•• .an unbeatable combination Farmers Petroleum developed it power-balanced Custom Diesel Fuel. This premium product will help you work more acres per gallon Custom Diesel IS power balanced with a High Cetlne rating. High Lubricity to protect the injection system. and less engine deposits for less engine wear Clean-burning. power-balanced Custom Custom Diesel Fuel Diesel fuel IS a Farmers Petroleum exclusive. Ask your nearest Farmers Petroleum dealer today about (. Custom Diesel fuel and hIS convenient delivery program. co-oP Agri-Radial Michigan farmers have waIted a long time for a premium, high performance tubeless radIal rear tractor tire. and the Farmers Petroleum . people have It' The CO-OP Agn-Radial IS efficient. Field tested since 1968. the CO-OP Agn-Radial provides up to 26 % better traction than bias ply tires a more uniform tread wear pattern rugged reinforced lugs. All these things mean you can get up to 20 % better field efficiency from your tractor tires. RadIal construction and tubeless design make the CO-OP Agn-Radlal the tractor tire of tomorrow that you can buy today Call toll-free within 517 dial 1-800-322-2611 within 313 or 616 dial 1-800-292-2639 .. FARMERS PETROLEUM .. Quality Products at Competitive Prices Supply-Demand Balance Basis for Elton Smith discusses ag issues with u.S. Recovery Plan Sen. Robert Dole. Farmers today are faced with 1984-85 crops of wheat and ing toward a market-oriented, tough economic problems, with feed grains at 1983 levels. rather than government-man- very little hope for recovery un- To deal with the dairy prob- aged, agriculture. der current farm programs. lem, Farm Bureau proposes giv- It took a lot of political blun- That's why your American ing the secretary of agriculture ders to put us where we are to- .... , Farm Bureau Federation Board the authority to establish the day and we fully realize that full of Directors recently addressed price support at no less than economic recovery for agricul- those problems by developing a $11.32/ cwt. Price supports ture can't happen overnight. proposal to reshape federal would not rise again until the But we also must recognize that farm programs. We call this pro- present surplus is reduced and it will never happen if we don't posal the Agricultural Recovery government purchases decline. start now to change the pro- Act of 1983 and I strongly urge The dollar assessment on dairy grams that got us In this pre- you to be involved in a national, production scheduled for April carious situation Instead of all-out Farm Bureau drive to get would be repealed. building on them I it accepted by Congress. We are also calling for elimi- Because we are a general Basically, the proposal is aim- nation of the farmer-owned re- farm organization concerned ed at correcting the current Im- serve by barring any further en- with the future well-being of the balance between supply and de- try into it. The reserve encour- total agricultural industry, I mand of major commodities by ages farmers to produce for realize that all the proposals reducing government incentives storage, without consideration contained In this prescription to overproduce. of whether grain can be sold. for economic recovery may not We have to recognize that the The Farm Bureau package be enthusiastially accepted by current farm bill Is based on would authorize a PlK program all farmers. But I urge you to conditions which no longer ex- for 1983 and 1984, with a pro- seriously consider the long- Ist In agriculture. The 1981 hibition on farmers grazing range price of hanging on to farm bill was based on the ex- land diverted under the pro- those government incentives pectation that high inflation gram. It would also provide for that encourage overproduction would continue. It ignored sup- an "export PIK." Both domestic and the subsequent surpluses ply and demand problems, a and export PIKs would not be and low prices. major factor in our current sur- constrained by current restric- Let's work together with plus situation. It was an exten- tions on the minimum resale united strength for the prosper- sion of the 1977 law which rais- price of government-owned ity of agriculture. Study Farm ed loans and targets during a commodities. Bureau's Agricultural Recovery time of high inflation, increas- To further stimulate farm ex- Act of 1983, consider the con- ing land values, high commodi- ports, we propose using half of sequences of non-action in this ty prices and record exports. the savings from the freezing of direction, and then contact With the PIK program afford- target prices for the export re- your national legislators urging ing producers the chance to volving fund that was authoriz- their acceptance of our pro- participate, while reassessing ed by the 1983 farm bill, but Is posed package. I am convinced their operations, without a high still dormant. I don't need to that the time for action is now degree of risk, we believe this Is tell you how vital Increased ex- - and that the action we are an opportune time to restruc- ports are to Improved net in- proposing Is rlghtl ture farm programs. come. The Farm Bureau plan calls The plan is consistent with for setting maximum target Farm Bureau's policies on curb- ... prices and loan rates for the Ing federal spending and mov- Elton R. Smith, President Michigan Farm Bureau 4 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 COUNTRY LEDGER .}. Agriculture in the 21st Century LEGISLATIVE REVIEW -\ Budget Issues Dominate Legislative Calendars Agricul~ural Recovery Act level, with the exception of na- Fiscal 1984 Weather Cuts - AFBF opened an all-out cam- tional defense and the govern- - An administration proposal paign to reshape federal farm ment's interest payments. to sell U.S. weather satellites to programs to expedite agricul- Michigan congressmen, Sen. private industries is just one of ture's economic recovery with Donald Riegle and Rep. Howard the budget cutting measures af- the announcement of the or- Wolpe, are members of the re- fecting the National Oceano- ganization's proposal, called spective budget committees. FB graphic and Atmospheric Ad- the" Agricultural Recovery Act members are urged to contact ministration (NOAA). In a of 1983." The comprehensive them to re-emphasize support related action, an NOAA official program proposes some drastic for a budget freeze and to op- has said the administration is changes in current farm pro- pose repeal of tax cuts. proposing elimination of several grams in an effort to shift the specialized agricultural weather nation's agriculture back to a services from the 1984 budget. market oriented basis. For fur- Social Security - The Reports to be cut off include ther details of the AFBF pro- House has passed its version of frost warnings in fruit growing posal, see Agrinomic Update on Social Security rescue legisla- areas, stockmen's advisories, page 26 of this month's Rural tion while the Senate Finance humidity forecasts for grain Living. Committee continues working drying and condition forecasts on a similar measure. The for pesticide spraying. House bill raises this year's cost-of-living payments for six months, taxes wealthier recip- ients and requires new federal workers to join the Social Secur- Budget Freeze - During the ity system. FB will oppose the week of March 14, the House legislation unless it includes and Senate budget committees restrictions on growth of bene- Income Tax Increase and began developing the First Con- fits and prevents increases in Budget Cuts - The state legis- current Budget Resolution, the self-employment tax rate. lative tempo is speeding up which sets federal spending with the introduction of bills, targets for fiscal year 1984. resolutions and constitutional Although the committees are PIK Tax Bill - The bill allow- amendments. The proposed in- not required to report a budget ing farmers participating in the crease in state income taxes to resolution until April 15, action Payment-in-Kind program to bring Michigan back to fiscal re- on the resolution is on the fast pay taxes on the commodities sponsibility is the major issue. track. It is possible that the received in the year they are Until this is solved, other major House and Senate will have sold rather than in the year legislation, including budget is- completed work on the resolu- they are received has now pass- sues, will be held in abeyance. tion before the Easter recess ed both the House and Senate. The financial situation has and the measure will be ready On March 10, the Senate went reached the point where hard ,. to go to conference immediate- along with the House version decisions must be made. More ly following the recess. that limits the tax change to than $1 billion has been cut in In a letter to all members of one year and includes a provi- the last two years, $700 million the budget committees, FB has sion barring participation by last year alone. The impact on indicated support for a budget those who did not own farmland agriculture, the Department of freeze in fiscal year 1984 with before Feb. 23. Agriculture, Michigan State Uni- no adjustments for inflation. versity Experiment Station, The FB position calls for federal schools and local government spending to be held at the 1983 has been severe. It has already had the effect of increasing property taxes for 6 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198:3 ~ ~,. schools and, in some cases, DNR Commission Restores t~ local government. More than .. $500 million of payments that were due last January and Feb- ruary have been deferred. Priority for P.A. 116 Program ). .1- It is estimated that the ... 1982-83 budget deficit is as much as $900 million with ~ another $823 million accu'mula- -~ tion from past years, for a total .. ~ of over $1.7 billion. Gov. Blan- chard's program would cut ~ spending another $225 million and permanently increase the ~ state income tax by 1.5%, to raise $675 million, plus another 1A..1' .25% increase to be in effect .. ~~ until the accumulated deficit of $823 million is eliminated. The ,}.. present 4.6% tax would become u 6.35%. In addition, state hiring has been frozen with more than ... 