The Chapmans of Rockwood have been showing Shropshire sheep at the Michigan-Wisconsin region at the Michigan State Fair for four generations. American. Sheep Producers Council. The purpose of the council is to educate and further promote lamb and wool products. He said the State Fair is an ideal showplace. "In the purebred livestock business it Farm Families is not only fun but important to take your animals out and see how you look against competition," Bob said. Say 'Yes' to With 40 to 60 sheep in each class, the competition is stiff. Yet, over the last 10 years, the Chapman Sheep State Fair Farm has consistently looked good with animals in the top five in classes ranging from breeding to market. Last Tradition year in the open division, they had the Champion Suffolk Pen. 10 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 "Life is competition," Bob con- 25-year winning streak at the fair. and had to resign from what was then tinued. "I don't care what you do. It is Showing the herd of Milking Short- .the Michigan State Fair Authority. important for young people, in partic- horn cattle that his father had In the early 1900s there were no ular, to learn about it and get used to established in 1919, Stanley walked 4- H or youth divisions in the State it. " away with either the Premier Breeder Fair. However, the demand was so It was 41 years ago, at the age of or Premier Exhibitor every year until great that a youth show soon was 10, that Bob himself first competed at 1967. established. It was this division that the fair, showing a tTlarket lamb that Herbert Powell handed over the Stanley directed while a member of he'd raised as a 4-H project. Following farm management to his son in 1927 the board. suit, all four of his sons, Mark, 25, to become state commissioner of agri- "I can remember," he said, "when Gary 24, Lee 21, and Robby, 16, culture. One of his roles was chairper- the old press offices were converted to have been or are presently 4-H son of the State Fair. In the same year, a girls' dormitory. I dragged my wife members. Bob's wife, Shirley, noted Stanley, newly married, recalls being into it and we'd act as houseparents that the prize money earned was turned away at gate after gate because during the fair." helping put the children through col- the fair was too full. Under his supervision, the fair's lege. "It was crazy, with my dad being youth division was greatly expanded. "There's no better place than the fair chairperson and all," Stanley said. Now 40% of all fair exhibitors are in to find out about the world, travel to "But we finally got in, pitched a tent the 4-H or y.outh divisions. His five new places, and meet all kinds of peo- and we newlyweds loved every min- children, Patricia Ann, Ronald, ple from all walks of life," Bob said. ute of it," he said, chuckling. Herbert, Larry and Rex, grew up Although the original function of the Not content with being merely an showing and three of his grandchild- fair was to show, eltplain and market exhibitor, in 1944 Stanley was ap- ren, Douglas, Jon, and Gordon, are produce, Bob notes that the emphasis pointed to the 20-member board of now actively involved in showing the has expanded beyond selling to a managers of the State Fair. For 20 Ingleside Milking Shorthorn herd. broader, education~1 sharing of life- years he served in this capacity under For the Chapman and Powell fami- styles. "The biggest change in the fair Governors Harry F. Kelly, Kim Sigler, lies, the Michigan State Fair has been over the years is that the organizers are Mennen (Soapy) Williams and George an important and fun summer event; trying to bring the rllral people closer Romney. In November of 1964 he one they plan to support and partici- to the inner-city people and vice was elected to the state Legislature pate in for generations to come. versa," he said. "Tl1ere's more inter- mingling. Twenty years ago there was a complete separation. But times have changed. So many people have mov- ed out into the country; now we've got to work closer togetl1er. The economy necessitates it. We've got to work hand in hand with the people." Exhibiting Since 1919 It was in 1919 that the first of four generations of the Stanley Powell family in Ionia began exhibiting at the Michigan State Fair. "The fair," said Stanley PowelI, "has been a part of the family as long as I can remember and ('m 84." It began with his father, Herbert, showing champion Shropshire sheep. Although Stanley helped with the sheep, it was shoWing his own pure- bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens that dominate hi~ earliest memories of the fair. By 1927, Stanley succeeded to the Stanley Powell of Ionia says Ingleside Farms has been shOwing at the State Fair, "ever management of logleside Farm and since I can remember - and I'm 84." Among his memories is the congratulations of 10 years later began an incredible former governor G. Mennen Williams on Powell's prize winning shorthorn bull. RURAL LIVING. SEPf£NBER 1982 11 ,/ /ll'\' ..... h If H .. \ Larry & Brigette Leach, Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau members, have been active in the county and state policy development process as committee members and voting delegates. group members formulate the ideas they will examine," Leach says. "We By Connie Turbin and a possible solution in their own try not to do everything at the Concern for the safety and mainte- words as a policy recommendation meeting. We assign topics, ask com- nance of county bridges in Sanilac and and share it with others in the county. mittee members to research them and Houghton counties ... get resource people lined up if they People Most Important The effects of toxic waste disposal Once ideas are received by the feel we need outside information. on water quality in a Clinton County county Farm Bureau, the policy devel- Whenever possible we like to have the township ... opment process becomes more for- committee members draft a policy These are examples of local issues malized, but "people are still the most statement that we can 'fine tune' at the committee meeting." that have been surfaced and address- important component," according to ed by county Farm Bureau members, Larry Leach, policy development Leach recognizes that policy devel- in their own words, through their or- chairperson for Kalamazoo County. opment time coincides with the ganization's policy development/policy "We have what I consider to be an pressures of a busy harvest season execution process. excellent procedure for policy devel- and, he says, participation has been "In its purest and simplest form, opment in this county," he says. "Our good on the committee because as policy development is an idea or con- committee is quite large 20 chairperson he sticks closely to estab- cern," says John Laurie, chairperson members. That's because we appoint lished meeting times. "We meet at eight and we're out at ten." of MFB's 1982 Policy Development both spouses to the committee. It's Commmittee. "Ideas for policies at the worked really well here in Kalamazoo local, state and national levels are County. We gain the information and Surfacing Policy Ideas often thought of as members go about input of both partners and, if for any To surface issues important to Farm their daily routines. reason one has to miss a meeting, the Bureau members, Kalamazoo County's "If members share their concerns other can 'cover' the meeting or as- Policy Development Committee reviews with community action group mem- signment, " comunity action group minutes and bers or other groups of members, then Kalamazoo's Policy Development committee members make an effort to Farm Bureau's policy development Committee usually meets five or six talk with farmers in their section of the process has begun," Laurie says. times prior to the county annual meet- county. Informal discussions in these group ing for work and discussion sessions. Leach says another good source of situations raise additional questions "The time needed to complete the ideas for the committee is the state- about the extent or seriousness of a process depends on the members of wide cabinet meeting held in Lansing problem. Following these discussions, the committee and the kind of issues each August. After listening to the ....12 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 Policy Development is the Place to Learn About Farm Bureau speakers and talking with leaders from I never thought we'd get through it all. ization is open to any member willing other counties, committee members "In the subcomittees, we read every to discuss, in their own words, the discuss the issues at their next county resolution from the counties. It took a problems and concerns they may meeting. long time, but when we were done, have. He cites animal care as an issue that we knew what the members wanted Larry & Brigette Leach urge Farm is very important to Kalamazoo County and what they were thinking on the Bureau members to get involved in the members. "We have veal producers in issues," she says. policy development process at some this county and they were very willing In 1981, MFB"members were think- level, "even if you're not that familiar to work on a policy proposal. ing about over 100 separate state with the Farm Bureau organization, "I feel we have a good record in policy issues, ranging from animal care policy development is the place to policy development from this county to rural crime prevention. An addi- learn," they say. because we have people who see the tional 35 recommended national poli- "It's important to have new people need to find solutions to problems and cies were forwarded to the American and new ideas in the process each they are willing to work together to get Farm Bureau Policy Development year at the local and state level," the the facts and information the commit- Committee by delegates at the state couple emphasizes. "If you aren't tee needs. They do a good job here." annual meeting in December 1981. ready to serve on your county policy Leach says. What will members be thinking development committee, share your Both Leach and his wife, Brigette, about in 1982? The opportunity to be ideas with the county committee have served as Kalamazoo County part of the process of policy develop- members and be sure to attend the delegates to the MFB annual meeting, ment for the state's largest farm organ- county Farm Bureau annual meeting." but in 1981, Brigette gave up her seat in the county delegation to represent the Michigan Farm Bureau Women on the state Policy Development Com- 1982 Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee mittee. "We Read All County Resolutions District 1 District 10 James Jelinek Richard Nelson "I was really nervous about the ap- New Buffalo (Berrien County) West Branch (Ogemaw County) pointment," she admits. But with that novice's experience behind her, she's District 2 District 11 looking forward to serving on the com- Keith Preston Joanne Stefl mittee again this year. Quincy (Branch County) Cornell (Delta County) "Just working with Farm Bureau District 3 Farm Bureau Young Farmers members from all around the state on Albert Ruhlig William Penn last year's committee really helped me Dexter (Washtenaw County) Hope (Midland County) to appreciate how well informed our District 4 Tom Bodtke members are. You name it and a Curt Eubank Grand Junction (Van Buren County) farmer can discuss it," she says. Grand Rapids (Ottawa County) David M. Lott Although there were many county Mason (Ingham County) policy resolutions for the state commit- District 5 tee to study and compile, Brigette Mark Smuts Farm Bureau Women Charlotte (Eaton County) Brigette Leach says she was surprised at how similar the ideas and philosophy of Farm Bu- District 6 Climax (Kalamazoo County) reau members statewide are, "especially John Tanton Audrey Stofer on an issue like animal care. A lot of Deckerville (Sanilac County) Leslie (Ingham County) thinking of our members was along the District 7 Nancy Rottier same line," she says, "It wasn't that Robert Anderson Fremont (Newaygo County) difficult to prepare a single animal care Paris (Mecosta County) At Large resolution because the county resolu- District 8 John Laurie tions shared the same general idea." Eric Bailey Cass City (Tuscola County) Work on the state committee re- S1. Louis (Gratiot County) Michael Pridgeon quires a lot of study and hours of District 9 Montgomery (Branch County) reading, she says. "It was a real educa- Clarence Davis David Conklin tion for me. At first I was overwhelmed Honor (Benzie County) Corunna (Shiawassee County) by the sheer number of resolutions and the topics that had to be covered. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 13 Sanilac County Farm Bureau Leaders Work for Safe Bridges By Marcia Ditchie Committee, following the defeat of the ing, Sanilac County Farm Bureau A proposed 3/4 mill property tax levy proposal by just 15 votes. members asked for a study to be done for bridge improvement was narrowly The vote on the proposition culmi- on bridge conditions and the feasibility defeated in Sanilac County on Aug. 10, nated nearly two years of work by of a countywide millage for bridge im- but the chairperson of the Citizens for county Farm Bureau members. provement," according to Wayne Safe Bridges Committee, which spear- "In 1980, the deteriorating condi- Wood, county president. headed the effort, feels that the propo- tion of the county's bridges was one of After the county annual, the board sition was not a complete defeat. the areas that was definitely a prob- referred the policy to the Local Affairs "Though it was a defeat number- lem," Adam said. "The Local Affairs Committee for an indepth study of the wise, the Citizens for Safe Bridges Committee drafted a proposed resolu- bridge situation and asked them to Committee feels that we made people tion and sent it to the Policy Develop- report their findings and recommenda- aware of the critical condition of our ment Committee where it was rework- tions to the board. county's bridges," said Faye Adam, ed and presented to the delegates at Members of the committee included who also serves as chairperson of the the county annual meeting. Adam, John Merriman, Geraldine county Farm Bureau's Local Affairs "At the 1980 county annual meet- Smith, Wayne Laursen, Shirley Tan- ton, Carol Callendar, Orvel Roggen- buck and John Tanton. Roggenbuck and Tanton served as co-chairpersons for the bridge study project. During the committee's study, it was found that 89 bridges with spans of more than 20 feet in length were in poor condition and either closed or had load restrictions. Because of these conditions, emergency and commer- cial vehicles, school buses and farm machinery were rerouted. Adding to the problem, on July 31, 1982 a bridge that was built around 1900 over the Cass River collapsed. According to a survey taken by an engineering firm in 1979 for the coun- ty Road Commission, the estimated cost for repairing or replacing the 89 bridges at that time was $4 to 5 million. Current figures have now placed the cost at nearly $11 million. Following completion of the com- mittee's study, a resolution was pre- pared and presented to delegates at the 1981 county annual meeting. "Last October, the study report and recommendations were adopted un- animously at the annual meeting," President Wood said. "The members asked that a proposal to levy 3/4 mill for five years be placed on the August In July. collapse of a Sanilac County bridge built around 1900 punctuated the need for 1982 ballot." repair and reconstruction of other critical bridge structures In the county. (continued on page 25) 14 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 Front and Center Thirty-one counties have reached their 1982 membership goal as of Aug. 13. Coun- ties reporting goal since July 8 are Oceana (Elmer Gowell, membership chairperson), Osceola (Dale Carmichael) and Wayne (Walter Rochowiak). MFB is now at 98.56% of goal, with seven regions: the U.P., North, West Central, Central, West, Southeast and Southwest, over goal as well as Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11. Agriculture Secretary John Block has announced that the farmer-owned reserve will not be open to producers who did not participate in the 1982 reduced acreage pro- gram. Despite record high estimates of 1982 corn and wheat ending stocks, Block said the rules of the reduced acreage program will not be changed. According to the 1982 wheat and feed grains program, only participating farmers are eligible for deficiency payments, loans and the farm-owned reserve. Gov. Milliken has signed an agreement with Mexico to allow the purchase of up to 10,000 head of high quality bred dairy heifers before the end of the year from Michigan and several other states. The agreement was worked out by the MDA's marketing division and the Mexican government. Michigan's responsibility is to assure the quality of the cattle and to verify the sales agreement terms between the seller and buyer. Anyone interested in the program should call the MDA Marketing Division at 517-373-1054. Dairymen at the August dairy information meetings at Cass City and Grand Rapids, sponsored by MFB, heard proposals for an industry-supported "Michigan Dairymen's Market Program" to promote sales and increase consumer knowledge and acceptance of Michigan dairy products. Dairy leaders are currently seeking signatures of milk producers to petition the MDA director to conduct hearings on the proposal. Comments and information from the meetings were evaluated by the MFB Dairy Advisory Committee on Aug. 11. The committee has formulated policy recommendations to be reviewed and approved by the MFB board of directors. (See related information in Agrinomic Update, page 26.) State fair goers will have the chance to buy fresh fruits by the piece from a farm market set up in "Agriculture's Amazing Acre." The public will also be able to buy cider, doughnuts, jams, jellies, cookbooks and many other items at the Michigan Certified Farm Markets display. Genesee County FB member Sandy Hill of Montrose is coordinating the display. The fair is scheduled through Sept. 6 at the state fairgrounds in Detroit. Farmers of the Week _ The Farmer of the Week program, July 12 - Donald Witt, 60, a dairy Copper Country FB member and has co-sponsored by Farm Bureau Insur- and cash crop farmer from St. Johns, earned several awards, including the ance Group and the Michigan Farm farms 500 acres and milks a large dairy Premier Potato Grower of the Year Radio Network, honors Michigan farm- herd in partnership 'with his son. Witt, Award for both 1977 and 1979. ers for their contributions to the com- president of the Clinton County FB munity and the agriculture industry. July 26 - Martin Appelgreen, 59, from 1978 to 1980, is chairperson of July 1982 recipients were: operates a 300-acre dairy farm, milks the county FB State and National Af- 45 cows and raises beef in the Big fairs Committee. He is Clinton County Rapids area. He serves on the local ASCS committee, chairperson and a July 5 - David Howard, 36, oper- DHIA board, is an area ASCS com- member of St. Peter's Lutheran ates aI, OOO-acrecrop and hog farm mittee member, is treasurer of the Church, DHIA and MMPA. near Perry. He serves as a deacon and Stanwood Farmers Co-op, is a mem- choir director at Perry Baptist Church, ber of St. Mary's Catholic Church and is a Sunday School teacher, plays in July 19 - Tom Codere, 30, a the Knights of Columbus, served the church band and serves on several potato farmer from lake Linden, many years on the MMPA board, is a church committees. He is a member of farms 180 acres. He serves on the Mecosta County FB member and serv- the Shiawassee County FB and the area ASCS committee, is a member ed six years on the FB board; and he Michigan Pork Producers Association. and usher at St. Joseph's Church, is a served five years as township trustee. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 15 County Newsletter The c~u~tyFa~m Bureau newsletter is published. monthly. by the Michigan Farm Bureau. P.O. Box 30960. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Subscription price to members. $1.25 per year. mcluded In the annual membership dues. FB Leaders Review Policy Issues at Cabinet Meeting The 17th annual Policy Develop- ment Conference and statewide cabi- net meeting was held Aug. 19 at the Lansing Hilton Inn. Nearly 200 county leaders and Mich- igan Farm Bureau and affiliate com- pany staff heard reports on national, international and state policy issues and participated in a panel discussion on Michigan's declining economy. "The cabinet meeting is an oppor- tunity for county leaders to get full in- formation from Farm Bureau person- \ nel in Washington, D.C., national and international issues and also an oppor- tunity to hear from expert resource people at the state level on budgeting concerns," said Robert Smith, MFB's MFB President Elton Smith met with AFBF Research Economist Ross Korves and MFB Policy Development Committee Chairperson John laurie. Korves discussed national senior legislative counsel. and Intematlonallssues that wlll affect agriculture In the coming year. During the panel discussion, Doug Roberts, deputy director of Michigan's Attend Your County Annual Meeting Department of Management and Bud- You will have the opportunity to This committee correlates the reso- get, reported on the declining econo- help determine policies that can posi- lutions from all county Farm Bureaus, my's effect of the state government. tively impact your farm business and gains further information on the Michigan Department of Agriculture your community if you attend the your various issues from resource people, Assistant Director Tom Tomaszewski county Farm Bureau annual meeting. and prepares a slate of resolutions to commented on how MDA was being Do you have an idea, an opinion present to voting delegates at the state effected by the budget cuts. that's been expressed only during dis- annual meeting. At the state annual Lynn Harvey, of MSU's Coopera- cussions at the local coffee shop? Then members once again have the oppor: tive Extension Service focused on in- share it, in your own words, where tunity to state, in their own words dividual counties and' the economy's united action can help make it happen their views on the proposed resolu~ impact on them. - at the county annual meeting. tions. Following the panel discussion, In your own words is really what Harry Mikan, chief of the MDA Water The resolutions adopted by the Farm Bureau's effective policy develop- Resources Division, highlighted the delegate body which