Make substantial savings on your monthly health care rates! And still get the same comprehensive benefits! If you enjoy all the benefits you receive from our Comprehensive Plan but would like to reduce your monthly premium, here are two great alternatives: DIMENSION III ECONO-PlAN This plan gives you the same comprehensive Again, you receive exactly the same benefits benefits, and, because of the deductible and as you would with the Comprehensive Plan co-payment requirements, you'll be able to - after you've met these requirements: save substantially on your monthly rates. ~ Share the hospital costs by paying 30% This plan pays 100% of covered services of the costs, up to $600 for each hospital after you meet the following requirements: inpatient admission. After that, we pay the rest! lf1 Pay a nominal deductible. Sharing the cost is not required for M After your deductible has been met, hospital outpatient benefits. Dimension III pays 80% and you pay a 20% co-payment. For private duty M Share the cost by paying your physician nursing and psychiatric care, the program 30% of reasonable charges for all covered pays 50% and you pay 50%. services. Physician's services for medical emergencies are not covered. ~ Once co-payments reach $1,000, no further co-payments are required for that benefit period. Dimension III pays 100% of reasonable and customary charges. Consider the advantages of these plans before you enroll! For enrollment information and complete details regarding all plans, call your Farm Bureau secretary. NOTE: Farm Bureau members (and their dependents) who are eligible for Medicare may not enroll in the Dimension III or Prescription Drug Programs, but may enroll in the Econo Over-65 Program. Its good to belong . .. ffi1 Blue Cross ..' • p..". ~ ~ Shield FARM NEWS MARCH 1983 VOL. 62 NO.3 A publication THE COVER Policy execution efforts of the brought FB members to the state capitol to meet Michigan with legislators. Farm Bureau Photo by Marcia Dltchle In this issue: Legislative Impact for Farmers Face to face communications between farmers and legislators build understanding. 10 Fabulous Food Friends How does a pig lay bacon? FB ag lesson volunteers respond to the inquiring minds of children when they take the story of agriculture into the classroom. 21 Farmers lend A Helping Hand Farm Bureau coordinators enlist member and community resources to round up food and cast, donations for Project AIM. 24 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 County Newsletter - pages 18-19 Country Ledger - page 5 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 20 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 26 Front and Center - page 16 Discussion Topic - page 32 Letters to Rural Living - page 17 I'Ilchlgan Farm "ewil RURAL LlVI"O (155" 0026-2 J 61)1 Michigan Farm News Rural Living Is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bu- reau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial oHlces at 7~7~ West Saginaw Highway. lansing. Mich. 48909. Post OHlce Box .30960; telephone. Lansing 517-~2~-7000. Extension 508. SU8SCRlrTIO" PRICr:1 $1.50 per year to members. Included In annual dues. $~.OO per year non-members In Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. ~450W. Established Jan. I~. 192~ as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan farm News Rural Living Dec. I. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan and at additional mailing offices. r:DITORIALI Connie Turbin. Editor; Mar- cia Dltchle. Associate Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Copy Editor. O"ICr:RSI Michigan Farm Bureau; Presi- dent. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. Jack Laurie. Cass City: Administrative Director. Robert Braden. Lansing: Treasurer and Chief Financial Orncer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRr:CTORSI District I. Arthur Bailey. Schoolcraft; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District ~. James Sayre. Belleville; District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: District 5. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City; District 7, Robert Rider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronler. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District II. Bernard Doll. Dafter. DIRr:CTORS AT LAROr:1 Dave Conklin. Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Robert Rottler. Fremont. 'ARI'I BURr:AU WOI'lr:rh Faye Adam. Snover. 'ARI'I BURr:AU t'OV"O 'ARI'lr:R51 Mark Smuts. Charlotte. POSTMASTER: In using form ~579, mall to: Michigan Farm News Rural Living. P.O. Box J0960. 7~7~ West Saginaw Highway. lansing. Mich. 48909. A Good Case for United Action When the new Michigan Legis- Public Act .344 of 1945 trans- will almost certainly appoint a lature convened, a biB was in- ferred authority to appoint the director of the governor's troduced in the House of Repre- director from the governor to choice. 50 why allow a system, sentatives that presents serious the Agriculture Commission. which has provided us with ef- implications for Michigan agri- Since that time, only four per- fective administration, stability culture. The biB, H.B. 4027, sons have served as MDA direc- and continuity to be elimi- would take away the authority tor in a .37-year period, with an nated? of the Michigan Agriculture average tenure of 9..3years - a If this proposed legislation is Commission to employ the di- visible record of stability and a to be defeated, it will take a rector of the Department of Ag- noticeable lack of political in- concerted effort by all of Michi- riculture and give that authority terference. gan agriculture. I strongly urge to the governor. If H.B. 4027 passes, the au- you to share your concerns with This is not a politically parti- thority of the commission will your legislators. san issue, as some may have be drastically diluted. The re- When you make your con- perceived it. It is an issue which sponsibility of the Agriculture tacts, be sure to explain that it has arisen under governors of Commission for operation of is the system we are concerned both political parties and each the MDA through policies estab- with saving and not a particular time the reaction of the agricu I- lished by this body would be person's job. Remind them that tural community has been meaningless. The director their non-farm constituency, prom pted - not by the desire would not be accountable to through the many consumer to keep a particular director in the commission and there services provided by MDA, office - but by a determination would be no authority for the would also be impacted by the to save a system which has commission to expect that its injection of politics into the de- proven its value. policies be implemented by the partment's administration. A look 'at the record shows director. The negative impact Point out the record of stability there is reason for concern. this would have on the pro- under the commission appoint- From 1921 to 1944, when the grams and services provided by ment authority as compared to authority to appoint the MDA the MDA to farmers and con- the direct gubernatorial ap- director rested with the gover- sumers of Michigan should be pointment method. Tell them nor, a total of nine persons cause for real concern. how the commission, made up served in that position during A department director should of people representing various the 2.3-year period, with an av- be the best qualified person geographic locations and dif- erage tenure of 2.6 years. This available. It is understandable, ferent facets of agriculture, pro- clearly indicates that the direc- however, that a governor would vides a check and balance tor was susceptible to constant want a person of his own politi- system that works well for both political interference under the cal party as department direc- farmers and consumers. direct gubernatorial appoint- tor. This is possible in the case We have a good case, with ment system. of the MDA through his appoint- records to support our position. Programs in livestock health, ments to the commission. The Our challenge now is to present consumer protection and for- five-member, bi-partisan com- that case effectively. eign market expansion should mission, in a very short period have long-range plans, requir- of time, will almost certainly be ing continuity of administra- controlled by members of the tion. This is the value of a bi- governor's party and that body partisan commission formulat- ing these policies with the Elton R. Smith, President power to employ a director to Michigan Farm Bureau carry out the plans. 4 RURAL L1VINQ, MARCH 1983 COUNTRY LEDGER What Will We Do With the Women? , By Donna Wilber my feelings rather than just "Other problems faced by to- It's been my pleasure, the last bristling. The flyer was a pitch day's women of farming include couple years, to serve on an ad- for Farm Bureau to purchase a combatting the stereotypes as- visory committee for Ag Expo. videotape called "Farmwife" for sociated with being a farm- We've already had the first our audio-visual library. wife .... " meeting even though the event It gave a definition of farm- Combatting the stereotypes is takes place several months wife that you won't find in Web- a continuing battle for farm from now (July 26-28, in case ster's Dictionary: farmwlfe, n.; women whether it's an activity ~ you want to reserve those dates 1. Married to farmer, 2. Working like Ag Expo or their role in now). partner, .3. Businessperson, 4. organizations or politics or the While the theme and focus of Manager,S. Individual, 6. Chaf- family farm. this agricultural exposition feur, 7. Executive, 8. Liaison, 9. That "combat" is being ex- changes each year to meet the Politician, 10. Educator, 11. pressed in many ways and it's , current interests of the state's Homemaker, 12. Hired hand. having an impact. Leaders - farm community, there's one It goes on to say: "Besides whether they're involved in topic that's surfaced during the duties she has had all charting the course of an event, committee meetings that has along, today's farmwife is also an organization, an election remained the same: What do we concerned with keeping the campaign, or a family business do for (or with) the WOMEN? business running, from ac- - would do well to recognize The consensus ranges from a counting to planning the crop this changing portion of Ameri- "pink tent" for homemakers to rotations. She knows the finan- can culture, deal with it and a bristling-at-the-back-of-the- cial picture, really, more than benefit from it. neck at the thought of such her husband does. segregation. "It doesn't stop there. Today's Needless to say, the bristling farming wife is becoming more is most ~eenly experienced by active politically, and fighting Yours Truly. If a flyer I received to change the laws she never from Ohio University after the felt were fair ... such as inheri- meeting had arrived before, per- tance tax laws. haps I could have articulated Farmwife, n.: 1. Married to a farmer, 2. Working partner, 3. Businessperson, 4. Manager, 5. Individual, 6. Chauffeur, 7. Executive, 8. Liaison, 9. Politician, 10. Educator, 11. Homemaker, 12. Hired hand. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Economic and Marketing Issues Lead PH's 1983 Legislative Roster PIK Program Tax Conse- quences - Legislation has been introduced to clarify the tax status of farmers when they participate in the Payment-in- Kind (PIK) program. The Internal Revenue Service recently ruled that commodities received by farmers under the 1983 PIK pro- gram would be included in gross income for tax purposes during the year received. S. 446, introduced by Sen. Jepsen (R-Iowa) and Sen. Dole (R-Kansas), and N.R. 1287, in- During the 1983 Presidents' Conference (Feb. 10-11), John Datt and MFB Presi- troduced by Rep. Evans (R- dent Elton R. Smlth discussed legislative challenges facing agriculture in the Iowa), are identical bills that months ahead. Datt who Is administrative director of the AFBF Washington of- fices and federation secretary, outlined priority issues for Farm Bureau in 1983 would require that PIK commod- during the evening program of the conference. ities be taxed at the time of the sale of the commodities by a farmer if he or she so desires. mutual understanding on agri- The bills also provide that par- cultural export policies particu- ticipation in the PIK program larly those involving subsidies. would not jeopardize the special U.S. trade negotiators put use valuation of farmland for EEe trading countries on notice estate tax purposes. that subsidized sales in the world market will be met with Marketing-Bargaining Vic- retaliatory action by the U.S. tory - The Michigan Supreme government. The U.S. recently Court has finally ruled on the International Trade - A announced the subsidized sale constitutionality of P.A. 344, U.S.