Save $5 Per Ton on Nu Pro or E-Z Heifer Dairy Feeds! From now until December 31, get $5 per ton' off when you purchase at. least one ton of Nu Pro or E-Z Heifer dairy feeds from your Farm Bureau dealer. And the savings don't stop there! Both feeds are proven performers when it comes to getting your milking herd to peak production levels. E-Z HEIFER I and II prepare your replacement heifers for calving at just 24 months. And early calving means $75-100 per month savings in feed, housing and other costs. NU PRO is the patented feed which regulates protein solubility levels and increases milk production in even top producing herds. COOPERATIVES Both feeds mean more money in BUDDING A BETTER AMERICA your pocket. Start now by seeing your Farm Bureau feed dealer for this great offer! Farm Bureau Services, Inc. 1-800-292-2640, ext. 667 ---------------------------------------------------------- N()-PRO/E-Z HEIFER $5 PER TON SAVINGS This coupon is good for $5 per ton off when you purchase at least 1 ton of Nu Pro or E-Z Heifer Dairy Feeds or a combination of the two. Limit 1 coupon per purchase. Offer good until December 31. Name _ Address Telephone Dealer: Return coupons for full redemption (subject to verification of sufficient purchase to cover coupons presented) to: Kathy Lambeth, Farm Bureau Services, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909 ---------------------------------------------------------- November 1982 Volume 61, Number 11 IN THIS ISSUE 10 Coming Out of the PBB Maze Farm Bureau Services Leaders are confident that the Chapter 11 reorganization plan will be successful. 13 Communities Cooperate to Prevent Rural Crime Incidents of rural crime are decreasing thanks to public involvement in crime prevention programs. 19 You Make It Happen Farm Bureau members statewide will participate in an action-packed, four-day annual meeting agenda. IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Rural Route 16 County Newsletter 5 'Donna 26 Agrinomic Update 6 Washington Report 28 Discussion Topic 8 Lansing Review 30 Market Place Cover photo by Marcia Ditchie Mlch'gan Farm News RURAL LIVING (ISSN 0026-2161) Michigan Farm News Rural living is published monthly. on the firstday. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relatlons Division. Publlcatlon and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Office Box 30960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. Included In annual dues. $3.00 per year non. members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. 1. 1981. Thlrd.class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mailing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor; Marcia Dltchie. 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; Admlnistrallve Director. Robert Braden. lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson DIRECTORS: District 1. Arthur Bailey. Schoolcraft; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District3. James Sayre. Belleville; Distrlct4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; DistrictS. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City; District 7. Robert Rider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland; Distrlct9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort; Distrlctl0. 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 Loll. Mason FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: Glenn Preston. Quincy POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mail to: Michigan Farm News Rural Living. P.O. Box 30960. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 3 Rural Route It Starts With You! A few weeks ago, the board for their commodities during of directors of Farm Bureau the reorganization. They can Services, Inc. made a very dif- make it happen by supporting ficult decision. I am convinced their co-ops as they never it was the right decision. have before. Since 1974, FBS has tried There is also a "you make it to find a solution to the PBB happen" role for those of you problem, an unprecedented who have no grain or bean.s to problem that has drained the .market or no need for "farm financial and human resources supplies. You can reassure of our supply and marketing those who may be concerned cooperative. It was a problem about the various services and that reached far beyond FBS; programs they participate in it dat:Tlpened the vital spirit of through Michigan Farm Bu- Farm Bureau members and Since that action was taken, reau, Farm Bureau Insurance damaged the morale of the I have been tremendously en- Group, Farmers Petroleum employees of Michigan Farm couraged by the strong support Co-op, Farmers Crude Pro- Bureau and its other affiliates. of farmers, local co-ops and in- duction Co. or MACMA. It was a price the organization dependent dealers who have These are separate legal enti- simply could not continue pay- continued to do business'.as ties and the services they pro- ing. usual with FBS. Their effective vide to members will continue The simple solution to the communications with other as they have in the past. This problem would have been to farmers, assuring them that understanding is especially im- liquidate - simple, but certainly their graill and beans are safe, portant to the success of our not in the best interest of the that the judge's order protects 1983 membership campaign. farmers who need and have all warehouse receipts and I hope all of you will join me invested in their cooperative. price later agreements entered in viewing this current chal- The best alternative, the board into before and after the filing, lenge as an opportunity, an decided, was to file for reor- have had a real positive im- opportunity to help rebuild, ganization under Chapter 11 of pact. not only a better and stronger the bankruptcy laws. They be- Crucial decisions made in co-op, but also to rebuild the lieve that a successful reorgani- the board room and astute spirit and commitment that has zation and a merger with a plans developed in manage- been, and will continue to be, strong cooperative will ensure ment offices at Farm Bureau the trademark of Michigan Michigan farmers of a viable Center cannot make a success- Farm Bureau. co-op for their supply and ful reorganization happen. Together, we can make it marketing needs and enhance Farmers can. They can make it happen. the ability of all creditors - in- happen by engaging in price cluding debenture holders - to later agreements with FBS dur- be paid. FBS plans to be suc- cessful and everyone involved has committed their efforts to ing the grain season. They can make it happen by continuing e~fJ.~ to reassure other farmers that President "make it happen." payment will be made by FBS Michigan Farm Bureau 4 RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 Donna RationMaster ™ Feeding System Latch on to the Affirmative Back when I was a kid, there was a song on the Hit Parade (now you know how long ago I was a kid) that went, "You f1, '- gotta accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative; don't mess with Mr. In-Between." I always thought that was a pretty good philosophy and tried to practice it through the years. Recently, after practically a "free ride" through life with only a broken arm and two births as hospital experiences, I got the full treatment with a lengthy recuperation period. (I De Laval technology enables you to place the dairy herd's grain feeding program under thought surely Farm Bureau would fall apart during my ab- computer control. With the RationMaster Feed- sence and was just a touch disappointed when it didn't.) ing System, each cow gets only the concentrate needed for optimum milk production. Compo- One day during my forced inactivity, I was lying on the nents include neck-worn transponders ... single- couch, munching on 'peanuts, watching the soaps and read- stall feeding stations where grain is dispensed automatically ... and a Computer Command ing the local newspaper. During the commercials, I looked Center where a micro-processor stores and over the adult education class schedule for our area and the retrieves data on individual animals. word JAZZERCISE jumped out like a neon sign. Reduced labor, more milk, less wasted feed, I had a good argument with myself that lasted during the healthier cows, and shortened calving intervals are typical benefits. Let us explain more about attempted rescue of Susan from the mental hospital on "As the RationMaster Feeding System - Module the