30 programs and boards to be ,.;.. abolished. Steps have also been taken for an independent audit ~ of the state books. At the March meeting of the Department of Natural Resources Commission, Much of the budget problem MFB Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson (center) protested the low budget priori- ),. has been created by high unem- ty given to the P.A. 116 land preservation program by the department. Following his remarks, Nelson spoke informally with DNR commissioners ployment. It is estimated that Wendall (left) and Laitala. each 1% of unemployment If- causes expenditures to rise $40 ..... million and revenues to decline $45 million. mechanism should automati- In testimony before the Sen- t On Feb. 18, the MFB board, by cally reduce the rate in re- ate Finance Committee, FB ~~ unanimous vote, commended sponse to economic recovery, stated that "a better formula Gov. Blanchard's leadership and they said. can be devised to include a .v approach using the income tax The complete position state- phase-out of the increased tax as a means to return Michigan men twas sent to the governor rate based on increased tax "~,, to fiscal solvency and financial and the House Taxation Com- revenue as the economy recov- stability. They pointed out that mittee and later to the Senate ers." Most legislators of both '" FB has believed in and support- Finance Committee. A letter parties agree that increased t ed overall cuts in spending in was sent with the statement taxes will be needed. However, an effort to create greater effi- pointing out that agriculture the argument is on what is 1 ciency in government. But they cannot stand further cuts and "temporary" and what is a " , said it is obvious that the defi- that the state has failed to fund proper "phase-out." cit cannot be solved by further a proper share of K-12 school ~ major cuts. costs, which has forced an in- "1" The board made it clear, how- crease in local property taxes. Public Act 116 (Farmland ever, that any tax increase Later, the House passed a bill and Open Space Preservation .., should not be made permanent. containing a triggering mech- Act) - As reported in last .. ~ As the economy recovers, busi- anism. If unemployment de- month's Rural Living, the DNR ness activity will increase reve- clines to 9%, the 6.35% income recommended that the adminis- ~ nues, which should be used to tax would be reduced to 4.6%. trative agency for P.A. 116 be .. lower the income tax, they told the governor. Some triggering The House vote was on party lines. eliminated. This would have a devastating impact, in effect, .. eliminating the entire program, ,.., (continued on page .3.3) " ., RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198.3 7 In order to get the grass control you you'll save on costly trips across the field. need, a herbidde has to work the way you It's this kind of application flexibility that" want it to in your tillage programs. allows you to work around your tillage pro- And Dual@delivers longer lasting grass grams, as well as the weather. In any soil type. control in corn and soybeans, whether surface In both corn and soybeans. applied or incorporated in one shallow pass, What's more, Dual gives you up to four ~ without increasing the rate. And since you weeks of extra control to help keep lat-esea- only need to incorporate once with Dual, son grasses from coming between you and Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div., Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27419 @1983 Ciba-Geigy Corporation .your crops. But as tough as Dual is, it's safe to your corn and soybeans. So if you haven't been getting the con- trol and application flexibility you need, put ,down the grass herbicide that lets you choose the ground rules. PIK Means Tight Marketing strategies for Farm Suppliers By Connie Turbin ting some much needed sup- While not denying that 1983 port in their corner through the will be a challenging year for Farmers have been taking it Payment-in-Kind program. Farm Bureau Services, the coop- on the chin during three con- But the program, which prom- erative's executive vice presi- secutive years of declining farm ises to take an estimated 2.3 dent, Newton Allen, says that income. Surplus stocks of feed million acres of farmland out of they are ready to be aggressive grains and wheat hanging over production in 198.3, and signifi- in the farm supply market. He the market have continued to cantly reduce stocks in the points out that while 25% to climb due to year after year of farmer-held reserve, threatens 30% of the base acreage in record breaking harvests, and to KO many marginally operat- Michigan will not go into pro- in 1979, an embargo of U.S. ag- ing local farm suppliers, both duction this year, there is still a ricultural products to the Soviet privately held and in the coop- supply market for the nearly Union dealt farmers a below- erative systems. Major farm 70% of the acres that wi II be the-belt punch. supply companies and regional cultivated and he acknowledges Although confidence in the cooperatives expect to be tak- that it will be very competitive. U.S. export market still suffers ing some rabbit punches, too, "There's going to be less the effects of the embargo and that will leave their mark on the volume (in sales), with the same oversupply makes U.S. farm 198.3sales.year. Estimates are number of suppliers shooting commodities the market of last that throughout the farm sup- for that market, so they are go- resort, farmers finally are get- ply industry, sales of fertilizer, chemicals and seed will drop nearly $2.5 billion. 'f , . . RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 .... ing to be very competitive and their gross margins are going to erode. A Prescription for "In 1982, ag suppliers did less volume than they did in PIK-Idled Acres .~ 1981, so 1983 looks like it will be worse. There's no question about that. Sales losses will be The prescription for land im- important factor to be con- mainly in the areas of fertiliz- provement offered by the PIK sidered in developing a man- ers, chemicals and seed corn. program may be "just what the agement program for acreage Cover crop seed will be up," doctor ordered" to help cure taken out of production. Allen says,"because PIK farmers some of the ills affecting our A particular concern is the will be using grasses and farm soils, according to Steve herbicide application history. In legumes for cover crop." Utic of the Kent County Soil many cases, triazine residues Strategic management plan- Conservation Service. will reduce options for a cover ning that was initiated when Utic, who believes that "a crop. Triazines will generally Allen took leadership of the healthy, vital soil is like a dissipate at a rate of 1 to 1.5 regional cooperative in 1980 healthy, vital person," says the pounds per year, depending on has resulted in a 1983 organiza- PIK program gives farmers an rainfall received, soil type and tion that is "lean and mean" opportunity to solve some of herbicide history. and ready to compete for the their soil management prob- All legumes and most forage farmers' business this year. lems such as compaction and grasses are sensitive to triazine, "We have seen this situation erosion. while sorghum and sorghum- coming, not just since the an- Soils that were once loose and sudan hybrids have a much nouncement of the PIK pro- easy to till have become hard higher tolerance. Red clover gram, but probably for the last and cloddy because crop resi- and sweet clover appear to be two years. We've had an over- dues have always been removed as susceptible to triazines as production of farm products and because the soil has been alfalfa. and we recognized that some- packed again and again by vari- If a farmer suspects a damag- thing had to be done eventually ous tillage, planting and har- ing triazine carryover, a bioas- to put that back into balance," vesting operations, Utic said. say can be conducted by plant- he says. farmers who grow a deep- ing the intended crop in soil Two years ago a cost contain- rooted legume crop and reduce samples collected from the ment program was started in field traffic will be making full field. Oats can also be used for farm Bureau Services, reducing use of the opportunity provided the bioassay, but this crop is the em ployee level by 50% by the PIK program to reduce less sensitive to triazines than compared to September 1980. soil erosion and compaction. many legumes. Under-utilized and high loss With the reduced amount of operations have been shut time necessary to put in crops Approved Cover Crops down. While working to remain this year, the Kent County SCD The Agricultural Stabilization competitive and able to serve hopes farmers will give no-till a and Conservation Service lists the local cooperative and its try. The district is arranging to the following for conservation farmer members, farm Bureau make one and possibly two no- use acres: Services has reduced expenses till corn planters available to Kent County farmers on a rental - Annual, biennial or perennial as much as possible. A lot of grasses and legumes, including local cooperatives and indepen- basis. volunteer stands (other than dents have followed the same weeds) but excluding soybeans. cost containment practices. Field Ulstory Important -Small grains, including vol- "We've analyzed the effect of At Michigan State University, unteer stands cut by the applic- the PIK program on local coop- crop and soil science agrono- able disposition dates - June eratives and independents from mists have been developing 20 for fall-seeded crops and the standpoint of inputs to the some suggested management July 1 for spring-seeded crops. farm operation and we have guidelines for land that will be -The crop residue from the concluded that the bottom line idled under the PIK program. use of no-till or minimum till- for a well-financed cooperative They believe the field's history, age practices such as corn would be decreased by 30% to including the previous crop stover or wheat stubble if ap- 40% in 1983. A cooperative grown and the amount of resi- proved by the county ASCS (continued on next page) due on the surface, is the most committee. Weeds must be con- trolled by cutting or with herbi- cides. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198.3 11 (continued from previous page) handling and farm supply sales (farmers) will be competing with activity in their area for the one another to get product that's well financed and making year ahead. when they want it." money will survive. One loss In addition, FBS has been year is not necessarily a prob- holding meetings and training FHS Profit Picture in lem. However, if you took that programs for their member 1984 Tied to Grain same reduction in volume for a cooperatives and independents .. - FBS and local cooperatives cooperative that was already to help them take advantage are taking a hard look at the ef- losing money or barely breaking of sales opportunities in alter- fects of the PIK program on the even, PIK is going to be a major native product areas. <- volume of grain handled at catastrophe," Allen says. "We don't think PIK is going local elevators and ultimately Meetings with managers and to affect the feed business, so through the cooperatives' major board members held in early locals should be able to in- ... grain handler and marketer, the February throughout the state crease their share of that mar- Michigan Elevator Exchange. alerted these local suppliers to keto We've also been holding "There are two or three differ- the potential effects of PIK. FBS meetings with them on chemi- ing views. One is that during • representatives presented a cals, fertilizers and animal model profit and loss statement health. We've had good partici- the last part of this year, . elevators might have an in- comparing year end expecta- pation at all of these meetings crease in the bushels handled .t tions in 1983 under the PIK pro- and I believe our coope'ratives because the PIK program grain gram with the previous year are ready with programs, infor- will be handled by elevators at closings for a sample coopera- mation and services for farmers that will be instrumental in one point or another. While we , tive. FBSoffered to provide minimizing the sales decline, believe that the bushels han- locals with a computer analysis and in some cases even in- dIed in 1983 will decline, it is based on assumptions of grain crease sales for the cooper- difficult to project because ative," Allen says. there is still a lot of the 1982 For buyers of farm supplies crop stored on farms out there this year, the price depressing in the country that has yet to come to the elevator," Allen effects of reduced demand will says. probably mean that suppliers Based on his own conviction will be willing to negotiate, but, that there will be another PIK says Allen, there could be a re- program in 1984, Allen is an- -< versal of the pricing situation in fertilizer sales. ticipating a second year of "A year ago at this time most reduced grain volume at the elevators. of the ag dealers had good sup- plies (of fertilizer) on hand. The "When you have two years of pipeline was full. Many farmers a program like PIK the number had put down fertilizer the pre- of bushels handled is bound to vious fall, which they did not do decline." in 1982. The result of the an- A second year of PIK would nouncement of PIK and antici- extend the cycle of reduced de- pation of reduced volumes in mand for farmer Inputs for 1983 means that the pipeline, grain production. And that in the main, is empty this year. could mean real trouble for ag Given good weather during the suppliers, whether they are in .. the cooperative system or pri- I believe our cooperatives planting season, a logistics vately held. are ready with programs, problem could develop in get- "The major business for Farm ting supplies to farmers when information and services they want them. In that case, Bureau Services in Michigan is for farmers that will be grain," Allen says. "50 goes farmers wllI probably continue grain: so goes Farm Bureau Ser- ~ instrumental in minimiz- to pay the higher price for vices and Farmers Petroleum. available supplies because they ing the sales decline. Our fuel sales are tied to grain. NEWTONALLEN Fertilizers, chemicals and eleva- ' Shoe Counselor. 415 N. Main St .. Capac. you are a Farm Bureau mem- Barton. 920 Miller Road. Plainwell. Mich. Michigan 48014. Phone ,}1.3-.395-766I. ber. It Is the responsibility of 616-685-5028. Guest consignment of top Suffolks from Dick Be Betty Seelye. (2-4t-2'}p) ---------------->1. the advertiser to re-Insert the Hersey. Mich. 616-8'}2-9629. (4-47p) LEE Jeana. Factory outlet work clothes. REAL ESTATE ad on a month-by-month or shoes. Bargains on new shirts (low as ,4 $4.95). Lee Jackets. boots. gloves. Wanted - Farma. bu.lneaaea. lalle year-by-year basis. coveralls. Send $1.00 for catalog. 5ARA propertlea In upper Thumb area. Write Send ads to Rural Living, FARM EQUIPMENT GLOVf: CO.. 16 Cherry Ave .. Dept. C-95. or call United farm Be Business Brokers. L:.II. P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Wanted: Steel wheela for SC Case or RC Waterbury. CT 06704. (2-5t-.34p-ts) 1764 M-24. Caro. Mich. 4872,}. Phone Case tractor. Phone 517-224-'}064. CEDAR fence poata. any abe. Rustic 517.67.3-6888. ('}-.3t'24p-ts) ~ Mich•• 8909. No ads will be (2-,}t-1 ,}p) round rail sections. Log homes. Rapid For Sale - Inveatment and Income taken over the phone. River Rustic Cedar Log Homes and fenc- propertyl .}O acres - blueberry farm In Farrowing Stalla - All steel $167.40. Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump Ing. Rt. .3. Ensign. Rapid River. Mich. excellent producing condition. Home=,-4 rail. Weighs 1961bs. Free literature. Starr 49878.1-906-474-6427. (2-11t-27p-m) packing shed - Irrigation equipment and National. 219 Main. Colchester. IL 62'}26. nand crafted capa. scarves. shawls pond - farm machinery. Phone 616- ~ 924-0229. Maxson's Blueberry farm. LIVESTOCK (4-24p-ts) and baby shawls. Phone 616-79'}-9092. 6540 W. 92nd St.. fremont. Mich. 49412. Ford 501 aeven foot. 3 point sickle (.3'2t-8p) (,}-,}t-,} I pI .... FREE - Five free cblcll. with each bar mower - $700. ,} I '}-48,}-'}492. nigh Electric 81II.? Something wrong? order. Raise chickens (also Bantams and ('}-2t-9p) Check wiring and equipment without Three bedroom modular manufac- Ducks) for meat and eggs. We ship parcel using meters or Instruments. Step by tured In 1979 by Active nome •• used For Sale: Two'row .elf propelled car- post all 50 states. Send for big. free pic- step Instruction booklet details how In as summer residence. Excellent condi- rot harvester. Excellent condition. Phone ture catalog. Shows over '}5 rare. exotic tion. Must be sold and moved to settle 616-8'}4-525'}. ('}-2t-14p) non-technical terms. Send $1.00 for and standard breeds. 25 chicks as low as "Trouble Shooting Your Electric Bill," estate. Price $21 •.300 Includes set up on -41! $6.95: 50 for $8.95: 100 for $1 ,}.95: fob. Wanted: Damaged or burned trac' your foundation. for particulars: Penta. Practical Publications. P.O. Box 49,}. Clinton Hatchery. Inc .. Box 548.81. Clin- tora and equipment not worth repairing. 2.395 WIlliams Road. Petoskey. Mich. ~ Watertown. WI 5.3094. (.3-2t-41 pots) ton. Missouri 647'}5. phone 816- 517-52'}-280'}. evenings. (,}-12t-12p) 49770. (11-6t-,}8Pl' Looiling for a unique experience? Ex- 885-8500. (2-,}t-61 pots) Antique Tractor Boollal I'IEWI "John Party Store - 1982 gross $220.000. perience our "Over Night Covered Wagon 1lI111llng Sbortborn.: Young bulls. Deere Tractors 1918-1976:' 75 illustra- Comes equipped. Beer. wine license. I". ~ Trains." Ride through beautlrully wood- yearlings and calves for sale. Write or tions. serial numbers. 54 pages - $6.95. acres. $.350.000 - $100.000 down. Land ed trails. leaving friday nights and reo visit Stanley M. Powell and Family. In- "Power Farming with Greater proms:' contract. Six Cablna. I.8llefront nom~~. turning Saturday mornings. Reserve gleside Farm. Route 2. '}248 Powell Hwy .. originally published In 19'}7 to celebrate - good condition. on Lake Huron. Has dates for July or other scheduling by ar- Ionia. Mich. 48846. (4-6t-12b) John Deere's lOOth anniversary. hun- good possibilities. Owner retiring. rangement. Group rates and families dreds of photos of tractors. Implements. $1 '}5.ooo. Land contract. Eight "'nc -f"" Top quality poultry at reasonable prderred. for Information and/or reser- spectncatlons. 112 pages - $8.95. Bowling Alley - Good two bedroom prices. Chicks for eggs. meat or novelty. vations call 906-586-9591. ('}-2t-48p) "John Deere Advertising Book:' covers furnished home. 1982 gross $55.000. Also Guineas. Goslings. Ducks. Turkeys. For Sale - Certified Bowera Barley. years 1889 to 1940. tractors. machinery. Comes equipped. Retiring seller offeri$' "f Picture brochure 5OC. Country Hatchery. "Mlchlgan's highest yielder for high Illustrated. '}6 pages. $4.95. SPf:CIALI for $2'}9.ooo - $100.000 down. Land Wewoka. Oklahoma 74884. (1-6t-24p-ts) moisture grain," Clare Ash. Garden. Complete above library - three quality contract. Above properties shown by ap- "'" Cornedale .beep breeding stock. ,} I.}- softcover books - $18.95 postpaid. Dia- Mich. 498.35. Phone 906-644-2169. polntment only. Call United Farm Be Busl. 429-7874. (1-12t-5p) mond Farm Book Publishers. Dept. MFN. (.3-2t-17p) ness Brokers at 517-67.3-6888. Free catalog. wbole.ale price •• Reds. Box 5'}7. Alexandria Bay. NY 1'}607. Barley Seed. Bowers and Morex varie- ('} ..3t-71 pots) ""wi. Cornish Cross. Barred Rocks. White (,}-,}t- 75p-ts) ties. Donald Keinath. 