-Japanese agreement to re- of one million metric tons of the Marketing and Bargaining sume working-level talks to dis- wheat flour to Egypt. When the Act passed in 1972. This law, cuss liberalization of U.S. beef Brussels talks opened, the U.S. promoted by Farm Bureau, per- and orange imports to Japan was still negotiating an offer for mits producers of perishable was reached at a mid-February the subsidized sale of 24,000 fruits and vegetables to bargain meeting between Japan's for- metric tons of butter to Egypt. with processors for price and eign minister, Shintaro Abe, Those sales were expected to be other terms of sale. and U.S. Trade Representative a major area of discord during After about nine years of William Brock. Brock specifi- the talks with EEC representa- litigation, the state Supreme cally asked Japan to expand tives. Court ruled in favor of the pro- quotas for 17 U.S. farm prod- ducers as represented by the ucts. Michigan Agricultural Coopera- In Brussels, trade talks be- tive Marketing Association tween the U.S. and EEC coun- (MACMA)on all counts by a vote tries opened Feb. 10. Purpose of the meeting was to improve 6 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 of 6 - O. This is a precedent- and vegetables is within the the DNR considers P.A. 116 setting decision and will have historically viewed ambit of (recognized as the best farm- nationwide significance. legitimate legislative purpose." land preservation and farm tax The suit against the Agricul- The opinion was written by relief program in the entire U.S.) tural Marketing and Bargaining Justice Ryan, joined by Chief to be a "low priority" program. Board was brought by the Michi- Justice Fitzgerald and Justices If approved, this recommen- gan Canners and Freezers Asso- Kavanaugh, Williams, Levin and dation would stop enrollment of ciation and some individuals on Coleman. new contracts, extensions of three constitutional grounds: The law has proved its effec- P.A. 116 contracts and servic- the act conflicted with federal tiveness in those crops where it ing of present contracts. There legislation, it exceeds the police has been permitted to operate. are now some 8,000 applica- power of the state and the act's In spite of this court victory, tions in the process of being ac- provisions exceed the scope of there are many challenges to cepted. The recommendation its title. the Marketing and Bargaining was to eliminate the qivision by The 28-page decision shot Act including budget cuts and a March 27. Of those 8,000 ap- down each of these claims in a bill that is supposedly being plications, it is obvious that very precise manner. The case prepared by the state Depart- many of them, perhaps thou- was very complex, having been ment of Commerce to repeal sands, could not be completed argued and reargued and re- the act. Commerce Department and those farmers would be manded to the lower court for spokespersons have been dis- denied the benefits of the P.A. further development of a rec- puting farmers' right to bargain 116 contract. ord. It was before the Supreme through P.A. 344 for over a Other serious consequences Court twice during those years. year. would also follow. The new Be- The opinion makes it clear Farm Bureau fought to pass ginning Farmer Loan Program, that the law is "not a price- the law in 1972, fought the known as the Family Farm De- fixing act" and does not control challenge in the courts and will velopment Act, would be af- production. "It is, rather, an continue to fight for continua- fected because in order to enabling act which seeks solely tion of the act. qualify for low cost loans, the to promote the equalization of farm must be in P.A. 116. bargaining power between pro- This is also true of inheri- ducers and processors of per- tance tax as it applies to farm- ishable products," the court P.A. 116 - FB members land. In order to take advantage said. throughout the state responded of the more than one-half cut in "The act is not pre-empted by in large numbers when alerted state inheritance tax, the land the Federal Agricultural Fair through the telephone grid sys- must be in P.A. 116. Present Practices Act and is constitu- tem that P.A. 116 was in danger contracts held by farmers would tional on its face and the provi- of being eliminated. not be affected as the tax re- sions do not exceed the scope During the week of Feb. 7, funds are acted on through the of its title," the court said. the Department of Natural Re- Treasury Department. However, The opinion also states that sources met with the House very often those contracts must " ... legislation designed to en- subcommittee on appropria- be amended for such purposes able the producers of agricul- tions to present their recom- as extension of the contract or tural commodities ... to better mendations for further cuts in changes that are required protect themselves from the un- the department's budget. One through an inheritance situa- fair imposition of prices by pro- of those cuts was the total tion or numerous other servic- cessors and thereby to improve elimination of the division that ing needs. and insure the production and administers P.A. 116, the FB activated the telephone marketing of perishable fruits Farmland and Open Space Pres- grid asking members to contact ervation Act. the DNR administrative office FB staff present at the meet- expressing their concern about ing was shocked to hear that (continued on page 31) RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198:3 7 Double-Duty Bicep. Weed and gross control you can believe in without ton~ mixing. ~ @1983 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Now ... when you're trying for the face apply or preplant incorporate. It's best return and you're looking for every possible way to improve your efficiency ... look to Bicep~ Because safe to corn. It lets you rotate to soy- beans without carryover problems. And for more convenience, Bicep is .~ .... ...... it's the economical herbicide that available in Farm-PakSM bulk. .. so you gives you both control and conve- can cover more ground easily. nience. Bicep gives you long control Now ... when you need efficiency of broadleaf weeds and grasses. and control you can believe in, look Without the trouble of tank mixing. to Bicep. DOUBLE-DUTY And now, when you might want to stay flexible, Bicep lets you either sur- Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div., Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27419. .CEP -- "We challenge other "When individual mem- community groups to bers, through personal 'get involved' before contacts with their leg- laws are passed which islators, bring life to would be a catastrophe issues with their own to both producers and perspective - that's ef- consumers. " fective lobbying." Modern Producers Community Ron Nelson, Legislative Counsel Action Group, Monroe County Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Impact for Farmers ~, YOU Make it nappen By Donna Wilber It was half-time, between policy Last November, r:nembers of The danger of a winning rec- development and policy execu- the Modern Producers Commu- ord lulling team players into tion, and Smith outlined the nity Action Group of Monroe apathy and overconfidence challenges to be met in the County discussed the introduc- causes sports coaches rightful "second-half" of this year's PD- tion of H.B. 6099 in the Michi- concern. They know that the in- PX process. gan Legislature and its poten- clination to relax, let down the "In the Michigan Legislature, tial impact on animal agricul- guard and simply enjoy the 38% of the 110 House mem bers ture. Like Farm Bureau groups heady air on the summit of suc- and 45% of the 38 Senate mem- across the state, the concensus cess can dull the winning edge. bers are new .... It is crucial was that passage of this animal Farm Bureau has written a that all county Farm Bureaus welfare legislation - or any proud record of legislative suc- respond to the challenges we other similar legislation - cesses into its history, building face in 1983 with strong mem- would be disastrous to the in- respect and influence along the ber participation in our organi- dustry. way - and it could be that MFB zation's legislative programs," The difference was - the President Elton R. Smith shared he said. aptly-named Modern Producers the same concerns as big Leading the way in respond- decided to actf league coaches when he com- ing have been county Farm Bu- municated with members in last reau leaders who have illustrat- month's "Rural Route" column. ed that they can "make it hap- pen" by turning the challenges of 1983 into opportunities. 10 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 It- ~ "Rather than being content to "The Modern Producers chal- said. "Congressman Pursell ~ sit by idly and watch such bills lenge other community groups stated that he would rather be enacted into laws, we de- to 'get involved' before laws are have input before a bill is pass- r> cided to get involved," said passed which would be a catas- ed - not after it is too late." ~ Gary Drodt, group chairperson. trophe to both producers and "When the original bill was consumers," he said. "It really ~ FB Policy Basis for withdrawn" we could have easily pays to help your elected offi- Legislative Efforts ..... dropped our effort. Instead, we cials become more familiar with saw this as an opportune time agriculture and the farm Policies are the platform upon ~ to help our state and federal family." which farm Bureau stands and elected officials become better In Jackson County, it was an the basis for all its activities. ,)- informed on the current animal objective of opening communi- That statement, in a few sim- .. husbandry practices used on farms today." cations lines with legislators ple words, describes the firm foundation upon which the or- that prompted farm Bureau ,. Group members extended an leaders to schedule meetings ganization was built yesterday, ~ invitation to state Sen. Norm with Congressman Carl Pursell keeps it strong and viable to- Shinkle, Rep. Jerry Bartnik and and state Rep. Mike Griffin. day, and will maintain it as the It) Rep. Richard Sullivan and Con- Topics discussed included im- voice of agriculture tomorrow. gressman John Dingell, to par- provement of the St. Lawrence While the foundation remains I. ticipate in a tour of four Monroe Seaway, animal welfare, P.A. the same, policies may change County farms. All four accepted 116 and the appointment of the to meet the changing needs of " 11I.1 the invitation. Michigan Department of Agri- changing times. farmer mem- The tour, planned in coopera- culture director. bers, during the latter months ,... tion with the Monroe County Ex- According to Jackson County of 1982 and early 1983, in- tension Service, took place on farm Bureau President Neal vested time, study and creative ~. Jan. 21 and included visits to Sanford, open communications thinking to develop their plat- .. the Johnson Brothers dairy farm in Monroe, the Calvin lines with legislators is vitally form. They are now in the "all its activities" period when con- important to both agriculture ~ Smith 350-head beef cattle op- and to elected officials. certed efforts are put forward to eration in Ida, the Setzler and "When any legislation that af- execute the policies they devel- Sons 76,OOO-chicken egg farm fects the agricultural commu- oped. t"- in LaSalle and the Kreps nity comes up, we want them to One of those major activities Brothers hog farm in Temper- feel free to contact us for our is the Lansing Legislative Sem- ance. reaction and opinion," Sanford inar series, during which farm At the last stop, Larry and " Sue Kreps and other members "- of the Modern Producers Group hosted a reception of the legis- 't lators and local news media. One reporter summed up the value of the group's efforts ., when he told his readers: "Mon- ~ roe County area legislators are opposing the proposed animal -p- rights movement after viewing what they called four efficient and professional livestock ~ farms in the county .... " Drodt said the legislators in- '? dicated that their increased knowledge of animal production practices would put them in a much better position to re- spond to new legislation that • might be introduced in the fu- ~ ture. Monroe County Farm Bureau members Jerry Heck, left, and Aaron Setzler, center, explain potential Impact of animal welfare proposals on their county's farm ~ economy to Congressman John Dlngeli. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 11 Seminars Promote Discussion of Grassroots Issues -- "It is our responsibility to legislative activities. We writing to them; letters will be here. Letting our legisla- farmers can't be here 24 mean more if they know who tors know our opinions is the hours a day - that's why we is writing. As a young couple, least we can do." need people like our legis- we're very concerned about - Verna Walkington lative counsels Al Almy, Bob some of the issues and as Isabella County FB Women's Smith and Ron Nelson to relatively new Farm Bureau Legislative Chairperson make regular contacts." members, we think the leg- - Bill Brewer, Clare County islative area is extremely "We would be in the posi- and FPCBoard Member important. " tion of having laws forced on - Anne Block agriculture without any input "We wanted to meet our leg- Saginaw County Women's if it weren't for Farm Bureau's islators face to face before Committee Member Bureau members from through- "We can provide legislators The major issues discussed out the state travel to Lansing with the cold, hard facts on is- with legislators during this ser- for one-on-one communications sues, Farm Bureau's position on ies of Lansing Legislative Semi- with their state legislators. The those issues, statistics and a nars included the state budget series began in February and general overview of how pro- - Marketing and Bargaining continues through early March posed legislation will impact on Act, Michigan Department of with opportunities for all Farm agriculture. But it is individual Agriculture, Extension Service, Bureau regions to participate. members, relating personally to MSUAg Experiment Station and As if in response to President their legislators how an issue revenue enhancement - Work- Smith's challenge for broad effects their farming operations ers' Com pensation, water member participation in Farm that has the most influence on rights, Uniform Commercial Bureau legislative programs, at- voting decisions. These indi- Code, agricultural commodity tendance and advance registra- vidual farmers bring life to the commissions and health care tion have far surpassed previ- issues and that's effective lob- cost deductions. ous years. bying," Nelson said. In April, Farm Bureau's farmer At the first in the 1983 series, "It's really difficult to commu- lobbyists will focus on the na- members from the Saginaw Val- nicate effectively with someone tional legislative scene when ley region turned out in full you don't know and one of the they travel to Washington, D.C., force, as did representatives values of these seminars is the for their annual mission to con- from all legislative districts. personal relationships that are vince congressmen to support Farm Bureau's lobbyists are developed between the farmers Farm Bureau policy. recognized in both Lansing and and their legislators," he said. Then, in late summer and fall, Washington, D.C., as highly ef- "There is always such a wide they'll begin building their plat- fective, respected, influential variety of commodities repre- form again as the policy devel- representatives for their organi- sented, too, and this makes it a opment process begins. zation, but as Ron Nelson is real educational experience for It's what makes the Farm Bu- quick to point out, it is individ- the legislators." reau world go 'round. ual members who make the greatest impact. 12 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 MFB Statewide Telephone Grid Individual Contact: Keep It Workingl When recommended cuts in legislators had the desired im- maintain their vigilance on this the Department of Natural Re- pact when the proposed crucial issue and continue their sources budget threatened the $90,000 cut was stricken from contacts with the DNR and their future of P.A. 116, the Farmland the recommendation by the Ap- state legislators. and Open Space Preservation propriations Subcommittee. Rep. Lewis Dodak, who serves Act, Farm Bureau members This action was later approved on the House appropriations made their voices heard by the committee as a whole. subcommittee and has led the through the telephone grid However, the fight isn't over fight to save the program, says system. yet. DNR is still insisting that he is hopeful the Senate appro- Calls from farmers through- the division that administers priations subcommittee will not out Michigan to the DNR ad- P.A. 116 be eliminated. Farm accept the DNR recommenda- ministrative office and to state Bureau members are urged to tion. Elimination of this DNR divi- sion would halt enrollment of new contracts in the program ...... and effect the 8,000 applica- tions which have not yet been recorded and fully approved. It would also badly hinder the ad- ministration of the Beginning Farmer Loan Program. (For fur- ther details, see Legislative Review on pages 6 and 7.) Farm Bureau's telephone grid system is used when a major issue arises which needs im- mediate member action. Calls are made to the 12 MFB re- gional representatives who, in turn, call designated leaders in their counties. These leaders are responsible for calling com- mittee and community action group officers. With each call, a message is given and a request for action is made. Within a matter of hours, hundreds of calls and letters can be on the way to lawmakers or other decision-makers. ,. Top photo: Verna Walkington of Isabella County and Dale Kettler of Saginaw County share concerns with Rep. Lewis Dodak (right). Opposite: Face to face meetings en- courage follow-up communication says Anne Block of Saginaw County. She and her husband, Mike, talk with Rep. Colleen Engler (center). Contacts made at the seminar were put to work when the MFB telephone grid was Initiated to oppose P.A. 116 program cuts. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 1.3 Commenting that cisions for the future of their Recognizing the contributions strong leadership, industry by striving for a of local volunteer efforts in ac- willing to make hard thorough understanding of complishing the goals of the or- decisions based on the goals of the organization ganization, the farm Bureau of- economic realities, as determined by members ficers participated in a three- is needed to bring in the policy development hour workshop designed to pro- Michigan out of its eco- process. He also urged them to vide them with new methods for nomic decline, MfB President renew their commitment to the working with volunteers more Elton R. Smith reminded nearly farm Bureau organization as effectively. Workshop presentor, 200 leaders of county farm Bu- the farmers' most effective tool reaus in Michigan that decisions for social, economic and legisla- in the agricultural sector will tive action. be equally difficult and will re- "No organization spends quire strong leadership and a more time, more money or strong farm Bureau organiza- places more emphasis on devel- tion to speak for farmers. oping policy at the grassroots "Who shall decide the future than farm Bureau," Smith em- for farmers?" Smith asked phasized. "As leaders in farm those attending the 1983 MfB Bureau, you can be proud of the Presidents' Conference at flint, job you're doing." feb. 10-11. He reaffirmed his During the two days of the belief that farmers, not con- conference, the county leaders sumers, agribusiness or finan- attended general sessions and ciers, can best determine what workshops which would assist is needed to improve economic them in fulfilling their commit- conditions for agriculture. ment to offering the county "What would happen If volunteers In He urged county leaders to be farm Bureau organization their Farm Bureau went on strike?" Dr. Mike Kollvosky asked Presidents' involved in making positive de- best efforts during the year of Conference participants. His presenta- programs and activities ahead. tion focused on the contributions of volunteers and the need to recognize what motivates volunteerlsm In Farm Bureau. 14 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 i: I .. Dr. Michael Kolivosky, dean of continuing education at Hills- dale College, reminded the county presidents and execu- I ,..~. tive committes that "lone wolf leadership does not work." l~ To lead effectively, he told I , ... I them, goals must be communi- cated clearly, volunteers must I • be able to see the value of their I ~_ contributions to the project and must be involved by inviting their suggestions in planning. The evening speaker, John I A Datt, administrative director of the AFBF Washington offices and federation secretary, told the audience of farm leaders that federal spending controls, Social Security reform and in- Serious talk about farm legislative issues followed the Feb. 10 evening program. ternational trade Issues will be CounLy FB officers listen closely as AFBF secretary and administrative director of among the federation's priority Washington offices, John Datt replies to a question from Cal Lubbers, Allegan County Farm Bureau vice president. issues in the 98th Congress. Support for Farm Bureau poli- cies on federal marketing or- action committees to make de- Whether you are appearing ders, the dairy program, Pay- cisions about which candidates before a local civic group, in a ment-In-Kind and farm credit to support, but that endorse- county Farm Bureau meeting or will represent major legislative ment must be accompanied by in front of television cameras, .. challenges for Farm Bureau, he involvement in the candidate's the worst advice you can re- ,. said. campaign," he said. ceive is to just be yourself, The importance of people The varied program was AFBF director of information, power was the focus of a dis- rounded out with a 90-minute Pat Batts, told them. The key to cussion conducted by political session geared toward brushing successful communications is campaign insiders Spencer .up the communications skills of to be well prepared, well inform- Abraham, founder and presi- the Farm Bureau leaders. ed and aware of your message dent of Campaign Management and how you will deliver it. Systems, former state Sen. Through a series of videotaped Robert Young and MFB AgriPac examples, Batts demonstrated Chairperson John Laurie. The how to use all of the com- panel members reviewed events munications tools available. and attitudes that impacted the Closing the conference was 1982 political campaign, em- Laurie Isley, 1982 MFB Discus- phasizing the Importance of sion Meet winner. The Lenawee manpower resources as well as County young farm woman told Yr those at the conference that financial contributions In a suc- cessful campaign. their Farm Bureau organization Winning political campaigns at the county, state and na- cannot be bought, Abraham tional level was "something to stressed. "It is vital for political be proud of." She expressed her "Use all the communications tools faith in the talents of the Farm available - your voice, your facial Bureau people and the strength expression and your appearance - to deliver your message," AFBF Director of the Farm Bureau organiza- ,.. ... of Information Pat Batts advised, tion to keep our nation's agri- "but most important be well- culture the best in the world. informed and well-prepared." RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 15 FRONT 8l. CENTER Cbeap credit Is not tbe solution to tbe problems tbat currently confront agricul- ture, an AFBF spokesperson told a House agriculture subcommittee recently. FB is opposing pending legislation which would provide a moratorium on foreclosures and a mandatory defer- ral of payments on principal and interest on FmHA loans. FmHA should do the maximum to lessen the difficulties, but should not attempt to stop the economic adjustment process that must occur if American agriculture is to return to long-term health and prosperity, the FB spokesperson testified. According to the USDA, less than 5% of the nation's farmers are facing significant financial problems. The FmHA foreclosed on less than three-tenths of one percent of its borrowers in 1982. The FB testimony also made the point that FmHA could better serve farmers if it did not have to spend so much time and money on its non-farm programs. MFBPresident Elton R. Smltb recently met wltb USDAofficials to outline FB's policy on tbe dairy situation. He told them that FB favors a price support system that is ad- , justed according to net government purchases of dairy products and opposes any producer assessment plan. FB will support legislation that gives the secretary of agriculture authority to set the dairy price support level between 60% and 90% of parity according to the amount of net purchases made by the federal government. AgriCom Is now available to all members. Regular FB members can now choose from five different options and associate members can subscribe to any of three options. (See ad on page 35 of this issue for description of options and costs.) These options were outlined for members attending a series of AgriCom information and demonstration meetings in early February, and will also be on the agenda at Discovery '83, scheduled for March 9-11 in Flint. Mlcblgan farmers bave tbe "Rlgbt to Farm" and soon tbey may also bave tbe "Rlgbt to Water." Legislation currently being drafted would recognize the unique water needs of the agricultural industry and has many similarities to the Right to Farm Act passed in 1981. The same theory applies that agriculture does have some unique needs to maintain