World Turns" through the demise of rock singer Floyd One of the advanced De Laval~ HerdMa~tp.rr .. Management System. ~ an the award-winning "The Guiding Light." "Relax! A potty stomach at your age is no big deal." "Yeh, but. .. " "So who expects you to be a Number 10 CENTRAL DAIRY SUPPL'i; Inc. after all these years?" "Well, maybe not a 10, but a 71j2 2810 South Canal wouldn't be unrealistic." "You've earned your lumps and Lansing, Michigan 48917 , I 517-322-2083 your pot. Learn to live with them." "But, if I don't latch on to the affirmative now, there'll be no affirmative left to latch onto!" The class is held in a lovely old t:nansion that's now used for community activities - on the third floor:" no elevators, . of course. As I crawled up the third flight and viewed .the DQn ~tMiss Your 20-year-olds who would \ be my classmates, I groaned, "What am I doing here?" . County Newsletter in Blessed by heredity with a degree of suppleness that al- lows the demanded movements, I was nevertheless chagrin- Rural Living Magazine ed by the timing I'd lost since "Accentuate the Positive" hit the charts. And a look in the mirror in my leotard and tights Participating county Farm Bureau left no doubt as to why I was there. publications are: My first Jazzercise class coincided with my first full day back to work and it was a tired body that dragged itself off to Allegan Ionia Monroe bed that night. But, even though I was still considerably less Antrim Iron Range Montcalm than a 10, I felt good (so good I almost rewarded myself Barry Jackson Muskegon with a hot fudge sundae). Benzie Kalkaska Newaygo The next day (moaning ever so softly) I went back to the Branch Kent N. W. Michigan office invigorated, ready to tackle whatever challenge, able Charlevoix Lapeer Oceana to really relate to and truly appreciate the "Accentuate the Cheboygan Lenawee Osceola Chippewa Livingston Otsego Positive" attitude of Farm Bureau Services' leadership and Clinton Mac-Luce Ottawa management as they committed their efforts to a successful Copper Country Macomb Presque Isle reorganization. Eaton Manistee St. Clair I strongly urge you to read the president's "Rural Route" Genesee Mason &anilac next door and the report of the FBS reorganization in this Hiawathaland Mecosta Shiawassee issue. Then illustrate your faith in what they can accomplish Hillsdale Menominee Tuscola in the future. Huron Missaukee Wexford I'll give you odds that FBS will become a 10 before Yours Ingham Truly. Why? Because they've got you to help make it hap- pen while I teeter on my toes all alone. See center pages of this issue. Donna Wilber is a contributing editor to Rural Living. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 5 When you have a Question about an Old Tractor, Balanced Budget Proposal BALANCER~ Pur.,~II. SIIJander. Defeated In Hurry-Up Vot~ ~d""yt'r, Dunn VandE'r Jagt. Davis. Broomhdd In d Vot,. ttldt t' ~,'nhdl y '01 },,-,'d ('t>nqr\,c;"mdn Jim Bldnchard was pdrtv lu'h' th", pr >po ",:l (In<;htu ,b....nt wh •.'n th€> vote was taken lIonell nmt'ndnlt'nt thelt ~ lul:i hd\t> h' qUlrt>d c\ bdldFl t>d ft>d",rdl blldqt>t \Aid' d""t>dh'd 2. Jt> to 187 011 ()< t 1 by Id( k USDA Authority Assured for of ,\ t~t) thlfth mdJ0rl'V Administration of Federal Marketing Orders We have an f )lpn.' '"9 d.">dPPolntmt>nr on bt> hdlf of th,' J,.,h In <; tdrm,'r H11 r ,,'" h f drm BUfl'CW presIdents from two of Answer! t'r~ whtl held \llq )fOU I\. ..upporwd tht' th,' n"tlon\ k'ddlng frUit and vegetable There's a good chance the bdl m( ,.d budgt,t propc)' \1 Anh'rl dn ptoducmq ..tdte .. met WIth Agnculture answer is Tbe Agricultural Trac- f Mill HUh'dU I... d.'rdtt(')n PTt>,tdt>nt ';,'cr"tdrv John Blex-k la~t month and tor: 1855-1950. the illustrated Robt>rt f>"1 \nO dl:t h,' "' d., ,h') k•.d bv qdtnt>J 1l..... urdnc ...S thdt f~derdl market- history of the farm tractor in the tht> (h.f"dt 1'19 ord,'r" WIll be ddmlnl:itered by the US. But without a question. what Bv 1" (Kh'ln, ttw H )u.... h" 'old better way to spend a few pleasant lJ':>DA Without 'nt~rler\?nce from other hours than leafing back to a time th ... Am"rt< dfl p.'oplt> thdt .t rt>,.'4t... tn.., ','d,'rlll aq,'nc.", .. when tractors carried names like pr H tl( \1 rnt>dn, to gt>t d hdndlt' \In th,. f /ton R "'imlth. MfB president and Rumely, BuffalG-Pitts. Hart-Parr. our of on'r)1 ".d,'r 11 ..p..'n i nq thdt " \ 1<" prt"Hd,,'nt of AFBF. dnd Henry Flour City and Waterloo Boy. "Imp". bdnkrupbn ~ t 1l(P lV,'rc;" h,. Vo .... C dll'ornld rarm BUr\?dU presl- We've packed over 500 illustra- dId d,'nt ,'xpr,' ...."d concern to Block that tions into this 160 page, 8th x 11 in. Th,' pmpo,' i dm,,'nrlm,.nt hdd hi'," ,'nt dctl()n .. by the Office of Man- book. You'll find many original ~','n bc}"It'd up In Ih,' H >u,,' Ju:i. I U\ ,'q,'mt'nt dnd Budg~t m.JY have set a photos and drawings of tractors Commlth ..,. fln:i \A..1" h.l~dS4'd by d, .. together with sections on early pr,'ct.'dt ..nt for th", operation of the engine components, tracked-type \ hdr\~,' p,'htl('}n 'Iqn,' j hv 21 R m,'m m "k,'hng ord ...rl> tractors. tire development. plus bt'r of ttw Hou.' Ath'r d \,' If of Sp." If\( dll\! they r~fcrred to the de- early tractor test data. Winnipeg ("ommlth',. d ...ldv tl'w HOll .... ()~.m') \ I' on of OMB to dlS4lllov. the use of a Contest information and much cr ,f1< I,. 1 :j •• rc;hIP ,1I()w~d d \. or,' (," .h,' h'wr~" (> \ot, ... ..hort of th., t..-.o third .. mdJ 'lnf~ ""H ... W" ar~ pled~d that President Rea- ------------ American Society of "~f\, 'nr U to qo t ') ttw ,tdh~c; fm rdflf cl 940 hac; offcr~d to mcrease the Agricultural Engineers tlon amount of grain the Soviet UnIon can Dept. 1812, 2950 Niles Road ~I)l'\ rltfl~ n..'m r ,., "n~d I b 7 R., b\I\ from th~ Umted States It comes 51. Joseph. MI 49085 publ ('dnc; \oh:'rl \n fcl\Of of .h. m,' ') at harvest t1m~ when U S farmers are Please send me __ copy(s) of The sur .. T",,'n'\ R ...publ (,dnc; \ ('lr...rl 'or lookmg at an e)lCCSSlve supph, of gram AJricultural Tractor: 1855-1950 at d ...ft'd' ll1i Itl7 ~'m'l(rdtc; ()P~Ci4',; that n.-cd .. to moyc on the world mar- $12.95 each postpaid. Enclosed is 8 •h" mt' ''''ur,' Ob",'r",'rc; d"' hUtH1 th" ket . check for $ dt'f. dt t, th hurr\ up \,'ft' "' h n Th4t ..-.as the reactlO'1 of AFBF Name ..hort f r lJlh'ci gfdc;c;rO(* lQ~\ q for Pr~'sldent ~1.ano followmg President Address th~ propoc; ,I Re..agan .... announcement on Oct 15 MI h qdn'c; h I ig t hdldnc,'r ... ~nd that h~ as e)l'endm9 an offer to the City c;p...nd,'rc; n i dtt ~ 0\ th~ r "N ..' So\~t Un on to buy 23 mIll on tons of State ZIP on th .. m .. dc;urt' dh' <1'" fo 0\4 ... lJ S gralO A gift for Pro\Ic;lon ...for the proposed sale are SPENOf RS C'lnl,."rc; \No ~ cit't'. Trdx t'r. A boc;td Bon 'lr. H,'rt,,1 K t~t t~ lISSR must purchase the Happy gra n ~fore No\' 30 and debvery Crockt'tI ford. n '9t' Br(l~h"~dd must ~ completed v.lthm 180 days. Thanksgiving! RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 MEMBER-TO-MEMBER Christmas Citrus Sale Stock up now on your favorite bollday Items. ~Florida Farm Bureau Citrus ~MACMA Hams ~Other Items Perfect for Christmas Giving Pre-Christmas Delivery ... But don't delay! Order by Nov. 12 See the County Newsletter section of this issue of Kural Living Your Membership in the MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Now Makes Available Institutional Liquid Assets Designed to provide daily money market 1----------------------- 1 0 Please send me a prospectus. income with Two Portfolios: 1 1 Name (as it appears on membership records) 1 PRIME OBLIGATIONS GOVERNMENT 1 1 -10.18% -9.15% 1 Address I • Seven day annuallzed net Investment Income yicJd. computed by dMdlng the I City PortfoUo', average dally net Invatment income per unit for the ~riod ended Oct. 15. 1982 by S1.00 and multiplying the result by 365. On that date the State Zip _ awrage portfoUo maturities in Prime Obligations was 36 days and In Govern- -------- ment was 37 days. The y\elds change In response to fluctuationa In Interest Membership No. _ rata on portfoUo Invatmcnt and operating upensa. A prospectus containing more complete information includmg Mail to: management fees and expemes. wIll be sent upon receipt of the at- Money Market Fund Program tached coupon. Send the coupon to Michigan National Bank. Tru~t for Michigan Farm Bureau Members Deportment. 