675 E. Akron Road. BOO-acre farm Juat nortb of I.8n.lng. Rocks. Sexllnks. Leghorns. Turkeys. Jobn Deere 3010 dle.el tractor. Caro. Michigan 4872.3. Telephone 517- I. Yield base of 92. For details call Keith ~ Ducks. Reich Poultry Farms. RD I. Mariet- Badger 2600 chopper. 720 Allis chopper. 67'}-42 I I. (4-15p) Bunce at 517.'}51-90'}2 or '}'}2-6595. ta. Pennsylvania 17547. (I-6t-2I p-t5) Insulated pick-up cap. 616-946-5557. Unattacbed? Confidential correspon- Walter Neller Co. (4-2t-2.3p-tsl Bantam. - breed •• Black SlIkles. (4-15p) dence with other "Country Lovin' Sin. Smolly 1lI0untain rlver.lde home f01~ " White SlIkles. Golden Sebrlghts. Sliver gles," CLSRL. Rt. ,}. Box '}.3.3. Appleton. Irrigation Sy.tem - 6-lnch Gorman rent. Townsend. Tennessee. near Gatlin' Sebrlghts. Cochlns. Cornish. Araucanas Rupp pump No. 55. 1250' main. 7268' Wis. 54915. (4-.3t-16p-ts) burg and Cades Cove. Pictures sent on-, and others. Also standard and rare breed '}-Inch laterals. 125 sprinklers. New request. $50.00 night. Carl Morgan. 409 chickens. Free catalog. Grain Belt Holland 2-row transplanter. with tool Lambert Lane. Maryville. Tenn. '}7801. Hatchery. Box 125-6. Windsor. Missouri bar. ,}-pt. hitch. 616-26'}-5947. (4-26p) (4-.3t.27p.tS)~ 65,}6(). (1-6t-'}2p-ts) Furebred - .enlce age Yorkshire FOR HOMEMAKERS Dairy Farm: 85 acres. all tiled. Double-6 herringbone parlor new In 1981 (used 74..# boars and gilts. Richard Cook. Mulliken. MISCELLANEOUS months); cement barnyard. covered 517-649-8988. ('}-2t-Ilpl Prize Winning Reclpel Caramel corn, holding area: 155 freestalls: heifer bar~ ~ Club 1.8mb Sale: 125 SuHolk wethers. WaUdn. dealer. needed. Start your easy. fun. economical. $1.00. SAS~. with 70 freestalls: .30'x 100' tool she- Grand Ledge. 517-627-6248. ('}-2t-21 p) 944-5248. (4-,}t-11 p) $,}/year. (4-IOt-IOp-tsl .325-994'}. (4-4t-2'}b-ts~4 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 I.. .A. The Great French Fry Giveaway! By Cathy IHrvan "Thank you - you just made my day," an elderly man said to Dave Bailey of Stanton, as he accepted a free one-pound box of Ore-Ida french fries. "People are very surprised at the word 'free.' The elderly, es- pecially, are very appreciative," said Rachelle Stout of Green- ville. "One older woman just came up and gave me a kiss - it makes the whole activity worthwhile." Stout and Bailey were among 25 members of the Potato Growers of Michigan, a division In return for the free samples of Ore-Ida french fries and tator tots, Rachelle of the Michigan Agricultural Stout (left) received smiles and thanks from appreciative shoppers. Stout was Cooperative Marketing Associa- one of the 25 members of the MACMA Potato Growers Division who par- ticipated in the Feb. 25 promotion. tion (MACMA),who helped dis- tribute 8,000 one-pound boxes Jf french fries and tator tots at "The response to the promo- and Meijer Thrifty Acres in J four Montcalm County super- tion was good. Managers at the Greenville - reported many markets on Feb. 25. four stores involved - Jorgan- good responses at the check- The division purchased the son's in Stanton, Long's in Ed- outs," Cranney said. frozen potato products from the more, Leppink's in Lakeview The MACMA division also Ore-Ida Foods plant located in wanted to promote the associa- Greenville. Members of the divi- tion's relationship with the sion contracted over 8,000' company. acres of Russett Burbank pota- "We are not only concerned toes, grown mostly in Montcalm with the price growers get for County, to the Ore-Ida plant in potatoes through the contract 1982. with Ore-Ida Foods," said Tom "It's hard to spend money Butler, manager of the division, when potato prices are so low," "we are very concerned about said Duane Cranney, secretary the health of the company and of the MACMA Potato Growers, want other growers and the "but that's when you need to public to realize that. advertise." "Because of the response to Cranney said there were sev- the promotion in Montcalm eral other reasons for the pro- County, the association is con- motion, held during National sidering expanding promotion Potato Lovers' Month. of Ore-Ida products into "Many people are not aware metropolitan areas," Butler that Michigan potatoes are used "Anything we can do to help Ore- said. in many Ore-Ida products, since Ida, helps us as potato growers, .. The MACMA Potato Growers say Steuart and Kathy Jensen of the company is based in Division represents the majority Montcalm County. The company's Idaho," he said. "so we decided processing plant is located in of growers contracting potatoes to promote Michigan-grown Greenville and contracts over 8,000 for processing at the Greenville potatoes, Ore-Ida frozen food acres of Russett Burbank potatoes, Ore-Ida plant, which processes products and the 'Say Yes to mostly grown in the Montcalm over 240 million pounds of County area. Michigan' campaign. potatoes each year. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 21 1983 Young Farmer Leaders' Conference < The Challenge Before You . • • By Marcia Dltchle and now an account executive the game for long," Sanborn handling PCA for Johnson Hill said. Agriculture's future winners Press in Wisconsin, said that Looking at some of the chang- will be those people who can people welcome change, but ing rules and what can be done best adapt to change, accord- they're "scared to death" of the about them, Sanborn said that ing to a past national president process they have to go there are three elements that of the Future farmers of through to get there. will affect how successful America. "The one thing we know that farmers are in keeping pace Speaking to the 180 young is certain in agriculture is that with change. Farm Bureau members gathered we're going through tremen- "You need clearly defined at the annual Young farmer dous changes. The rules of the goals and objectives. You have Leaders' Conference in early game are changing and if to have a workable strategy to March, Mark Sanborn, the you're playing by old rules, meet those goals and then you 1978-79 national ffA president you're not going to be playing need to implement your strate- gy. If you lack anyone of these three elements, you're not go- ing to accomplish all that you .. lCOtA~ ,. want or are capable of ac- complishing," he said. Sanborn also believes that those farmers who update their t8.fk -- production and marketing strat- egies will be among the win- ners. UNG FARMER ERS' CONFEREN We're going through tremendous changes. The rules of the game are changing and if you're playing by old rules, you're not go- ing to be playing the game for long. A past national FFA president, Mark Sanborn, advised Young Farmers gathered for their annual leader conference at Lansing, March 2-4, to set "I believe in the future. The clearly defined goals and objectives for their farming operation and have a winners will not be those who strategy for accomplishing them. "If you lack anyone of the three," he said, "you're not going to accomplish all that you want or are capable of ac- produce the most but those complishing. " who market what they produce the best. The key is to make 22 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 use of the marketing tools "In the last two years, I've available. The winners in agri- been involved in the Michigan culture are going to be the ones Agricultural Leadership Pro- who are utilizing computers in gram, which peaked three days their farming operations. Com- ago (Feb. 27) when I returned puters cannot make decisions from three weeks of interna- for you, but they can allow you tional travel. It took three to make decisions based on fact weeks away from home and rather than emotion. 16,000 miles around half of the "The greatest challenge that world for me to really appre- you face is to remain positive. ciate the United States. As we think about who will be "You don't realize what we the winners in the future, the have until you walk out of your most important thing to re- hotel in a foreign country and member is simply that people say good morning to a guy still make it happen. Give just a standing in the street carrying little more. That is the chal- a submachine gun who's part of lenge before you," Sanborn Security and progress in the U.S. is the routine crowd," Carmichael said. not attributable to one great man said, "or knowing that the or woman, MFB's 1982 Distinguish- government is going to tell you ed Young Farmer Gary Carmichael Realizing Leadership how long you can farm, how told the Young Farmers. Challenges much land you can farm and how much you can sell and you Sharing some past reflections Sometimes you have to see live on that and that alone. with the Young Farmers was the "other side of the coin," he "1 was glad to be back in the Gary Carmichael, MFB's 1982 said, before you fully appreciate USA. No matter what I had seen, Distinguished Young Farmer, the results of those combined what I had heard and what I who challenged them to be- efforts. come actively involved in not (continued on page 27) only the Young Farmer pro- gram, but also in their com- munities. "There was a time in my life when I was content to sit back, 1983 Auction Raises $1,500 do nothing and let the world take care of itself," he said, to Support Project AIM "but then one day some respon- sibility was forced upon my shoulders. I realized then that as I had one day looked up to the older generation to carry the load of responsibility, there was now a younger generation looking up to me. "From that point on, I began to realize that the things we en- joy today, the things we have, did not come as a result of one great man or woman doing a certain thing. It came as a re- .) sult of many millions and mil- lions of combined efforts of all people working together for over 200 years to form a coun- try like we have today," Car- michael said. Holding 40 pounds of baler twine above his head, Young Farmer Steve Pixley calls for a "hurry" up bid. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198.3 2.3 .