a viable in- dustry. It also calls on farmers to use acceptable management practices and suggests that the MDA draft policy guidelines following the same pattern as the Right to Farm Act. Wltb Increased empbasls on legislative activities during tbe annual MFBWasblng- ton Legislative Seminar, April 5-8, briefing sessions to help prepare legislative leaders for their assignments have been scheduled. Priority issues and FB's position on these issues will be discussed and a spokesperson will be elected for each congressional district. Burryl Tbere may stili be time to sign up for Discovery '831 If you have received your information booklet, send your registration forms in today for this management/ business/ personal skill-building seminar for farm families, March 9-11, Flint Hyatt Regency. Cost for the complete three-day seminar, including lodging and most meals, is $175, and $150 for the sec- ond member of the same family. If you have not requested the information booklet but are in- terested, call 517-323-7000, ext. 507. A $10 late registration fee charged after March 1. Many county FRs are planning ag understanding activities during March and early April, including several mall displays: Copper Country at the Copper Country Mall, March 5-6; Kent Ottawa, Barry, Allegan and Ionia at the North Kent Mall, Grand Rapids, March 10-12; Jackson at the Westwood Mall, Jackson, March 17-19; Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Midland, Saginaw and Tuscola at the Fashion Square Mall, Saginaw, March 17-20; Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana at the Muskegon Mall, April 8-9. Rural-urban banquets are planned by Montcalm on March 12, Osceola on March 19 and Branch on March 24. County Women's Committees that will honor Ag Day babies include Muskegon, Kent, Mecosta and Hiawathaland. Tuscola County will distribute placemats featuring local farmers to area restaurants. Payment-In-Kind may bode well for farmers In reducing excess stocks of wbeat and feed grains, but tbe program bas critical Implications for farm suppliers. That was the message directed to dealers across the state in a recent series of meetings conducted by Farm Bureau Services. No less than 100% farmer support for supply needs and marketing ser- vices will be needed to maintain local farm supply dealers, FBS advises. 16 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 LETTERS TO RURAL LIVING , . .~ PIK Article Corrected, ducer may participate in the PIK Feeding tbe Hungry Program Explained program for only one crop and (~dltor's Note: Sharon Steffens, .... may participate for only one I want to compliment you for Kent County Farm Bureau Infor- farm if he has several farms." mation Committee chairperson ... including an explanation (Agri- There is no cross com pliance and member of the county's ... nomic Update) of the Payment- between farms or between Project AIM Committee, sent the in-Kind (PIK) program in the crops. This means the farmer following editorial which ap- .. ; February edition of Rural Living. has complete flexibility. He can peared in the Feb. 2, 198.3 issue This is a most important pro- enroll all crops on one farm and of the Grand Rapids Press.) gram and farmers need to un- none on another; or in wheat on derstand it. However, there are A welcome gleam of humanity one farm and corn on another; errors in the article which must cut through the winter's dark or any other possible combina- be corrected. economic hardships ... when tion. The article indicates that "ac- Kent County farmers easily met As I said, this program is very cording to USDAa farmer can- their goal of food donations for flexible and will be adapted dif- not do both the bidding to di- the needy. The drive was part of ferently for each farmer and vert his whole crop acreage may fit differently on each of a campaign (Project AIM - Agri- base and sign up to divert from his farms. For this reason, I culture Involved in Michigan) 10% to 30% of his crop under which has been gathering up strongly urge every farmer to PIK." This is a misunderstand- learn about the program and foodstuffs statewide in gener- ing of how the program works. how it works from his local ous amounts. A farmer CAN enroll in both the ASCSoffice. I would also sug- There is a special irony in the 10% to 30% PIK and submit a situation. On the whole, Michi- gest, if possible, that the farmer whole base bid, if desired. That gan farmers themselves, like make use of a computerized is, a farmer may sign one con- analysis service such as offered their brethren elsewhere, have tract for the 10% to 30% PIK. been struggling. They've borne by AgriCom or others because it This will be automatically ac- the brunt of lower food prices, will save him many hours of cepted regardless of whether or and high interest rates on past paperwork. not he submits a whole base contracts have put many of After making a thorough bid or if any whole base bids them out of business. Even a study and analysis, the farmer are to be accepted in the coun- superlative growing year, for can decide how best to utilize ty. PIK for his crops and farm. many crops, has worked to their If the farmer also submits a disadvantage, producing large PIK is an opportunity to be whole base bid and it is ac- harvests which could not be part of the solution instead of cepted by the county ASCS sold during the worldwide re- the problem. committee, it then cancels the cession. first contract for the 10% to William Spike, Chairperson Last Saturday's (Jan. 29, 30% PIK. Michigan Agricultural Stabiliza- 1983) AIM drive in Kent County Another area of confusion tion and Conservation Service was the statement that "a pro- (continued on page .3.3) FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- Stanwood raises potatoes. cash crops Jan. 24 - Elmer Klachik. 49, a fruit t sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance and cattle on 2.800 acres with his grower and beef farmer in the Northport Group and the Michigan Farm Radio brothers. He is secretary and past chair- area. farms 375 acres with his son. Kal- h- Network. honors Michigan farmers for person of the Potato Growers of Michi- chik serves on the Parish Council of his their contributions to the community gan and represents Michigan as a dele- church, is a VFW member, a Northwest ..~ and the agriculture Industry. Five gate to the Potato Marketing Associa- Michigan FB member and a past mem- farmers were honored in January 1983: tion of North America . ber of the Northport School Board. • Jan. 3 - James Wilson. 55. of Mar- Jan. 17 - Edward Hebeler. 59. of Jan. 31 - Chester Petzold. 35. oper- • lette farms 560 acres and milks 60 Montrose operates a 2oo-acre dairy ates a 258-acre dairy and cash crop cows in partnership with his son. Wilson farm with the help of his family. He farm near Vassar. He is a life member ~) is active In his church. served on the served as president of the New Lothrop of St. Paul Lutheran Church In Milling- 4-H Council for many years. and is a School Board for eight years, is a ton. serving as church trustee and on "" member of the Sanilac County FB. the Chesaning Farmers Co-op board mem- the church finance committee. and is a MMPA and DHIA. ber. is active in his church. is a Saginaw Tuscola County FB member. County FB member and was named Out- Jan. 10 - Duane Cranney. 36. of standing Farmer of Saginaw County . ..r-::=-:-:--:-:-: __ ------------L.----------------L--------------~ 17 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198:3 ([ount!!j}tWSlttttr News and Information from Michigan's County Farm Bureaus Leaders Urge Involvement in Farm Bureau, Commu.nity Farmers Can't Afford Important Goals: More Support, LessComplaints Not to IGet Involved' By Dan Berg, Newsletter Editor and legislative seminars with our Charlevoix County Farm Bureau state lawmakers . .iA By Jim Gribbel/, President An excellent goal we as Farm Bu- Here lies the problem, not how Mac-Luce County Farm Bureau reau members can set for 1983 is to many we can pack in one car or who -1i We are farming in the greatest support our organization more and will drive, but can we find at least ... country on earth. American farmers complain less. If we are to be pro- one person to go? Board members have more opportunity, more free- gressive, it takes all of us working mention several names of people in ~ dom and produc;e more food than together. It only takes a little effort our community action groups. These, farmers anywhere .in the world. from each member to make our or- people are contacted but all de- ~ While we are enjoying these bene- ganization strong - if the little ef- cline. Then we go around the table. " fits we must be alert to those who fort is a positive one. Can any board member go? No. would take the good life away. We all are concerned about the "Well how about you, Tom, can you ~ When MI-OSHA and OSHA rules low commodity prices and higher go?" Out comes Tom's trusty little ~ and regulations put employers out production costs, along with taxes. pocket date book. "No, I can't go. of business, when the cost of However, if all we do about it is I've got two other meetings on that _ workers' compensation is so high complain, we'll never solve even the date!" And so usually goes the con- that employers carinot hire needed simplest problem. We must be will- versation . .t. work done, when the minimum wage ing to act on our own behalf and on What this article boils down to is .t law prevents hiring a man so that he behalf of the group. this. I will do better serving the may feed his family, then we have During recent meetings, the Char- members of Farm Bureau if they in ~ already lost some of our freedoms. levoix County Farm Bureau Board of turn will try to help the board on oc- The time has come when no farm- Directors has had the opportunity to casion. All of these meetings are er can afford to stand back and not send various people to meetings beneficial to the person attending so .. "get involved." Now is the time to around the state. These meetings let's join together and present a get in there and start working. have been on such topics as stress united front of farmers working for -4 A good way to begin is by signing management, computers, tax law farmers. your neighbor up in the Farm Bu- reau. Then let's get them working. A new Congress is in place - let's Young Farmers Must Get Involved work with an organized effort through Farm Bureau to preserve By Mark Smuts, Chairperson of the Michigan Farm Bureau. and even gain back some of the MFB Young Farmer Committee Farm Bureau is looking for farm- . fr~edoms we have lost. What is a Young Farmer? Who is a ers who are not satisfied with things T Young Farmer? As I was riding in my as they are, but always looking for truck on my way to, yes another ways to improve. By improving per- ( A Few Good Farmers meeting, these two questions struck sonal goals and values, Young my mind. Yes, I have been called a Farmers will improve our organiza- -I Sti II Needed Young Farmer numerous times, but tion. How? By becoming involved in 'f By Dick Wieland, Antrim County what is the real answer? any Farm Bureau activity whether it Membership Drive Chairperson A Young Farmer is not just a be a contest, an information meet- « We still need some good farmers farmer under the age of 30 (for he is ing, a mall display, a gym night, a oj to join Farm Bureau - to help pre- much more). He or she is a farmer legislative seminar, a county annual, serve the quality of life in rural who wants to be the best in their etc. Involvement is the key to im- .. Michigan. They should know about community at what they do. They provement. an organization that shares many of are not only involved in the farm You cannot sit back on the out- -1 their goals. Together we're working operation - it is a part of their life. side and just hope things will get., to keep Michigan's countryside A Young Farmer is also one who is better. You must become involved. green and growing. We want agricul- never satisfied .. with the produc- Are you a part of your county Young i ture, Michigan's most stable indus- tion of his best cow ... or his best Farmers? Are you becoming involv- try, to continue to provide a solid corn yield .. or his best sow litter ed? Are you telling others about the ., base for Michigan's economy. . or whatever it might be. A Young great programs we have to offer in ~ I urge you to go out and sign up Farmer can always do it better. Farm Bureau? It is up to you be- your neighbor as a Farm Bureau That is exactly why the Young cause YOU make it happen! member. Farmer groups are such a vital part :+v Be Sure Your Family is Protected Do you have protection in case of $600 maximum and 30% of the doc- Young Farmers Promote Navy Beans By Mildred Oeschger, Editor illness? Have you looked at the cost tors' reasonable charges. There is no Huron County FB Newsletter ~{or just one hospitalization? Farm Catastrophic Master Medical with In an effort to promote sales of Bureau has three group plans through this plan. navy beans, the Huron County Young Blue Cross Blue Shield that should People on Medicare can get Com- Farmer Committee, in cooperation provide a coverage suited to your plementary coverage through the with the Huron County Bean Growers needs and pocketbook. Comprehensive or Econo plans at a Association and the Pigeon Cooper- The Comprehensive plan pays reduced rate that will help fill the ative Elevator, spent several days ). hospitalization costs, doctors' rea- deductibles and co-pays of Medi- last month in the Traverse City area. sonable charges and has Catastroph- care and even extend some cover- The project began when Ted Leip- ~ic Master Medical that pays doctors' ages. prandt, manager of the Pigeon Co- office calls, prescription drugs, etc., For details on the plans available operative Elevator, contacted Mc- on a $100 per person, $200 per fami- and information on how to get cov- Donald's Food and Family Center, , Iy deductible, co-pay plan. erage through the FB group, contact Bad Axe, in an effort to sell The Dimension III plan gives cov- the county secretary. 