deal with state af- ment/policy execution process is all proposed changes in the Michigan fairs become the policies of the Michi- about, and it begins at the county Drain Code that will benefit agricul- gan Farm Bureau and those dealing level. The county Policy Development tural drainage. with national and international issues Committee will present a slate of are forwarded to the American Farm resolutions at the county meeting, where members will have the annual Bureau Federation where the same SAFE Ma~ -- process is repeated. , JI opportunity to tell, in their own words, and by their votes, what they think of The policies that result from farmers \ ~ -- speaking out, in their own words ~ -'-_' those proposed resolutions. Those adopted which deal with guide our organization at the county' ,: Ir 0. ~v~:~. state and national levels, and have a~ d3 " county issues become the policies of the county Farm Bureau. Those deal- impact on action in our county court- ing with state and national issues are house, the state capitol and in Con- '\ sent to the Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee, which gress. Plan now to attend your county an- )/ \ . \ ""\ ' '.l~._ is composed of farmers representing nual meeting. Remember, in Farm all areas of the state. Bureau, you make it happen! National Farm Safety Week 16 Sept. 19-25, 1982 Young Farmer Contests Recognize Ag Leaders Bread and Water "Many of the most deserving young national convention in Dallas, Texas, Once upon a time, eating was fun, farmers in our state will not be Jan. 8-13. Expenses for the Distin- one of life's real pleasures. That was recognized for contributions to their guished Young Farmer and spouse before we Americans discovered that community and Farm Bureau, for their will be paid by the Michigan Farm eating is hazardous to our health. dedication to their growing families or Bureau. As youngsters, we were taught to for their hard work in building a strong Michigan's Outstanding Young eat several selections daily from the farm business, unless they are nomi- Farm Woman and her spouse will re- four food groups. Now, we're learning nated or encouraged to participate in ceive an expense paid trip to the 1983 to be suspect of anything edible. the 1982 county Farm Bureau Young MFB Washington Legislative Seminar . Let's look at a typical breakfast Farmer contests," says Vic Verche- . . . the bacon and sausage we love so District Discussion Meets reau, manager of the MFB Young much have nitrites and fat ... our eggs Farmer Department. Many Young Farmers will also be have cholesterol ... hash browns are participating in District Discussion fried - another no-no ... milk has too He urges Farm Bureau members to Meets. This year's topics are: much butterfat ... our cereals, we're nominate young farmers for the Out- -Water is a limited and depletable told, aren't really nutritious and we eat standing Young Farm Woman and resource. What should be the deter- them with too much sugar ... coffee is Distinguished Young Farmer contests. mining factors in its future allocation? suspected of causing possible heart Nominees must be 32 years of age -What can be done to increase par- or under, be actively involved in a problems. This is breakfast, the meal ticipation in the total Farm Bureau mothers promote to their children as farming operation, and demonstrate program? involvement in the community and a the most important meal of the day. - Yield times price minus cost equals We could settle for a glass of water willingness to accept a leadership role net income. We have worked to mini- and that all-time favorite breakfast in agriculture. In addition, contestants mize cost and maximize production. item - toast. But ... hold it! Can we in the Distinguished Young Farmer What can we do to increase price? contest will be evaluated for planning trust toast? -What can we do to stimulate No, say some scientists from Kansas and development of the farming oper- foreign demand for products and who City University. Toasting our bread, ation. should be responsible? they claim, promotes a chemical reac- Winners in the county competition Winners of the district meets will tion that reduces protein building will participate in the Michigan Farm compete at the state annual meeting in amino acids in bread, and converts Bureau Young Farmer contests in De- December. The statewide winner will nutrients into unusable forms. The cember at the organization's annual compete at the national discussion scientists say it would be more meeting. meet held during the AFBF annual nutritious if we didn't toast our bread. The winner in the Mt B competition meeting. Do you realize that our breakfast has for Distinguished Young Farmer will Contact your county Young Farmer just been reduced to bread and water? go on to compete with winners from Committee chairperson or county sec- Maybe when we threw convicts in the other state Farm Bureaus at the AFBF retary for details on these contests. hole and fed them bread and water, we were doing them a favor. If we'd known then what we know today, we Farm Estate Plan as Vital as Ever could have threatened them with Farmers in Michigan have spent Although farmers received some big bacon and eggs, hash browns, cereal, estate tax breaks from the Economic milk, coffee and toast. That would years of hard work building up the have made them change their ways! values of their farms, and, under- Recovery Act of 1981, the new law is standably, they feel a genuine emo- not a cure-all for the estate planning tional attachment to their farming problems that farmers face. You can Blue Cross Blue Shield operations. spend a lifetime accumulating a farm Reopening Sept. 1-15 Most farmers want to keep their estate, only to have a large part of it taken from your family through need- A special reopening period for Blue farms intact and in the family after they less estate taxes and expenses. Cross Blue Shield subscribers in the die. But it doesn't always happen that Farm Bureau group will be held Sept. way. As the statewide leader in farm 1-15. Currently enrolled subscribers "Farmers are usually much more estate planning, the Farm Bureau Life will be allowed to chan~e their contract energetic in creating their estates than to a lower cost co-pay plan without they are in preserving them and pass- Insurance Company of Michigan has assured thousands of Michigan farm- having to complete a health question- ing them on to their heirs," said Robert naire. Coverage will be effective Nov. ers that the family farm will remain in E. J. Wiseman, executive vice presi- 20 and subscribers must have paid the family. dent of Farm Bureau Insurance their Aug. 20 billing. Group. "That's why an estate plan is "You've spent a lifetime building The Farm Bureau group offers two so important. A proper estate plan is your estate. Shouldn't you decide co-pay plans with excellent coverage. the surest way to pass your farm to what will happen to it?" Wiseman said. For more information on these your heirs with the least amount of plans and changing your BCBS cover- taxes, settlement costs and outside in- Your local Farm Bureau Insurance age contact your county secretary terference. " agent can tell you more. prior to Sept. 15, 1982. 17 AGRICOM@ Your Computerized Information Connection The one year subscription to the Agri- You can ask AgriCom representatives about on-farm Com system is a very affordable $99 applic~tions and b.enefits of this new computerized in- per month, payable in quarterly formation connection for your farming operation at one amounts of $297. As an incentive to of 11 demonstration meetings to be held during farm operators who pay for one year in September. Plan to attend at a location near you. advance ($1,089), they will receive one month of AgriCom's computerized in- Scheduled Meetings Sept. 22 Holiday Inn formation free. Sept. 13 Farm Bureau Center 7:30 p.m. 1575 W. Mawmee AgriCom subscribers who don't have 7:30 p.m. 7373 W. Saginaw Adrian Lansing Sept. 23 Holiday Inn South an on-farm computer may purchase a 16k Radio Shack Color Computer sys- Sept. 14 Hol iday Inn East 7:30 p.m. 250 28th St. SW tem for only $500 at one of the 11 7:30 p.m. 1-75 & Holland Ave. Grand Rapids Saginaw Sept. 28 Holiday Inn September sign-up meetings. Sept. 15 The Colony House 7:30 p.m. M-20 & US-27 A farmer-member only service of 7:30 p.m. 8430 N. Van Dyke Mt. Pleasant Cass City Sept. 29 McGuire's Restaurant the Michigan Farm Bureau. Sept. 16 Hyatt Regency 1:30 p.m. Mackinaw Trail FaRm~ 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 One Riverfront Flint Holiday Inn West Sept. 29 7:30 p.m. Cadillac Chalet Motor Lodge 1-75 & M-32, Gaylord BUreaU 7:30 p.m. US-31 & W. Broadway Three Rivers Sept. 30 1:30 p.m. Terrace Motor Inn US-2 & 41, Escanaba Subscribe to AgriCom and be among the IIWho's Who" in Michigan Agriculture! AgriCom: The Marketer's Information Edge Since October 1981, Michigan Farm farmers on the value of the service Bureau has been involved in a pilot during a series of 11 out-state demon- Speed of informa- marketing information and education program called AgriCom. Twenty-five stration and sign-up meetings in September. (See the meeeting sched- tion delivery ranks farmers were selected to partlcipate in ule and information on the preceding page.) the pilot program which would bring high in "pioneers" them a wide range of information via The one-year subscription to the \ on-farm computers, plus educational AgriCom system is $99 per month, ratings of MFB's seminars to help them sharpen their payable in quarterly amounts of $297. marketing skills. These 25 participat- Farm operators who pay for one year AgriCom program ing farl1)ers were given the ..title "Agri- in advance ($1,089) will receive one Com Pioneers." .,... month of AgriCom's computerized in- AgriCom became the pioneers' link formation free. to the latest Information on futures and All AgriCom subscribers have full in- By Donna Wilber cash markets, agricultural weather, formation access to the system, via toll financial markets, pest management, free telephone lines, 24 hours a day, market analysis and agricultural, legis- seven days a week. lative and organizational news. Subscribers who do not have an on- The service was enhanced with the farm computer should estimate an ad- addition of marketing advice through ditional $500 investment for "the pur- Illinois Farm Bureau's highly-respect- chase of a 16K Radio Shack Color ed AgriVisor service in May 1982. Computer system. However, any This service provided them twice-dally micro-computer that has a terminal with specific recommendations for software package utilizing standard hedging, forward contracting or cash TTY communications and a telephone marketing their grain and livestock, modem will be compatible with the and alerts for best price opportunities AgriCom system. on feed purchases. Private telephone service for data The a~dition of AgriVisor to the transmission is required. program has been a popular decision with the AgriCom Pioneers. It made them part of the prestigious group of "It Saves Me Money; producers who consistently receive It Makes Me Money" crop and livestock prices In the top Wayne Rodgers, a dairy and grain one-third of the market. AgriVlsor ad- farmer from Caledonia, became' an vice has been provided to Midwestern AgriCom