~ At Home in the Heart of the Country By Connie Turbin activities have taken him away studied cultural aspects, politi- from the family dairy operation cal systems and economics, Home for Michigan Farm Bu- to Dallas, Texas, where he and both in other regions of the reau's Distinguished Young his wife, Marta, represented United States and in foreign Farmer, Gary Carmichael, is on MFB as contestants in the AFBF countries. You have to remem- a 1,200-acre dairy farm in Osce- national competition for Dis- ber that MALP is not a study ola County, where the close-knit tinguished Young Farm Couple, program oriented to agricul- Carmichael clan work, play and and to foreign capitals in Bel- ture, except perhaps as it per- pray together. It's a well-run gium, France, Egypt and Kenya. tained to foreign agriculture. farming operation and who "In all, it figures up to about "We went to the inner city of would fault this young man for two months off the farm. That's Detroit, visited food kitchens, refusing to take up the chal- a lot of time away from any welfare officers and talked with lenge of agricultural leader- business," says Gary. But, he these people to learn about the ship? He would. adds, the MALP program has in- way they live and the problems During the past two years, troduced him to new ways of they face." Gary has been involved in the looking at the world - close to Talking with people, not just Michigan Agricultural Leader- home and far away. the dignitaries and government ship Program (MALP),sponsored "Basically, I see the difference officials lined up for the MALP by Michigan State University in my orientation on issues and participants during their for- and cooperating agricultural or- in a more tolerant attitude. In ganizations, and in the MFB the past, I was not so tolerant Young Farmer program. These of other viewpoints. In MALP, we 24 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198:3 eign tour, gave Gary some of But that doesn't shake his be- Pushing the pencil, diversify- his most striking and memor- lief in the free market system. ing and building in greater effi- able insights. And that belief extends to his ciency is second nature to Gary, "Wherever I went, I tried to own commodity. He admits that who researches, studies and an- talk with the average person: his position on the dairy sup- alyses each investment, con- hotel porters, shopkeepers - to port program is not a popular struction or addition to the find out what their life was real- one, but this outspoken young farming enterprise. ly like." man is not one to shy away When he started in farming What did he learn in these from controversy when it's nearly eight years ago, the Car- person-to-person comm unica- something he believes in. michaels were working 350 till- tions? He says plainly that he wants able acres and milking 90 cows. "We had been told that the government out of agriculture. That was in 1975. By 1976, the average income for a person in "I don't want anyone to say operation had expanded to 700 Kenya was $500 a year and that that I get my income because tillable acres and 110 milking the people subsisted almost en- the government is subsidizing cows. Further expansion in the tirely off the land, that is, an me. I'd rather see the price sup- third year of growth brought acre or two of white corn or port for milk cut to $11 per 900 tillable acres, 145 milking maize. That was their food and hundredweight. I'm not saying cows and installation of a new income. If that was wiped out, that if you're not efficient, you flush freestall barn, two silos then they faced desperate pov- shouldn't be in farming. But and equipment changes. But erty. you'll push the pencil much the major expansion year for "While I was there I talked harder; you'll diversify and the farm was in 1981 when two with a helper in a store who make your operation much (continued on page 32) earned about $14 a week. But more efficient if that hap- he spent $3 to get into town on pened." a bus and $3 to go home. That left him with $8 for food, clothing and shelter for himself, his wife and child. He made and spent and there was nothing in between." The differences in Belgium and France were not so striking, says Gary, but he noted that centuries of agriculture in these countries were still very much in evidence. "Each generation of farmers had just added on to the build- ings that were there, so you might see a 16th century wall adjoining a new farm structure. They were, in a sense, tied to the inefficiencies of the past, but competing in today's mar- ket system," That, says Gary, gave him a better insight into the farm sub- sidy policies of the European Economic Community. "World markets are based on a high efficiency level and what it comes down to is that if these farmers had to compete at world prices, they couldn't match the American farmer," he says. Happy to be home after three weeks of international travel with MALP, Car- michael says. "My first commitment is to raise a good family." Gary and Mar- ta are pictured with their children: Kevin, Kate, Chris and Jeff. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 25 • Shaping a Brighter EconomIc Future for Agriculture An all-out drive to reshape Wbeat Analysis federal farm programs and ex- - Amend current statute relat- pedite agriculture's economic ing to price support loan rates recovery was announced recent- and target prices to provide the ly by American Farm Bureau following: Federation President Robert De- - Maximum loan rates for lano. 1984 and 1985 crops of The Farm Bureau proposal, wheat shall be the called the Agricultural Recovery same as that for Act of 1983, seeks to correct the 1983 crop ($3.65 bu.). the current imbalances between nual world utilization, the secre- - Maximum target prices for supply and demand occurring tary shall implement a volun- 1984 and 1985 crops of wheat with wheat, feed grains, cotton tary acreage reduction program shall be the same as that for and dairy by reducing what sufficient to reduce current pro- the 1983 crop ($4.30 bu.). Delano called "government in- duction so that projected carry- -Whenever U.S. wheat carry- centives to overproduce." over at the end of the crop year over stocks on May 31 of the Explaining that FB is under- does not exceed 5% of world current marketing year are ex- taking the effort because agri- utilization. Such a program pected to exceed 5% of annual culture is at a turning point, should include consideration of world utilization, the secretary Delano said: "We are confronted normal summer fallow prac- shall implement a voluntary with major economic problems. tices. acreage reduction program suf- We have surpluses that we have ficient to reduce current pro- been unable to move in Advance Diversion Payments duction so that projected carry- domestic and international over at the end of the crop year -If a paid land diversion pro- markets. We have incentives does not exceed 5°1o of world gram is implemented for the that are encouraging continued utilization. Such a program 1984 and 1985 crops of wheat, overproduction. We have no . should include consideration of feed grains, cotton and rice, the prospects for price recovery In normal summer fallow prac- secretary shall, in conjunction the immediate future and we tices. with such a program, make see no serious opportunity for available to producers not less an increase in farm income Feed Grains Analysis than 50% of the diversion pay- under the current climate." -Amend current statute relat- ment as soon as practical after ing to price support loan rates a land diversion contract is Proposed Agricultural and target prices to provide the entered into with the secretary. Recovery Act of 1983 following: Dairy Analysis -Maximum loan rates for Payment-In-Klnd 1984 and 1985 crops of corn - Repeal existing authority for - Authorize the secretary to shall be the same as that for both the first and second 50 conduct a Payment-in-Kind (PIK) the 1983 crop ($2.65 bu.). centsl cwt. assessment on all program for the 1983 and 1984 - Maximum target prices for milk marketed. crops of wheat, feed grains, cot- 1984 and 1985 crops of corn -Amend the Agricultural Act ton and rice, provided such a shall be the same as that for of 1949 to authorize the secre- program is implemented in con- the 1983 crop ($2.86 bu.). tary of agriculture to set the junction with an effective, vol- - Adjust loan rate and target support price for milk at such untary acreage reduction and price provisions for other feed levels not less than $11.32 cwt.; paid diversion program. grains to comply with corn. adjusted annually, taking into -Exempt such a PIK program -Whenever U.S. feed grain consideration the amount of from the minimum CCC resale carryover stocks on Sept. 30 of CCC net dairy product pur- price policy. the current marketing year are chases for the immediate pre- expected to exceed 5% of an- ceding 12 months. 26 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1983 - Acres diverted under PIK shall not be grazed. cultivated for production of an- nual crops during any of the ~ ~ LIVE STEAM TRACTORS -Authorize an "export PIK" years 1973 through 1983. program, under which countries that purchase amounts of U.S. Sunflowers agricultural commodities in ex- -Sunflowers shall not be con- cess of traditional levels shall sidered an eligible commodity receive "bonus" amounts (at no for any price support loan pro- charge) from CCC stocks. gram or any reserve program, -Any PIK program must be and the secretary shall not implemented by the secretary authorize payments to produc- in such a manner as to ensure Working Replica of ones used years ago in Lumber Camps and ers to cover the cost of storing Threshing Runs. Come complete with Brass Boilers. Copper the orderly marketing of com- sunflowers. Steam pipes. Steel Fire box, cylinders, pistons and whistle that modities used as payment-in- actually blows, made of brass. Uses waler and burns solid fuel Take 3 to 5 minutes to raise sturn. then will go 1/3 ola mile. kind. self-propelled. Develops 1/15 hp., 3000 rpm.. 10" long, 7" high. Agricultural Export 5" wide. weight 4Yz Ibs. Made in England. A real wor~ 01 art. Credit Revolving Fund gluming and beautiful. $110 plus 12 Shipping. handling and Payment Limitations insurance. - Authorize an appropriation ORDER BY MAIL IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - Repeal existing statutes re- The GOLD FERRIS WHEEL, Dept. RL of $1 billion to the Agricultural lating to all payment limita- P.O. Box 7243, Kansas City, MO 64113 Export Credit Revolving Fund, Tel. (816) 221-3581 tions on wheat, feed grains, cot- for each of the fiscal years ton and rice programs. 