25-pound bags of navy beans. The ...erages with a $250 per person, $500 Members currently enrolled in manager of the local store sug- per family deductible and 20/80% BCBS through the FB group should gested that Leipprandt contact Spar- . co-pay up to $1,000 co-pay each contact the county secretary be- tan store officials to see about a year. This plan also has a $3 drug tween March 1 and 15 to request statewide promotion. Leipprandt rider. certain changes in their health care followed through and the week's The low cost Econo plan is coverage. Any requests received promotion was carried out at two 30/70% co-pay in which you pay from current subscribers during this Spartan stores in Traverse City . .. 30% of each hospitalization up to time will be effective May 20. These are pilot stores used as a test market within the Spartan chain. If bean sales are promising, they will be sold in 25-pound bags in FB Women Offer Scholarship to MSU Students Spartan stores throughout the state. Farm Bureau members or their the county secretary or by writing: children attending Michigan State MFB Women's Department, ..p.O. _University should be aware of the Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Planning and Zoning Marge Karker-Farm Bureau Scholar- The scholarship was developed in ship program sponsored by the MFB 1966 to honor Marge Karker, who Commissioner Training Women's Committee. Up to S600 served as coordinator of MFB Training sessions for planning and will be awarded to one, two or three women's activities for 20 years. zoning commissioners are being of- students who meet the qualifica- fered by the Michigan Society of tions. All students who qualify will Planning Officials (MSPO) and Mich- I be interviewed for the scholarship. igan State University. To be eligible, students must: The basic training program will be -Be from an FB family (or, if 21 or offered March 7-17 in Kalamazoo, older, have their own membership). Tax Bill Too HighJ Ann Arbor, Manistee, Gaylord, Esca- -Demonstrate financial need. naba and Sault Ste. Marie. This pro- You Can Appeal! - Be studying agriculture, food gram is designed to orient new com- • science, food marketing, ag leader- Did you receive your property tax missioners and update the more ex- ship, ag journalism, food packaging, notice recently? Do you think your perienced in statutory and other horticulture, agricultural technolo- property is assessed unfairly? If so legal requirements for effective gy, veterinary medicine, pre-medi- then you can appeal to the board of planning and zoning. cal, nursing, medical technology, review, and if the board of review A one-day program focusing on vocational agricultural education or does not change your assessment, discretionary decision making pro- human ecology education. you may appeal the decision to the cesses in local zoning is designed to - Have attended MSU for three state tax tribunal. For a copy of the meet the needs of the more advanc- terms (or one year for students in 1983 property tax calendar and a ed planning/zoning commissioner. It agricultural technology). summary of the tax tribunal rules will be held at the Kellogg Center in -Have a grade point average of and regulations, write Michigan East Lansing on April 18. 2.6 or higher. . Farm Bureau Local Affairs Depart- For more information write MSPO The application deadline is March ment, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, at P.O. Box 18187, Lansing, Mich. 10. Applications are available from Mich. 48909. 48901 or call 517-484-3333. FAR M. BUR E A U MAR K ET P LAC E . FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS Wanted: ~teel wheels for SC Case or RC Top quality poultry at reasonable Jllllking Shorthorns: Young bulls. LEE Jeans. factory oullet work Case tractor. Phone 517-224-.3064. prices. Chicks for eggs. meat or novelty. yearlings and calves for sale. Write or clothes. shoes. Bargains on new shirts (2-3t-13p) Also Guineas. Goslings. Ducks. Turkeys. visit Stanley M. Powell and Family. In- (low as $4.95). Lee Jackets. boots. Picture brochure 50(. Country Hatchery. gleside Farm. Route 2. 3248 Powell Hwy .. gloves. coveralls. Send $ 1.00 for cata- . Wanted: New Idea single or narrow row Wewoka. Oklahoma 74884. (I-6t-24p-ts) Ionia. Mich. 48846. (I Q-6t- I 2p) log. SARA GLOVE CO.. 16 Cherry Ave .. corn picker. Will pay cash. Phone 517- Dieterle Corrledales "give shear plea- Dept. C-95. Waterbury. CT 06704 . .c 523-2803. evenings. (7-8t-14p-ts) (2-5t-34p-ts) sure:' Four bred ewes. choice of nock. farrowing Stall. - All steel $154.32. 313-429-7874. (I-2t-12p) CEDAR fence posts. any size. Rustic ... Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump round rail sections. Log homes. Rapid rail. Weighs 196 Ibs. Free literature. Starr Corrledale sheep breeding stock. 3 I 3- River Rustic Cedar Log Homes and Fenc- National. 219 Main. Colchester. IL 429-7874. (1-12t-5p) NURSERY STOCK Ing. Rt. 3. Ensign. Rapid River. Mich ... 62326.309-776-3446. (3-24p-ts) free catalog. wholesale prices. Reds. 49878.1-906-474-6427. (2-1 1t-27p-m) Ford 50 I seven foot. 3 point sickle Cornish Cross. Barred Rocks. White Wanted: Yellow currant bushes. Ray nand crafted caps. scarves. shawls bar mower - $700.313-483-3492. Rocks. Sexllnks. Leghorns. Turkeys. E. Blakeslee. Oakley. Michigan 48649. and baby shawls. Phone 616-793-9092. (3-2t-9p) Ducks. Reich Poultry Farms. RD I. Mariet- (3-3t-19p) (3-2t-8p) '" ta. Pennsylvania 17547. (I-6t-2 I pots) for Sale: Two'row self propelled car- free fruit Catalog. Color catalog with nigh Electric BlIIsl Something wrong? rot harvester. Excellent condition. Phone Bantams - I" breeds. Black Silkies. 82 strawberry varieties. plus all other Check wiring and equipment without ... 6 I 6-834-5253. (3-2t-14p) White Silkies. Golden Sebrlghts. Sliver fruits. Write for free copy. Grower since using meters or Instruments. Step by Sebrlghts. Cochlns. Cornish. Araucanas Wanted: Damaged or burned trac- 1837. Dean Foster Nurseries. Rt. 2. Dept. step Instruction booklet details how In and others. Also standard and rare breed tors and equipment not worth repairing. RL-C3 Hartford. Michigan 49057. 616- non-technical terms. Send $1.00 fo~ .. chickens. Free catalog. Grain Belt 5 17-523-2803. evenings. (3-12t-12p) 621-2419. (3-2t-28p-k-ts) "Trouble Shooting Your Electric Bill:' Hatchery. Box 125-6. Windsor. Missouri Practical Publications. P.O. Box 493. Wanted - :l8.lnch International 65360. (I -6t-32p-ts) Watertown. WI 53094. (3-2t-41 pots) threshing machine. also John Deere. Purebred - service age Yorkshire New Idea or IHC manure spreader. John Looking for a unique ellperlencel Ex- L boars and gilts. Richard Cook. Mulliken. Spezla. Leonard. Mich. 48038. 3 I 3- 5 I 7-649-8988. (3-2t- I I p) FOR nOMEMAKERS perlence our "Over Night Covered Wagon 628-4147. (3-2Ip) Trains:' Ride through beautifully wood- Antique Tractor Book.1 "EWI "John Club Lalmb Sale: 125 Suffolk wethers. ed trails. leaving Friday nights and re- r 40 Surrolk ewes. 15 Suffolk rams. April SAVEl JIIake Your Own I Frozen hash- turning Saturday mornings. Reserve Deere Tractors 1918-1976," 75 illustra- browns. tater tots. french frlesl Com- 30. 1983. 12:00 noon. George Buckham. dates for July or other scheduling by ar- tions. serial numbers. 54 pages - $6.95. plete. easy. Instructions. $ I .00. Hamil- 616-375-7676 and Fred Buckham. 616- rangement. Group rates and families "Power Farming with Greater Prorlts," tons. Box 652- I 3 I. New Ulm. Minn. 679-5544, (3-2t-23p) preferred. For Information and/or reser- originally published In 1937 to celebrate 56073. (3-20p-ts) vations call 906-586-9591 . (3-2t.48p) John Deere's I OOth anniversary. hun- Registered Polled nerdord heifers. dreds of photos of tractors. Implements. Victor Domino. Lamplighter bloodlines. Sausage maker •• greatl German rec. For Sale - Certified Bowers Barley. speclncatlons. 112 pages - $8.95. eight months. Large selection. Centen- Ipes. no nltratesl Frankfurters. sum- "Michigan's highest yielder for high . "John Deere Advertising Book," covers nial Cloverdale Farm. Sam. Kirk Catey. mer. bologna. headcheese. venison and moisture grain:' Clare Ash. Garden. years 1889 to 1940. tractors. machinery. Grand Ledge. 5 17-627-6248. (3-2t-2 I p) pork sausagel $ I .00. Hamlltons. Box Mich. 49835. Phone 906-644-2169. Illustrated. 36 pages. $4.95. SPECIALI 652-131. New Ulm. Minn. 56073. (3-2t-17p).a Grade Itolstelns - 17 strong. fancy (3-20p-ts) Complete above library - three quality helrers due MarCh-April with records on Barley Seed. Bowers and Morex varie- softcover books - $18.95 postpaid. Dia- dams up to 20.500 Ibs. milk. Bred to son Prize Winning Reclpel Caramel corn. ties. Donald Keinath. 675 E. Akron Road. mond Farm Book Publishers. Dept. MFN. of 27.000 lb. dam. Tested. ready to easy. fun. economical. $ I .00. SASE. Caro. Michigan 48723. Telephone 517- 80x 537. Alexandria Bay. NY 13607. move. George Robb. Fowlerville. Phone Drawer 180. 3645-28th St. S.E.. Grand 673-421 I. (3-15p) (3-3t- 75p-ts) 5 I 7-223-9462. (3-3 I p) Rapids. M149508. (2-3t-20p) Well bred .prlnglng nol.teln helf. er •• Byron Waddell. 5 I 7-543-34 I 5. (3-8p) REAL ESTATE LIVESTOCK nog Book.1 Book," on-the-farm "Pig Farmers Veterinary prevention. symp- MISCELLANEOUS toms. treatments. 176 pages. 'dlagnosls Wanted - Farm •• buslne.ae •• lak~, FIlEE - Five free cblcks with each chart' - $ I 7.95. "The Sow - Improving propertle. In upper Thumb area. Write Wby Ole Wltbout a Wllll Two legal order. Raise chickens (also Bantams and Her Errlclency," revised edition. 310 or call United Farm llt Business Brokers. "will forms" and easy Instructions. Only Ducks) for meat and eggs. We shIp parcel pages. 40 photos. 30 diagrams - 1764 M-24. Caro. Mich. 48723. Phone . $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- post all 50 states. Send for big. free pic- $22.95. "Pig Housing," 32-page 'blue- 5 I 7-673-6888. (3-3t-24p-ts) Company. 80x 752-MF. Pryor. OK 74361. ture catalog. Shows over 35 rare. exotic print' section housing. equipment. 222 (I-6t-22p-ts) For Sale - Inveatment and Income and standard breeds. 25 chicks as low as pages - $ I 8.95. SpeCIALI Above three $6.95; 50 for $8.95; 100 for $13.95; fob. Clinton Hatchery. Inc .• 80x 548-81. Clin- hardcover hog library - $59.85 value for $48.95 postpaid. Diamond Farm Save ."00: Cookware. elltra 19 piece stainless steel sold through In- heavy propertyl excellent 30 acres - blueberry farm In producing condition. Home- packing shed - Irrigation equipment and -t ton. Missouri 64735. phone 816- Book Publishers. Dept. MFN. 80x 537. home demonstration at $595. Now avail- pond - farm machinery. Phone 616- 885-8500. (2-3t-6 I pots) Alexandria Bay. NY 13607. (3-3t-63p-ts) able direct only $189.95. Only 100 sets 924-0229. Maxson's Blueberry Farm. ( from bankruptcy. Order now to avoid 6540 W. 92nd St .. Fremont. Mich. 494 I 2. disappointment. 100% rdund Ir return- (~-3t-3Ip) ed within 10 days unused In original con- dition. Send check. money order. Visa or Three bedroom modular manufac--4 Mastercard number and expiration date. tured In 1979 by Active nome •• used Yankee Trader. 4600 Stein Road. Ann Ar- as summer residence. Excellent condi- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY bor. Mich. 48 I 05. $ I for brochure. tion. Must be sold and moved to settle (12-6t-65p-ts) estate. Price $21.300 Includes set up on your foundation. For particulars: Penta. < Book Salel nardcover ••• 1.00 eacbl Members pay 10ft per word for non-commerlcal ads and 15ft per 2395 Williams Road. Petoskey. Mich. Over 400 titles: nctlon. western. mys- word for ads which promote a commercial business other than ag- 49770. ( I I -6t-38p) '[ tery. Chlldren's series books and clas- riculture. All other advertisers pay 20ft per word for one Insertion sics. Two 2Q-cent stamps for list. Glenn Party Store - 1982 gross $220.000. Smith. 