77 Monroe Center. P O. Box 2804. Grand RapIds, Mich. 49501. Read the prospectus carefully before you muw or Mtehigan National Bank, Trust Department send money. For current YIeld mformation call toll free PO. Box 2804. 77 Monroe Center 800.621-2550 Grand Rapids. MI 49501 Investment Advisor, Administrator and Sole Distributor - GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. l_ansing --- - Review -------------------------------- New information ha!»become avaIl. clauses in a mortgage which means a out. It is estimated that costs would abl~ on the seven very Important pro. buyer of property does not assume the rise $150 million in just the first year. posals on the Nov 2 ballot The ex. mortgage as it would have to be rene- FB supports a YES vote on Pro- planation on the ballot 15 hmlted to 100 gotiated. posal H. It was put on the ballot by a words and provides very little informa- It also extends the time to redeem two-thirds vote of the Legislature be- tion as to the actual affect the proposal property from the present six months cause of the concern over "D." Its pro- will have, either good or bad Follow to up to four years. The probable ef- visions would be helpful as it would Ing Is an update of the ballot I~sues' fect would be that mortgage money prohibit any automatic passed through would dry up. Lenders and investors fuel cost increases. All rate adjust- Proposal A - FB supports a YES would be unwilling to commit money ments must have a "full and complete vote. It would permit changing the law to a state where the property could sit hearing." It also would prohibit legisla- to eliminate most of the Immunity idle for four years. and they would be tors from accepting employment with from civil arrest and process of leglsla. responsible for the property taxes. The a utility for two years after leaving of- tor~ during the legl~lattve sec;~lon U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that fice. Proposal H is supported by pretty LegIslators should not be exempted federal lending institutions can enforce much the same group that opposes from arrest any more than anyone "due on sale" mortgage provisions. "D. " else, except when on actual state This decision exempts those institu- On Oct. 13, Gov. Milliken signed busmess tions from anything the state does. HB 5527 into law. It is new utility con- State chartered institutions would trol legislation that accomplishes the Proposal B - FB recommends a therefore be at a serious disadvantage. objectives of the above ballot pro- NO vote. It would create. In the con. stltutlon. a Michigan Department of posals. It eliminates automatic fuel ad- Proposal E - FB did not take a State Police and mandate mmlmum justment changes on utility bills and position on this as it has very little staffing regardless of cost It is a makes them subject to Public Service meaning. It only provides that state of- dangerou~ precedent and ehmmates Commission approval. It requires ficials must send "written communica- control over pohce spendmg 1m. utilities to provide one year and five tion" to the president and other federal mediate additional coc;t would be $4 3 year plans for buying and generating officials urging a "nuclear freeze" be- milhon It was promoted by the State tween the U.S. and Russia. It is not energy. These in turn are subject to Police union which already has the binding on anyone. public hearings. In general, the entire right to collective bargaining and bmd- process is tightened up by the new Ing arbitratIon "B" would mandate Energy Proposals 0 & H - FB law. A NO vote on "D" is still essential paying the increasmg cost as a result of recommends a NO vote on Propo- because of the chaos and higher cost it bargalmng regardless of amount sal D. It was put on the ballot by a would create. It Is opposed by 21 or more groups social activist group known as the Citizens Lobby. It is so complex and Proposal G - FB recommends a Includmg the dIrector of the State NO vote on Proposal G. This was Pohce. Col Hough. Gov Milliken. restrictive that it Is strongly opposed by hundreds of well known organizations, put on the ballot through a petition by sheriffs. Fraternal Order of Pohce. ACORN, a social activist group based prosecuting attorneys. deputy sheriffs. individuals. all types of businesses in urban areas. chiefs of pollee. State Chamber of chambers of commerce throughou~ the state, and over 20 labor groups It would replace the current bi- Commerce. AFL.CIO. ASSOCiation of partisan three-member appointed Counties. League of Women Voters. such as the AFL-CIO and numerous labor councils. In addition. over 200 Public Service Commission with a five- CommISSion on Cnmmal Justice. state and local officials also say "vote member elected commission. The Municipal League. ASSOCiation of NO on D." These range from Gov. commission would become totally School Boards. Umted Cons~rvatlon Milliken and leaders from both parties political! Candidates would be nomi- Clubs and several newspapers to county commissions. townships, nated at political party conventions to Proposal C - FB did not take a mayors, etc Many newspapers, radio run as so-called "non-partisans." positJon on Proposal C as adequate and television stations all have taken "G" is also opposed by a large Information was not available at the positions opposing "0." number of business, civic and labor time the board acted However. latest FB was among the first to Oppose groups from throughout the state. The Information shows that this was pro- "D" because it would create unbeliev- League of Women Voters has stated moted by the DetrOit Bond and Mort- able red tape. bureaucracy and delay that it would "make a mockery of our gage Corporation. a firm that deals In which would result in higher energy elections. " land contracts and tVlIIprofit substan- rates and perhaps even shortages. Only a few states still have elected tially If "C" passes It would prevent a Farmers have had experience with commissions and they are rapidly lender from usmg "due on sales" severe shortages and the lights going changing to an appointive system to 8 avoid politics. RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 Livestock Branding - As of Sept. land. FB was involved with the legisla- be provided as part of the permit pro- 25. farmers can register livestock tion and helped rewrite the bill to in- cedure. brands with the Secretary of State's of- clude various protections for agricul- A trip to Indiana. led by FB', was fice. Farmers can have exclusive right turalland including the requirement to most helpful in evaluating strip mining to their brand for a $50 fee. Each ap- reclaim the land to its original produc- as it affects agriculture. Coal reserves plicant, however, will be assigned a tive capacity and to assure that water in Michigan are in a 24-county area, number which will be put into the resources will not be unduly harmed. which includes Michigan's best agricul- computer. It is the number that should An agricultural impact statement must turalland. be used on the livestock as a key to identification in order to help prevent theft. Uniform livestock identification co- ordinated in the state computer file could curb livestock theft. FB sup- ported the legislation and worked IF YOU SAY YES closely with the Department of State to TO NEW HAY OR set up workable procedures. Applica- tions are available from the Depart- FORAGE EQUIPMENT, ment of State Livestock Registry, P.O. Box 30330, Lansing. Mich. 48909. BUT YOUR BUDGET Animal Welfare - HB 6099 has SAYS MAYBE ... been introduced in the Legislature on animal welfare and would severely re- strict, if not prohibit, animal agriculture as we now know it. The bill would cause major problems for confinement operators and may prohibit most con- finement. An animal welfare advisory board would be created with no farmer representation. Some of the provisions would in- clude regulations on "disfiguring or mutilating," which could mean that common agricultural practices such as dehorning. debeaking, etc., would be prohibited. Transportation of livestock CONSIDER GEHrS would be severely hampered in the bill's provisions. The bill also provides NEW DElAYED arrest without a warrant. It would control and restrict meth- ods for training horses. rodeo contests PAYMENT PROGRAM. Here's how it works. You make a qualifying trade and also would require licensing of all or down payment now. And you delay payment on cats and dogs and require cats and the balance until April 1, 1983, or as late as June 1. dogs to be neutered or spayed. If