Pioneer because he was farmers since the mid-70s; currently "disgusted with always selling at the over 2,000 farmers subscribe to it. lower price." Based on the success of the pilot "When we had grain to sell," program and recommendations of the Rodgers said, "we'd usually store it pioneers, the AFBF and MFB boards after harvest in anticipation of market- approved expansion of the program. It ing it at a higher price. When you is being offered to all farmers as a don't know what the markets are do- Farm Bureau member-only service. ing, you reach a point where you de- The promotional kick-off took place at cide to sell and hope that's the best MSU's Ag Expo '82 on July 20-22, price" Usually, you've waited too long, where several hundred farmers in- so you're selling at the bottom half of dicated their interest in becoming the market, which is, I think, the case subscribers. with most farmers. The goal of the AgrlCom project coordinator Robert AgriVisor program is to market in the Craig and his staff will convince upper third of the market." RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 19 AgriCom Marketing Seminars Improve Skills Rodgers believes the AgriVisor ad- problems, and believes the legislative "I Like the Convenience" vice is one of the best services of its reports are of real value to farmers. AgriCom Pioneer Bill White of kind, one that has both saved him "The information provided regard- Jones in Cass County produces money and made him money. ing the current happenings in the state 10,000 hogs per year and also raises Legislature and in Congress keeps me corn, wheat and oats. up-to-date on new developments that 'To me, the big plus of the service is concern agriculture," he said. "This is convenience. The information is there information that we'd never read for me to use at my convenience and about in our local newspaper. We may not restricted by the arrival of the read about it in a farm magazine in mail," White said. "I could wait for the another month or six weeks, but that's Wall Street Journal to arrive at noon, not like a daily update." but by then the markets are open and Rodgers attended both the "Discov- prices have changed. Newsletters are ery '82" computer and farm manage- nice to have, but not timely. Some- ment workshop and an educational times the radio reports are on when marketing seminar in June. my work schedule doesn't allow me to "The educational part of this pro- tune in. gram is extremely important. In that "Personally, I like being able to get respect, we've just gotten a good start; up at 5 or 6 a.m., call up and get we've got a lot more to learn. The yesterday's closing prices. Calling at more we learn, the better we'll be able night for that day's closings gets me to use the service," he said. thinking and keeps me awake. WAYNE RODGERS "I've been using AgriVisor advice to Just in the couple of months I've been following purchase soybean meal. We buy a the (AgriCom) advice I've probably paid for. it semi-load (24 tons) at a time and that lasts us about three months. Using the several times over. advice, we've been able to buy it at the - Wayne Rodgers lowest possible price. That alone has saved us about $6 a ton," he said. "We sell corn and wheat as cash crops. For the last 45 days now, Agri- Visor has had several recommenda- tions to hedge a certain percentage of your crop and I have followed the ad- vice. Working through a local broker, I've put these hedges on. I have con- tracts on the futures market and these positions are going to return me, for example, an additional 50 cents a bushel on corn over the price I would get locally. "The subscription fee to the service may sound like a large investment, but I think if you have grain or livestock to sell and you follow the advice of the AgriVisor program, it's a small amount to invest in marketing. Just in the cou- ple months that I've been following the advice, I've probably paid for it several times over," Rodgers said. The Kent County farmer also likes the weather information and the alerts AgrlCom Pioneer Bill White updates his price charts daily with information transmitted for pest control, insects and other crop to his fann office on Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriCom system. 20 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 AgriCom's Legislative News Vital to Farmers "The AgriCom program is really a agement system and crop manage- tool, just like a tractor," he said. "You ment program, they also utilize its can let it set there and do nothing and capabilities for their "do-it" program. it won't help you. Or you can use it, "Our 'do-it' program is an instruc- with the skills you've learned, and tional maintenance log that may say make it work for you." ... grease this or that, flush the cooler White, like Rodgers, believes the - just daily maintenance chores that educational portion of the program is are quite easily forgotten," Spike said. vital. "We're still working on the crop "The more we learn, the better we'll management program. It's basically a be able to use the information we re- cross accounting system, by enterprise ceive," he said. "It gives us an edge if and by field and also by major pieces we understand charting, for example. of equipment. The program will show We want to know some of the whys. actual cost of planting a field, taking By keeping track of the prices on into account the overhead cost of trac- charts, you begin to understand the in- tor, implement, fuel consumption, formation and advice and can make hourly rate, fertilizer, insecticide, seed, your own decisions." etc." he explained. White subscribes to a quarterly As chairperson of the state Agricul- charting service and updates his charts tural Stabilization and Conservation daily from the information received on Service, Spike was already convinced Bill Spike is an .. AgriCom Pioneer" but AgriCom. he should participate in the reduced the family farm has used computers for He is convinced thClt, eventually, many years. They are currently working acreage program, but he was pleased computers on the farm will be as com- on development of a crop management that it was also a recommendation of program using computer equipment. the AgriCom program. mon as tractors even though "farmers are a bit like the people who continued tion is probably as good as you can get "I took that advice and I believe it's to use gaslights after Edison had in- anywhere in the country," Spike said. going to make me in the neighborhood vented the electric light bulb. "I certainly respect the ability and ad- of $50,000 to $80,000 more than I "AgriCom is a good program and it vice of Jim Gill (director of market would have made without complying," should be well accepted. Things are analysis, Illinois Farm Bureau). It takes he said. tough for cash crop farmers now, but a lot of things to make a program like "In our situation, that's simply the that's really the time when they need it this successful, but AgriVisor certainly difference of l:taving corn that qualifies the most," he said. is a real asset. for the program, putting it in the re- It was White's wife, Susie, who con- "For us, one of the basic advantages serve and getting the $2.90 reserve vinced him to be an AgriCom Pioneer of the program is that it gives us a loan plus the 261h-cent storage, plus a because of her interest in computers, a ready place to get market information IS-cent deficiency payment and buy- carryover from her college days. Her that we can't always catch over the ing the corn we need at around $2.00 hopes to be the "key operator" had to radio, and, certainly, anything you get per bushel. So that's $2.00 versus be postponed for the birth of their son, through the mail is a lot more inter- about $3.30." Johnny, but White sees not only his esting as history than as news," he Spike says one of the main reasons wife, but also his three daughters and said. he became an AgriCom Pioneer was Son becoming a part of the computer Spike believes that another advan- to keep up with the legislative news, farming team in the future. tage has been the opportunity to close- which he believes is vital information ly involve one of his key employees in for farmers. "Overall, It Greatly the program. "He's learning more Like most of the other pioneers, Enhances the Farm Plan" about the markets and has a better feel Spike plans to continue subscribing to for what I'm trying to accomplish in the the AgriCom program. Unlike Rodgers and White, to whom using computers was a new ex- marketing plan. It's given him a better understanding of how we're doing be- Our Cost is Your Cost perience, AgriCom Pioneer Bill Spike, cause of the markets and how they AgriCom project coordinator Craig a dairy and cash crop farmer from change," Spike said. "[t's an education has predicted that 200 farmers from Owosso in Shiawassee County, was for him that I couldn't very easily give across the state will subscribe to the one of the first "computer farmers" in him in any other way. [ think, overall, new program this year. The subscrip- the state. So AgriCom easily became a it greatly enhances the farm plan." tion fee is based on break-even projec- part of the Spike family's progressive The Spikes. use their computer not tions, Craig said. "Our cost is your farm operation. only for their sophisticated dairy man- cost. "The quality of AgriCom's inform a- 21 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 Federal Crop Insurance of income to meet loan payment obli- gations and to make payments on rented acreage. In the years since the inception of Helping Farmers Federal Crop Insurance, the types of crops covered and the counties in which the insurance has been available Help Themselves have changed. And farmers have found that this type of all-risk coverage greatly diminishes the natural risks over which they have no control - weather, insects, and/ or disease. Crop disasters need not be the per- sonal financial disaster that they might have been in the early 30s. They need A new crop insurance program not put the farmer and his family out of business. allows farmers to better manage The Buck Stops Here the risk of unexpected crop loss. Since his inauguration, President Reagan has worked at reducing feder- al government involvement in many aspects of our lives. His goal is two- By Janice Child necessary before farming can be con- fold; to clear out unnecessary federal The 1930s were a difficult time. The sidered on a par with other industries programs, making way for a balanced crash of 1929 brought economic un- in safety and certainty of results," said budget and to provide the mechanism certainty to the world and farmers had Valgren. for making the U.S. citizen indepen- to face the aftermath of many The 1938 law created the Federal dent and self-reliant once again. droughts and the resulting dustbowls. Crop Insurance Corporation as an ex- With this goal in mind, President For many families, it was the end to ecutive agency of and within the Reagan has asked farmers to get in- life on the farm and they moved to USDA. Crop insurance was designed volved in the Federal Crop Insurance jobs in "town" or in the cities. to provide farmers with a management program. It is a self-help program Congress, spurred on by the work tool to aid them in minimizing their through which