1983, 1984 and 1985. farmer.Owned Reserve -Repeal authority for new en- try of any commodity into the The Challenge Write:Cold Strum Fum farmer-owned reserve. -Authorize continued imple- Before You 20l0E Free Soil Rd. Free Soil. 11I149411.9752 mentation of reserve for cur- rently held grains. (continued from page 23) -Sunset farmer-owned reserve read in those other countries, it CAll THE PROFESSIONALS TOll FREE upon expiration of outstanding wasn't going to be that way In Michigan: 1-800-292-9233 contracts. here because I was back in the Out of State: 1-800-248-9263 - Authorize removal of grain USA. CENTRAL MICHIGAN by farmers from the farmer- "So what does that mean to TRACTOR & PARTS 2713 N. U.S. 27. St. Johns, Michigan 48879 owned reserve without penalty each one of us here at this con- We are working hard to serve you, whenever market prices are be- ference? Customer satisfaction guaranteed. low the release level, but above "I challenge you to realize SAVE 50% GOOD USED PARTS 1100/0 of the regular loan rate how important you are and how All makes and models. for the current crop marketing important your combined effort Over 1500 Tractors & 400 Combines year. is. I challenge you to become We ship everywhere involved and put it to use and the fastest way possible. fragile Lands use it at the level that will best fit your life and best fit your -Commodities produced on needs," he said. lands highly subject to wind The Easiest $30,000 To provide the young leaders You'll Ever Make in 1 Year and water erosion (Class IVe, with a means to become the Vie, VII and VIII) and which have - PART TIME - leaders and winners in agricul- been historically considered ture in the future, the confer- That's right, $30,000 using one acre, or "grasslands," shall not be eligi- $10,000 using 114 acre.' Both in the FIRST ence offered classes on partner- YEAR! Complete manual explains Step-by- ble for benefits under any feder- ships, on-farm computers, Step how to produce Grape vines and al program, including price sup- estate planning, marketing, the Rose bushes. No experience needed. Re- port, federal crop insurance, dairy situation and the Young Quires a VERY LOW INVESTMENT. Does not have to be attended year round. Run in disaster payments and Farmers Farmer program. your SPARE TIME. Can repeat year after Home Administration loans and A highlight of the three-day year! Included are facts like: How to get other assistance. all your cuttings free, How to sell with no conference was a Project AIM -Such restrictions shall not problems, and much, much more! The best auction. Through the generosity investment you will ever make. Step-by- apply to lands which have been of the Young Farmers and their Step Manual only $5.95, plus $1.00 P&H guests, over $1,500 was raised. Spi-Ro Distributors, P.O. Box 1538, Dept. M, Henderson, NC 28793. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198:3 27 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly polley discussions. Cooperatives Serve look at the amount currently paid to them in cash. Next is the amount allocated to them in non-cash form that may be Successful cooperatives can prises for procuring their sup- revolved later. Many coopera- benefit their farmer members plies and services (input) and tives make substantial cash and others in many ways. But marketing their products (out- payment of earlier deferred re- ..( even the most successful can- put). They voluntarily organize funds from revolving funds. not be all things to all mem- to help themselves rather than In addition, many coopera- bers. Understanding the more rely on the government. They tives operating on a pool basis common benefits and limita- can determine objectives, fi- realize proceeds exceeding the tions of cooperatives can help nancing, operating policies and average market price in their clarify their role .. methods of sharing the prod- trade area. A number of dairy, Cooperatives which market ucts. sugar, fruit and vegetable as- products and provide farm sup- Through cooperatives, farm- sociations bargain primarily for plies, credit and other services ers can own and operate a user price, but also terms of sale, in- vary widely in success, so their or service-oriented enterprise in cluding terms for certain input benefits and limitations also contrast to an investor- or items. These occasionally en- vary. dividend-oriented enterprise. courage members to produce Benefits of cooperatives are Farmer ownership allows pro- quantities and quality of prod- difficult to measure. Some are ducers to determine services ucts needed to meet market re- tangible, or direct, as in the and operations which will max- quirements. case of net margins or savings. imize their own farming prod- Cooperatives also provide im- Others are intangible, or in- ucts rather than profits of the portant indirect benefits direct, such as cooperatives' ef- cooperative itself. through their effect on local fect on market price levels, Cooperatives increase farm prices for farm products, sup- quality and service. Some are income in a number of ways. plies and services. The savings more evident at the time the These include: raising the gen- aspect usually becomes less cooperative is organized, but eral price level for products easy to identify over a period of get more obscure as the years marketed or lowering the level time. pass. Benefits are greater for for supplies purchased; reduc- some types of cooperatives or ing per unit handling or pro- Cooperative System in specific areas. cessing cost by assembling Stimulates Competition Cooperatives enable farmers large volumes, i.e., economies Cooperatives inject competi- to own and control, on a demo- of size or scale; distributing to tion into the system by pro- cratic basis, business enter- farmers any net savings made viding services at cost to mem- in handling, processing and . , ~ selling operations; upgrading bers. This links to pricing ad- justments by other organiza- the quality of supplies of farm tions; thus the real benefit may products; and developing new be their day to day impact on markets for products. market prices. Based on the By pooling supply purchases competitive influence of cooper- and sales, and handling selling atives since they began opera- expenses, cooperatives can op- tions, many leaders report that erate more effectively - at these economic benefits gener- ....-' ~L;_ lower per unit cost - than ally exceed the annual net mar- ';'",,'-~ _ farmers can individually. gin of the cooperative. ;.. -_:.~ Farmers usually judge the A basic objective of the coop- ;":~!~.?1 benefit of belonging to a coop- eratives is to serve their mem- "' _.~ erative by expense, net margins bers' needs. They do this by ..- , or savings - a tangible mea- sure. More specifically, they 28 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 198.3 providing services not available them in offering top quality farmers have little bargaining or by improving existing ser- products to buyers. Their ef- or purchasing power, but by vices. Rural electric cooper- forts to improve quality, joining a cooperative, they can atives and artificial insemina- reliability and integrity of ex- acquire "muscle in the market- tion associations are out- ports can increase the coopera- place." standing examples of making a tives' share of the export Cooperative competition may new service available in rural market. have a salutary or regulative in- areas. fluence on the daily operating Farm supply cooperatives A Dependable Partner practices of business firms. have been noted for providing Local prices for farm products Cooperatives provide mem- .~ supplies giving the greatest often advance when coopera- bers with a dependable source value and use to the farmer. tives enter the market, and of readily priced supplies, Their objective has been to pro- prices of purchased farm inputs especially during shortages or vide the feed, seed and fertilizer frequently decline. emergencies. This service may that gave the farmer the max- The basic cooperative princi- require cooperatives to forego imum gains and yields rather ple, providing services ~t. cost, larger net margins from other than those that return the larg- injects a highly competitive domestic or foreign businesses est net margin to the coopera- force into the marketplace even to meet the needs of their tive. though there are a smaller member owners. number of large firms. Coopera- Cooperatives operated as tives provide a yardstick by pacemakers in supplying petro- Cooperatives provide a which members can measure leum and fertilizer to farmers yardstick by which mem- the performance of other firms during the shortages of the ear- that serve farmers. This can bers can measure the ly 1970s. Specifically, coopera- help cooperative officials d~cide tives confined sales of supply to performance of other whether to integrate operation member patrons to enable firms that serve farmers. on a more intensive scale. farmers to expand production; Cooperatives, due to their made special purchases at extra non-profit and service-at-cost costs; added storage and nature, tend to push perfor- transport equipment to acquire Cooperatives have relied mance closer to competitive or