80x 15 I 3. Akron. Ohio 44309. Comes equipped. Beer. wine license. 1'/ • .( and 15ft per word for two or more consecutive Insertions. (2-2t-28p-ts) acres. $350.000 - $ I 00.000 down. Land The deadline for advertisements Is the first Monday of tbe contract. Sill Cabin •• Lalkdront nome montb preceding publication and the publisher has the right neat your home forever with four - good condition. on Lake Huron. Has acres of hybrid poplar. As little as 15' good possibilities. Owner retiring. to reject any advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre- each. Cold Stream Farm. 2030T Free Soli $ I 35.000. Land contract. Eight LaIne .. paid and may be pre-paid up to one year In advance. Please In- Road. Free Soli. Mich. 49411-9752. Bowling Alley - Good two bedroom (2-3t-26p-ts) furnished home. 1982 gross $55,000. dicate If you are a farm Bureau member. It Is the responsibility of Comes equipped. Retiring seller orrers~ the advertiser to re-insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by- Knapp Shoe. - the original cushion for $239.000 - $100.000 down. Land shoe •• Sizes A - EEr:E. John V. Soye. year basis. contract. Above properties shown by ap- Your Shoe Counselor. 415 N. Main St .. Send ads to Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mlcb. pointment only. Call United Farm llt Busl- . Capac. Michigan 48014. Phone 3 I 3- ness Brokers at 517-673-6888. 48909. No ads will be taken over tbe pbone. 395-7661. (2-4t-23p) (3-3t- 7 I pots) -------------------------------------------------------------------~ 120 RURAL LIVING. MARCH 19831 Fabulous Food Friends By Connie Turbin for many years TV personality Art Linkletter put youngsters and their unlikely questions in the spotlight with his program feature, "Kids Say the Darnedest Things!" Viewers enjoyed hilarious moments of "truth" as revealed by Linkletter's candid young guests. In their attempts to make sense of the mysterious adult world, youngsters frequently display an uncanny, and often humorous, ability to simply call 'em as they see 'em. "That certainly applies to the questions school age children have asked farm Bureau volunteers in classrooms around the RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 21 country," says Marsha Herndon, According to Herndon, get- pation in classroom enrichment -"'1 American Farm Bureau coordi- ting basic information about activities, such as currently of- nator for women's programs, modern agricultural practices fered by ag lesson teams in ~ who visited Michigan recently to and providing related enrich- Michigan . conduct agricultural lesson ment experiences to K-12 stu- The Michigan program utilizes .. workshops for Farm Bureau vol- dents is a project receiving spe- a basic study guide for teach- .l.t unteers. cial emphasis in the 1983 Farm ers, offers a slide show presen- "As an example," she says, Bureau Women's program. tation and involvement of local ~ "there's the old stand-by about To date, state coordinators agricultural producers in the .lj chocolate milk from brown for agricultural lesson activities classroom discussion and as cows, but ag lesson volunteers have been identified in 1.3state hosts for on-farm visits. in Maryland didn't anticipate Farm Bureaus. Program involve- .... ~ the youngster who wanted to ment ranges from study guide know how a pig lays bacon." assistance to volunteer partici- State Farm Bureaus I .. J Adapt Mlcblgan Program The full-color slide-show pre- '" sentation, first developed by the Michigan Farm Bureau in 1975 for use by Farm Bureau t"" Women in Speakers' Bureau ,t' teams, has been the pattern for similar classroom presentations AI in California and Illinois. 4 In California, using an adap- tation of the Michigan script .c.. and slides, Farm Bureau Women have been successful in reach- ing more than 34,000 students .,.. in urban San Francisco, as well as in other major population "'/ centers of the state . ... "The Michigan scripting of the 'Fabulous Food Machine' ........ was particularly adaptable to .;- the California ag lesson project," says Herndon, "be- -I cause both states have a very diversified agriculture, produc- ..( ing a wide variety of fruits and ~ vegetables, as well as dairy, livestock and grain." "',,,;, In 1982, the Michigan slide 11 presentation was revised and re-titled "Fabulous Food ..-, "' i ~ Marsha Herndon, AFBF women's coordinator, discusses the successful adaptation of the Michigan slide show, "Fabulous Food Friends," In other states with Vivian ~... Lott, MFB Women's Committee member. The Michigan slide presentation features farm and animal scenes photographed on the Lott farm In Ingham County. ~tl ~ 22 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198:3 ~ Friends." The new program was successful experiences or prob- and texts relating to agriculture introduced during a series of lems with other ag lesson in the classroom. The task statewide training workshops teams is an important aspect of force, she said, is compiling a for county Farm Bureau volun- the project. resource guide for educators teers in Michigan. Although the In February, two workshops that will identify reference project is sponsored by the were held to bring ag lesson books for background informa- Michigan Farm Bureau Women, teams and new volunteers tips tion, textbooks and study volunteers from the total coun- on presentation, resources and guides specifically on modern ty organization were encour- information about on-going day agriculture for use in the aged to participate in the agri- projects in other state Farm Bu- classroom. cultural lessons project. reaus. The USDAguide, she report- "Sharing an accurate picture The workshops at Saginaw ed, is expected to be released of modern agriculture and farm (Feb. 3) and Battle Creek (Feb. soon. life with students can be a very 4) also included an update of Concurrently, an AFBF review rewarding volunteer activity," animal care issues, and a review of agricultural information is says Helen Atwood, manager of of the work of the USDATask being conducted. Members of women's activities for MFB and Force on Agriculture in the the seven-mem ber staff com- coordinator of the ag lessons Classroom. project in Michigan. She points out that the project is mutually beneficial for farmers and edu- cators. "With school budgets under severe constraints, a well- planned program offering an educational enrichment oppor- tunity for students in the class- room is particularly welcome," says Atwood. In addition, Farm Bureau vol- unteers can offer assistance to teachers in planning agricultur- ... - ally related study units or by suggesting and cooperating in learning projects for students in social science or science classes. These efforts, she says, Ag lesson volunteers, Bonnie Gazdag (front) and Linda VanMlddlesworth of provide an opportunity for ex- Kalamazoo County, picked up tips on classroom presentation and suggestions change between the farming for promoting the ag lessons project In their county's urban schools. community and educators and reinforce the reputation of the Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Herndon, who is a member of mittee are working to coordi- members as a resource for in- the federal task force, told nate education and information formation and support. those attending the workshops on agriculture and modern day that task force members have practices of production, animal been charged with review of care, conservation and other Training for Volunteers available information resources topics. Results of the commit- Providing volunteers with the tee's work will be applied in opportunity to sharpen their public information programs, presentation skills and to share consumer education efforts and in the K-12 ag lessons project. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 23 -'" ~ .( .tJ Farm People J.. -4 Lend a Uelp- '\ ing Uand I ~ " By Marcia Dltchle care" caravan of 10 trucks, con- same side, in this state," he "Enclosed find our check taining a quarter-million said. "It's critical that this alli- toward relief of the hunger pounds of food, which left Lans- ance be maintained and ex- crisis. I think it was an Eaton ing for 35 locations in Michi- panded, not just for this pro- County farmer who expressed it gan. The Kent, Gratiot and Alle- gram, but for the advancement best: farmers don't like the idea gan County Farm Bureaus were of industry and the improve- of people going hungry. I'm sor- represented, along with many ment of the economy of the ry the check could not be individual members. state of Michigan, the goals of more." At a news conference held in both agriculture and labor," The $30 check made payable front of the state capitol prior Byrum said. to Project AIM that was en- to departure of the caravan, The one-million pound total closed with this touching note Project AIM chairperson Jim does not include food collected probably meant a sacrifice to Byrum explained that everyone and distributed by county AIM the Lapeer County couple, both involved in the industry-wide ef- drives to fill local needs. in their 80s. Their display of fort is a volunteer. No Project As of Feb. 16, 36 county Farm caring serves as a mirror for AIM funds have been used for Bureaus had appointed Project thousands of Farm Bureau any transportation, administra- AIM coordinators and many members throughout the state tion or warehousing. All funds counties have undertaken their who have responded to Michi- have been used to purchase ad- own projects. gan's hunger crisis through ditional food and Michigan agri- In addition to a truckload of donations of money, commodi- cultural products. potatoes which was part of the ties, time and the various re- "Farmers, agribusiness per- Feb. 1 AIM caravan, Kent Coun- ~')urces they have tapped to net sons, retailers and packers are ty Farm Bureau volunteers have , 'er one million pounds of donating food, warehousing, collected $1, 778, to date, in food. distribution and labor. The coa- financial contributions for pur- Recipients of the food have lition of organized labor, work- chase of Michigan agricultural included young children and ing on United Way projects, is commodities to help feed the elderly couples who are exper- coordinating distribution and hungry. They are encouraging iencing their first visits to one local handling of food obtained the general public to bring non- of Michigan's many soup kitch- through Project AIM," he said. perishable foods. to the Farm ens, set up to feed the growing "This is the first time in my Fair at the North Kent Mall in numbers of the state's "new memory that agriculture and or- Grand Rapids, March 10-12. poor." ganized labor have come to- Other food collections for the The generosity of Farm Bu- gether on one project on the Kent County AIM project are set reau members was evident in a for Ag Understanding Week, Feb. 1 "from the country with March 14-18, and National Ag Week, March 21-25. 24 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 "From the Country wit PROJECT ••• •• .L • In Lenawee County, competi- $2,000 in cash to purchase a problem - no transportation tion between east and west pro- more county farm products. for either the cheese or the vided spirit to a drive that in- The Adrian food banks will be beans. Gladwin Farm Bureau volved a radio-thon conducted the major recipients of the President Clay Maxwell came to by a local station, county Farm donations. the rescue with a truck and a .. Bureau volunteers, local fire de- partments, local unions and General Motors. The result was In Gladwin County, AIM had contributions of enough navy beans to provide five pounds to driver to pick up the seven tons of beans and cheese from Clare on Feb. 15 and delivered them a long list of commodities that each of the 1, 137 family units to six distribution points, with included 400 boxes of cereal, eligible for the government county Young Farmer Group 130 dozen eggs, 2,500 Ibs. of cheese program. But there was members loading and unload- potatoes, 200 Ibs. of meat, plus ing the products. Farm Bureau volunteers assisted the dairy producers and agencies in distributing the government surplus cheese and the AIM dry beans. Ingham County Farm Bureau members and local elevators have set a goal of 250 bushels ., of wheat and corn by March 10. The Michigan Federation of \, . Food Co-ops has donated its milling facility to process the donated products and the Cooperative Extension Service will provide recipes to help teach recipients to use the flour .'. and corn meal. Though Michigan's farmers and agribusiness have been af- fected by the state's severely depressed economy, it has not ., , stopped them from opening Farm Bureau coordinators for Project AIM have been drawIng support from member and community resources to round up food for Michigan's needy. Last their hearts to those who have month Lenawee County FB members collected several thousand pounds of food been even more severely im- and $2,000 In cash and pledges for the project. The Lenawee project leaders piC- pacted. Project AIM is proof of tured here are, left to right, back - John Garrison, Bob Bush and Steve Pixley: and front - Larry Bush, Lynn Bush and Fred Hauch. that. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198:3 25 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Impact of the 1983 PIK Program Participation assumptions show savings for government and producers but no significant near term price enhancement. The Payment-in-Kind (PIK) the basic Acreage Reduction the beginning of the marketing program, as announced by the Program (ARP)announced year will be 100 million bushels USDA, has the potential to have earlier by the USDA.This, com- higher with the PIK program a major impact on producers, bined with the PIK program, will than without the PIK program farm suppliers, users of agricul- reduce harvested acreage in (2,984 million bushels versus tural products and the federal 198.3. 2,890 million bushels). The pay- government. The following ment of five months of storage analysis looks at the impact of. cost by the USDAafter pro- the program on commodity ducers receive their PIK grain is extremely important in limiting 'I. supplies and use, acres har- vested, input costs and cost the price depressing effect of ,'" savings to the federal govern- the larger free stocks at the ment. beginning of the marketing The central issue of farmer year. compliance in the PIK program The PIK program should have remains basically unsolved. The little or no impact on domestic Wheat final decision by farmers on or export usage of wheat, be- participation will revolve Based on our analysis, 70% of cause free stocks should be around the farmers' future price the wheat producers will par- large enough to meet the needs and yield expectations. Quite ticipate in ARP with half of of all users. Ending stocks with logically, the higher the price those using a .30% PIK, which the PIK program should be re- expectation and the higher the will result in 70.7 million acres duced by a little over 200 mil- expected yield compared to the planted to wheat. This would be lion bushels, to 1,228 million ASCSyields, the less likely a a 22 ..3 million acre cut from the bushels. producer is to comply with the potential plantings of 9.3 mil- program. However, the PIK pro- lion acres, 91 million acres in Corn gram should be an attractive the base and 2 million acres program for many producers. outside the base. Harvested With a 60% participation in acreage would be 6.3.7 million the corn ARP and half of those acres in 198.3. This compares to producers using a .30% PIK, a harvested acreage of 79 mil- corn plantings will be reduced 'I. lion acres in 1982 and 80.9 mil- by 17..3 million acres from a lion acres in 1981. potential of 86 million acres, 82 Assuming an ASCSprogram million acres in the base and 4 yield of .34 bushels on the PIK million acres outside the base. acres, farmers would receive Plantings would total 68.7 mil- .308 million bushels of wheat for lion acres with 61 million acres The projections for crop participation in the PIK pro- harvested for grain, compared prices for the 198.3-84 market- gram. to 72.8 million acres harvested ing year are that market prices With PIK replacement at 95% in 1982 and 74.6 million acres will not average above the loan of the ASCSaverage yield for harvested in 1981. rate. This relatively low market the entire farm, free stocks at Assuming an average ASCS price outlook, combined with yield of 100 bushels per acre on the paid land diversion and de- the PIK land, corn producers ficiency payments under the would receive 595 million bush- target price system, would in- dicate strong compliance with 26 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 els of corn for participating in would likely cut back purchases program and a program to re- the PIK program. by $2 billion to $2.5 billion. duce government cost, and not With a replacement rate of This should lead directly to a $2 just as a price enhancing pro- 80% of the ASCSaverage farm billion to $2.5 billion increase gram or a solution to long-term yield, the total free stocks will in net farm income. farm program problems. The be slightly smaller at the start The PIK program will save the world markets will not accept of the marketing year with the federal government approxi- higher commodities at this time PIK program. This, combined mately $1.2 billion in the 1984 and any effort to change PIK in- with the five-month storage fiscal year. Potential savings to a price enhancing program payment, should reduce the will result due to interest and will result in loss in domestic or likelihood of price weakness at storage payment savings as the export markets and the failure the beginning of the marketing USDAtransfers CCC or farmer- to reduce overall stock levels. year. owned reserve grain to produc- The PIK program for 1983 will ers, and from reduced deficien- still not reduce carryover stocks cy payments on the 1983 crop. to acceptable levels. Assuming no reductions in production due to adverse weather or to unex- Summary pected increase in domestic or 'I" The PIK program appears to export use, some combination have enough incentives to en- of ARP and PIK programs will be I.i. courage participation on the needed in 1984 and possibly in .. free stocks should be ade- part of many producers. free stocks at the start of the mar- 1985. Ultimately, individual pro- quate to meet user needs so keting year will be larger for ducers will decide the fate of there is no difference on utiliza- some crops than without the the PIK program. Each producer tion with or without the PIK pro- PIK program, but the provisions must decide which program op- gram. Ending stocks are re- for paying producers at least tion, at what level, will provide duced by about 640 million five months storage should help the best net return for them. In bushels with PIK. The annual even out the marketings and most cases, producers will find average farm price is expected reduce price pressures early in the PIK program to be an at- to be the same with or without the marketing year. Of course, tractive alternative compared to PIK. as participation increases, the planting fencerow to fencerow. free stock situation becomes more critical as larger amounts (Editor's Note: This article is Farmers' Cash Expenses, of commodities are not protect- based on information prepared Government Costs Decrease ed under the loan programs. by the Economic Research Divi- The PIK program will reduce sion of the American Farm Bu- farmers' cash outlay in 1983 by reau Federation.) reducing acreage planted. Based on preliminary numbers from the USDA,farmers spent .. about $40 billion in 1982 on seed, fertilizer, lime, pesticides, fuel and oil, repair and opera- tions, machinery hired, custom work and contract labor. Most of these costs would have been associated with crop produc- 'I" Domestic and export utiliza- tion during the 1983-84 market- ing year will be unaffected by tion. With a 6% cutback in the PIK program. Ending stocks acres due to PIK, producers will be reduced for all five com- modities involved in PIK. The PIK program should be viewed as a stocks reduction .. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 27 . ~"'~,f'~~(fi;;~ Say 'Yes' to Farmers' Week .~~';~~:;~~1?~~~ d 1V t ,.~~~~:~;~~:e~;:~!~~ , "~.t;'.~~~'l,~~~~~~~;:~~~,f'~ ~~ an 1'1aura I Kesources D ays '.J>"~#'..~~ ~~.~ # ,:Q~ • ~ ~ , ~,f' ~~ ~ ~~'Ir" ... .,~.~ '-~" ,f'' ;J>~ , ~.&"~ ~:~~~~~~~; ~,J' ~~~;~'l'~~',~~m;l; '~ ~~ . w ~,~ .,~.~~~'l~~ ... ; ~~~~~~~~ ~U:;; Whether you want to improve - Handicapped farmer/grower ~.,II~~~~~ J:. ;r -~,;I~ your gardening skills and know- workshop. This two-day session ~.,II ~ ~..; ~ ':,,;~ ~~A ~~._ J:. %~. ~C>~~,f'... how, do a better job of market- ing crops, become a better begins at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Cost is $15 per person. ".r/~ .,..; , ...,~ ,,,t' ~ #,.,." ,~~ ~~~~~~.{4'~~'" mechanic, or diminish fam- ~"~ ~~.~~~~~~~~~~~~c>~~ i1y stress, you can find - Agricultural welding work- ,".11:. ~... if,. ~~..rJ1"" ,.'t'~.f ~c> •• h ' ... ~~~~"'.~~'"'.,.~~~~:;"~',.~"~~ training Marc 21-25 at shop (arc and oxyacetylene). ~ .j>l1',~....."" ,. ~~ ..rA'" ,.t'~ .. ~ /. ~.Jo~:'#~~ ~~ '/ ~~ .j>~"~'" .....,,~,.•~~~.. /-;.~w,.t'~ ~ ,. ~~ ~#-A'" '. t' .. •••• Michigan State University i Sessions offered on three days +.,~~~~~ /. '.Jo.,ll~.JI:,~", •• ,,~,",o,o~~..r/.'~~~.t' dur ng the annual of the Farmers' Week schedule: )... J> +.~~,f'~~Z F.Jo .j>l1'~ ...... .,oJ' ,0 ~~ .#" ,.. 'w 'J>+i'~~ 0" i' ~.. ~~~~~ '/"r~~"'...p"'.~'"'o~~ .... /. ~.,II ,#~~...~.,,",0 Farmers' Week and Tuesday, beginning at 1 p.m.; .~ "~~;+~,f'~~~~.,II~,l1' Natural Resources Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 1 ,f".~~'l..~~~ 'f!>,f'"J> Days • p.m.; and Thursday, 9 a.m. and ~ ... <> " Skill building dominates the 1 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Farmers' Week events, which of- fer more than 170 educational -Calibration of pesticide ap- Michigan State programs. plicators. Offered on Tuesday "This year's program contains beginning at 1 p.m., on Wednes- University invites more practical workshops and training sessions than we've of- day at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Thursday at 9 a.m. and 1 you to say "yes" fered in recent years," says Tom Thorburn, program coordinator. p.m. Sessions are divided be- tween nozzle calibration and ''I'll be surprised if we don't fundamentals of air carriers. to your industry have something that is useful Cost is $15 per person. to most people." and Michigan's The workshops, Thorburn • the Senate appropriations sub- Throughout the week the MSU held Friday afternoon. It is de- committee met with the DNR on livestock facilities will be open signed to keep producers in- )..1 their budget proposals. FB was for public tours. A workshop for formed about the current ~ ~~ represented and was again sur- people interested in small and trends in beef cattle types. prised to hear the DNR insist medium-sized swine operations Feeder and market steers, ~ that P.A. 116 administration be and a day-long program on breeding heifers and bulls will eliminated. sheep production will take be judged at the clinic. ~ As this is written, we are place on Wednesday. The MSU • hopeful that this program will tested boar sale begins at 4 "HEAVY BREED" SPECIAL! continue. FB will continue its p.m. Wednesday. Get big Reds. big White Rocks. big Barred Rocks. and •• fight to preserve this important Disease prevention will be the big Black Giuts. Super-healthy, IIsy-to-raise chicks for only $14.95 per 100 plus postage. 50 for ,. program for farmers, who are main topic during the sheep . ~ $8.95. Oor choice of pullets. cockerels, straight run mixed together as lVail- ,. .... , able. Order direct now. We ship facing one of the most econom- program. Dr. Brian Sinclair, a "\- • ~.O.O. Send name and address to: ~ ically depressed times in recent well-known British sheep veteri- REO TOP CHICK FARMS R.O. 1, MARIETTA. PA 175-C7 memory. narian, will discuss British sheep production techniques CALL THE PROFESSIONALS TOLL FREE that can be used in the United ~. 'f- In Michigan: 1-800-292-9233 Legislative Review is prepared States. Out of State: 1-800-248-9263 monthly by the MFB Public Af- Dr. Don Bailey, a well-known CENTRAL MICHIGAN ... fairs Division staff. American sheep veterinarian, TRACTOR & PARTS 2713 N. U.S. 27, SI. Johns, Michigan 48879 will discuss how vaccination I •• We are working hard to serve you. programs and good manage- Customer satisfaction guaranteed. ..... ment can prevent disease out- SAVE 50% GOOD USED PARTS breaks. He will also cover lamb- All makes and models. ," Farm.ers' Week ing time management. Over 1500 Tractors & 400 Combines (continued from page 3D) The swine program will focus ~ We ship everywhere on basic management prin- the fastest way possible. ,~ include milking systems and ciples for raising hogs as a sup- equipment, energy conserva- lemental enterprise. The topics . .~ LOWEST PRICE tion, improved milking tech- to be discussed include equip- PUMPING POWER ~ niques and an update on the ment needs, financial and labor ON EARTH elimination of stray voltage in requirements, renovating old ~ the milking parlor. buildings, selecting breeding In addition, several dairy stock and herd health pro- WINDMillS 17 associations will be holding an- grams. In addition, a hog pro- Aermotor ." nual meetings during Farmers' ducer will describe his manage- The classic name in water pumping windmills Week at MSU. They include: ment program. ~ } since 1888 -Michigan Dairy Herd Im- The Michigan horse seminar ~ provement Association, Mon- begins at 9 a.m. Thursday and Write .. day, March 21, at 9:.30 a.m. continues through the after- noon. On Friday, Beef Day for complete information to DEAN'S WINDMILLS .,. begins at 9 a.m. offering several .. Sales & Service morning workshops for pro- 32519 N. River Rd. ~ ducers. Mt. Clemens, MI 48045 (313) 469-2417 ... RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 .31 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly Social Security polley discussions. Reform You have probably read or heard a great deal about the recommendations of the Na- tional Commission on Social Security Reform. But, the com- mission's true achievement has seldom been mentioned. The commission got certain (you pick the adjective) politicians to concede that Social Security does have a problem. Shortly before last Novem- ber's elections, many politicians claimed there was nothing seriously wrong with Social Security. But, late last year, the Retirement Trust Fund ran out of money. Now, leaders of both political parties have admitted that there is an immediate problem. On Jan. 20, the commission released recommendations to solve the short- and long-term funding problem of the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insur- ance (OASDI)Trust Fund pro- grams of the Social Security system. The recommendations, de- signed to raise $169 billion for OASDI between 1983 and 1989 (short-term) include: How secure is the nation's program for • Mandatory expansion of the f retirees and the disabled? Critics of the retirement and disability pro- gram to cover all new federal present system say "bandaid reforms" are not enough to rescue the ailing Social Security system. 32 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1983 employees and all employees of tax) and one half of the OASDI non-profit organizations. taxes paid by self-employed WOLVERINE-BADGER - Prohibition of withdrawal of people would then be con- INC. state and local government em- sidered as a business deduction ployees from the program. for tax purposes. Currently, no WINTER -Elimination of windfall bene- deduction is allowed. SPECIALS fits (double dipping) for persons -In order to maintain the Wolverine-Badger Company is offer- with pensions from non-covered fund ratio, Le., the balance of ing substantial discounts on all farm- employment. trust fund monies as a percent- related buildings. -Taxation of Social Security age of the estimated payments, All pricing includes labor, materials. benefits for retirees with an an- automatic benefit increases taxes and delivery. Strongest warranty nual income over $20,000 (sin- after 1987 would be based on and insurance offered in pole building gle) or $25,000 (joint). construction on our commercial-agricul- the Consumer Price Index or in- tural-industrial-residential buildings. -Six month delay in cost-of- creases in the average wage. If living adjustments (from July to the trust fund ratio is under We feature a total project and design service. January) by shifting COLAs to a 20%, no automatic benefit in- calendar year basis. crease would be allowed. Catch FARM AND UTILITY BUILDINGS - Revision of scheduled tax up benefit increases would be SMALL SIZES rate increases to accelerate the authorized if the fund ratio ex- 24 x 32 x 8 = $3,395 24 x 48 x 10 = 4,995 ] 985 increase to ] 984. Maintain ceeds 32%. 30 x 40 x 10 = 4.995 the 1985-87 rates under present -General revenue financing law, accelerate part of the 1990 for gratuitous military service MEDIUM SIZES rate to ] 988, and maintain the credits. (Arguably, the use of 40 x 40 x 12 = $7,195 40 x 48 x 12 = 7,995 • full schedule rate for 1999 and thereafter. For] 984, only, a (continued on page 34) 40 x 64 x 12 = 9,295 •• refundable income tax credit MEDIUM-LARGE SIZES would be available to offset the 40 x 80 X 14 = $12,895 increase in employee taxes. (Un- 50 x 104 x 14 = 18.500 der present law, employees pay Letters to 60 x 120 x 14 = 25,795 5.4% of their earnings into the LARGE SIZES retirement system plus 1.3% in- Kural Living 64 x 120 X 14 = $26,995 70 x 100 x 14 = 25,500 to Medicare - 6.7% in all. (continued from page 17) 80 x 200 x 14 = 49,995 Legislation passed in 1977 resulted in more than five tons schedules tax increases so that of food and $700 in cash dona- Specifications for all of the above tions. Half of the food came buildings: by 1990 employees will be tax- 2 - slide doors ed 7.65%. Under the reform from Steven Carlson ... who 1 - utility door commission proposal, employ- donated 5,000 pounds of Boxed overhangs ees would still be paying by potatoes. The provisions will be All color steel and trim 1990. But, because the rate distributed among area agen- All sizes and specifications can be ad- would move up more rapidly, cies and churches involved in justed to fit individual requirements. they would have paid more dol- relief activities. lars into the system. Employers More collections, which have Numerous other services available. would match the speed up con- been coordinated by the Michi- WOLVERINE-BADGER STRUCTURES, INC. tributions.) gan Farm Bureau (and other ag- Regional Office - Revision of tax rate for self- ricultural organizations), have 392 Fields Road employed individuals to equal been scheduled for this month Dansville, Michigan 48819 the combined employer-employ- and next. CALL TOLL-FREE 800-292-1378 ee rates. Under present law, the With political leaders postur- self-employed pay 8.05% into ing over economic ideology and the retirement system plus maneuvering for political ad- .Call or Write Us Today\ 1.3% into Medicare - 9.35% in vantage on issues involving all. The reform commission pro- food and shelter, state farmers IName I posals would raise the retire- have seized the moment for a IStreet ment tax (but not the Medicare more immediate primary priori- I .. ty - feeding the needy. ICity State I IPhone ( ) Zip I I 'p- Building Size I I Building planned lor (month) ___ :J .. RURAL LIVING. MARCH 198.3 ----- .3.3 Social Security Reform (continued from page .3.3) The skyrocketing cost of tions, establish the link be- credits and deductions in other health care and the need for tween tax contributions and commission recommendations, more intensive and more expen- benefits, re-establish a reason- is back-door general reven ue sive types of health care by the able benefit return compared to financing.) elderly has caused the Medicare tax contributions, improve equi- Most solutions to the long- program to severely drain the ty to both current beneficiaries term (1983-2056) problem in- Social Security system. The and current taxpayers and must clude raising the retirement age reform commission was not be carefully structured to avoid from 65 to 66, increasing pay- asked to address Medicare, harsh consequences for those roll taxes and reducing benefit which could run into financial poor who now depend on the growth. trouble by the end of the system. Although some of the com- decade. The portion of the Options to rescue the Social mission's recommendations can Social Security tax that is Security system could save be supported by farm Bureau allocated to the Medicare Trust money and put it on the road to policy, the overwhelming weight fund will be left unchanged recovery. Many of the options of the report works against the under the commission's reform will be unpopular among senior interest of farmers, both as self- proposals. citizens who vote in great num- employed individuals and as ber. To say that members of employers. The proposed tax Congress may be reluctant to rate for the self-employed A lthoug h some of the make changes in the system is (100% of the combined employ- commission's recommen- a grave understatement. But er/employee rate) will increase dations can be supported Congress will have to act. If no the cost of doing business at a by FB policy, the over- long-term solution is agreed time when farmers already have upon or if a bandaid solution is whelming weight of the severely depressed farm in- put on the problem by way of come. In addition, the new report works against the loan from another source, So- business deduction to offset in- interest of farmers, both cial Security - and those who come is of little benefit to self- as self-ernployed individ- depend on it - could be in big employed farmers who may not uals and as employers. trouble. have net income. Likewise, the acceleration in tax rate in- creases raises farmers' cost for True reforms to the Social hired farm labor and their own Security system would provide a self-employment tax. long-term solution, separate the Another significant shortcom- insurance and welfare func- ing of the commission's report is its failure to address neces- sary changes in the benefit structure of the Social Security system. The additional funding Discussion Questions proposed in the report comes disproportionately through tax • Do you favor postponing the next cost of living increase for increases rather than reduc- Social Security recipients from July to next January? tions in the growth rate of the benefits. If the taxation of • Do you favor putting new federal workers under the Social Social Security benefits is con- Security system? sidered a tax increase, then 76% of the package consists of • Do you favor the acceleration of the next payroll Social tax increases. Even if the taxa- Security tax increase? tion of benefits is viewed as a benefit cut, 59% of the package • Do you favor higher Social Security taxes on the self- is still a tax increase. employed? • Do you favor taxation of Social Security benefits for retirees with an annual income over a given amount? .34 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 198.3 AGRICOM key factor in your profit picture is now available to all FB members! Regular Farm Bureau members can now c h o o s e from five AgriCom o p t i o n s and a s s o c i a t e members can subscribe to any of three: •Option 1 includes marketing advice, futures quotations, cash prices, ag weather, market news, commodity and financial information, unlimited toll-free calls, two educational seminars per year and MFB staff marketing assistance. Cost is $99 per month. (Regular members only.) •Option 2 is the same as Option 1, except you pay for your own phone calls. Cost is $69 per month (Regular members only). •Option 3 includes futures quotations and cash prices. Cost is $35 per month. (All members.) •Option 4 includes ag weather, market news, legislative reports and commodity and finan- cial information. Cost is $35 per month. (All members.) •Option 5 includes futures quotations, cash prices, ag weather, market news, legislative reports and commodity and financial information. Cost is $55 per month. (All members.) Subscribers must sign a one year contract and pay either quarterly or annually. Subscribers who pay annually receive a discount equal to one month free of the option they choose. Current subscribers will be allowed to change options if desired. AgriCom is ready to assist you as you enter the world of instant com- puterized information. Be among the "pioneers" who challenge the 80s with AgriCom's computerized information connection. It's the connection that will lead to a more profitable farm business for you! Write AgriCom, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909, or call 517-323-7000, ext. 547. Learn more about how AgriCom can put you in the top one-third of the market at Discovery '83, March 9-10-11, 1983, Flint Hyatt Regency. Big computer trade show, too! 'AgriCom Is a registered service mark of the Michigan s ', Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy.. P.O. Box 30960. Lansing, Michigan 48909, registered with the Michigan State. - We're Currently Paying ... ...With a Guarantee Of At Least 11% Interest Through Jan. 15, 1984 Our IRA Never Go ahead. Compare FB Annuity Company's Looked So Good i~tere~t r~te ~it~ rat.es being offered by any financial Institution In your area. * We're paying a current rate of 13 % on our flexible premium annuity. That's a big reason why our annuity is the perfect IRA (Individual Retirement Account) for you. Still Time For You can deposit up to $2,000 a year (or 1982 Tax Deduction 72,250 if you have.a non-working spouse) Into your FB Annuity IRA and deduct the entire amount from your taxable income for the year. In fact, you can still save on your 1982 taxes by opening an IRA today and making deposits before April 15, 1983. * Besides the many tax breaks, your IRA will guarantee you a generous retirement income for as long as you live. That's especially important for farmers, who must establish their own retirement plans. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent can tell you more. Call today. FARM BUREAU ~ Making Your Future INSURANCE A Little More Predictable GROUP fMN IIUUU IomUoll • fNN 1"'''11 Lfl • FARMIlIRAIJ lJNlRAl • FB NIUTY Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Orgonizotion Rural Living Magazine u. S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 PAl D 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, Michigan Lansing, Michigan 48909 Permit No. 37