far~ers insure their of USDA Secretary Henry Wallace crop risks. crops against unexpected loss, rather and economist Victor Valgren, and The farmer substitutes payment of than look to the Federal Disaster Relief with the support of President Franklin regular annual premiums for protec- program for aid after crop damage. D. Roosevelt, passed the Federal tion against irregular and damaging The Reagan administration also work- Crop Insurance Act in 1938. losses. He thereby stabilizes his opera- ed to get the FCIC out of the federal Valgren, who worked in the USDA tion by assuring at least a minimum in- government and into the private sec- under Wallace, spent 15 years, from come at a specified time by actual pro- tor. In the new program, administra- 1921 to 1936, researching the records duction or indemnity. tion, reinsurance funding and claims and experiences of private crop insur- Farmers have used Federal Crop In- handling are the responsibility of the ance companies in order to have valid surance to increase their borrowing FCIC, but the marketing expertise information available for interested power. Crop production guarantees comes from private sector insurance congressmen, Secretary Wallace and are added to net worth when the in- companies. for his colleagues. surance attaches at planting. Farmers Farm Bureau Insurance Group, and The impetus for his work was his who borrow against an established line 21 of the Farm Bureau companies strong belief in the value of the business of credit find the insurance increases throughout the United States, have of agric.ulture and the need to diminish their ability to qualify for higher lines of gotten involved in this program. Jim its economic uncertainty. credit or lower interest rates. Gallagher, a spokesperson for Farm "Crop insurance that covers against Crop insurance has also been used Bureau Insurance Group, explains all unavoidable hazards, and there- to backstop major capital investments that there were two primary reasons fore, in effect guarantees a stipulated to be paid off with income derived for the decision: minimum yield of return, when the from crop production. In a year of "Because of our association with the farmer, himself, has done everything crop failure, all-risk Federal Crop In- Michigan Farm Bureau, we recognize possible to bring about a crop, is surance provides an alternate source (continued on page 24) 22 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 GREAT TV Reception for rural homeowners ... finally! SEE ALL THE BEST SHOWS DIRECT FROM SPACE WITH YOUR OWN Channel Master satellite earth station! Auctioneer David Osentoski (right) and Tuscola County Farm Bureau member Barry Sting are shown with the John Deere 12-row planter Sting consigned to the auction. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED Those big, green machines - the familiar green and yellow of John formation and a 10-minute segment on futures prices and hedging. Young's Deere tractors and equipment - were "We recognize that public broad- TV and APPLIANCES among the over one dozen major casting is supported through tax 1723 S. Garfield, Traverse City dollars, federal assistance and public Phone 616-947-7557 brands of agricultural equipment and private donations, and that 2509 U.s. 23 South, Alpena donated by farmers in the Saginaw federal budget cuts have gradually de- Phone 517-354-8895 Valley area to produce big green prof- its for the Tuscola County Farm creas~d the amount of programming dollars available to stations like Equipment Auction, Aug. 21 at Caro. Profits from the fund-raiser auction WUCM. It eats were donated to help support agricul- "In order to maintain the excellence almost tural programming and other broad- in programming that we have come to everythlns casting services of public television sta- expect from the station, our members tion WUCM- TV at Delta College in agreed to organize the farm communi- Saginaw. ty as a segment of the stations' public The station currently serves Sagin- willing to back up their appreciation aw, Bay and Midland counties, with with dollars," Hofmeister said. some broadcast penetration into Tus- Contacts were made with auc- cola County. WUCM is currently at- tioneer David Osentoski of Osentoski -lifetime Warranty -.Gasoline, electric and PTO models tempting to acquire FCC license ap- Realty in Caro and with area service clubs, I.e. the Caro Exchange Club Since th.e turn of the century, knowledgeable gardenen proval to expand broadcasting service have relted on W.W Shredder/Grinden to help Mother to Tuscola County, Huron and Sanilac and Zonta International of Cass City, Nature along. These tough, virtually maintenance-free to organize and conduct the farm machines will devour almost anything organic - com counties. stalks, tough vines, manure clods, matted leaves even According to event coordinator, equipment auction. limbs up to 3" - and reduce them to thousands ~f tiny "The response has been terrific," pieces In secondsl Andrea Hofmeister of the Tuscola Hofmeister said, "and it really hasn't Instant compost that will enrich your garden soil and County Farm Bureau Women, the reward you with superior produce and beautiful flowen. group took on the fundraising project been that much work. In fact, it's been ~utri.nt.filled mulch that will put an end to most weed- because they felt it was a community a lot of fun. InlL~tering and fertilizing. long-lasting wood chips to "We have been really pleased with beautify and protect your shrubs and bushes. need that farmers could really support. Put a WOWto work for you. You'l wonder how you ever "We were appreciative of special ag- the response from the news media. got along without onel ricultural programming on Channel Several publications supported auction by offering to print our auction the ----------------- iti... .a ........ :11~1.J:::t:.1 ~I.- 19, like the PBS syndicated 'Market to Market' program that's aired every Fri- bill free of charge," she said. Mr. Roland Stanley, W.W Grinder, Inc. The Tuscola Farm Bureau Women Room 25092, 2957 N. Market St./Wichita, Kansas 67204 day night," she said. Telephone: (316) 838-4229 will be evaluating the success of the The "Market to Market" program o Please rush details on your W.WShredder/Grinden features an analytical view of agricul- project and determining whether the NAME ture as it relates to farm and food auction will be carried out as a semi- ADDRESS policy, world politics and weather annual event to raise funds for com- TOWN related factors. There's also market in- munity projects. STATE ZIP RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 23 Crop Insurance Premiums Tied to 'Insured Market Value' (continued from page 22) tion provided. Using this acreage FCIC or by employees of the local of- that we have a tremendous respon- report, the farmer sets the market fices of the Agricultural Stabilization sibility to meet the needs of Michigan value prior to planting. The insurance and Conservation Service. One other farmers and by providing this valuable must be in place before the first seed is method used was to allow commis- form of insurance to Farm Bureau planted. sioned agents, not employees of the members and other Michigan farmers, Usually several per bushel or per federal government, to sell and service our agents can enhance their ability to pound prices are shown on the actuar- the contracts. Experience has shown provide for the insured's total in- ial table for the farmer's county. The that personal contact with the in- surance needs." farmer may select the price to be used dividual farmer is the best method of One of the prerequisites for success to compute a loss - should one occur. establishing the need and motivation in this program is obtaining an acreage The premium charge varies according to buy and commissioned agents have report on the land to be insured. An to the insured price or "market value" been most successful in marketing the acreage report shows the location, the the farmer selects. insurance. number of acres, the share in the crop FBIG has entered into a master and the date of planting. This report, Making Your Future A agreement with FCIC through which submitted promptly after planting is Little More Predictable the FBIG agent will act as a represen- completed, is the basis for the In the past, Federal Crop Insurance tative of both FBIG and FCIC. The premium and the amount of protec- was sold directly by employees of the . agent will be responsible for obtaining the necessary acreage report and for serving the account. If there should be a claim, the FCIC will send a member of its claims staff to evaluate the loss and determine the indemnity payable. At the present time, the FCIC has claims representatives available in every county. Generally, these claims repr:esentatives are farmers who work for the FCIC on a part-time basis. Be- cause of their expertise, they are able to determine the extent of the dam- age. Farm Bureau Insurance is the largest company that will be handling Federal Crop Insurance in Michigan. Crop insurance meets a definite need in the agricultural and rural com- munity. It provides farmers with the Every dairyman knows his replacement heifers are an investment security of knowing that they are pro- in the future. But unlike money in the bank which simply collects tected in case of loss caused by a interest, your heifer investments have to be carefully managed natural disaster. It also alleviates the from day one - to make sure they turn into the top milkers strain on farmers and other taxpayers they're bred to be. caused by funding disaster programs that only minimally meet the needs of Farm Bureau has a new program to help make your heifer man- those affected. agement easier. E-Z HEIFER I & II are complete, pelleted feeds By providing this form of insurance, with the roughage built right in, for easy feeding and fast gains. FBIG is reaffirming its commitment to Research trials at our Cooperative Research Farms have proven the agricultural community of Michi- that E-Z HEIFER I & II can grow heifers to full freshening size by gan. It is also providing farmers with 24 months of age. And that means more profits for you, the another FBIG service to help make the dairyman! future a little more predictable. See your Farm Bureau feed dealer today about our Top Perfor- mooce Dairy Program and E-Z Heifer feeds, or call toll free Janice Child is field communications 1-800-292-2640, ext. 667. coordinator for FB/G Marketing Cor- poration. She serves as editor of Farm Bureau Services, Inc. Crossroads, FB/G's monthly agent magazine. 24 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 Safe Bridge Committee Still Campaigning (continued from page 14) "A week before the election, we they willing to pay a few dolIars to get At its January meeting, the Board of bought advertising in newspapers and them back in service?" she said. Commissioners agreed to place the on radio and held five meetings, one At the time Rural Living went to proposition on the August ballot for in each commissioner district, to ex- press, the Citizens Committee and countywide consideration. plain the balIot issue. In addition, we Sanilac County Farm Bureau had re- In early February, the Citizens for had a booth at the Croswell and San- quested a recount of the ballots. If the Safe Bridges Committee was organ- dusky fairs." recount is unsuccesful, the necessary ized to take the bridge issue to the at- papers will be filed to have the propo- The defeat of the proposition will tention of the county residents. Farm sition placed on the November ballot, only contribute to the already deterio- Bureau's Local Affairs Committee according to Adam. rating condition of the county's bridges members served on the committee Though the proposition was defeat- according to Adam. with Adam as general chairperson. ed in the primary election, the basic Bob Graves served as chairperson of "They're not going to get any better. philosophy of surfacing a concern of the finance subcommittee, Wayne I think it's going to be very interesting the county's residents, taking it Wood as chairperson of the public to see what happens in another year. through the policy development proc- relation~ subcommittee and Geraldine Since we started the campaign, we've ess, conducting an indepth study and Smith as chairperson of the publicity had some bridges closed that pre- placing it on the ballot was in essence a subcommittee. viously were just restricted. A lot of victory. bridges were built around the same "It certainly made people aware of "We put on an intense campaign on the issue," said Adam. "Our official time as the one over the Cass River the problem. It was a good exercise to which collapsed in July, so they will surface and evaluate a problem. The kick-off was April 26 with a press con- just get increasingly worse. particular process and procedure that ference in Sandusky, but after the county annual meeting last fall there "People will just have to face the we went through could apply to many was publicity in newspapers and on facts. Do they go around? Can they local problems and issues in any coun- radio. get along without the bridges? Are ty," Adam said. BARNYARD BARGAINS Bailie Creek Breckenridge Brooklyn Buchanan Battle Creek Farm Bureau Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Boyce Feed Buchanan Co-op Inc. 616-962.4025 517.842.3575 517.592.5627 616-695-6823 SEPTEMBER SPECIALS Caro Caro's Farm & Town Store 517-673.8484 Caro Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 517-673.7714 Sale Dates Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 1982 Carson City Farm Bureau Servicts. Inc. 517.584-6631 Cassopolis Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. (nc. 616-445.2311 Climax BailIe Creek FB. Climax Branch 016-746-4286 Coldwater Farm Bureau Services. Inc. 517.279.8491 Comstock Park Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 616-784.1071 STOCK TANK SALE Emmell Escanaba Fremont Grand ledge Hart Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Me/'s Lawn & Garden Fremont Co-op The Deer Barn Farm Bureau Services. Inc. Inc. 31.'.384.1350 906-786-8187 616-924.3851 517-627.8451 616-873-2158 2x2x4 $49.90 Highland Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 313.887.4109 Jonesville Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 517.849.9502 2x2x4 ., $55.75 Kent City Kent City Farm Bureau 616-678.5021 linwood Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 517-697.5761 2x2x6 $66.95 Marcellus Farm Bureau Services. Inc. 616-646-5115 MI. Pleasant Farm Bureau Services. Inc. 517.773-3670 2x2x8 $88.90 Petoskey Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 016-347-3260 Pinconning Farm Bureau Services. Inc. 517.879.3411 3x2x8 $99.70 Remus Farm Bureau Servicts. Inc. 517.967.8358 Rothbury Rothbury Hardware & Farm 616-894-8590 - Round End Tanks 3x2x 10 $139.75 Sandusky Supply. Inc. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative. Inc. 313-648.3032 Schoolcraft Farm Bureau Services. Inc. -Double Life Bottom 2x1x4 $44.95 616-679.4063 Scottville Farm Bureau Servicts. Inc. 616-757-3780 Snover Snover Cooperative 313-672.9221 St. Johns Farmers Petrolt'um Cooperativt'. Inc. 517.224-7900 51. Johns 51. Johns Cooperative 517.224.2381 Soo Chippewa County Co-op 906-632-3751 Tipton N & l Farms 517-431-2591 30 GAL. TRASH BAGS Traverse West Branch Yale City Farm Bureau Services. Inc. Farmers Pt'troleum Cooperative. West Branch Farmers Co-op Farm Bure.1u Services. Inc. Inc. 616-946-5836 517.345-0428 313.387.2202 AvaU .. ble lrom ..II putlclp .. Ung fum Bure .. u de .. wn throughout Mlchig .. n. C..II toU-free 1-800-292.2640, nt. 674. for the dealer In your ..re... -100 Count Per Roll (Some items may not be stocked at all participating dealers. but are available and may be ordered.! -1.5 Mill Strength per roll Farm Bureau Services, Inc. RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 25 Agrinomic Update Supply Management Issues Dominate Dairy Industry The national dairy situation con- cently held in Cass City and Grand dropped 26.4% while butter sales tinues to be a major topic of discussion Rapids. have remained almost constant. in Washington as legislators scramble Promotion may provide a partial to reconcile the budget. While the rate Should promotion programs be ex. solution to the current problem and of increase in milk production has panded? Revised? the above information suggests that slowed from '3.5 % for the first half of Total food intake per person has several products have expanded mar- 1981 to 1.3% for the first half of been relatively stable in the United kets and could provide greater returns 1982, CCC's purchases are still ex- States since 1960. Dairy product con- on advertising dollars. pected to total a record 14 billion sumption, however, declined nearly pounds milk equivalent in 1982. 18 % during the same period from 375 Would production controls solve Perhaps the most revealing statistic pounds in 1960 to 309 pounds per the imbalance? of all is that milk production from 1978 person in 1981. Dairy products which The basic yardstick for measuring through 1981 has increased 11.1 bil- accounted for 27 % of the food con- any controlled-type proposal is "will lion pounds while commercial sales of sumed per person in 1960, dropped the proposal bring about the required dairy products during the same period to 22% in 1981. decrease in milk production?" have increased only 1.1 billion While total consumption has declin- The supply management programs pounds. With cow numbers increasing ed, certain products have made dra- that have been proposed in recent for the 30th consecutive month and matic increases. Low fat and skim milk months provide for a base or quota replacement numbers up 9% from Ju- sales have increased nearly 118 % , and a minimum price support level of ly 1980, little relief is in sight. American cheese 55 %, and all other 70 to 75 % of parity. Under the pro- A number of critical questions were cheeses 105%. Ice cream sales have grams, a dairyman could produce at discussed at the Farm Bureau-spon- also increased over 9 %. During the his current level, pay the penalty on sored dairy information meetings re- same period, whole milk sales have excess deliveries, and receive a return Your Membership in the MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Now Makes Available Institutional Liquid Assets Designed to provide daily money market ----------------------- o Please send me a prospectus. income with Two Portfolios: Name (as it appears on membership records) PRIME OBLIGATIONS GOVERNMENT .12.15% .10.70% Address City • Seven day annualized net Investment Income yield, computed by dividing the Portfollo's average dally net Investment Income per unit for the period ended State _ Zip _ Aug. 16, 1982 by $1.00 and multiplying the result by 365. On that date the average portfolio maturltles In Prime Obligations was 34 days and In Govern- ment was 37 days. The yields change In response to fluctuations In Interest Membership No. _ rates on portfolio Investment and operating expenses. A prospectus containing more complete information including Mail to: management fees and expenses, will be sent upon receipt of the at- Money Market Fund Program tached. coupon. Send the coupon to Michigan National Bank, Trust for Michigan Farm Bureau Members Department, 77 Monroe Center, P. O. Box 2804, Grand Rapids, Michigan National Bank, Trust Department Mich. 49501. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or P.O. Box 2804, 77 Monroe Center send money. For current yield information call toll free Grand Rapids, MI49501 800-621-2550. _ Investment Advisor, Administrator and Sole Distributor - GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. 26 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1982 that exceeds his present milk check or Current AFBF policy suggests that support from zero to 90% of parity. increase his base next year by increas- the support level should be tied to The dairy industry accounts for ing his production this year. CCC purchases. As purchases in- nearly 25 % of the total net cash farm Any proposal must be nationwide in crease, the support level would in turn receipts in Michigan and has been one scope. An exemption for any reason be lowered. An attractive feature of of the most stable segments of Michi- would undermine the purpose of sup- this plan is that as production declines gan agriculture. Because of an effec- ply control and allow those who quali- a built-in incentive exists since the sup- tive dairy program and progressive, ef- fy for the exemption to increase pro- port level would increase. ficient producers, a steady supply of duction. Other support price proposals under wholesome products at reasonable Another common point in many consideration include maintaining the prices has been available to con- base plans is "base update." Base up- current $13. 10/ cwt. support through sumers. The current situation is tem- date permits a dairyman to increase 1985 and lowering the support to porary, one that willbe resolved by the his base next year by increasing pro- $12.60/cwt. immediately with a industry as it acts in a responsible man- duction this year. A program which is $12.00/cwt. support after Jan. 1, ner to deal with it. built on a three year rolling average or 1983. The administration's proposal is allows another form of base update similar to these in that it would give the Agrinomic Update is prepared by will quickly become ineffective unless secretary of agriculture complete dis- MFB's Commodity Activities and the support price or some other mech- cretionary authority to set the level of Research Department. anism discourages expansion. At the _- -:"'~.J •• ' - • _~"" •.: """ ..... ~- same time, the price for overbase milk .-: ''''~'.''''' - ~ . -~ . - ~- -.'1;: must be established at a level low enough to discourage the production of such milk. The price should be more than one-half of the U.S. aver- age price for manufacturing milk ($5 to $6 per cwt.). Provisions for new dairymen's allo- .~I cation would also be an important in- gredient of any base program. Base al- ~. I As part 01 a survey, F.. mer', Whol .. le Tarpeulin Mfll.• OWlr 50.000 buyers nationwide. reveals to locations in excess of the national farmlrs. 1I0""rnmenl, and Ihe general public a frea tarp maintenance gulda plus access 10 wholesale tarp base, however, undermine the control pricing and will Ship all readers who relPOnd to this program. publication. any heavy duty truck sile terpaulin listed. Each tarp styla HD 1B.PVC. is labricaled with a high Some producers like a quota plan. densilY rlinforced base fabric, polycoated on both sides. Virllin grade ingredients provided by Gull 011 because of the opportunity to own or 'I Co .• and Dow Chemical. All seams are electronically walded 100% waterprool. Extra nrength nylon ropa' attach a value to the base. Prohibitions' hems are double lock.nitched. one row 01 heavy duty IndICala quantity nalt 10 aI.. thread sewn on each SIde of the Ii" br_ gromm ... against owning a quota prevent the anchored on 3 ft. canta .. , 6 ply cornars with t .. angular 6x8 $4.50 18.32 $45 patch .. lor lIreater tension strength. High resinance to base from taRing on unreasonable tears, rips, mildew and weathe .. ng Slyle HO lB.PVC 8xl0 7.50 20.30 47 value and assures that new dairymen tarpaulons are sUllable lor most all bulk and pallat. riding matarials. AG/Conrtruction IPphCallons and 10.12 11 24.24 49 will not be kept out of the market will be accompanoed by a l.yaar workmanship war. 12.16 17 14.48 55 ranty. For pxtreme conditions, heav,er labric may be simply because of the high cost of ad",sahle, Ie: our expert sales department recommend 10.20 19 24.30 59 Ihe most eftlcllnt fabric tor your sp.c,llc use. quota acquisition. Therefore, it follows F.W.T.M. oilers a comple:e variety 01 nodl and 14.20 21 26.28 63 custom manulactured covar. ,n coated vinyl •• can .... , that a producer's base must stay with neoprena, nelting and hundreds 01 other labrlcs 12.24 25 20.40 67 the farm or be forfeited when he almost It cart. Should you WIsh 10 r~lUrn ~our larpa, you may do so and rec"ive a full refund less freoghl 16120 27 24.36 75 ,, leaves dairying. and handling and k.... your Iree tarp maintenance 16.24 29 26.40 83 guide. No reQueslS accepled allpr Ihe close 01 bUSiness ~ The primary requisite of any supply ',\ ,I Septl'mbl'r 30 (subsequent PrlCPS may vary} $5000 20.20 31 26155 109 cred,t card ,T'IlnlmUm To ordl'r, you may call tolllr .. control program involves placing an and charg" larps 10 malar credit cards or by mall 18x24 33 30.60 135 effective ceiling on the total quantity 20.24 35 50.100 375 HOW TO ORDER produced. The current proposals un- Complete and mail entire tarp 12.46 45 ANY CUSTOM SIZE lulel .., \ r'h..t~'" der consideration fail to meet this basic order form at right '"Add 5300 ('r.lt,n .. & h""dl,,,~tur ,',Kh tJ'1J I..'u,t test. OR U'o __'\ ,hl$JfJt:'d U"S f ''''4tll LIJII.,.1 D,d ... , ".' ::.~OU t.~lqh1 P"fJ..j(1 LI '''''>1('''11'J'l, I .d. b 1 ... HU'toh '...,Kid 1', urd .... ~h ppt"C1 I • Credit Card Orders h .... ul \ uth ..",,,"W .111o"," 2 b."', ....... r.1"f"h"" .."" II ht t(1. I'(J "t tll, d.l to- fOI fast shipping call: Wou'd a 'ower support price curb I, production? TOll FREE s,t"p 10 I Most dairymen agree that a support Nationwide (800) 421.9055 I'D ~ price of 80% of parity, with semian- Open 1 days .......... nual adjustment, encouraged expan- ~ .1 I ......................... .j~ ..... ,1"1~lp UUO. sion and led to our current oversup- ply. RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 J _. ~ ~.- -- JA_ .. ~ ---- {j) -'- - J - ....w _ ~. :~~ .,......... ~;; ~ ... t. ~.: • ':'~.:( :-0.•••• A ••:~. _:~o __ . ~ 21 Discussion Topic Michigan's Drain Code Drainage is extremely vital to the storm water drainage is generally agricultural industry in Michigan. It has needed where urban expansion and Population and been estimated that 7.8 million acres development has occurred. or 68% of Michigan's 11.5 million land use issues acres of crop land has drainage needs Task Force Formed impact today's and/ or problems. The Michigan Drain Code spells out procedures for con- In 1980, the Michigan Department of Agriculture formed a 10-member drainage project structing and maintaining county and task force to examine the Drain Code, intercounty drains. The code has not identify problem areas where the code planning. been significantly changed since 1956. does not meet the needs of agriculture Background Information or others and recommend solutions to Drainage has been and continues to the problem. Following is a brief sum- be a very controversial, but important mary of the task force recommenda- issue in Michigan. Over 70% of the tion for changes in the Drain Code: state's agricultural production depends -Solutions to drainage problems on constructed water courses for exist- should take into account land use pat- ence. Many of the water courses were terns. An urban storm water program constructed, and have been main- should be developed to recognize the tained, in accordance with the Michi- need for solutions which are compati- gan Drain Code. ble with overall needs of the water- The Michigan Drain Code, as it ex- shed. ists today, has evolved from various -The Drain Code must more clearly drainage laws. Some of these laws reflect existing environmental laws to were enacted as early as 1819. The better protect the public values when a last major revision of the Drain Code natural water course is involved. occurred in 1956 - 26 years ago. -Drainage procedures should be The present Drain Code reflects a reinforced by a more open process of piecemeal compilation having many public involvement to allow mean- cross-references, exceptions and hid- ingful input by those affected. Issues den intricacies. As a result, there is a upon which feasibility is determined wide difference in the interpretation should be expanded beyond just the and administation of the Drain Code. fiscal or engineering aspects to include There is a significant difference be- economic analysis, environmental im- tween today's drainage projects and to pact and community and social ef- those in the 1950s. Initially, drainage fects. projects were primarily for the purpose -Standards should be developed to of reclaiming lowlands and removing minimize the adverse impacts of excess water so land could be farmed. drainage projects on fish, wildlife, Today, virtually all potential agricul- agricultural land and other natural tural lands worth the investment have resources. Mitigation of unavoidable been drained. The emphasis has impacts should be included as part of shifted to maintenance or reconstruc- project cost. tion of the original drainage system - An expanded mandatory program and improving existing drains so they of preventive, continuous mainte- will provide outlets for more extensive nance must be provided to remove the drainage of existing crop land. frequent negative image people asso- Increasing population and accom- ciate with major drainage maintenance panying pressures on land use appears projects. to be an irreversible trend. Require- Legislation (H.B. 5424) was in- ments for drainage change as the use troduced during the 1982 session of of land changes. For example, urban the Michigan Legislature to implement 28 RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 Wolverine-Badger Pole Buildings the task force recommendations. It is tion was accomplished. Wetlands strongly opposed by county drain have many important values that were commissioners and is not expected to HOT SUlVMER SIZZLERS overlooked in the haste to clear land receive public hearings. It will probably and raise crops. Modern agriculture is be introduced again next year. * All pricing induOOs: under pressure to feed a continuously An especially controversial provi- expanding world population by pro- Building labor sion of H.B. 5424, included by the ducing crops on a rapidly shrinking Materials sponsor, that was not a part of the land base while, at the same time, Taxes recommendations of the task force, minimizing adverse impacts to water, Delivery would require all agricultural irrigators land and related natural resources. Warranties using 100,000 gallons or more of Virtually all potential agriculture Insurance water per day to obtain a permit. The lands worth the initial investment have permit would be administered by the been drained. Emphasis has now shift- SMALL SIZZLERS drain commissioner in each county. ed to maintaining or reconstructing 24' x 32' x 8 - $3595 The irrigator would be required to sup- original drain systems or improving ply all of the hydrologic data needed 24' x 48' x 10 - 5Cl35 drains to provide more intensive by the drain commissioner to make a drainage of existing crop lands. 3Yx4O'x10- 5195 decision on the permit application. Increasing population density and 30' x 48' x 10 - 5995 Before issuing a permit, the drain corresponding intensity of land use ap- Includes: commissioner would be required to pears to be an irreversible trend. Laws, 1 - 9 x 7 V\.OOden Overhang hold a public hearing and notify all regulations and procedures evolve to door persons living within one mile of the reflect the demands of changing socie- 1- 3 - 0 x 6 - 8 utility door property to be irrigated. ty. The Michigan Drain Code repre- 1 - row treated skirt board Current Farm Bureau Policy sents the current product of a process All oolor steel & trim of enacting and recoding drain laws 6" boxed CMrllangs/sides Delegates to the 1981 Michigan over the years to meet particular Farm Bureau Annual Meeting adopt- needs. There are, however, by the ed policy supporting the Drain Code MEDllIVI SIZZLERS omission of virtually all who are in- task force recommendations. The poli- volved or impacted by it, deficiencies :l)' x 48' x 12 - $7995 cy states: which need attention to more closely Much of Michigan's nearly 12 mil- 40' x 60' x 12 - 9195 align the Drain Code to present and lion acres of farmland requires drain- future needs of the people of the state Includes: age to produce food. Agriculture can- in a more equitable manner. 1 - 12 x 12 sliding door not continue to expand without ade- 1 - 3 - 0 x 6 - 8 utility door Questions for Discussion quate drainage systems. We support 2 - rOM; treated skirt board the need for proper drainage systems, - Does agriculture in your county 6" boxed CNerhangs/sides timely maintenance and the protection depend upon county and inter-county of drainage outlets. drains for drainage? LARGE SIZZLERS We support retention of authority - Are new county and inter-county for administration of the Drain Code in drains being constructed or does most 40' x n: x 14 - $12,895 the Department of Agriculture. We of the drainage work in the county in- 50' x 104' x 14 - 18,995 support the amendments recommend- volve maintenance of existing drains? 60' x 100' x 14 - 21,995 ed by the MDA Drain Code Task - Are existing drains being ade- quately maintained or are they over- Includes: Force to update the present anti- grown with trees and obstructed by 2 - 20' x 14' solid end wall quated Drain Code. The amendments vegetation and other debris? sliding doors would recognize and protect the need for adequate agricultural drainage and -Should the Drain Code be amend- 1 - 3 - 0 x 6 - 8 utility door udpate procedures of the code to bet- ed to include a permit program for 2 - rows treated skirt board ter serue public interest. agriculture irrigators? 12" boxed CMrllangs/sides -Should Farm Bureau continue to No policy was adopted rega.rding support the recommendation of the the irrigation permit provisions since Wolverine-Badger Drain Code task force (task force H.B. 5424 was not introduced at the recommendations did not include the Structures, Inc. time. irrigation permit program)? SOUTHERN MICHIGAN OFFICE Conclusions 2040 Aurelius Road, #8 Man's need, and his perception of Holt, Michigan 48842 those needs, have changed consider- The Discussion Topic is prepared by Call Toll Free 800-292-1378 ably from the period during which Ken Wiles, manager of the MFB Member Relations Department. Call Collect 517-694-3236 most of the initial drainage modifica- RURAL LIVING. SEPTEMBER 1982 29 Farm Bureau Market Place FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS .~ ~ c.. C; __ Qrelll Blns StcnnoI Fat s.Ie: Dutoc 8oara. Rudy Ie. ImIIce Dehcry .vallable. r",..~ A ...... * lIIld PTO Drvert Tr.tlIpOn AU11ft' MartI PaImml1.r. 517-823-3745 !9-4t.12p) LEE jeans. FlICtory outlel work clothes. shoes. Bargains on new shirts (low as 14.951. LEEjllckets. boots. gloves. coveraDs. Send 8u"~I ...". 61f>~ISI61 t5-6t17p1 For Sale: II pgnbced S4IftoIl __ cI high qudty. MSU Sl.00 lor catalog. SARA GLOVE CO .. 16 Cherry Ave .. Depl. FOf SUr Ueed s_... T ...... woo to 20.000 gaIon bnedIng John. BedlyOaNrl.. 517-655-3388. (9-17pl C.95. Watl!tbury. CT 06704. (9-4t-3Sp.tsl C''P .... V~ 5' ~ ~a1 ",-,,, 616- '}q6 ltlOr> ..... Hoa...M ....... hwh Of due 100I'I. AlIa HAmplhke FInd c:oIna, Jewelry. nuggets. treasure. New revolutionary C8 6c lSip IN belen Byron WlIddd. 517.543-3415 (9. 13p) patented detector Astounding range. Unaffected by black sand. Ir~ r~t Ccmrl-lc I.,. Lock\O/OOd c..-r 17 ....... hafcn due 5eJ)l .Nov. R«:Ofdt on _ 10 mlncraliud ground. Rejects metafllc lrll$h. Free catalog. Gardl. p k >()ow ar\d A .......... 11' .... "'" pipe and pumpa We 17.885M AlIa. year"'" ... ed bull PN IOf1 from dam nn. 4729AT N. 7th Avenue. Phoenix. AZ 85013. 1 hi, ., I pot II i IT .... "~ pu""J).nq ,'"'" Plummer 54"ppIy. dh 22.028M. grand dam 27.014M ~ Robb. F0w1ervlile. (9-4t.29p.ts) (i, I bl6 ~J 2~1'.> (\112t-27p-lIJ 517.223-9462 (9-27pl BOOK SALEI Hardcovers. 11.00 ellCh! Over 400 litles: fiction. MatIu ~p.. eqlt .... " pltloI.nd tr ......... lor .. Ie to pump 3 ... punbnd ~ ...... bred to MABC buDs. western. mystery. Chlldren's series books and classics. T\IJO 20 ,., .. d r... ~ .. "om I tqOOn ", p' to tlCld We alIo C\&tIClm J.ma Langley. 11306 E. SWnIey R*. O.vtIOn. Mlch 313- cent stamps for Ilsl. Glenn Smith. BoK 1513. Akron. Ohio PUITlJ' ~J"""''''' SuJlCll\l 8r"" MlCh 616 m 2215 653-8109 (9.18p) 44309. (9.2t.28p-tsl III 12t 27p la' Travco-Oodge 1969 Motorhome 27 It. completely self-con- Waft .... t"_ Id.. ... atld n.anow ro.o. cornpedIert. N.w lalned. Dual Roof Air. 6.000 wall generator. 31B Premium truck HolL> d l< , ...,. 1I~ .ow! rerd bee .... H C E C . lnc We P'"~ t ...n 1)17 ~n ~1 (112t 22p-1N DOGS economy engine. IIKtra nice condition. style. be Independent. 57.950 or offer. go In W.,.aed bIac'" ~ ..... 'n ~ too+- m" rn.pN 'j 17 ~ '\If\lP ~"4IIIWn' Jb 37142 11M ~tpment. (1 'k lap, Fat SaJ.: A.tr .... SbIphad pappIa Mocha good cow a-y 517.674-2311. 1966 Nova 2.0r. Oauk. 31.000 miles. Corvette 327 (9-27p) dCIg FllIe rne)a •• Icmala AI bea~uIy m.bd wtlh colon engine. Turbo automatlc. IIJ\th Hurst Shlher Kit. beautlfully PftTy 00uW. I~ FndI Ha~ ..."., .,.~ Ihock restored. new wheels and tires. eKcellent road car. one 01 a kind. cI A~dan &..e. Red ~ (Bro...n). BIKk .nd Wtdte A&.o ""."" ,1>.1...,. ~r b16 i,"JI> ~ 19 2t l8p) 616-796-0982. BIg R.pda. (9-41pl SoW N" NJndp - Z40 !JAIl"" ~ mllt ~ AI ssalnIae ..., bot ... / tor d tlon 2 tI p Copelir"",1lC c~. remoe. ~ AaIUaIaa ~ • Pup. .nd Ilarted dogl Duy Dog K.nnel Bob. MartJ\II ThuemrneJ. 8778 Thuemmel S250 Ed Hebeler. 169S0 It ., ..Jl.. ~n (~ u" ~......R Md Monl'M>W Ma;h 4A4~7 ~ ... '" ,'" conffott 313 Roed. POt1 AUIUn. MId1 48467 517.738-8667 (9-22p) FOR HOMEMAKERS 6. t'l 7~~ C9 ~ NutatJ Quart each pecan halves. pecan pieces. walnuts. Three. W ..... Ie Buy. P.t,.- Moo.' L C/f K s 10 tiller tn~ quart sampler. S14.95 postpaid!!! Canecreek Farm. Bolt C~n f'TO and \lI'tol4olndftWtI John ~ l~. M..:t- 4~t14 H I~" 4147 (922p! MISCELLANEOUS 2727.MF. Cookeville. TN 38501. (2. 12t-2Op.ts) Nowl Frozen Tomato Sbcal Enjoy garden fresh IIavOf. year For su. 1.. 5 ..... 0.... 8.0 (.one! ~~al condlaon Wh!I at. Wkhout. WII7 Two 1.gaI ..... torm.-.nd AIy In- round! Complete. easy instructions. SI 00. Hamiltons. BOll ... It- "- re .. f\~' 1 1 ~ e. -W Ir~ b good Ford 8N 652-131. NewUlm. Minn 56073. (9-2Ip.tsl ~ Only S4 ~ Today' Guar.nteed' TY. f>1t-~ll~71 C9 ~ Old Silo f ...... n~ goad co>nd'1lo.; n mUle ~ eon.»tly. Be. 752.Ms:. Pryor. OK 74361 (3.1Ot.22p-tsl Coldwater DWpkldal Can In minutes' No hOI brine. S..!(Xl !l17 tJIt'l QQ;.'O (9 IOpI Don', be QlIIIIla ~ r-lew emagency WI bell kJc. hts Delicious. crisp. factory secrers! Recipe SI.OO. Hamiltons. BOll AU can Fer ck1dt lend 2S ceflCl end SASE: tD J • K Enter. 652.131. NewUlm. Minn. 56073 (9.21p-ts) ~ 1971 C-50. I' , ~ 1 >n ( At> Ch... ,Iot-g W+-l ~ prtIes. Bcs n.R. o-ndale. MlCh 48754 """'~ \'J/l \ Il ".~d 14 000. C.VW ra!lld PS 8 ~ II 20 cl .1.. ll'......-i \ ~ d l()lI'l ~_ In In .... "9 S2!rqor, Of oIfct u-rp...t ~ Fw. ~ FlII.n l8-2t-26p-taJ fl'anta .25-" Saw! Make Your Ownl Frozen hashbrowns. tater 'ots. Irench Ina! Complete ClI$Y. instructions SI.OO. Hamilton's. Boll 0,17 to74 .:" I C9 21p! CaaIog 50 cenIa ~I 313-627.2877 ~m. 652.131. N ..... Ulm. Mlnn 56073 (9.2Op-ts) J3559 MIll. Orton ... M1ch 48462 (5.& l6p.taJ AaUah Cooking. learn how - 2.500 orlglnal recipes Sill lied ~ ~ J .r W,•..... '-vy duly • adJulCable Ops beautilul volumes Down-home cooking. Free Information. S4 98 8rochun 50 CenD STEVCO. 'n'l1 E Dutch. Urn«. 16 Ed.!IIoIc1sa Of . Sugarcreek. OH 44681 (9.21p.ts). Allahata C. cm!06 ~2t-I8p.tsJ Old deucrt lamily wfllovc No cooking 11.00. SASE. Happy ..... Lot Ho.e o.u.. Joarl • J.-ry Gre.n. W ... ()leten. Bolt 734. Sterling Heights. Mich. 48077. (9- I 7p-ts) LIVESTOCK BrUldl 517-~3450or517-J45-Q3J4 (1.Jc.I2pl CORRJEDAU MtEf.P ~nq...o .lIJ"'~ 7814 s... MOO: CooIn.e.... atra ....." 19 P'M:II1WnIaa .... , IOId fhrouWIln-~ dctnonIIraOon .. S595 Now avdable 1l212t5pl ....... S~ V~ ng bu ......... ~.r,d c-...lor 1M dines onII; S 189 95 0Nv 300 .... tro.n~. Order now NURSERY STOCK tD • ..oId ~ 100' refund • mumed ........ 10 \Ai",- 0. an ... M P__ II and hm III. ~ fa,,-. "'~h~ ..~ • '" ~ ~ u",,* In ......, condIaon Send dIeck. InOMy Ofdey. PlANTs: Raspberrtcs • Blackbenics • Strallolbenics. Currants R-c .. 2 ~ P -.II ~ Ion .. 12pl VIM Of Mat.urd ~ and DJ*aIIon dale V..... Trader. • Goo.cberrles • Rhubarb. Blueberries. Olhcn Frn catAlog - ............. p..- HereConI ...,..,u ~ ....,. tcI.ctIon 4600 s..cn Roed. Ann AIbor. Mkh 48106 Sib btoc.hure whclaaJe .nd retAil MaklCbkl Berry F.rms. 7130P Platt Road. CHlid ... I ~~ ....~ nl p.rf ........ "". J)fced tD .. (7.3t-6Sp. III VpUlanU. Mlch 48197 1.313-434.3673 or 1-313.429.9355. Ccnlcn ..,1 Cl< ...~ h, s.....Cat.~ t ••and l~ Mlch CoaIl-... Plutei Ptato. R--. MIrTo. F~. J\omc P1HM order early (B.5t-29p1 '>17 ~7 t,~ (1 JIt 2IclOd ~ •• ~.n.",~"*"e prlOad to tel "c:o..- HuaflII A..., 100 W.,.. •• WIn low. ~. C"n~" .. C"-rrl.M ... '" ........ CMr, G....cll .. M.... Vernon Howwd ~ S2 NEW1.JFE. Be. 51 7 -t>l7 .taJ4lI (7 ~ Z4p poll« tcc~ ~ AG ~~. Ne-s. ~ 19-6c-2Op..., REAL ESTATE -------------------------------------- ~I.IW AD POlJCY M I"'It>orn ~~ 10 ~.l1tI pet -..ord lor _am~ _ and 15 C'CMt per "'OI'd lor eda wNch pro. 124 acre farm. hMted SUNnmIng SW Michigan. Buulllul home. In'lJOUnd pool. large dairy barn. two ponds. river front. • 70-.. llIIabI.. farrOWIng house Cae to 1-94.nd 1111mlies I" • • bw .... , "Non ",T .. Ilw,. Ab CIIhe ~ ~ 20 cenII pet WClI'd lor one ~ and 15 CCf\D per fromlOwn 616-674.8571 1b-41.32pl .. • • , .... 1 .. ", N c."_ ... TftD". The duoi/ine b .... u.'Ullel1tl .. lIhe 15ctt 01 .. __ preceding ~ end I • "'" ho,r .......... I~I , , r r • edwMaonv c.""", abnllted AI be ~ end INlV be sn.puI up tD one 3 ~ ~ pilla .. app/I&nc:a. 20 wooded acres. wood and gas hue $39.000 906-942.7766 (9.Jc.ISp-tsJ I • r~ h/«1' '" 01 the ~ 10,. 'W7t lh. all on • ~ lIrIOf1&h Of yoMr-by-Y'NI-- s.d ... eu ~ ,,- New. Rwal P O ... 30960 ........... NtdL 41909. Nlt ....... 1M.- _ dw ..... Fat SUe: Fama .. R.nchee-Bustz-.. In Michigan .net 46 oil. s&ala Wr1lc cd "" FREE brochwe er catalog Unlled h - -- -~_._------------------- Farm Agaq 1764 M-24 Caro. M.ch 48723 517.673-6888 17 -61.26p.ta) For SUe: 300 acre ~ ptocIudAg crop fann - Ingham County E..celcnl ....va&mcnl lor abMmn 00If0Cr High quaky wnant-opaalOf Terms • ......w. PIeuc cd BoO Oaccrle - 517~3388 Of MM1In ~ 517 351.2200 (7.Jc.29p.tsJ FOR SAIL: One /gc ..rh mod4iad CNkt on _la chanoG INdlf1i ~ ~ LaM In Mec~ COUnly ConlKt Bob c.- 517-323-7000 .... 733 ~23pI Fat SUe: S95 .... ..-IlY ea.. 2.NU' 4-bedrocrn homa EauIcnl ~ poteI>~ Can N'" InghAmCouney. PluM c.I &b 0aacrW 517~3J88 Of MaI1In Aaaooa-.s - 517 .lS 1-2200 (9.2t 26pf - -- ---------------------- FOf Seie: 70 ecn8 -...dI ban> And h.o sheds 40 aIabIe ta.lance paIIl.orlt ...clOded M1d cneJo Iolu'OC"" 517 8111322 RURAL UVlNG. SEPffMBER /9-2Op ~ J 982 ---- --- SAVE3WATS WBEN 'YOU FERTILIZE , • Fall is the lime 10 put Fa nBI fertUizer on your f Ids Ia••• _yl - You can beat the cost of rising '1'1\ 1r t Ycu inflation by buying your fertilizer now ... at lower I It on. W t Pi., I'Ve , '82 prices! You may want to use this deductible expense for your '82 tax statement. I You can harvest up to 25 bushels an acre more when you use N-Serve Nitrogen Save Tbael- Your time is money. Use it wisely Stabilizers! Apply N-Serve when you fertilize by fertilizing now during your slower season. to slow nitrogen loss through leaching and You11 be ready earlier next spring! atmospheric escape ... keeping nutrients in the I lave Problemsl- You can get the fertilizer you want now, without waiting, and use it when soil where they can benefit your crops the most! , I you're ready ... right now! Research indicates Farm Bureau fertilizer is Call 1-800-292-2640, ext. 666, for your nearest ideal for fine and medium textured soils. Farm Bureau Fertilizer Dealer. Apply your nitrogen at temPeratures below 500F on fields with slopes of 8 percent or less. FanD Bureau Services, Inc. 7373 Well SaglDaw Bwy., I,.analDg, 11I48917 Photo by Kathryn Hrywnak, Award of Excellence winner in Farm Bureau Insurance Group's 1981 color photo contest. KEEP THE FAMILY FARM IN YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE Your farm is more than a business. It's your home, your livelihood, the heritage you will leave your children. _ But how can you guarantee that your son or other family members will one day own the farm you worked so hard to build? Even though farmers received some big estate tax breaks from the Economic Recovery Act of 1981, the new law is not a cure-all for the estate planning problems that farmers face. A proper estate plan is as vital as ever if you want to keep your farm intact and in the family after your death. Our estate planners understand the complex tax laws and how the laws can most benefit Michigan farmers. We're Farm Bureau Li.fe Insurance Company of Michigan, the statewide leader in farm estate planning. We've been specializing in protecting Michigan farm families for more than 30 years. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. It's the first step in preserving the family farm. FARM BUREAU ~ INSURANCE We're working to make your GROUP future a little more predictable Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization Rural Living Magazine U. S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 PAl D 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, Michigan Lansing, Michigan 48909 Permit No. 37