store products when they heavily on state experiment sta- norms. The reason is that they were available; expanded refin- tions for advice as to variety of bring more to market at a ing and manufacturing capabili- seeds, analysis of fertilizer and higher producer price than ties; and formed an interna- formulation of feed that would would be the case if all firms tional petroleum trading and best meet the needs of their were profit seeking. purchasing co-op to acquire farmer members. When cooperatives enhance foreign sources of supplies. In marketing farm products, competition in the marketplace, In 1975, during a period of cooperatives' pricing practices usually non-members, as well fertilizer shortages and sky- have been based on differential as members, benefit. They may rocketing prices, cooperatives for quality. And they have pro- gain from increased price lev~ls held the line by charging less vided information and advice for farm products or lower price than non-cooperative suppliers, on ways to produce quality products for supplies; from up- resulting in cost savings to products and to maintain that grading of quality or improve- farmers. quality in the marketing pro- ment of services; or from devel- Strong, successful coopera- . cess. Basically, cooperatives en- opment of new markets. tives induce desirable competI- courage production oriented to Through pooling products of tion that raises the going mar- market requirements by devel- specific grade or quality, many ket prices for farm products, oping producer payment plans marketing cooperatives can the type of services provided based upon meeting grade, meet the need of large scale and the quality of supplies size, time and other marketing (continued on page 31) farmers purchase. Individual specifications. Marketing cooperatives have led in demanding industry grade standards, and using RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198:3 29 Introducing Michigan Farm Bureau's .. Newest Service to Member Program What IS The Family Saver? The Family Saver "Quik Quote" System is a service that was designed to help save you Most major brands available at discounts up to hundreds of dollars on major purchases that 60%! you may make in the coming years. Appliances Photography equipment Freezers Lawn and garden equipment We can be your purchasing agency by Dishwashers Power tools eliminating much of the middleman's high Washers and dryers Lamps mark-up and pass these savings on to you. No Refrigerators Fireplaces Ranges Wood furnaces pressure to buy, only our help in saving you Small appliances Luggage money. Microwave ovens Watches Electronic Equipment Musical equipment Stereos Lawn furniture Scanners Sporting Goods How can we Televisions Miscellaneous Archery equipment Hunting equipment Pool and game tables Furniture do this? Carpeting Box springs and mattresses Rods and reels Very simple. We order merchandise direct All merchandise is brand new and carries full factory from the factory or distributor and ship it warranties with nationwide local service. directly to you or to a warehouse near where you live. We do not have the high cost of in- ventory, or large warehouse and showrooms, sales commissions, etc. As your purchasing ---------------------------- Michigan Farm Bureau Buyer's Service Enrollment Form agent to help you save money, we also have some retailers who are interested in increasing Please complete and mail along with your check or their volume and thus giving them larger buy- money order to: ing discounts by brokering their product Michigan Farm Bureau through our great purchasing power. Member Service Department P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, MI48909 "" What does it cost? Date This NEW member service, costing only $25 for Membership Number the first year and $15 thereafter annually, allows Farm Bureau Membership Name you to get unlimited pricing information via a toll (as shown on membership card) free number. This program compares favorably with ones costing up to $795 annually. For details on this new member service refer to the Service to Member Program brochure included with your Address dues notice or contact your county Farm Bureau secretary. City State and Zip Telephone No. Amount Enclosed PIK Marketing erative member. The easiest Successful, growing coopera- thing to do in the world is to tives often develop leaders strategies for get mad and quit," Allen says. among directors, managers and FRS Cooperative He likens the commitment other employees. Members, by and involvement in the farm participating in business deci- (continued from page 13) supply affiliate to farmer sup- sions on a democratic basis, products, when all is said and port for the Farm Bureau mem- become more self-reliant and done, than if he had marketed bership organization. informed citizens in their com- them at some other place for "Farmers get highly involved munities. The practical busi- the immediate unit price gain." in supporting their membership ness experience acquired as di- organization," he says. "The rectors or committee members • Member Involvement cooperative is no different (in is often supplemented by spe- Key to Co-op Success terms of relying on member cialized formal training. This ex- support). Why shouldn't they perience of working with coop- Allen is an evangelist for get as involved in supporting eratives contributes to improv- cooperatives and his commit- their cooperative and take ad- ed rural leadership. ment to the cooperative system vantage of the tangible benefits These benefits, which vary and the need for farmer involve- of cooperative ownership in among cooperatives, all indi- ment is redoubled in view of the their FBS farm supply and mar- cate ways cooperative enter- competitive challenges ahead. keting business?" prises help the family farm stay "We need to get farmers total- Iy involved. The key to that is in business and thus provide recognition that collectively control of production. they can accomplish more Discussion Topic: Credit and supply coopera- working together than they can tives help the family farmer separately. They need to be Cooperatives Serve enlarge and operate his produc- committed to that ideal in good tion unit more effectively on an (continued from page 29) times and in bad times; and independent basis. The market- buyers better than can indi- ing and processing cooperatives then they need to support their vidual farmers. Many coopera- provide members market access cooperative. That's the message tives have developed markets in and help them sell their prod- that I'm carrying to farmers, or other countries and their ex- ucts to an advantage - either when I talk to cooperative ports provide outlets for more in the original state at harvest board members, or when I talk production than members or later following storage, or in to managers of our member co- otherwise could sell. a processed form. ops. I make no bones about tell- In many cases, cooperatives ing our managers that they have expanded - or acted to need to get out and get our retain - markets, processing farmers involved. That includes Discussion Questions members' products into differ- . ., allowing our farmers to dis- ent forms or foods. Major coop- -Should cooperative mem- agree with what we're doing eratives have been organized to bers who don't fully support y rather than cut off dialogue be- preserve farmers' link to a their cooperative continue to tween the cooperative and the farmer. market and to protect their pro- be allowed to use the cooper- duction investment. ative to their advantage? "There's a very loyal coopera- tive member in this state who Co-ops Develop Leaders -Who should become in- strongly disagrees with me and he tells me so very straight- volved in cooperative affairs? Another financial benefit not forwardly. I admire the man easily measured is the legisla- because he tells me what he -What does being competi- tive support cooperatives pro- doesn't like. He's not running tive on prices mean? vide for their members. This is off mad and trading with some- supplied by the large central- .. one else. He's staying involved ized cooperatives, the federa- in the co-op. That's a true coop- tion of local and state coopera- tive councils, the national coop- erative organization, such as National Council of Farmer Co- operatives. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198.'3 31 LETS YOU GARDEN (ENDORSED WITHOF-BIG BY U.S. DEPT. FARM SYSTEM" AGRICULTURE) JO DAYOF SEND FOR LITERATURE NOW ... YOU MIGHT WIN A FREE TILLER. TRIAL Want a beller garden? Try a beller tiller ... new ATCO Tiger TILLAGE PERIOD Tiller with Varl.Atak Tines, so gentle it tills single handed .... gives you more power per pound of machine than any other ... ~~ ~ .11 1 \. ",'''.' - ."'/: 10 ~::. ..; '._ • ' I " .~% .. Dome in the Deart of the Country (continued from page 25) ""e' ... B,,'1t I., Legislative Review will require much consideration Supreme Court decision has before final passage. given the governor's office (continued from page 7) more power than ever before on except for those contracts that such matters. farmers already have. It would Commission Appointments » also affect the Beginning farm- - There has been no action on .