this 1983. See your participating Gehl Dealer for details. is not done, the person would have to Select from the following Gehl forage equipment: obtai" a breeding permit at a cost of o Forage Harvesters 0 Forage Boxes 0 Forage $15u for each unaltered pet and $75 Blowers 0 Flail Choppers 0 Round Balers 0 Bale annually for each renewal. Regula- Handlers 0 Wheel Rakes 0 Mower Conditioners 0 tions would be included on slaughter- Disc Mowers. - 0 houses. stockyards. etc. Rural Living So stop in at your will have a more detailed analysis on participating Gehl this 86-page bill in another issue. Dealer's and put Gehl to work for you. Strip Coal Mining - Gov. Milliken has signed 5B 819 to provide stand- ards for coal mining. It requires bond- Gehl Company. West Bend. WIsconSin 53095 ing. permit fees and reclamation of the RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 9 PHS Chapter 11 Reorganization Coming Out of the PBB Maze By Donna Wilber County annual meetings, in full-swing - the mere mention of which still has during October, provided a forum for the power, after nearly 10 years, to stir "We need Farm Bureau Services President Elton R. Smith, Vice Presi- feelings of frustration and powerless- for all the reasons farmers built it dent/Chief Executive Officer Newton ness among Farm Bureau leaders, in theflrst place. We need the Allen and other FB officials to share in- members and employees. services it provides us and for the formation with members. PBB - a fire retardant chemical - competition it creates. The very The communications network in- delivered to an FBS plant in a form in- last thing farmers need Is to lose creased in effectiveness and impact distinguishable from an approved feed their co-op. I have faith In FBS when farmers themselves got involved additive - took the revered name of and I think farmers, with the pro- - one farmer reassuring another that it Farm Bureau and dragged it into in- tection we've been assured, can was, indeed, "safe" to do business famy, in national - even international feel as good - even better - about with FBS. - public arenas where its unquestion- doing business with Farm Bureau There was every reason for that re- able integrity was questioned. Services than any other elevator. " assurance. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge PBB took an unmeasurable toll, not -Richard leach Jr. Harvey Walker had specifically issued only in the destruction of contami- Saginaw County cash crop farmer orders protecting all warehouse re- nated farm animals. Consumer confi- ceipts and price later agreements en- dence in Michigan's agricultural prod- tered into before and after the filing. ucts wavered as the issue became a Two weeks following the announce- Farmers were further reassured by a battleground for the political, scientific ment that Farm Bureau Services, Inc. Michigan Department of Agriculture and legal communities and provided a had filed for reorganization under audit report that indicated that there "hot topic" for news media. For FBS, Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy laws, was no shortage of grain at any FBS the drain on its financial and human Dick leach paused between hauls to facility, which, in itself, made the Ser- resources was intensified by a tar- the FBS Michigan Elevator Exchange vices' situation different from most nished image that caused formerly Saginaw facility to share those bankruptcies in the trade. strong customer-supporters to consid- thoughts. "Business as usual" reports Add to these reassurances an agree- er alternatives. from FBS elevators across the state ment with the St. Paul Bank for Coop- And no price tag can accurately re- were indicators that most farmers eratives to provide a $40 million total flect the damage of PBB to the tradi- shared Leach's confidence. line of credit to FBS and the bottom tionally intense pride and morale of Any initial farmer fears of elevator line was farmer confidence and dem- members and employees of Michigan lock-ups and financial losses were eas- onstrated faith by producers like Dick Farm Bureau and all its affiliates as ed by an effective communications ef- leach. they helplessly watched the name of fort launched by FBS immediately fol- Farm Bureau become almost synony- lowing the filing in the U.S. Bank- Why This Course of Action? mous with PBB. ruptcy Court in Bay City Oct. 1. Mass How could Farm Bureau Services, a It was in 1973 that PBB was deliv- mailings, information meetings, per- viable co-op since farmers built it in ered to the FBS plant and accidently sonal contacts and news media inter- 1929, end up in bankruptcy court? mixed into the feed. By December of views were all part of that effort. The answer lies in three letters - PBB that year, it became apparent that a 10 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 Co-op Leaders Confident of Plan's Success problem was occurring in association "This company has tried since 1974 ganization plan. One of those alterna- with a certain dairy ration, which was to find alternative ways in which to re- tives may be a merger with a strong then removed from the market. FBS solve the PBB problem. But nobody's co-op that is compatible with FBS in personnel worked countless hours pocketbook is deep enough to pay all terms of its marketing and distribution with state agencies, universities, pri- the people who want to claim, for philosophy and geographic location. vate laboratories and individuals to de- various reasons, that we owe them AlIen believes that the strong finan- termine the cause of the problem, but money. Nobody's pocketbook is that cial stability that would result from identification of PBB was not made deep. They were forcing us into liqui- merging with another regional co-op until the spring of 1974. dation." would be more beneficial than trying Through a reimbursement program, to compete against it - "using farmer Liquidation Not the Answer the manufacturer of PBB, Michigan money to take away farmer money, Chemical Co., along with FBS and Liquidation had to be one of the al- which doesn't make much sense to their respective insurance carriers, ternatives considered by the FBS me. " paid out over $44 million to farmers board of directors, but "we're a farm- The beneficiaries of such a merger, involved in the contamination. Many ers' organization and you can't walk he said, would be farmers who would lawsuits were filed, five of which went out on your farmers," President Smith have the services of a "stronger and to trial. The first trial lasted 14 months, explained. Allen agrees. better" cooperative for their supply the longest of any trial in the history of "Even though our balance sheet and marketing needs. Michigan legal proceedings. The ver- shows we are financially solvent, if we The Ohio Farmers Grain and Sup- dict in that case was a 261-page docu- were to liquidate today, we would not ply Association has expressed interest ment ruling no cause for action against be able to pay all of our creditors and in combining with FBS if the reorgani- FBS and ordering the plaintiff to bear probably the only one that would be zation plan is successful. the cost of the trial. paid would be the bank. The reorganization plan will also in- Although FBS did not lose any of "It's much better for us to stay in clude "paying our creditors the highest the cases which were brought to trial, control as a debtor in possession and percent of our debt as humanly possi- the legal fees were staggering and the manage this company, trying our best ble," AlIen said. "Nothing would need for long-range capital and oper- to make it successful, than to have us please me more than to see everybody ating capital became crucial. But, with forced into liquidation," he said. paid 100 cents on a dollar. the pending law suits against it, it was Liquidation would also have meant "I believe, without a shadow of a not easy for FBS to secure financing. that Michigan farmers would be with- doubt, that we can be successful in this As Newton Allen explains, "Lenders out a regional co-op, and that, said reorganization, but it's going to need were reluctant to put money into the Allen, would put farmers in a "big the full support of members, custom- organization because it wouldn't nec- squeeze" as far as supplies and mar- keting of their products is concerned. ers and employees to make it hap- essarily stay in the organization to help pen," he said. the organization; it could be drained "Not all farmers in Michigan have Short-term views on the part of away by PBB claimants." supported their cooperative, but in all farmers and co-ops - using fear as an When AIIen came to FBS in 1980 as cases, the cooperative has supported the farmer. If you've never done a excuse not to do business with FBS or executive vice president and chief ex- attitudes of "I can get a penny a bushel ecutive officer, his first objective was to nickel's worth of business with your co-op, it's still been there to keep the more down the street" or "I can buy find a way to refinance the organiza- my fertilizer for a dollar a ton less tion. One way would be to merge with public and private companies in line in pricing new products and buying your somewhere else" - will damage the another strong cooperative. But this, chances of a successful reorganization, too, was blocked by the PBB situation. products," he told a group of county Farm Bureau leaders. Allen warned. While FBS assets were attractive to As President Smith says in his potential partners, its PBB liabilities "There's no organization in the world that has the farmers' real interest "Rural Route" visit with members were not. at heart except the co-op. In public (page 4), "Crucial decisions made in "Every way we turned in the search and private companies, there's one the board room and astute plans de- for ways to refinance the organization, objective and th~t is to make a profit," veloped in management offices at PBB was always there to hit us in the he said. Farm Bureau Center cannot make a face. Our debt service load, as a result successful reorganization happen. of the PBB problem, had gotten to the The Next Step Farmers can." point where our interest cost was twice With existing PBB claims now in the He, along with many others in as high as it should be for a business hands of the bankruptcy court to value Michigan's agricultural community, that has the very slim margins we do," and resolve, several alternatives open are confident they will. Allen said. for FBS to develop a successful reor- 12 RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 By Connie Turbin pie of hundred dollars worth of prod- Communities Fruit and vegetable growers in ucts stolen, that represents money for spraying material. Oceana County may joke about run- Cooperate to ning a self-serve, no charge V-pick in "The thing is, most of the people who trespass and take off fruit or their fields and orchards, but for these vegetables don't think of it as theft," Prevent commercial growers, the thousands of dollars lost through theft and van- says McNeil. Herman DeRuiter, former Oceana Rural Crime dalism each year is no joking matter. "One person who stops to pick a County Farm Bureau president and one of the innovators of a countywide few pounds of asparagus or five bush- crime prevention program, says farm- els of apples seems almost insignifi- ers who have made business invest- cant," says Farm Bureau Insurance ments for land, equipment, supplies Group agent Dave McNeil, "but and labor have no trouble equating the pilfering with theft. "When I find someone in my or- chards picking without permission, I just pull out my wallet," he says. "I tell them they might as well take the cash right then and there - it's the same thing. " , I Vandals Are Not Pranksters Pilfering from their farmland isn't the only problem farmers here face, says McNeil. J ''They're losing fuel, batteries, im- plements, firewood and animals." Vandalism, i. e., trespass with four- wheel drive vehicles and snowmobiles is also a problem, but according to McNeil, such acts of vandalism are overshadowed by recent incidents of "sport shooting" grazing dairy animals. "It's completely senseless; these vandals don't even take the meat." Rural crime losses are not limited to farm properties. The county is a popular summer resort area and cot- tagers are victims of breaking and enterings during the off-season. A Rural Watch Program Conspicuous, peering eyes on the Oper- multiply that by 20 or 30 people pilfer- What's the solution to reducing ation Eyes signs appear above a no tres- pass warning. Hundreds of the signs ing products and you're looking at crimes of theft and vandalism in rural mark farm properties in Oceana County. $500 to $1,000 in losses for the areas? farmer." Farmer members of Oceana County McNeil, whose farm insurance ac- Farm Bureau, fed up with repeated counts in the area represent over 45% losses, worked with MFB local affairs of his business, sees the problem as specialists, Farm Bureau insurance even more significant in the difficult agents, cooperative extension agents, economic times farmers are facing to- and local law enforcement agencies to day. develop and launch a pilot rural watch "With hard money times and high program, called Operation Eyes, in interest rates ... if a farmer has a cou- 1978. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 13 Rural Crime Prevention: It's Working! "The laws are on the books that stip- be aware of the full extent of the pro- Criminal Justice, advises farm owners ulate fines and punishment in the blem. We can't promise to recover to follow three basic steps to prevent courts for trespass, theft and vandal- what they have lost, but we do re- thefts by increasing the risk for poten- ism," says Hart State Police Post com- spond by patrolling where there may tial thieves. mander, Lt. Tom Atland. "Our next be a pattern of thefts reported. Identi- - Lock the fuel storage facility. It is stop was to set up a crime prevention fying those patterns through such probably the easiest, most important program that would involve the whole reports can lead to apprehension. deterrent to theft. A quality three-inch community. We came up with Opera- "For example, an officer may stop a lock with a case-hardened steel tion Eyes." pick-up with three or four batteries in shackle is the smallest size recom- Basically, the program is an adapta- the back end, but if we don't have re- mended. tion of the neighborhood watch pro- ports of stolen batteries, we can't do -Gravity fed fuel tanks should be gram used extensively in urban and much. If those theft reports are in, we locked at the fuel shut off valve on the suburban neighborhoods. can act," he says. tank. Electronically powered pumps "The idea behind it is 'Vou watch Crime prevention, he says, is more should be locked where the hand op- my property; I'll watch yours, '" says than police enforcement, the public erated valve at the filler end of the Atland. has to be involved. hose rests when not in use. All fuel The .visible symbol of the project is tanks should be locked at the filler cap. the Operation Eyes sign. On the signs Rural Crime Decreasing Statewide - Light the storage area with a mer- a warning against trespass and entry Recent reports show that rural crime cury or sodium vapor lamp equipped appears beneath conspicuous, peering in Michigan decreased 4 % in 1981 with an automatic onloff switch. eyes. The signs, especially numerous and law enforcement officials attribute Mount the light directly over the in the Hart-Shelby area, are distribut- the decrease to greater awareness and storage facility to reduce shadows. ed by the organizing agencies. Con- involvement in crime prevention by Position the light so that there is no structed of a laminated hardboard, the citizens. Like farmers in Oceana glare when viewing the storage facility signs are durable and those peering County, rural people throughout the at night. eyes are intimidating. state are backing crime prevention - Locate a fuel storage facility in an McNeil has distributed hundreds of programs aimed at reducing incidents area easily visible from the home. the signs to his insureds and has gain- of theft and vandalism. -Other helpful ideas are to fasten ed the cooperation of farm implement Through county Farm Bureau proj- "wings" to the fuel filler pipe on dealers and farm suppliers in other ects such as Operation Identification, a underground fuel tanks to prevent areas of the county to get the signs to marking procedure to indelibly imprint thieves from unscrewing the pipe from farmers interested in posting their farm equipment and personal proper- the tank. Weld scrap iron wings or properties. ty with the owner's driver's license metal rods on each side of the filler His efforts to promote the Operation number, and the grain confetti pro- pipe before the tank contains fuel Eyes program recently earned McNeil gram, a procedure that blends paper andlor fumes. Position the wings on a certificate of appreciation from the confetti bearing the owner's driver's the pipe so that they are underground Michigan State Police at Hart and the license number with the grain as it is when the tank is buried. Michigan Farm Bureau. augered into storage bins, farmers are "The signs don't really do anything • Erect fenCing around the fuel stor- working to increase the risk of ap- age area to further reduce vulnerability except warn people against trespass prehension for potential thieves. to thefts. The most effective type of and the possibility of prosecution," Information about these programs is fence is chain link, at least eight feet says McNeil. But, he says, the larger available from the MFB Public Affairs part of the program is increasing public high. Gates installed to open the facili- Division and county Farm Bureau of- involvement in crime prevention. ty for equipment fueling should be fices. Property marking kits are avail- Getting involved is as simple as ask- locked with case-hardened steel locks. able to Farm Bureau members, free of ing roadside "harvesters" if they have charge, from many county Farm Crime Prevention Theories Apply permission from the owner, being alert Bureaus or from the Michigan State Whether it's Operation Eyes, Oper- to vehicle descriptions or license plate Police. ation Identification, grain confetti numbers, and reporting suspicious ac- Crime prevention information aim- blending, or locking machinery and tivity to the landowner or law enforce- ed at helping farmers to secure on- fuel facilities, the basic theories of ment agencies. farm fuel storage facilities is being crime prevention apply. Whatever can "We really rely on this kind of infor- disseminated by the MFB Public Af- be done to make a thief take more mation from the public for this type of fairs Division and the Barry County time, create more noise, be more visi- police work," says Atland. "I try to im- Sheriff's Department. The public infor- ble or obvious and, therefore, increase press on farmers here that unless we mation effort, supported by a grant the risk of being caught, will reduce have these reports, we aren't going to awarded by the Michigan Office of the landowner's vulnerability to theft. 14 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 Front and Center An Animal Industries Resource Conference will be held Nov. 10-11 at the Harley . Hotel in East Lansing. The current trend of Michigan's agricultural market will be one of the pro- duction areas examined during the conference. Open to state livestock, dairy and poultry pro- ducers, the conference will provide the latest technical and economic information on Michigan's animal industry. A $31.85 registration fee will cover meals and conference costs. Arrangements for lodging must be made on an individual basis. More information about the conference may be obtained from Cal Flegal, 113 Anthony Hall, MSU, East Lansing, Mich. 48824. The 14th annual America & Me Essay Contest was introduced into more than 1,300 Michigan schools in late September. Hundreds of the schools have already signed up to par- ticipate in the contest, which is being held this year from Oct. 18 to Nov. 12. Students will base their essays on the topic "Why I Am Important to America's Future." The contest is open to any Michigan eighth grade student. An AgriPac Auction at the State Leader Conference, sponsored by the MFB Women in late September, raised $2,627 for "Friends of Agriculture" for the 1984 elections. The women accepted a challenge from the MFB Young Farmers, who raised $2,002 at an auction held during their leader conference last March. Some 175 county FB members were challenged to put themselves in the center ring of life by keynote speaker Ruth Ann Fowler. Sen. Dole has introduced a bill, S. 2984, regulating the use of animals in research and experimentation. The stated purpose of the bill is to promote the development of nonanimal methods of research, experimentation and testing and to assure humane care of animals used in scientific research, experimentation and testing. Title IV of the bill specifically exempts research to improve animal nutrition, health, breeding, management or production ef- ficiency in animal agriculture or in the improvement of the quality or safety of food or fiber. Farmers of the Week The Farmer of the Week program, MFB's 1982 Outstanding Young Farm Board; is Sunday School teacher at co-sponsored by Farm Bureau In- Woman. Highland Christian Reformed Church; surance Group and the Michigan Farm Sept. 13 - Edward Kogelmann, is local DHIA secretary-treasurer; .is an Radio Network, honors Michigan 58, is a sod farmer whose 400-acre Osceola County FB member; and farmers for their contributions to the operation, called Creek Side Sod serves on the Evart local MMPA community and Michigan's agriculture Farm, is located near Washington in board. industry. Award recipients for Sept. Macomb County. He serves on the Sept. 27 - Gerald Zywicki, 34, of 1982 were: stewardship committee of St. Peters Belleville is a bedding plant grower Sept. 6 - Dwight Nash, 32, Lutheran Church in Mt. Clemens; is a and greenhouse operator. Besides the operates a 300-acre dairy farm near member of the Lions Club, Macomb greenhouse business, he and his fami- Elsie. Nash, who milks 85 cows, County FB, the Sod Growers Assn. of ly grow flowers and vegetables to sell. serves on the Clinton County FB Michigan and the American Sod Pro- He is active in the Wayne County FB board; was co-chairperson of the ducers Assn. and served on the board for five years; county's 1982 membership drive; is Sept. 20 - David Eisenga, 37, a is active in the Detroit Flower Growers active in St. Joseph Catholic Church; dairy farmer from Marion, farms 500 Assn. , serving as secretary for two and is a member of the DHIA and the acres in partnership with his brother. years; and is a past Lions Club MMPA. His wife Gwen was named He serves on the McBain Rural School member. RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1982 15 County Newsletter ()[Ilnl Coaat, F8IG A ... , Honored Jor Operadon Eva ElforD d~ 19ned I m(h'd '" f Ih~ mp.,cl t tt t .................. 1 , .... ~"DJ 1 ,- J . .....-.-c..., "' .... ., ...... .. "- N" ..& - ,... n r At ~xt l.ItnIakera Could Take Lesson from FB Delegates Farm Bureau and Deciding to Move Is ... You Make It Happen Dick & Do~is Wieland of Antrim 'County, long- time Farm Bureau leaders, recently "traded" Farm Bureau is an unique organiza- houses with their son Dan and daughter-in-law tion, made up of farm families and Joni. Dick & Doris spent 30 years of married life on associate members who are interested the "home farm," as well as Dick having lived there in the problems of feeding our own na- all but two years of his life. Unlike most Americans, tion and much of the world. farmers seldom move and Dick & Doris share some Agriculture is the largest industry in of their many feelings in "Deciding to Move is ... " the United States when you consider the over 15 million jobs created to sup- port, process, transport and retail the By Dick & Doris Wieland farm commodities produced by 2.4% farmers. When farm families make a Having a garage sale. Unpacking and wondering where you profit it benefits all, but in tough times Finding all th'e big boxes in the will put nine rooms of furniture in like today, farm families and ultimately township. five rooms. agri-business, .suffers. Planning an after moving party. Deciding to plan for another garage What can we do to strengthen agri- Picking a day it doesn't rain. sale. culture and help our nation? Farm Bu- Making sure it's your wife's idea. Learning to run a different dish- reau families need to work together, Organizing your neighbors to help. washer. pull together to try to insure that they Finding things in closets you thought Finding that your refrigerator won't fit are able to make a reasonable profit. you had thrown away years ago. in the kitchen. Only God can control some of the Finding old pictures and shedding a Buying a new refrigerator. risks we face - like weather - but we few tears. Trying to find the shortest way to the by our belief in ourselves and the Finding more old things in unused garbage can. strength of our organization can effect closets and reliving those past years. Getting exercise on the stairway. change. Effecting change guided by Shedding a few more tears. After 50 years, discovering you will the policies adopted right from the Having several good laughs about have to go one-half mile to work. county level is the job of the lobbyists some old pictures. Buying a pick-up. that Farm Bureau has in both Lansing Deciding which furniture which child Learning how to build a fire again. and Washington, D.C. will receive. Learning how to cut wood again. How can you help? First, send in Planning in case of rain - it rained. Getting wife to build fire. your membership renewal if you have Replanning after moving party. BUT, we do enjoy it!! not done so. Second, encourage farm families who are not members to join. Third, when the opportunity arises either through the newsletter, mail or a Place Your MACMA Order Today! phone call, follow through and talk to No. Product Price Amount your congressman or legislator and Buy your Christmas pres- __ Navel Oranges. 4/5 bushel carton $12.00 _ ents early and stock up on help us effect change. The more "Michigan Farm Best" and __ Pink Grapefruit. 4/5 bushel carton 59.50 _ voices speaking together the more ef- other delicious food items of- __ Tangelos. 4/5 bushel carton 510.50 _ fective we can be in Lansing and fered in MACMA's citrus sale! __ Orange Juice Concentrate. 24112 oz. cans 534.55 _ The order deadline is Nov. __ Grapefruit Concentrate. 24112 oz. cans 528.20 _ Washington, D.C. 12 and delivery is scheduled __ Lemonade Concentrate. 24112 oz. cans 514.20 _ Last, get involved. Use your mem- __ Florida Skinless Peanuts. 20 oz. can 52.60 _ for the week of Dec. 7. Con- bership services. Make your member~ tact your county secretary to __ Florida Pecan Halves. 1 lb. bag 54.22 _ ship work for you. You will reap a see if your county is par- __ New Mex. Roasted Peanuts In SheD. 10 bs. 513.80 _ (salt free) hundredfold for every bit of time you ticipating in the sale. __ New Mex. Pecans in Shell. 10 lb. box 517.65 _ are involved. We speak from ex- __ Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar. 4/1 lb. pkgs. 511.65 _ perience. __ Wisconsin Medium Cheddar. 411 lb. pkgs. 511.65 _ Name _ __ Wisconsin Colby Cheese. 4/1 lb. pkgs. 510.95 _ Katie Goodfellow and Dale Shade __ Wisconsin Monterey Jack. 4/1 lb. pkgs. 510.95 _ Membership Chairpersons __ Mozzarella Cheese. 12110 oz. pkgs. 520.60 _ Address _ Kent County Farm Bureau __ SWISs-AlmondCheese Spread. 1 lb. 52.65 _ __ Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread. 1 lb. 52.65 _ __ Cheddar/Onion Cheese Spread. lib. '52.65 _ 52.65 _ ~ __ Cheddar/Wine Cheese Spread. lib. __ Indiana Gourmet Popcorn. 2 lb. bag 5 1.00 _ Ja8vmmvou Phone _ __ Mich. Apple Concentrate. 24/12 oz. cans 528.50 _ __ Michigan Vintage Hams 4/4 lb. average 52.75 II. _ 2nd Phone _ ~_ Thick Sliced Bacon. 10/1112 lb. pkgs 531.55 _ __ Michigan Hickory Stick. 4 lb. average 510.60 _ make it happen __ __ Minnesota Wild Rice. 112 lb. pkg. Dried Tart C~erries. 4 oz. pkg. 53.99 5 1.90 _ _ __ Total Units STotal _ -------------------------------------- 17 1__ 1CI1ll1l1cIIIgIn Finn Bureau' I NI" s.-. 1I111.ber Prognm What Is The Family Saver? M.... a,., brand. IVllllblt It discountsup to 60" t he ,..., -QuIc au." .,..... Ie • _ .... cIredI or dOIIn an 41 to" lIVe you hun- puV 11.1 ... you ~JffJ F 11 • "., ..... IIIOCJIM~ ,..a- w..... tnd dryer AIfrtoItIIOtI We be "'--'111I1IIftCY ." eImInat- RIngel aI .. mIddT _illite .... "*"P Iftd ~ ... ... __ "''''' only our ....... on to,..you money No ~ to 0WIr4 -...Il" 111 T How can we ~ - do this? Ilnd v.., ..... .. fICIary Qf we ordIr ....,.... cIr8Ct from INp CINCIy 10 A "..,..ndlN _/Nand ".'" and calM' ..". ,,.. with ,.a'lon."ldelOca .~ lu, '.c'ory 01 to • Nt ,.. you he W. dO .... '" Gall or .. _., Of IIrge 1--------------------------- ......... Ind IhoWroornI. 110 Ae yaur punNllno money .. Il1O hive ~. 10 help you .ve l..tn.rl whO •• In- Mlchtgan Farm Bureau Buyer'1 S.rvici Enrollm.n1 Form p checli\ or WI1ITd tncf'IIII18" ~ Ind thue giv- r Ing ......... ...,... cIIIcoadI by bfOkef1l1Q praduCt fnu8h our ... IIU'dl>JIIng power Sf fe adZ p Te eo one ~o Amo f E"'c osed Farm Bureau members n 4~ ddopuon of pol Clt .. to qu d4~ Tu~tJdav th" "Ielt,,'" Idrq, ..,t fcUm orgdnll.dUOn statewide take the lead dur.rg ttw V\;dr dtwdd \411/1 bt' ttw m4 FPqFBS to Kick Off ,t"'rdch\;lty dunnq th ... r drm Bun',~u dn In guiding their organi- nual m\,,,,hnq~ Nov JO D••c 3 elt th\, Annual Meetings zation In 1983 policies Grand Cunt,,'r. Grand RapId') Mor6.! Fcum .. r" P.'tro\( um C'oop. ralaw'. tt\4n 150 r\.'"Comm~ndatlon .. ~ubmIt1,"d Inc dnd F 4um Bur,'du 5. rvIC'-". Inc b.,. county Farm Bur~au .. and vanou~ Utili kick c-f( th.~ 19M3 dnnlldl m •• hnq~ cc,mm tt~\.: .. v.nll ~ pr\twnt.:d by th" on TU •• ..ctdy mormnq. Nov 30 In Itw M ch gan farm Burtt4U Pol'Cy D •.\;.,I (Jrdnd C.-nh r'\ D.,Vo .. Hall opmcnt CommItte\! to th\! 512 \;ohnq R. ejl..trdtlOn \tdrh elt 9 d m clod th.~ d,'l\;gah .., for th~lr c.on~'dcrat on FPC' dnnudl m •• tlOC)wtll ~'9'" dt 10 rt- \;,,~ Ut II ~\! \Omdh,n9 for • ,wry d m I ~ th thp FB5 dnnudl m •• Hnq on\! dunng th\! del on pack,'d four ddY ~ h. duJ. d to bt qln dt 11 1'> d m d9\!rd ~. whICh mdudc.:. th~ dnnual ~pon~n.:d by F BC, and F PC. th'.! mH tm9~ of thn;\! of MF B ) clff att" a 198J Product Shc"w Will b., .,. ld an th~ pr" ..., ntat on by Consr. '''",dn [)()n Low'lr f lChl'..Jton H~1l of ttw C,rdnd A bCt ...t.t on th~ contro\;",.,.~al mi,rk~tJn9 C. ntur on TUt.:WdY from 1 p m to ~ c rd",r '~f' Y',un9 farm. r.. comp' t r q p m and from 9 d m to C; 30 p m r;n fer "'ate d\Ahlrd .. and tht! e\;ur pt)pular W.>dnf ~jlY Fer thft f r"l t,m.'. farmfor., prQCJuC't ...how VI I bi", dbl" to purcha'..." tf m') die, pld'f\ d duftf'lq tho! ~t.cw All Wrck Koffee Klatcheterla to Serve Members Again F arm Bur' ~u Ir Ir ",r c,' C,rl)up ~ Kcffcu Kla'ch.:" na ~ I ac;. n prQV dp mil ny fr&,;'.! • r c,- fe r ~(IC .', ... t t~ p 'tF B ar nu I rr. • t r'l n Cr r cI R p do, T~ '- p.G;Pul , ('n (, r r. rtl~ f' t., ". ""t. C'h .A" frort ("J It- •• 'l-~ ~ "I, f,•. ~IT" r I ~r ci r fCJrlT' , "r r d d r n I~ 'l I l~ r"" .1 rf t~. r, rd (.rl", ~ I prr, c1. I,.. p.tcr •.... \rl. rd , .... rl l..ly d ,. h, ~.,..r t Ic,l It, cI(', I, Tt-. }I; tch t. r" ~ I r. IT <'I J"I ~ n fTl)m '- 'Yll't"rnrg rtll f, ,If'rr~n c.h ~ a; I ,t-, r nL 1 fT' •• t r9 RURAL UVING 'OVf'fBfR:')81 J9 Tuesday County Farm Bureaus MACMA Annual and to be Honored Banquet Planned The annual County Farm Bureau Star Awards Program will be held on The Michigan Agricultural Coopera- Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, following tive Marketing Association will hold its the County Presidents' and Campaign annual meeting on Tuesday after- Managers' Banquet. noon, Nov. 30 in the Vandenberg The awards program will begin at Room at the Grand Plaza Hotel. 8:30 p.m. in the Grand Plaza's Am- That evening, the marketing coop- bassador Ballroom and will recognize erative will hold a banquet, also in the county Farm Bureaus for their pro- Grand Plaza Hotel. gram achievements during the 1982 membership year. President's Tro- phies for 1982 will also be given dur- ing the awards program. DON ALBOSTA Wednesday Morning FB Women to Sponsor Commodity Session to Kick-off Breakfast Focus on Marketing The MFB Women's Committee will Orders, Bankruptcy of again sponsor a Kick-off Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Dec. 1, at 7:30 Ag Product Handlers a. m in the Grand Plaza's Ambassador The commodity session at the MFB Ballroom. annual meeting will be held Wednes- Following breakfast, Dr. Alma day, Dec. 1, in the Grand Plaza's Baron of the University of Wisconsin Pantlind Ballroom. will address the delegates. She will The future of agricultural marketing speak on "The Corn is as High as an orders will be addressed by Donald AI- Elephant's Eye!" bosta, currently U. S. representative LEWIS TIMBERLAKE from Michigan's 10th Congressional District. Tuesday Evening The second half of the commodity session will include a discussion on County Presidents' and agricultural handler bankruptcy by a representative of the U.S. Bankruptcy Campaign Managers' Court. Banquet Planned Safemark Meeting to MFB's annual meeting activities will begin on Tuesday evening, Nov. 30 Build Farm Bureau with the joint County Presidents' and Building Farm Bureau will be the Campaign Managers' Banquet. theme of the 1982 Safemark meeting The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. in on Dec. 1 from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. the Ambassador Ballroom in the new The Grand Plaza Hotel Continental tower of the Grand Plaza, with dinner Room will be filled with discussion on compliments of FBIG's Marketing Cor- building Farm Bureau through a suc- poration. cessful service-to-member-only pro- Keynote speaker will be Lewis Tim- gram, Safemark Group Purchasing. berlake, nationally recognized as an Dealers, coordinators, committee "apostle of optimism." chairpersons, county Farm Bureau Presentation of the 1982 "Fabulous ALMA BARON presidents, regional representatives Fifteen" awards will highlight the ban- and national leaders will be on the pro- quet. In addition, the award winners The Kick-off Breakfast will also in- gram to discuss opportunities to better from the 1981-82 "Talk of the Town clude highlights of the 1982 women's serve Farm Bureau members. membership contest will be recog- activities and recognition of women's You are invited. Plan to join us as nized. programs. we "Build Farm Bureau." 20 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 Wednesday Wednesday Evening Young Farmer Day Get Ready for MFB Young Farmer activities will be the Jamboree! held on Wednesday, Dec. 1. The Discussion Meet semi-finals will Bring your jeans, plaid shirts and begin at 9 a.m., with the finals begin- boots and join in the fun at the ever- ning at 1:30 p.m. Both competitions popular Farm Bureau Jamboree on will be held in the Grand Plaza Hotel. Wednesday evening, Dec. 1, in the All delegates are welcome to attend Grand Hall. the semi-final and final contests. A delegate round-up will be held Interviews for the Outstanding from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to dinner. Young Farm Woman contest will be Music at the Jamboree will be pro- held on Wednesday morning. vided by the Petal Fall Variety Band. Winners of the Discussion Meet Outstanding Young Farm Woman and Distinguished Young Farmer contests will be recognized during the day's ac- Thursday Morning tivities. CHARLIE PLUMB 'Friends of Ag' Benefit from AgriPac Breakfast A special delegate breakfast will again be sponsored by MFB's AgriPac on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 a.m. in the Pantlind Ballroom. Featured speaker at the breakfast will be Robert LaBrant, vice president of the Michigan Chamber of Com- merce Political Action Committee, who will discuss PACs as an effective political tool. The cost of the breakfast is $15 per person. Proceeds will be used exclu- sively to help elect "Friends of Agri- culture" in the 1984 election. Only 250 tickets for the breakfast are avail- able; they may be purchased through County annuals are where the action be- the MFB Public Affairs Division, P.O. gins. Ingham County members consId- ered local, state and national resolutions Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909, or during their annual meeting. at the convention as long as they last. Friday During Young Fanner Day activities, this Washtenaw County Distinguished Young Fanner will compete for state- Thursday Evening Resolutions Wrap-up wide honors. Former Vietnam POW Elections Scheduled The final resolutions session will Wednesday Noon to Speak at Banquet begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, The MFB Annual Banquet will be and continue until noon. Election of President's Luncheon held on Thursday evening, Dec. 2, be- directors in even-numbered districts, The annual MFB President's Lun- ginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand two directors at large, one director cheon will be held at noon on Plaza's Ambassador Ballroom. representing the Farm Bureau Wom- Wednesday, Dec. 1. Featured speaker at the banquet will en's Committee and one director rep- MFB President Elton R. Smith will be Charlie Plumb, a former POW who resenting the Young Farmer Commit- present his annual address. spent nearly six years enduring brutal- tee, will take place during the morning Following his address, the resolu- ity, degradation and humiliation at the session. tions session will open at 2:30 p.m. in hands of his captors in Vietnam. Following lunch, the resolutions ses- the Grand Hall and continue on Plumb, was a speaker at the 1980 an- sion will resume at 1:30 p. m. and con- Thursday and Friday. nual meeting. tinue .through completion. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1982 21 ~ '.~ t A ~ ~~ As a ptIot protect to help reduce The two HMOs n Farm Bureau'~ pI Health Maintenance hetdth can costs. Farm Bureau m.m lot proJeCt Hea th Central In LanSing bets In C nton. Ingham. Eaton. Bay. for memb.rs In C nton Ingham and OrganIzations Saginaw and IMbeD. countia w«r. Eaton coun~s and Gr up Heahh In given an opportunity to enroU tn a Saginaw f r m~m~n n Ba" Sag naIA- Focus on Keeping Health Maintenance Organ ~atjon and lsab.la count es are non prof t HMO durtng a special r~n ng n ~ubsldlar~s of B ue ero ~ B ue Sh eld OIents Healthy Sepcemt. of MKhtgan H we\; er they are ~par. HMOs off., comprehensive medica ate f nanoal enht~s nd " dUel '" ad. and hosptt. MMcn to their m.mb.n m n tend and enwd b the ~tate of 'Of a bed monthly 'n ntabftstwd n MIChigan advance Scrvtcn oHered by HM~ S ce mem~rs pay a f ){ed fee each include routine office ~ts dwagnostK m nth n ma"er h .. manv med~ MrVtcn (I.b and R ray. fu hospita WTVlCn the use HMOs have an In and surgical car. mmunlZat n centive t cut costs and reduce h~ em"di-ncy care .nd preventive Mf p a aut n where\.er pos.s bk? Doctors vtca (health educatton and ph~. who w rk exc us\. e" for HMO~ re namtnattons) ce ve f xed com~nsaho so th€v ran II R RA L/\ING ~'.f~8£R J962 Should I Join on HMO? There are many good reasons to )oln an HMO but an HMO may not be the best choiCe fOf e\ieryon\' Thl' following are Important things to consider Benefits - Compare those $ervlC~ avaalabl" from the HMO and those serv,c" that art! cO\ft"red by \four present Insurance plan Cost - Compare the monthly premium for ~ach plan In addition, compare the amountc; 'Iou 'four .."lf would have to pay under each plan Many In~uranc.\' pohcles have deductlbles you must pay, and sam", r~ quare that you pay a percentage of your medical cost" Location - Is the HMO as easy for you to g-.'t to ch the doctors you are now uSing? Remember, .f you 'C In an HMO, you must use Its facilities or phy~~lan oHtc\~'t Is public transportation available tf you need II? Access - If you don't have a personal doctor Iht' HMO will let you select one from Its rosl~r Oft",n, In an HMO, you will be able to recel\re care for ~our en tITe family at one central locallon On the oth~r hand you have a long-standing relationshIp INr.h cSp\'r~nal doctor, you should consider very carefuJJy wheth~r you are willing to switch Remember, the HMO w II h:qUlh' that you use one of Its doctors Quality - HMOs are required to have formal quall'f assurance programs ThIS Includ~ ongoing ~duC4t on for the staff and Internal revIew of the doctor~' \Nork Before you decide to )Oln, It lS a good Idea to "'It the HMO and ask any questions that you mcSYhd",c about how the HMO works ThiS mformatlon proulded bj, the Insurance Burc;ou, MIchIgan Department of Commerce. LamJng concentrate on prOVIding care Without ho~ tal b I~ or rc fT'bur~ It'~. ~~ r rr ...nl1v th.:r(J ,.". 12 HMO .. L 'I concern for the effect on theu oINn In- ~~r aft.:r Ih;y i"a',,\: rcc-to; ...~d (' r p. ti c. r d to c,f,. Tt"'t. n Md q." If the come and can emphasize preventl\.e for thll StlTV cc:. an H\1l) t.: ,.-,. r d,. rl p. 'Q.t r,rc,jI c t 'I ,('r. fuJ t~., prQ9r 4m medlCtne, knowmg it won't add to :~ pro" dt,;.~ or afTar~t;» fq tr. I1idY~' •• '.rcl'.c1 to ", .. nt-.T'" " ttlll Ihell pattents' costs r~~ry t-.,;4'lh C4ru S.t...~ cc r .. • cj C, r. H K,..llfTI"l(,~ "lrri y"UI~~;,~1 HMOs dehver needed heahh care to ~ t~ me",~~ 'N ~". C C',IJr ty ,r. ~ members m thear own facth~ or H'lCh JI:.,O J:'To.d .. t(, tr. ('ftc. If,C': iU' r h,. t, Ii r ~. In rT';' r. when nece~ry, an the w~nber ~ "'4r\. 4rd P.h .• t.P' t t ._J r\, t • r I, a C'. c r. r'" • r ... cc;rl~tt home or an aHihated hosplta 'r, th41 ret "",)._,,~ Cflr\..tt.C"1 fTl' t". 'to r Jcl- r 'I rd.. r'-1r:. • r fT, r i'lq. r \1F B ~.ft..IT'b,..r'X.r .. q.. 5}7 CZ}70C,fJ C1l:t communat~ Greater eHK:lenc~ of pa- hent care and less duplJcatJOn of ~r. ~....rar~ pc. c \.. H~Os W'I .t-elt tto. r "'rlJ. .. rJ, pr ...p. d ,~ VICes are reabzed by HMO su~cr.bers ~"'d ~ t't. P tr\..f1'l c!\...~t r to. ... r', because of coordinated team\Aro!1