~ er Loan Program and the Inheri- H.B. 4027 and H.B. 4057, which tance Tax programs that are at- would make the director of Part-time Legislature - tached to P.A. 116. agriculture a direct appointee, H.J.R. G, introduced by Rep. Since that time, fB has ap- and remove the authority to Krause (R-Rockford) et al, would peared before the DNR commis- hire the director from the pres- limit the Legislature to a four- • sion to state our concerns with ent bipartisan commission. fB month session annually from \. their attitude that farm land strongly opposes such legisla- mid-January through mid-May preservation within P.A. 116 is tion. Only since the commission with a three-day cleanup June a "low priority." The commis- system has been used has Mich- session. Special sessions of not sion was upset and has passed igan's Department of Agricul- more than 20 days would be a resolution claiming it is their ture become one of the best in perm itted for only special cir- M policy and will order the depart- the nation. cumstances. This would require ment to give this program a a vote of the people. A petition ~ high priority and to fully fund drive is also being prepared. it. Forestry - H.B. 4206 has Such resolutions and petitions At the same time, H.B. 4232 been introduced, which is very have been introduced each ses- has been introduced to transfer similar to last year's bill, creat- sion but have never generated .. the entire program, including ing a special management dis- enough public support to pass. the personnel, to the Depart- trict in the Upper Peninsula. It -. ment of Agriculture. The bill is a means of determining to has been reported out of the Ag what extent proper manage- Drain Code - The Drain Committee to the House floor. ment of forest lands can result Code Revision, rewritten from It is not known at this time in higher income to wood lot the one introduced in the last what the cost of transfer would owners and more manufactur- session, should be introduced be or whether it will occur. fB ing of forest products. into the Legislature soon. ~ has supported the transfer, but recognizes that, most impor- ,. tant, farmers should continue ItIDATransfers - The De- Lansing legislative topics are to receive the excellent service partment of Management and reviewed by Robert E. Smith, which the administering agency Budget is strongly supporting senior legislative counsel. personnel have rendered since major reorganization of so- the program's initiation. called environmental health "HEAVY BREED" SPECIAL! ~ protection programs. They Get big Reds. big White Rocks. big Barred Rocks. and big B'~ck Giants. Super-healthy. easy-to-raise chicks y would be centralized within the for only $14.95 per 100 plus postage. 50 for Water Rights - H.B. 4198 Department of Health. S8.95. ODr choice of pullets, cockerels, '. ~~ straight run mixed together as avail- has been introduced to provide What this means is that all in- " .... ' able. Order direct now. We ship ' \- ';I • ~.O.D. Send name and address to: farmers with the right to neces- spection programs in the MDA ._~ RED TOP CHICK FARMS sary water for the production of would also be transferred, in- R.D. 1, MARIETTA, PA 17547 '. T crops and other agricultural products, provided that the use eluding inspection of food, milk, feed, plants, animals, 227 page illustrated book explains sausage of such water will be within pesticides, etc. Dairy farmers making plus home cUring and smoking of meal. good management practices. probably remember when milk fowl and fish. Over 100 recipes. Free equipment and supply catalog has more information. The bill also provides that the inspection was in the health de- For yours. send to: legislation cannot interfere with partment and they were The SAUSAGEMAKER plagued by multi-inspections 177-56 Military Road Buffalo. N Y 14207 other state and federal water • from various areas. Such pro- legislation. ~ The bill looks similar to the Right-to-farm Bill, however, it is grams were finally consolidated in the MDA and have been effi- ULCERS Which of these Ailments Plague You? Ulcers. Cancer of all types. External sores of any kmd. a complex issue and perhaps ciently handled. Lupus, Polyps, (Intesllnal and vesical) Hodgkins disease. This so-called new proposal is Parkinson's matism, Diabetes, disease, Asthma, Leukorrhea, BronchitiS, Colills. Rheu- Scabies, Varicose. Ulcers. a serious step backward. Such a Rlngworm:Cystllls. Psonasls, Gastills. Herpes, Leukemia, Any stomach or colon disorders and many others. Send >- transfer does not require any 20. stamp for information on how to get relief from above ailments. Oon't pass thiS up. It could mean the ~ legislation. It can be done on difference 01 hvmg In JOY Instead 01 misery. order of the governor. A recent Pau 0' Areo Information Center, Oept. 3383 Box 2564, Mission, kansas 66201 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 198:3 :3:3 Discovery '83 State University agricultural process - getting started, oper- economist, taught a course on ating a business, retirement (continued from page 15) managing taxes. He focused on and transfer to the young gen- weaknesses in conflict situa- income and Social Security eration, and also gave his stu- tions so I can see where I need taxes, which can be a serious dents an overview of taxation. improvement," said one stu- cash flow drain on farm busi- In the personal finances man- dent. "This will be a great tool nesses, and tax rules changed agement course, account execu- for personal growth and con- by recent legislation. tive Katharine Brown covered structive change." The risk management course safe versus risky investments in provided participants with tools the 1980s and taxable versus Becoming Better Marketers to use in the financial planning tax-free ways of earning money A Common Goal process in their struggles to on money. "Is the stock market make their farms profitable. A for you?" was also discussed. The keen desire to become husband and wife team, Michael better marketers of their com- & Carolin Salisbury of Salisbury modities seemed a common Agriculture Enters Management Services, served as goal of Discovery '83 partici- the Computer Age instructors, and gave their stu- pants, evidenced by the active dents some new analysis tech- Farmers attending Discovery participation in courses offering niques. '83 had plenty of opportunity to instruction in three levels of Debt managment, taught by decide if computers would help marketing - beginning, inter- Larry Ackerson of the Produc- them be better managers and mediate and advanced. tion Credit Association, focused which kind best fit their needs. Beginning marketing, taught on such questions as how much Those who had already made by MFB commodity specialist debt is too much, how much re- that decision and had become Ken Nye, examined how com- turn should be received on in- "computer farmers" learned modity markets function, how vestment, and how much profit about the various information to choose between various mar- and/ or borrowing capacity programs available to make the keting alternatives, the impor- should be used for expansion, most effective use of new tech- tance of "basis" and the basics debt reduction or outside in- nology, of futures hedging. vestment. Courses offered included MSU Intermediate marketing, with pest management information, MFB commodity specialist Mike AgriCom, using the MSU/MFB Kovacic as instructor, exposed Ag Software Index, using Radio students to both technical and Shack's color computer and in- fundamental market analysis. troductions to farm business They learned how to look for computers, Farmplan, Redwing and interpret market signals to and AgraData. help them develop market strat- BASIC computer language egy. classes were among the most Advanced marketing featured popular, with computers set up highly-respected expert Jim to give students hands-on ex- Gill, director of market analysis perience. Aiding instructor Lynn for Illinois Farm Bureau. Devel- Bradley were farmers who used oping a logical marketing plan their experiences and enthu- based on risk factors and major siasm to "show and tell" their market indicators was the classmates how to master the theme of this course. Gill fo- computer. cused on fundamental and tech- A ~omputer trade show, with nical analysis to develop a every major hardware company sound marketing strategy and The Discovery '8.3 computer show represented, along with soft- outlook for the coming year. allowed conference participants to ware vendors, gave Discovery try out skills and information gain- # . '83 students the chance to shop Management Courses Sharpen ed during the computer workshops, and compare while enjoying Decision-Making Skills refreshments provided by The business of farming re- "Wills, Trusts and Estate Plan- MACMA's direct marketing pro- quires sharp decision-making ning" explored what estate gram. skills and Discovery '83 offered planning is - and isn't, Instruc- a broad variety of courses aim- tor David Scott, a Lansing attor- ed at fine-tuning those skills. ney, discussed the cycle of the Dr. Myron Kelsey, Michigan .34 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 198.3 What feed do Michigan's top dairy producers usel "Nu Pro 38% Supplement. I've tried other supplements with no -. success. I always wind up coming back to Nu Pro." ROY THOMPSON - Mecosta County. NO.1 Michigan milk producer in 1982. DH IA rolling herd average 25,390 Ibs., 849 butterfat. "Nu Pro 20% Complete. /t's the best dairy feed made. II JOEL CHAPIN - Mecosta County. NO.1 Michigan milk producer in 1981 and 1982 in over 100 head category. DHIA rolling herd average 22,820 Ibs., 779 Ibs. butterfat (1982). Farm Bureau Services, Inc. Call 1-800-292-2646 for your nearest Nu Pro dealer .. April 2nd through April 30th APRIL-DAZE BARNYARD BARGAINS =~L ~ ,,/~ ~"~ ~¥ 1 .... .~ GALVANIZED 1 V2 GALVANIZED 5 ROUND END 2' ECONOMY TUBE GATE PANEL GATES DEEP TANKS Length Reg. Special Length Reg. Special Size Cap. Reg. Special 8' $55.55 $47.90 8' $38.70 $32.90 2x2x4 95/115 gal. $ 61.95 $ 52.75 10' 68.25 57.95 10' 50.05 42.75 2x2x5 120/145 gal. 69.25 58.90 .. 12' 75.80 64.90 12' 55.40 46.95 2x2x6 150/180 gal. 83.10 69.90 14' 88.50 75.80 14' 59.85 49.90 2x2x8 205/240 gal. 110.50 93.95 ~ 16' 73.15 62.75 2x2x8 300 gal. 125.25 106.95 96.20 81.95 16' 2x2xl0 385 gal. 172.35 146.75 GALVANIZED 2" 16 GA. TUBE GATE Available through participating Farm Bureau Services - .. Length Reg. Special dealers. Call 1-800-292-2646 for the dealer nearest you. 8' $ 89.00 $ 75.65 ~ 10' 12' 101.00 110.85 85.90 94.80 FaRm(] 14' 16' 129.25 141.00 109.95 119.85 BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC