May 10% Factory Discount On All Bias Ply Safemark Multi Angle REAR TRACTOR TIRES Examples: Regular* Discount* 18.4 38/8 $448.64 $403.78 15.5 38/6 $292.92 $236.63 Wider .... Deeper * Plus Federal Excise Tax Heftier .. Tougher ........ ......... 7.5% Factory Discount on A II New Light Truck Radial BIG KICK SAGINAW TIRES II[IIT •••. G[N[S[[ • OTTAWA '!"UWTON SKA*Wl Load • All[GAN SUlty •• INGH.A.W lrvN>STON OAlIlAIID • 7.5% Factory Tire Size Range Regular* Discount* 31x10.5R15 HR78-15 750R16 C C o $124.61 $98.16 127.55 $115.26 90.80 lA.WAl •• "lHOUN JACIlSON WASHT[NAW 117.98 9.50R16.5 o 121.45 112.34 ST • Hill SDAl[ l( ... W[[ • Plus Federal Excise Tax, Mounting & On-Farm Service • For Farm Bureau Members Only - Sale Ends May 31 MAY 1983 FARM NEWS VOL. 62 NO.5 THE COVER A publication Agriculture Secretary John of the Block calls for strong market orientation in long range Michigan planning for agriculture. Farm Bureau Photo by Marcia Ditchie In this issue: legislative leaders Get Involved During Annual Capital Trek Person to person communication on the issues gives Farm Bureau policy statements grassroot backing. 8 Fair Treatment of Farm laborers Keeps labor Organizers Out MSU farm labor specialist recommends "common sense" to avoid labor organizing confrontations. 12 Morel Madness Strikes in May The appearance of the morel mushroom in the woodlands is a sure sign of spring. 21 Staying Healthy in Rural America Farm Bureau rural health committees seek healthier lifestyles and affordable health care. 23 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 28 Letters to Rural Living - page 17 JIIlchlgan farm l"Iews RURAL LlVll"IG (ISSl"I 0026.2161): 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 orrlces at 7373 West Saginaw HIghway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Of rice Box 30960: telephone. Lansing 517.323.7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIYTIOl"l PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. Included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non.members In Michigan. $5.00 per year non.members out of state. Publication No. .345040. Established Jan. 1.3. 192.3 as MIchIgan Farm News. name changed to MIchIgan Farm News Rural LIvIng Dee. I. 1981. Thlrd.class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mailing orrlces. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor: Mar. cia Dltchle. Associate Editor and Business Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Copy Editor. OffiCERS: Michigan Farm Bureau: Presl. dent. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: Vice President. Jack Laurie. Cass City: Administrative Director. Robert Braden. Lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Orrlcer Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. WilkInson. DIRECTORS: District I. Arthur Bailey. SChoolcraft: District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Bllssrleld; District 3. 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. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dave Conklin. Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery: Robert Rottler. Fremont. fARJII BUREAU WOJIIEl"I: Faye Adam. Snover. fARJII BUREAU l'OUl"IG fARJIIERS: Mark Smuts. Charlotte. POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mall to: MIchIgan Farm News Rural LIvIng, P.O. Box .30960, 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. OMB Power Grab Irks Farm Producers ...( Michigan Farm Bureau mem- We made our concerns known authorized by law and which bers were proud when President at that time to Stockman and to they've approved for continua- Reagan named a native son, our congressmen. We thought tion through industry referen- former Congressman David we had assurances that admin- dums, who knows where it will Stockman, to direct the power- istrative authority for federal stop? What assurance do we ful Office of Management and marketing orders would remain have that the same abuse of Budget. We liked his market- where it belonged - with the power wouldn't be used in the oriented philosophy and his secretary of agriculture. That's case of federal milk marketing dedication to fiscal responsibili- why we were concerned to orders, for example? ty. learn, during our recent trip to The OMB director has proven But last summer, when OMB's Washington, D.C., for our an- that the health and welfare of delayed veto of use of the feder- nual legislative seminar, that his home state's agricultural in- al marketing order for the 1982 OMB is still trying to gain ad- dustry is not one of his con- tart cherry crop cost our state's ministrative control of market- cerns. We must not stand by industry millions of dollars in ing orders. and allow his office to gain the losses, we became disillusioned In response to this latest de- power to damage it. Hopefully, with the president's choice for velopment, your board of direc- the president, who has display- this position. "An abuse of tors, at its recent session, ed an understanding of agricul- power" was how one of our drafted a statement urging ture's problems and needs, will members described OMB's President Reagan to reaffirm his respond favorably to our con- devastating blow to cherry support of federal marketing cerns by taking appropriate ac- growers. Our organization orders and asking that the sole began to question whether USDAcould win the power struggle that had developed, and if it did not, what would happen to other marketing or- authority for their administra- tion remain with the secretary of agriculture. We told the presi- dent that the bureaucratic in- terference of OMB is contrary to e~~Lvoc President Michigan Farm Bureau ders. the intent of Congress, is out- We also questioned why there side provisions of the Agricul- should be a power struggle. The tural Marketing Agreement Act Agricultural Marketing Agree- and is disruptive to the farm ment Act of 1937 gave the re- community. sponsibility of administration of This is an issue that should marketing orders to the secre- be of concern to all members, tary of agriculture and for 45 not just cherry growers, be- years, that responsibility was cause the future of other mar- carried out in an impartial, ef- keting orders is at stake, too. If fective and efficient manner - OMB has the power to tell pro- until the big cherry fiasco of ducers of a commodity that 1982 when OMB got involved. they can't use a program that's 4 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 COUNTRY LEDGER IShow Me Volunteerism l By Donna Wilber ideas as convincingly as he leadership roles in Project AIM does beans) enthusiastically ex- activities. If there was anything I didn't plained why agriculture, and The "show me" skepticism need to complicate my life, it specifically Farm Bureau, crumbled completely as I saw was Project AIM. should get involved in address- the enthusiasm with which I was already meeting myself ing Michigan's crucial hunger county Farm Bureau AIM coordi- in the proverbial revolving door crisis. nators undertook this challenge without involvement in "outside" Not that I, personally, could and the innovative ideas that ri activities. Besides, I couldn't stand by and let anyone go sprang from their creative ~ really relate to being out of hungry, especially little ones minds and giving hearts. And I work and hungry. I'd always like my grandsons. But to ask haven't even mentioned the worked from the time I was old my organization to contribute tons of Michigan commodities enough to swat a potato bug, my time and the involvement of that were donated and purchas- feed the chickens and pull a Farm Bureau members across ed with AIM contributions ... or weed. I can remember some the state in the volunteer ef- the new positive relationships lean meals, like creamed onions fort? What about all the other that developed as agriculture on boiled potatoes (no meat, no things we had to do? Benefit and organized labor worked dessert), but hungry? Not really! the organization as well as the together to fill a need. Granted, there was a deeply hungry? Show me! All this ... while feeding buried, post-farm memory of It took about two weeks to hungry people! having to sell a cherished replace that initial skepticism Certainly, all of us hope that bedroom suite to buy baby for- with flaming zeal and a cauli- the need that was so critical in mula .... flower ear from answering news the winter months has eased, Whether it was my Dutch- media calls. The human interest but we also recognize that it Finnish heritage or my forma- appeal of farmers (who weren't hasn't ended. We also realize tive years on a ranch in South in great economic shape them- that in the months ahead, Dakota and later a Michigan selves) responding to the needs farmers will have another priori- farm that developed my skep- of their fellow citizens in Michi- ty - producing food - and the tical "show me" attitude, I'm gan was irresistible to the time they'll have to devote to not sure. press. Agriculture, and Farm AIM activities will be limited. I was a two-year-old toddler Bureau, were the focus of posi- That's why project coordinators when I entered the corral to pet tive news coverage. The all- are urging members to commit the leg of the "nice horsey" Dad volunteer, no red tape project their fields and orchards to AIM said was the terror of the range. indeed had involved agriculture for gleaning after harvest. As a four-year-old "show me in Michigan. Good things were What greater way to celebrate kid," I smashed two dozen eggs happening for the hungry in the harvest time than by sharing against the barn door to see if cities and towns in Michigan with those in need? It would they were the rotten ones Mom from border to border; and lend a special meaning to said roosters layed. good things were happening for Thanksgiving 198.3 for both the Although a few decades older, agriculture! givers and receivers. the same "show me" attitude Further reinforcement that cropped up as I raised skeptical our involvement in this humani- eyebrows when Jim Byrum (the tarian effort was "right" came Michigan Bean Commission ex- with the grass roots feedback ecutive secretary who sells that Farm Bureau members who hadn't been active in the organ- ization before were taking RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Budget Watchers Criticize ITax and Spend Pattern l < nate the 1984 and 1985 reduc- Immigration Reform Bill "" tion in estate and gift taxes Threatens Seasonal Labor rates. Shortage - FB has indicated "Farmers and ranchers work- that there could be a disastrous ed too hard for the estate tax shdrtage of available seasonal "'- Tax and Spend Policies changes and other tax reforms labor in many areas of the Stili Evident - In a strongly enacted in the Economic Recov- country unless the Immigration ... worded letter to Sen. Pete ery Tax Act of 1981 to see them Act Reform bill (H.R. 1510) is Domenici, chairperson of the sacrificed now for the monu- amended. AFBF asked that the Senate Budget Committee, John mental growth in domestic bill be amended to give pro- Datt, secretary of the 3.2 m i1- federal spending," Datt said. ducers reasonable assurance lion member FB organization, that temporary foreign workers f) said the budget resolution, will be made available on a j"Il "continues the all too familiar Lab Animal Research Leg- timely basis when it is demon- pattern of increasing domestic islation - An amendment to strated that qualified U.S. spending and raising taxes." the National Institutes of Health workers are not available. FB FB has supported a balanced bill, H.R. 2350, to require regu- has suggested that a special ad budget through decreased fed- lations and standards for the hoc subcommittee be appointed ~ eral spending rather than proper treatment of laboratory to recommend amendments through increased taxes. Point- research animals, could have that would meet the needs of """ ing out that FB was among the future implications for animal agriculture. earliest supporters of the agriculture. If the amendment economic recovery program to passes, it is expected that ani- reduce taxes and spending, halt mal welfare groups will attempt MASAWOPALaw and Regu- inflation, trim federal regula- to have farm animals included lations - The Migrant and tions and control the growth of at a later date. Seasonal Agricultural Workers .....t the money supply, Datt said, However, a substitute amend- Protection Act became law on "50 far we have seen nothing ment calling for an 18-month April 14. Concurrently, regula- ~ more than the raising of taxes study of the use of animals in tions under the new act were and business as usual in federal research would require the Na- published by the Department of domestic spending." tional Academy of Sciences to Labor to become effective on Citing the resolution which collect data and evaluate cur- April 14, and will remain in ef- '.... raises spending by $33 billion rent laboratory practices so fect until Aug. 12 unless with- while providing an additional that Congress can determine if drawn, extended or superseded 'f( $30 billion in unspecified a problem exists and if a legis- by another issuance. Although sources, Datt warned that the lative or regulatory solution is the joint effective date of the House Ways and Means Commit- appropriate. The substitute law and regulations does not of- tee chairperson, Dan Rosten- amendment, introduced by Con- fer the normal 30-day comment kowski, has proposed freezing gressman Madigan, offers a ra- period, comment on the regula- l' all currently scheduled tax cuts tional approach to study of an tions will be accepted until mid- "'1 at the 1983 level. emotional issue created by May and changes may be made While this would preserve the isolated press reports. as a result of comments receiv- third installment of the 1981 in- In the Senate, legislation has ed. dividual income tax cuts, sched- been introduced which would MASAWOPA replaces the Farm uled for July I, it would effec- require a study similar to that Labor Contractor Registration ~ tively repeal the indexing of in- proposed in the Madigan Act (FLCRA). It clarifies many of come tax brackets and elimi- amendment. S. 964 was in- -< the ambiguous terms that were troduced by Sens. Hatch and used in FLCRA and does not re- Kennedy. Co-sponsors are need- quire farm employers to regis- ed for this legislation . • 6 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 ter as farm labor contractors. It MFBWomen Join in Legislative also completely exempts family farms and small businesses Salute to Michigan Agriculture from any of the provisions in the act. Major concerns of agricultural producers were addressed in the regulations and while the regulations, as in the case of the act, balance the interests of labor and the House Education and Labor Committee, it is not expected that FB will have to call for significant changes in the announced regulations. PIK IISpeclal Handler Agreements ll - USDA has ap- proved procedures for Payment- in-Kind "special handler agree- ments" for non-approved ware- houses. The agreements will give temporary PIK grain han- dling authority to warehouses Legislative and gubernatorial salutes to agriculture were accepted by not approved under the uniform MFBWomen's leaders on Agriculture Day, March 21. Pictured are, from left, Vivian Loll, Rep. Debbie Stabenow, Faye Adam and Diane Uornlng. grain storage agreement. The "special handler agreements" were developed because some farmers due to receive PIK grain makes it clear that the agricul- In the case of the Egyptian did not live near an approved ture secretary has the authority flour sale earlier this year, warehouse. USDAexpected to to sell as much as possible cargo preference requirements have all of the special handler without damaging trade rela- added $60 to the shipping cost warehouses signed up by the tions with foreign customers. of each ton of flour. end of April. -Eliminate the provisions specifying which commodities will receive the limited export Export Equity Legislation credit assistance. - AFBF President Robert De- - Eliminate the requirement lano has testified on behalf of a that one-half of the revenues generated from the sale of dairy general export promotion bill which includes provisions for an products be used for an export Income Tax - FB staff export Payment-in-Kind pro- credit program. testified before both the House gram in the Agricultural Export A provision of the bill which exempts blended credit and taxation and Senate finance Equity Act of 1983. committees in support of the Although this bill mandates future export PIK programs from cargo preference require- income tax increase as outlined certain export actions that run in the official FB position. The counter to administrative flex- ments is facing strong opposi- tion in the Senate. final version of the tax bill, as ibility, FB supports the legisla- It is essential that the cargo passed and signed by the gover- tion as a major thrust in coun- preference exemption be retain- nor, provided that it is "not per- tering unfair trade practices ed in the legislation if the ex- manent" and will be phased out and stimulating exports. port PIK program provision and as the economy recovers, which Three amendments to the bill, the blended interest export pro- is very close to FB's position. S. 822, would: - Remove the "mandated" gram are to be effective. It is not a permanent tax and sale of dairy products abroad, contains definite cut-offs. The and substitute language which rate raises from the present 4.6% to 6.35% with .25% being (continued on page 30) RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198:3 7 Legislative Leaders Get Involved During Annual Capital Trek 4 By Connie Turbin the U.S. Agricultural Marketing "I believe we can look forward Service. to better times," Block said, There has been little to cheer Speaking to Farm Bureau referring to the upward trend in about In the farm economy in "legislative leaders" who were grain prices since the an- recent months, but USDAoffi- in the nation's capital for their nouncement of PIK participa- cials say they are more optimis- annual lobbying effort, Block tion figures in late March. The tic In view of the voluntary re- said that while he was not eager USDAspokesperson said PJK sponse of farmers to the Pay- to set aside production on near- was designed to be a "self- ment-in-Kind (PIK) program ly 83 million acres enrolled in destruct" program to be in ef- throughout the grain producing the PIK and reduced acreage fect for one or two years. states. That was the message programs, the solution to the "PIK is a short-range solu- presented to a delegation of oversupply conditions in wheat tion," Block said, "and we must 100 farmers in Washington, and feed grains had to be "bold look ahead for long-range solu- D.C.. on April 7 by U.S.Secre- and imaginative" to ball out of tions in both the wheat and tary of Agriculture John Block a difficult situation. feed grains programs and the and chiefs of the U.S. Agricul- Michigan farmers enrolled the dairy program. There must be tural Stabilization and Conser- highest percentage of PIK acres more market orientation in agri- vation Service the Foreign Agri- and Block complimented the culture." cultural Marketing Service and Farm Bureau organization and Block cautioned that those its leadership for support of the who favor less government in- program. volvement in agriculture will face strong opposition from fac- tions that believe government controls and programs are the answer. Block urged the Farm Bureau group to continue to support proposals to freeze price supports at the 1983 levels for 1984 and 1985. Managing overproduction in the dairy industry continues to be the subject of controversy and Block said that while the USDAIs looking at several pro- posals or combinations of pro- posals, the basis of any future program must Include dlscre- ~ tionary authority for the secre- tary to adjust support levels to match production with con- sumer demand. The April 7 meeting was the last of the official meetings scheduled for the Farm Bureau legislative leaders group during the three full days of the Wash- MFB Prcsldent ~lton Smith Introduces Agriculture Secretary John Block to thc Michigan delcgation of Farm Bureau legislative leaders. Block ington Legislative Seminar. met with the Michigan farm group at the USDAoffices In Washington. Earlier in the week, the farmer D.C.. on Thursday, April 7. delegation met with Michigan senators and congressmen in their Capitol Hill offices to discuss legislative issues and factor affecting trade through- Farm Bureau policy, attend out the International markets. hearings and committee Subsidized exports from Euro- meetings. pean Economic Community In addition to the information countries is also a contributing briefing with USDAchiefs and factor in lost export market the secretary of agriculture, shares for U.S. farm commodi- Farm Bureau members gained ties and Calingaert pointed out additional insights Into the poli- that the U.S.continues to work cies and Issues outside of their through international channels farm agency from Michael Cal- and agencies, such as GATT, ingaert, deputy assistant secre- and through trade missions in- tary for international resources volving public and private sec- and food policy in the State De- tor Interests to open the doors partment. Calingaert reported to trade. that in 1982 U.S.exports had Referring to the recent sale of declined for the first time after flour to Egypt, Calingaert said }3 years of steady growth. He that the trade action by the U.S. indicated that further declines was designed to bring the EEC ~Jlports and International food are expected in 1983. The drop to the bargaining table to dis- polley were the topics for dis- In agricultural exports, he said, cuss and negotiate the use of cussion at a State Department was the result of many factors, subsidies and tariff policies in briefing for MFBmembers on but he cited a worldwide reces- April 6. The group met with International trade practices. Michael Callngaert. deputy assis- sionary economy as a major The wheat deal, he said, was tant secretary for International resources and food polley. RURAL LIVING. MA Y 198.3 9 advertised as a one-time-only deal, aimed directly at the EEC. However, CaJingaert warned against the effects of protec- tionist trade practices and leg- islation by the United States. He called protectionist measures potentially dangerous and warn- ed that "to the extent we are protectionist, it makes it dif. ficult to open or expand trade in other countries." Domestic issues from the budget to federal marketing orders were on the agenda for Farm Bureau legislative leaders in their personal contacts with their congressional represen- tatives and senators. Members of the Farm Bureau legislative delegation hand delivered copies of the proposed Agricul- tural Recovery Act of 1983 and Michigan Sen. Levin (center) gets an early morning update on the posi- discussed the importance of a tion of Michigan's fruit growers regarding the administration of market- comprehensive rewrite of farm Ing orders from Mark Drake of Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau. Drake program authorities. Priority and MFB Vice President Jack Laurie (left) explained to Levin that issues were for a freeze on growers want assurances that OMB will not usurp USDA authority to carry out the producer approved marketing orders. target loan prices and a reduc- tion in the dairy support price level to $11.32/ cwt. Veto of the 1982 cherry mar- keting order hurt producers and disrupted the price and supply stability for consumers, the farmers told their Washington representatives. They requested clear cut authority for the USDA to approve and administer marketing orders in the future without intervention from other government agencies, notably the Office of Management and Budget. Activity and interest in the proposed federal budget for 1983-84 was a concern shared by both congressmen and the legislative leaders. The pro- jected $200 billion deficit marks the highest deficit in U.5. history and Farm Bureau lead- No apathy among these voting constituents Levin learned when. follow. ers, supporting a balanced fed- Ing the Thursday morning meeting with Farm Bureau legislative leaders. eral budget and reduced gov- they questioned him on federal spending. farm programs and taxation. ernment spending, pressed their stand for a three-year freeze in cost of living ad- justments for all federal pro- grams. 10 RURAL LIVING. MA Y 198.3 During the three-year freeze, reforms in the benefit struc- tures would be required, Farm Bureau's grassroots lobbyists said. Such reforms would pro- mote a more equitable burden sharing between entitlement beneficiaries and taxpayers and allow for the growth of benefits, but not at a rate faster than the wages of taxpayers who must fi. nance the programs. Speaking to the seminar par- ticipants on Thursday, April 7, Michigan Sen. Carl Levin com- plimented the farm community for expressing a willingness to sacrifice in reducing the cost of government, however, he held out little hope that he would support the third and final phase of the three-year tax cut scheduled to go into effect July 1, 198.3. Meeting with Thumb area farm 8ureau legislative leaders. aide to "If we're going to have deficit Congressman 80b Traxler, Roger Szemraj, discusses the future of farm reduction," Levin told the programs. Traxler, who did not attend the meeting, was in Michigan to group, "we're going to have to address leaders of the Michigan Rural Electric Cooperative. sacrifice across the board in- stead of what we have now, which is sacrifice in some places, but huge gains in others." Levin charged that the tax cut gave a disproportionate ad- vantage for families with in- comes over $45,000 per year. He proposed a $45,000 or $50,000 cap on the scheduled July tax cut. Tax issues were a major poli- cy concern to Farm Bureau members who were in Washing- ton to support and defend tax relief measures granted in 198 I legislation. In an interview with the news media while in Washington, D.C., MFB President Elton R. Smith reaffirmed the farm or- ganization's support for re- straint in government spending and a balanced federal budget Rep. Guy VanderJagt and 9th district constituent David Woller of based on reductions in the size Oceana County continue their informal discussion following the Mf8 and cost of government, not in- Congressional 8reakfast meeting on Wednesday, April 6. creased taxation. (continued on page 34) RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 11 Fair Treatment of Farm Laborers Keeps Labor Organizers Out By Donna Wilber concern among producers re- Michigan where, if an organizer "It's not nice to shoot the garding their rights and respon- came on the property, the farm organizer!" sibilities involved in dealing workers themselves would With that satirical, exagger- with organizers who approach throw him off because they ated response, Dr. Allen Shap- their workers. But Shapley be- would see him as a detriment to ley, Michigan State University lieves that if farmers have used the positive relationship they sharp human relations and have with their employer," labor management specialist, management skills, there will Shapley said. broaches the serious subject of be little cause for that concern. how farmers should handle the "There are many farms in delicate situation of farm labor union organizer attempts. The recent announced inten- tion of the Farm Labor Organiz- ing Committee (FLOC)to begin activity in Michigan has caused 12 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 "A large part of labor man- agement is just using a lot of common sense in three areas: planning, empathy and com- munication. Planning is think- ing ahead; empathy is the prac- tice of putting yourself in the other's shoes, of trying to see things from the worker's point of view, and communication is not just telling and showing, but also asking and listening." Theoretically, the whole idea of an organizer coming onto a farm is to improve the situa- tion for the workers. Therefore, he will be in- effective and unable to farm labor specialist, Dr. Allen Shapley, advises farm employers that get the workers to sign good wages and benefits, sound and clean housing and open lines of communication are the basic components of "common sense" labor with his union unless management. they feel it will be of benefit to them. "Theoretically, the whole idea mean higher wages. It means of an organizer coming onto a good wages, good benefits, Shapley has some recommen- farm is to improve the situation structurely sound and clean dations for farmers if an organi- for the workers. Therefore, he housing, open communications zer is successful in approaching will be ineffective and unable to and recognition of a job well their workers (other than it's get the workers to sign with his done. If the farmer can make not nice to shoot him) and he union unless they feel it will be his workers perceive that he is reminds them that if their farm of benefit to them. It costs concerned for them, that he's has a labor camp, they cannot .' money to join a union, so it's a cost-benefit situation for the not trying to exploit them, they will see this as a job benefit and deny an organizer access to it. "It was ruled several years worker," he said. will reject anything that might ago that a farmer cannot say harm that relationship," Shap- who can and cannot visit a Fair Labor Management ley said. camp because the camp be- Based on Common Sense If such a relationship does longs to the migrants while not exist between a farmer and they are there," he explained. This kind of positive relation- his workers, the time to start "If he has evidence of an ship, Shapley said, does not improving it is now - not when organizer having been there, happen overnight. It takes time, the organizer is at the farm he'd better start visiting with constant concern, and most im- gate, Shapley warned. "It's not the migrants. It doesn't do any portant, open channels of com- something you can say, 'yester- good to threaten either the munication between the em- day I did it this way and today organizer or the workers in- ployer and the workers. I'm going to do it a better way: volved. "farm employers need to do It's something you have to work "If an organizer gets the everything in their power to see on, but it can be done," he said. workers to say, 'you do this or that their workers are satisfied we will strike,' the best thing to and that doesn't necessarily do is to ask for some time to RURAL LIVING, MA Y J 98.3 1.3 review their list of demands. cases that provide fuel for farm of the amount of labor used," Then, the employer must decide labor organizers. Those who according to Steffens. "The what to do - get a lawyer, fire won't be impacted will be potential economic impact of the group of involved employ- farmers who have solid, long- workers on the profit of the ees, or give in to their de- established relationships with business is an even more im- mands. migrant families. portant factor. "He can sit down with his "Many Michigan growers hire farm workers and analyze the families who come back year demands, explaining what he after year. The farmer knows . Good labor manage- can and will do and what he these families; he goes to their ment skills should be a cannot do without going out of daughter's wedding in Texas business. If the workers trust and they come to his daughter's concern of all of us, the farmer, this will probably wedding in Michigan. The whether that labor is work, but that element of trust organizer isn't going to have must be there," Shapley said. any impact on those kinds of hired or family labor. workers when he comes on the Michigan - A "Paradise" farm and he knows it!" Shapley for Migrant Workers said. "For example, 10 dissatisfied pickers can hurt the profits on Nationally, migrants do need a fruit farm, but one angry a better situation than they herdsman can be disastrous to have, Shapley said, and Michi- the profits on a dairy farm. On gan offers them the best situa- the positive side, 10 enthusias- tion of almost any state in the tic pickers will harvest more nation. fruit with less damage, but one "Talk to any migrant, most of dedicated, well-trained herds- whom do work in many states, man can increase the produc- and they'll tell you that Michi- tion of a whole herd. gan is paradise ... that the "So, good labor management housing is pretty good and in skills should be a concern of all some places excellent, the of us, whether that labor is growers are fair, the wages they hired or family labor," she said. pay are fair, they can get food She encourages farmers to stamps, and the people 'in take advantage of four bulletins town' aren't apt to be as preju- available from Dr. Shapley: diced as in other states," he "Putting Labor Management in said. Perspective, Motivating Farm "But there's still a ways to go. Workers, Tips for Training Farm Some migrants are exploited. "f Farmers Seek Workers and Designing Incen- There are still some camps that Management Training tive Planning for Farm Workers. are horrible. There are some To order these bulletins, send a bad employers in the state who Sharon Steffens, Kent County stamped, self-addressed enve- don't recognize migrants as fruit grower and member of the lope to Dr. Allen Shapley, human beings with basic needs Agricultural Labor Commission, Department of Agricultural Eco- and rights." is one of a growing number of nomics, 20 Agriculture Hall. While these kinds of situa- progressive farmers wh,o recog- Michigan State University, East tions are few, they are the focus nize the need to sharpen their Lansing, Mich. 48824. of migrant worker advocates labor management skills. who still believe that "The "The value of good labor Harvest of Shame" is a reflec- management skills should not tion of Michigan today, Shapley be considered only on the basis said. Even though that's far from true, it's these isolated 14 RURAL LIVING, MAY 1983 )... Michigan Farm Bureau Appoints Agricultural Labor Committee A la-member Michigan Farm Riley, are: Mike Satchell, The possible re-establishment Bureau Agricultural Labor Ad- Tuscola County dairyman; Earl of the Legal Defense Fund as a visory Committee has been ap- Goetz, Lenawee County vegeta- membership entity, with provi- pointed by MFB President Elton ble, cattle and hog farmer; sions for generating new in- R. Smith. Formation of the com- Robert Grams, Clinton county come, wi II be considered by the mittee was requested by the dairy farmer; James Erwin, committee at a later date. There MFB board of directors to fill Oakland County orchard and is currently over $10,000 re- the void created by the recent farm market operator; Robert maining in the fund. "inactive status" placement of DeBruyn Jr., Ottawa County In an appearance before the the organization's labor affili- multi-state vegetable grower committee, Genesee County ate, MASA, the Michigan Agri- and shipper; Les Dowd, Van farmer Sandy Hill gave a report cultural Services Association. Buren County fruit and on her attendance at a multi- The committee, chaired by vegetable grower; Ruth Rigg, state meeting of church people Oceana County fruit and Branch County dairy farmer; who support the union organi- vegetable grower John Riley, Hardy Elowski, Montmorency zation activities of FLOC (see held its first meeting on March County forester; and Donald accompanying feature). Hill ex- 30 at Farm Bureau Center in Nugent Benzie County fruit plained that the purpose of the Lansing, where members re- grower and representative of meeting was to create a viewed their objectives. These the MFB board. dialogue between farm workers, include: advise the MFB board Serving as secretary for the growers and corporations so in areas related to the use, committee is Ron Gaskill, MFB church representatives could management and problems con- local affairs specialist. understand the conflict among fronting agricultural labor; the three. Also discussed was develop an effective working Committee to Oversee how the churches would sup- relationship with other organi- Legal Defense Fund port FLOC's efforts to organize zations, groups and governmen- migrant farmworkers. The committee will also be re- tal agencies concerned with ag Hill reported that she was one sponsible for administration of labor; and to suggest and en- of only a handful of growers the Legal Defense Fund, one of courage ag labor programs by present at the meeting. She ex- MASA's member programs. MFB, universities, government pressed her frustration at the Through annual fees paid by agencies and others. "church's insistence upon MASA members, the fund was It will also be the committee's creating an emotional issue developed to provide financial role to consider county Farm rather than listening to any assistance to members who Bureau policy resolutions that facts or logic" pertaining to the were involved in litigation on concern ag labor and, in turn, issue of alleged migrant worker agricultural issues. New ad- make recommendations to the abuses. visory committee chairperson MFB Policy Development Com- FLOC's activities in Michigan Riley chaired the Legal Defense mittee. will be monitored by the MFB Committee for three years. The Members of the committee, in Labor Advisory Committee in MFB Ag Labor Advisory Commit- addition to chairperson John the months ahead. tee will evaluate all requests for legal defense funds and make recommendations to the MFB board. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1983 15 FRONT 8/. CENTER Farm Bureau Services, Inc. has been granted a 30-day extension for submitting a reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy law. The extension was approv- ed by the four creditors' committees and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bay City. Executive vice president and chief executive officer Newton Allen said progress has been made in the develop- ment of a reorganization plan, but some work must be completed before it can be submitted to the court. Farmers who hire an economically disadvantaged youth this summer can get a tax credit under a new federal program. The Targeted Jobs Tax Credit applies to the hiring of youths 16 or 17 years old on the hiring date after April .30. The tax credit is equal to 85% of the first $.3,000 of wages paid to each eligible youth during any 90-day period between May 1 and Sept. 15. The tax credit applies only to wages paid to youths who have not previously worked for the employer. Farmers may get more information from their nearest Michigan Employment Security Commission Job Service office. Michigan's horse population ranks Sth in the nation, higher than Kentucky, and its 250,000 horses are part of a $2 billion industry in this state, Ed Brennan, president of the Michigan Horse Council, told the MFB board of directors at its April meeting. Brennan said the council is working on getting recommendations from the Governor's Conference on the Horse Industry implemented and also reported on a legislative day activity scheduled for June 8 on the state capitol lawn. Forty-two organizations representing 20,000 people are now members of the Michigan Horse Council. "ow does your local unit of government spending compare with others? You can get this information from the Treasury Department now. Available are 1982 fiscal reports for a specific unit ($1 each), fiscal reports comparing 1982 with 1981 ($2), and fiscal reports com- paring 1982 spending of your unit with another local unit ($2). To order, specify local unit and county for each report requested, send check payable to the State of Michigan, along with your name, address and phone number to: Michigan Department of Treasury, Local Government Audit Division, 2nd Floor, Treasury Bldg., Lansing, Mich. 48922. The AFBFYoung Farmer and Rancher Committee has announced 1983 Discussion Meet topics. They include: (1) Subsidies - ammunition for a trade war? (2) How does the sup- ply of credit affect the farm community and what will be the source of this credit in the future? (3) How can Farm Bureau, as a general farm organization, ensure farmer input into farmer pro- grams without creating division along commodity lines? (4) Political action committees have proven beneficial to many special interest groups - are farm PACsa threat to our effec- tiveness as a bi-partisan voice for agriculture? Young Farmers planning to compete in upcom- ing Discussion Meets may obtain further information by writing: Young Farmer Department, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box .30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Gov. Blanchard has appointed 11 members of the IS-member Michigan Dairymen's Market Program Committee. Named for terms expiring Dee. 31, 1983, were Harold Ward, Romeo; Ernest Girbach, Saline; and Harold Bahrman, Skandia. For terms expiring Dee. 31, 1984, Carl Kline, White Pigeon; Frank Lapinski, Buckley; Wilfred Wardin, Hemlock; and Keith Brown, Jonesville, were appointed. Named for terms expiring Dee. .31, 1985, were: Elwood Kirkpatrick, Kinde; Velmar Green, Elsie; Jerry Good, Caledonia; and Elmo Heft, Grand Rapids. The new committee was created last year to promote sales of Michigan milk and milk products. Michigan Blue Cross Blue Shield has filed a legal challenge to the ruling handed down by the Michigan Commissioner of Insurance which prohibits BCBSfrom age and area rating subscribers in certain association groups, including the Michigan Farm Bureau group. Neither the commission ruling nor the subsequent legal action by BCBSwill have an immediate effect on the MfB subscriber group. MFB management is evaluating programs offered by alter- native, private insurance providers to ensure continued, long-term health care coverage for Farm Bureau members. 16 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1983 LET T E R S TO R U R ALL I V I NG Family Farm Development bond to finance the loan. ing up, my father worked 500 Loan Process to Begin Persons who have requested acres and milked 30 cows, Interest in the Michigan Fami- information, and are now on the which I helped with. I was inter- >- Iy Farm Development Program authority's mailing list, may ex- ested in farming from an early ~ continues to run high. To date, pect to receive information and age and took FFA in high school more than 4,500 people have guidelines regarding the ap- for four years. After I graduated made inquires about the pro- plication process for Family from high school, I left the farm Farm Development loans soon. for three years to branch out on ~ gram and are included on the The authority wishes to ex- my own and worked in a fac- authority's mailing list. .) The program developments press its appreciation for sup- tory. It was then that I realized are progressing with final de- port of the legislation and pro- that my love was farming. tails being completed during grams being developed which With my father still in the April on the document package has been extended by Farm Bu- business, I could see a future, necessary to complete a loan by reau members. A special thanks but only with his help could I the authority and for purchase should go to the various Farm begin. I have been farming with of the tax exempt revenue bond Bureau Young Farmer groups my father for three years and by the participating lender. who have sponsored local infor- have been managing my share .,. With finalization of these doc- mation meetings about the pro- of the farm for the last two. uments, the application process gram. To date, more than 2,000 The Family Farm Development can be set into motion. Applica- people have attended these Program, offering low Interest ~ tions will be available through meetings and received informa- loans, is very important to me participating lenders. A particl- tion regarding qualifications as I'd like to buy more land and f pating lender is any lending in- and answers to the various be able to expand with more ef- .. stitution in the state which has questions that have arisen re- ficient machinery. In these hard agreed with the authority to garding the program. times we are facing, I realize participate in the program. Don Schaner, Executive Director the importance of effective and ~ Qualified beginning farmers MDA Family Farm Development efficient operations and this is who have located property my goal. which they desire to purchase Dennis Weidman, Huron County through a Family Farm Develop- Getting Started: Cballenge ~ ment loan are encouraged to to Beginning Farmers If you have a question or opinion that »- contact local bankers to deter- I am a young man, 25 years you would like to share with Farm Bu- reau members In Rural Living magazine, mine their interest in develop- old, who is trying to get started send It to: Letters to Rural LIving, Michi- ing a loan package and in pur- in farming. I was born and rais- gan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box .30960, Lan- chasing a tax exempt revenue ed on a farm. While I was grow- sing, Mich. 48909. t- :FARMERS OF THE WEEK ~] The Farmer of the Week program, co- farmer. He farms 600 acres and raises University Alumni Association and sponsorea by Farm Bureau Insurance corn and pickles. He Is an active mem- served on the MFB Young Farmer Com- ... Group and the Michigan Farm Radio ber and past deacon In the Christian mittee. Network, honors Michigan farmers for Reformed Church, Is active In the "", their contributions to the community church men's society, Is an Ottawa Marcb 28 - Larry Kartes, .31, oper- and the agriculture Industry. Four farm- County Farm Bureau member and has ates a .350-acre dairy farm near Alger. t ers were honored In March 198.3: been Involved In tractor pulling compe- He Is chairperson of the Edwards Town- titions for over .30 years. ship CItizens Association, Is an active Marcb 7 - Lyle Hoskins, 50, a dairy member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and hog farmer from Climax, farms sev- Marcb 21 - Gerald Heck, .32, of Ida, In West Branch, has been township con- , eral hundred acres with the help of his operates a 900-acre cash crop and poul- stable for seven years, serves on the lo family. He Is a member of the National try farm with his brother. Their egg-pro- Ogemaw County Farm Bureau Board of Cattlemen's Association and the Michi- ducing operation Includes 14,000 Directors, Is chairperson of the county gan Milk Producers Association, Is ac- chickens and they also raise corn, soy- Young Farmer Committee, earned the tive In the county Farm Bureau and the beans and wheat. Heck serves as a Sun- Farmer of the Year Conservation Award ,. local FB Community Action Group and day School teacher and church council In 1979, earned a Congressional Award Is a member of the Masons and the member In the Lutheran Church In Ida, presented by U.S. Rep. Don Albosta, Is a .. American legion. and Is on the Monroe County Farm Bu- member of the Michigan Milk Producers reau Board of Directors. He Is a member Association and he and his wife were Marcb 10\ - Ralph (Pat) Sietsema, of the Monroe County Extension Service named Outstanding Young Dairy Couple 60, of Allendale, Is a cash crop and beef advisory committee, the Michigan State In 1981. t RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 17 ~ount~ jiewsletter News and Information from Michigan's County Farm Bureaus • Eaton County FB Burns Mortgage Cheboygan Fish Farmer on National Panel ~ Clem Valot, a Cheboygan County Farm Bureau member from Macki- naw City, was asked by the Ameri- . can Farm Bureau Federation to speak on a panel at the AFBF Aqua-~ culture Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. He and his wife, Shirley," flew there for the March 22 & 23 meetings. The Valots operate Green Acres Camp Ground at Mackinaw City. As part of this camp they raise troutt- . from eggs to maturity. Tourists like.... to stop there and pay a fee to try their luck at fishing for trout. The ponds are heavily stocked so fisher- men usually catch a fish weighing J from 1 to 2 pounds in a few minutes."" The Valots say approximately 20,000 trout are caught there by ~ fishermen each season. On March 22 Valot served on a panel to review marketing opportun- ities for various phases of aquacul- ture. Va lot spoke as an industry specialist on trout. Other speakers .. were from California on shellfish. from Washington on oysters and « clams, from Louisiana on shrimp and from Mississippi on catfish. Special speakers at this conference_, included Wilmer D. Mitzell, assis- tant secretary for governmental and.,. public affairs, who spoke on "USDA Activities in Aquaculture" and'1 Bruce Hawley, assistant director of national affairs for AFBF, who ad- They say a picture paints a thousand words! The above picture says it all as Eaton County dressed, "Issues of Concern to Aqua- ' Farm Bureau burned its mortgage on March 29. There was an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. at the office at 430 State Street in Charlotte, and then in a ceremony the mortgage was burned culture." with County President Duane Tirrell doing the honors. On March 23 Valot attended ~ . meeting of the AFBF Aquaculture Advisory Committee of which he is" Hawaii Prize Offered in State No-Till Contest one of the 12 members. Their agen- da stated, "Commercial Fishermen New rules for the 1983 Michigan $300 cash. Are Farmers Too!" No-Tillage Corn Yield Contest, spon- sored by Chevron Chemical Co. and Rules and entry forms are avail- able in the offices of the Soil Conser- . Soil Conservation Districts, are now vation Service/Soil Conservation available. District, and in the ASC office. Along with the cash prize of $100 Posters advertising the contest, ac- Do your friends for the highest no-till corn yield in companied by rules and entry forms, each county, the farmer with the will also be at many farm implement a favor - highest no-till corn yield in the state and ag sales outlets in the countv. will receive an all-expense paid trip The highest no-till corn Yield for Ask them to join for two to Hawaii. Second highest Michigan in 1982 was 182 bushels yield in the state will earn $500 in per acre on a Capac loam soil in Farm Bureau cash, third highest yield will earn Clinton County. J MAY 1983 ~" ~ Farm Credit System Farm Animal Rightists on the Move Members of Congress were re- to produce wholesome products. ~t Helping in a Crunch cently invited by the Farm Animal We must keep informed and keep The Farm Credit System has sever- Reform Movement (FARM). an ani- our legislators and urban friends ~ al servicing options used in progres- mal rights organization, to a recep- aware of the truth . ... sive steps to help farmers who are tion in Washington D.C. In a letter experiencing repayment problems. from Alex Hershaft, president of ~ » Within the servicing guidel ines, each FARM, the congressional leaders of the following options is explored were told: "Things just ain't what Farmette ~ ~ by the loan officer before any loan they used to be down on the farm! j. is called into foreclosure. The traditional tranquil family farm of yesterday has been displaced by .> Federal Land Bank: a giant factory farm operated by an -Extension - Granting the bor- agribusiness conglomerate." Some ...... ~ rower an extension and not pursuing purposes of the reception, said Her- further collection activity for a given shaft, were to promote the humane • ~- period of time. An extension is possi- treatment of farm animals and to ... ble when the member-borrower has return to wholesome and unadulter- a positive source of repayment funds ated farm products. J. which will be available to him by a These organizations were very specific date. vocal, busy people. In short, they ~ J. -Deferment _ Allowing the bor- are condemning our care and ability "Corn's up!" l>} rower to make the interest payment only and postponing payment of the ; principal portion of the loan. j -Reamortization - Combining all MACMA Asparagus Sale Deadline May 11 money due, such as interest, billed The deadline for ordering prod- Contact your county Farm Bureau and unbilled principal and any other ucts in the MACMA Asparagus Sale secretary to see if your county is advances, and amortizing them over is Wednesday, May 11. Delivery is participating in the 1983 Asparagus r ). the previously establ ished term of scheduled for the week of May 22. Sale. ,.» the loan or a new term of years. -Refinancing - Providing funds ------------------------------------ " to payoff short-term debt, thus Quantity Product Price Amount ~_ allowing a longer term of years in Fresh Asparagus. 20 Ibs $18.85 which to repay debt. Fresh Asparagus. 10 Ibs. $10.80 ~' -Voluntary Liquidation - Allow- Summer Time Franks. 12/1 lb. packages $13.45 ing the borrower to convert equity MACMA Hams. 4/4 lb. average $2.65 lb. t" to cash during a mutually agreeable Thick Cut Bacon. 1011'/1 lb. pkgs . S27.70 .. period of time. Hickory Stick, 4 lb. average S10.35 Michigan Apple Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans, 5 + 1 $27.00 .) Production Credit Association: Michigan Grape Concentrate. 24/12 oz. cans, 3 + 1 $28.00 -Short-term Extension - Carrying Dried Tart Cherries, 4 oz. bag, 5 + 1 S 1.60 ''J~ payments past due until assets are Florida Valencia Oranges, 415 bushel carton $ 9.50 sold to provide repayment. Florida Pink Seedless Grapefruit, 4/5 bushel carton S 8.90 r ~ -Refinancing Renegotiating Florida Orange Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans, 5 + 1 S31.80 l terms of the loan or providing in- Florida Grapefruit Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans, 5 + 1 $19.80 terim financing if there appears to Lemonade Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans S14.20 '"T be a reasonable chance that the bor- Grapefruit Sections, 24/16 oz. cans. no sugar added $15.25 "" ,. rower can refinance the loan through Florida Skinless Peanuts, 20 oz. can $ 2.60 another lender. Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar. 4/1 lb. pkgs. $11.65 -Renewing - Moving short-term Wisconsin Medium Cheddar, 4/1 lb. pkgs. $11.65 ~ debt into the PCA annual operating Wisconsin Colby Cheese. 4/1 lb. pkgs. S10.95 loan and allowing the borrower ad- Wisconsin Monterey Jack. 4/1 lb. pkgs. $10.95 ..) ditional time to make the repay- Total Units Tot~1 S ment. Name _ -Voluntary Liquidation - Allow- ...... ing the borrower to convert equ ity Address _ to cash during a mutually agreeable period of time. Phone Other Phone FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE CLASSIFIED AD POLICY MISCELLANEOUS FOR HOMEMAKERS LEE Je.a •• r.clory oullet work clothes. SAVEl lI'I.ke Your Owal Frozen hash- • Members pay 10~ per word for non-commerlcal ads and 15~ per shoes. 8argalns on new shlrt5 (low as browns. tater tot5. french frlesl Com- word for ads which promote a commercial business other than ag- $4.95). Lee Jackets. boots. gloves. plete. easy. Instructions. $1.00. Hamil- coveralls. Send $1.00 for catalog. SARA tons. 80x 652-1'}1. New Ulm. Mlnn."'- riculture. All other advertisers pay 20~ per word for one Insertion OLOV[ CO.. 16 Cherry Ave .. Dept. C-95. 5607.}. (5-20p-t5) and 15~ per word for two or more consecutive Insertions. Waterbury. CT 06704. (2-5t-'}4p-t5) _______________ 4 The deadline for advertisements Is the first Monday of tbe CEDAR fence po.ta •• ay alze. Rustic montb preceding publication and the publisher has the right round rail sections. Log homes. Rapid NURSERY STOCK River Rustic Cedar Log Homes and Fenc- to reject any advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre- Ing. Rt . .}. Ensign. Rapid RIver. Mich . •• ntedl Yellow curr.nt buabea. Ray paid and may be pre-paid up to one year In advance. Please In- 49878.1-906-474-6427. (2-1lt-27p-m) [. 8lakeslee. Oakley. MIchigan 48649 ... dicate If you are a Farm Bureau member. It Is the responsibility of W.tkln. de.ler. aeeded. Start your (.}-.}t-19p) own business. part or full time. Company the advertiser to re-Insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by- "ur.ery Stock - Evergreens. shade llt.( has been In business since 1868. Oood ornamental trees. shrubs. roses. peren- year basis. for students. retirees. also. Oood for nials. ferns llc ground covers. Top quality Send ads to Rural Living. P.O. Box 30960. Lansing. Mlcb. fundralsers. party plan and direct to at reasonable prices. Our 26th yearl Lan- .. door sales. Call .} 1'}-529-.}.}49. .... 8909. rlo ads will be taken over tbe pbone. (4-2t-.}.}p) tollary Nursery. 57'}6 N. 25th St .• Kala- mazoo. 616-'}85- 2488. (5-.}t-'}Op) Cberry grower. - will market. harvest Str.wberry pl.nta (Maryland virus or rent your crop. 616-429-4260 or 616- free) - Earllglow. Sparkle. Midway 944-5248. (4-.}t-l1 p) 25-$5. 100-$14. [verbearlng 25-$6.50 .... FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK Un.tt.cbed? Confidential correspon- 100-$20. Orape Vines $2.50 each. Add dence with other "Country Lovin' Sin- 15% for shipping. Send for free letter. ~\ W.atedl New Idea single or narrow row IIIl1klag Sborlbora.1 Young bulls. gles:' CLSRL. Rt . .}. 80x .}.}.}. Appleton. I llc J Wolverton Nursery. 6197 Lake corn picker. Will pay cash. Phone 517- yearlings and calves for sale. WrIte or WIs. 54915. (4-.}t-16p-ts) Road. Millington. Mich. 48746. 517- 52.}-280.}. evenings. (7-1.}t-22p-ts) visit Stanley M. Powell and Family. In- W.ntedl Old ladl.a Arllf.ct •• Axes. 871-2'}25. (5-2t-.}.}Pl..L r.rrowlag St.lI. - All steel $167.40. gleside Farm. Route 2. '}248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia. Mich. 48846. (4-6t-12p) celts. arrowheads. drilled slate. Informa- Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump tion to: Relics. 80x 152A. Eau Claire. rail. Weighs 1961bs. Free literature. Starr Top qu.llty poultry at reasonable Mich. 49111. (5-6t-l8p) National. 219 Main. Colchester. IL 62'}26. prices. Chicks for eggs. meat or novelty. REAL ESTATE (5-24p-ts) Also Oulneas. Oosllngs. Ducks. Turkeys. R.ke Kalttlng Loom. - This fascinat- PIc~re brochure 50(. Country Hatchery • Ing craft can be mastered by people of W.atedl D.III.ged or burned tr.c- all ages and excellent therapy for the •• nted - r.rm •• bu.lae •• e•• I.ke ton and equipment not worth repairing. Wewoka. Oklahoma 74884. (1-6t-24p-t5) handicapped. SASE. Davidson's Old Mill properlle. In upper Thumb area. Write 517-52'}-280'}. evenings. ('}-12t-12p) Corrled.le .beep breeding stock. '}1'}. Yarn. 80x 8. Eaton Rapids. Mich. 48827, or call United Farm llc 8uslness 8rokers •.-'\ Aallque Tr.ctor Book.1 "EWI "John 429-7874. (l-12t-5pJ 1764 M-24. Caro. Mich. 4872.}. Phone (5-.}t-.} 1pots) Deere Tractors 1918-1976:' 75 illustra- rree Qt.log. wbole •• le price •• Reds. 517-67'}-6888. (.}-.}t-24p-ts) 4.. tions. serial numbers. 54 pages - $6.95 . r.ttern. for m.klag .turred .alm.l. Cornish Cross. 8arred Rocks. White ror S.le - lawe.tmeat .ad lacome "Power Farming with Oreater Proflt5:. • nd doll •• 15" baby boy. Individual Rocks. Sexllnks. Leghorns. Turkeys. properlyl .}O acres - blueberry farm In orIginally published In 19'}7 to celebrate fingers and toes. dressed In coveralls Ducks. Reich Poultry Farms. RDI. Marlet. excellent producing condition. Home- John Deere's l00th anniversary. hun- and shirt. $.}.OO. 12" horse. $2.00. ta. Pennsylvania 17547. (l-6t-21 pots) packing shed - Irrigation equipment and dreds of photos of tractors. Implements. LIfelike cat. standing position. $.}.OO. lIog Book.1 "Pig Farmers Veterinary 8rochure of all available origInal pat- pond - farm machinery. Phone 616- specifications. 112 pages - $8.95. 800k:' on-the-farm prevention. symp- terns. $1.00 and LSASE. Dlxle's Love llc 924-0229. Maxson's 81ueberry Farm. "John Deere Advertising 800k:' covers toms. treatments. 176 pages. 'dlagnosls Stuff. 2'}28 Vernor Road. Lapeer. Mich. 6540 W. 92nd St .. Fremont. Mich. 49412. years 1889 to 1940. tractors. machinery. chart' - $17.95. "The Sow - ImprovIng (.}-.}t-.} 1p) Illustrated. '}6 pages. $4.95. SP[CIALI 48446. (5-.}t-47p-ts) Her r:fflclency:' revised edition . .} 10 r.rl)' Store - 1982 gross $220.000. Complete above library - three quality "r.rmlag reel. Goodl" keycb.la •• softcover books - $18.95 postpaid. Dia- pages. 40 photos • .}O diagrams - $2.00. postpaId - Farm fun. 1725 Town- Comes equipped. 8eer. wine license. 111. oil $22.95. "Pig Housing." '}2-page 'blue- acres. $.}50.000 - $100.000 down. Land mond Farm 800k Publishers. Dept. MFN. line. 8entley. Mich. 4861.}. (5-12p) prInt' section housing. equipment. 222 contract. Six C.bla ...... kefroatllome 80x 5'}7. Alexandria 8ay. NY 1'}607. C.rrot. Lowe Tom.toe •••• The com- pages - $18.95. SPr:CIALI Above three - good condition. on Lake Huron. Has .0( (.}-.}t- 75p-t5) plete book of companion planting. 226 hardcover hog library - $59.85 value good possibilities. Owner retirIng. ror S.lel 8aker Separator. 28 Inch for $48.95 postpaid. Diamond Farm pages. Illustrated. Send $6.95. Book- $1'}5.000. Land contract. EIgbt .... ae belt5. John Deere grain binder. 7 ft. John ends. RFD-6. Hud50n. NH O.}O51. 800k Publishers. Dept. MFN. 80x 5'}7. Bowling Alley - Oood two bedroom Deere 2 horse cultivator all housed. good Alexandria 8ay. NY 1.}607. (.}-.}t-6.}p-t5) (5-20p-t5) furnished home. 1982 gross $55.000. condition. Reuben LIndemann. Dexter. S.le.m.n - Balk feed bodle •• ad Comes equipped. Retiring seller offers ~ Mlch .. phone.} 1.}-426-'}541. (5-2t-.}Op) tr.lIer •• farm bodies and holst5. roll- for $2'}9.000 - $100.000 down. Land Sprlag Sped.1 - "ew Alum.x b.rd backs. Central and west MichIgan. Could contract. Above properties shown by ap- bOH Irrlg.lIoa tr.weler. 1200 ft. of DOGS be combined with other lines. Phone 1- pointment only. Call UnIted Farm llc 8usl. ~ .}~" 10 hose - $14.500. Allis Chalmers 800-.} 72-8'}22 or 51 7-645-7661. (5- 25b) ness 8rokers at 517-67.}-6888. diesel pumping unit. complete. 500 OPM AIBe regl.tered Border Collie. for (.}-.}t- 71 pots) C 140- - $8.000. lII.aure pamp ••• gl- sale. 80rn '}-17-8.} ready for new homes 800-.cre f.rm Ju.t aorlb of .... n.lag. t.ton. pipe .ad Irrlg.lIoa tr.welen 4-»8.}.616-7'}1-5518. (5-20p) Yield base of 92. For details call Keith to pump manure directly from lagoon or 8unce at 517-'}51-90'}2 or .}'}2-6595. pit to neld. We al50 custom pump. Plum- mer Supply. 8radley. MI. 1-8OO-6.}2-77'}1. FOR HOMEMAKERS Walter Neller Co. (4-2t-2.}p-t5) (5-51p-t5) MISCELLANEOUS Smok)' lIIoaat.la rlwenlde bo.e for - reat. Townsend. Tennessee. near Oatlln- Old Joba Deere "Leu" feed .11I. "owl rrozea Tom.to SlIce.1 Enjoy burg and Cades Cove. PIctures sent on ..... Always housed - $150. Archie Magslg. Wby Die Wltbout • Will? Two legal garden fresh navor year roundl Com- request. $50.00 night. Carl Morgan. 409 8s'}.} U.S. 27. DeWitt. Mich. 48820. "will forms" and easy Instructions. Only plete. easy Instructions. $1.00. Hamil- Lambert Lane. Maryville. Tenn . .}7801. Phone 517-669-9920. (5-20p) $4 ... Order Todayl Ouaranteedl TY- tons. 80x 652-1'}1. New Ulm. MInn. (4-.}t-27p-tS) .... Company. Box 752-MF. Pryor. OK 74.}61. 5607.}. (5-20p-t5) W.atedllnternatlonal No.9 or No.7 silo r ........ bo .. e•• ba.lae~. - free cat- fillers. corn bInders and grain binders. (l-6t-22p-t5) Reclpe.1 Coupoa.1 CookIng Delight alog No. 204 lists acreage and property John Spezla. 120 Oerst Road. Leonard. S.we ."001 Cookw.re. extr. be.wy Magazine. Cookeville. TN '}8502-2727. In 15 states. American Farm Digest. Mich. 480'}8. '}1'}-628-4147. (5-2.}p) 19 piece stainless steel 50Id through In- $.}/year. (4-lOt-l0p-t5) '}546 Wat5on. St. louis. MO 6.}1.}9. 8DO- Egg gr.der .ad Qadler. four different home demonstration at $595. Now avail- Coldw.ter Dill Plckle.1 Can In mln- '}25-994'}. (4-4t-2'}b-t5) >I' sizes. Keenco. $'}5.00. 517-652-6612. able direct only $189.95. Only 100 set5 utesl No hot brine. Delicious. CrIsp. Fac- 80-.cre tiled cI.y loom. 150 sow Saginaw County. (5-12p) from bankruptcy. Order now to avoid tory secret51 Recipe. $1.00. Hamlltons. dl5appolntment. 100% refund If return- feeder pig operation. modern farrowIng J. , 80x 652-1.}1. New Ulm. Minn. 5607.}. barn. nursery. home. central Michigan. ed wIthin 10 days unused In orIginal con- (5-20p-t5) dition. Send check. money order. Visa or David Richardson. 6775 Hoover. Beaver- . Dellgbt everyoae. Complete booklet5 LIVESTOCK Mastercard number and expiration date. with recipes. menus. Ideas for Chinese. ton. Mich. 48612. 517-.}86-27.}7. (5-.}t-25p) --< Yankee Trader. 4600 SteIn Road. Ann Ar- Mexican. French and PolynesIan dinners. Baat.lD. - I" breed •• 81ack SlIkles. bor. Mich. 48105. $1 for brochure. 80 .cre •• Hwea roo .. f.rm r.acb .( $1 each or all four for $.}. 8renda RIddle. White SlIkles. Oolden Sebrlght5. Sliver ( 12-6t-65p-t5) bome for •• Ie. with basement and fire- 112'}5 Tuttle HilI. WIllis. Mich. 48191. Sebrlghts. Cochlns. Cornish. Araucanas place. Large barn with basement. al50 .f Ka.pp Sboe. - tbe origla.1 cu.bloa (5-.}Op) and others. Also standard and rare breed 24x.}O workshop. All cleared farmland. • boe •• Sizes A-r:r:r:r:. John V. Soye. Your Pboto m.gaet. or ke)'cb.la •• 21/." Spring and large pond. PrIce $70.000 . chickens. Free catalog. Oraln 8elt Shoe Counselor. 415 N. Main St .. Capac. round cut from your photographs. $2 Ralph Freel. 6.}8 Highway. 80x 577. Mil- ..., Hatchery. Box 125-6. Windsor. MissourI Michigan 48014. Phone '}1'}-.}95-7661. each. postpaid. Fotofun. 1725 Townllne. lersburg. Mich. 49759. 517-7 .}4-4.}4.}. 65.}60. (l-6t-.}2p-t5) (2-4t-2.}p) Bentley. Mich. 4861.}. (5-19p) (5-2t-46p) RURAL LIVING. MA Y 19B~ j Morel Madness Strik.es in May Each year in May, thousands the morel fancier wants to in- double-checking their identifi- of otherwise normal-seeming dulge, May is the time. cation of the mushroom as a people drive for miles for the Another reason for the morel, they can also clear out privilege of enduring mosquito popularity of the morel is that any millipedes or other bits of bites, wet feet and a backache it's one of the easiest of all protein that ~ay have taken up from stooping and squatting to Michigan mushrooms to iden- residence inside the mushroom. scan the forest floor - all for tify. the chance that they'll return The true morel has a deeply home with a mess of mush- pitted, hollow top portion that's rooms. attached at its base to the The object of this quest is no hollow stem. Other mushrooms ordinary mushroom. It's the with folds or gnarled caps that morel, that stalked, spongy- bear some resemblance to the topped fungus whose appear- morel are attached only at the ance in May is taken as top, the same wayan umbrella justification for towns to hold is attached to its handle. festivals and mushroom Morels range from creamy- hunters to flock to the woods. white to black, but all have the Mycologists such as Everett deep, irregularly spaced pits in Beneke at Michigan State Uni- the cap, a light-colored stalk versity, who study mushrooms and a hollow interior. The at- True Morel and other fungi, suggest that tachment of the bottom of the part of the romance of the cap to the stalk is the acid test, No matter where you look for morel is its brief period of however. This Is why all mush- morels - whether on your land availability. Morels rarely pop room hunters, old hands and or most of the way across the up before May 1 and they'r.e novices alike, are advised to state - the first morel is the generally gone by June, so if slice lengthwise every pitted hardest one to spot. The mush- morel they collect. While they're RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 21 rooms blend into the mottled To freeze morel mushrooms, - Have an authority confirm browns of last year's leaves, cook them until covered by your identifications so you and until your eye becomes their own juices and almost know they are correct. Mush- adept at seeing the mushrooms done. Cool in air or set the pan room hunting with an authority in spite of their protective col- in cold water. Pack into con- - a real authority, not an over- oration, you can be literally tainers leaving 112 inch head night expert - is a good way to walking on morels without spot- space. Seal and freeze. learn mushroom identification. ting a one. Some veteran You can also steam blanch -Collect only one kind of mushroom stalkers suggest get- mushrooms before freezing. Cut mushroom at a time. ting as close to the ground as large mushrooms into I-inch - Do not collect or eat over- you can and looking toward the chunks. Immerse mushrooms in mature or spoiled mushrooms. sky. "Doing the mushroom a solution of 1 teaspoon lemon Eat only the commercially pro- squat" throws morels into juice or 1112teaspoons citric duced mushrooms raw. silhouette so they're easier to acid per pint of water for 5 - Eat only one kind of known see. minutes to keep them from edible mushroom at a time and Go equipped with shallow darkening. Remove from anti- that in small quantities for the baskets or cardboard boxes to darkening solution and steam. first time. Some types of mush- stow your harvest in. Plastic Steam 3 minutes for small rooms contain toxins that must bags do not protect the m ush- mushrooms and pieces and 5 reach a certain level in your rooms against breakage and minutes for larger mushrooms. body before they begin to do promote hot, moist conditions Cool in cold water. Drain. Pack any damage or cause poisoning that result in rapid spoilage. in containers, leaving 112 inch symptoms. At lower levels, the Pick only fresh, young mush- head space. Seal and freeze. body may tolerate the toxin. rooms, stem and all, so you can To can morel mushrooms, cut This is not true of all poisonous be sure of a positive identifica- into I-inch chunks. Steam mushrooms. Some are deadly tion. Trim off the lower part of mushrooms for 4 minutes or poison in small quantities. the stem and remove any forest heat in a covered saucepan for -Check each mushroom for floor debris before you add 15 minutes. Pack hot mush- positive identity as you collect each morel to your collection. rooms to within 112 inch of tops it. Poisonous mushrooms often Keep mushrooms cool and of jars. Add boiling-hot cooking grow alongside edible ones and well ventilated until you get liquid or hot water to cover can be swept up with them in a home. Then clean and process mushrooms, leaving 112 inch careless moment. or cook them as soon as possi- headspace. (You may add 1/16 ble. They are very periShable teaspoon ascorbic acid to half- and lose quality rapidly. pint jars or 1/8 teaspoon to To clean mushrooms thor- pints to prevent darkening.) Ad- oughly, several soakings in just jar lids. Process in a water may be necessary. Split pressure canner at 10 pounds caps lengthwise to check for pressure for 30 minutes for spoilage or insects and to half-pints and pints. double-check your identification of the mushroom as a morel. If Use Common Sense When the cap is attached only at the Collecting Other Wild top rather than all the way to Edible Mushrooms the base, throw the mushroom You can collect and eat wild away - it is not a morel! Michigan mushrooms through- False Morel out the warm months if you Freezing and Canning follow these tips from experts Morel Mushrooms at MSU: -Always keep a sample of the Carolyn A. Lackey, Michigan - Learn how to identify a few fresh mushrooms and of the State University Cooperative Ex- edible species. find out where cooked product you consume. If tension Service foods and nutri- they grow, when you're most you become ill, your physician tion specialist, suggests using likely to find them and how to or local poison control center one of two methods to preserve distinguish them from similar can do more for you if they morel mushrooms for months. looking but poisonous species. know what you have eaten. Know what you're after and col- (continued on page 33) lect only those species known to be safe for human consump- tion. 22 RURAL LIVING. MAY 198.3 staying Uealthy in Rural America By Cathy J. ffirvan Thus a challenge is extended to state and county Farm Bu- "A nation's greatest resource reaus to form rural health com- is not found in its commerce, mittees and implement health academics, military, political or care programs that encourage agricultural wealth or potential. individuals to be responsible for Instead it is its people - re- their health and aware of the sourceful, industrious, seeking costs involved. and searching for greater per- Michigan Farm Bureau is in sonal and collective growth and the process of forming a state- well-being," said Robert Delano, wide Rural Health Committee president of the American Farm that will work with the AFBF Bureau Federation, in the intro- rural health program and with duction to AFBF's health pro- various hospital and doctor gram guide. groups within Michigan to de- "Living full and produc- velop a higher quality, efficient tive lives is paramount if and cost effective program for this great resource is to rural residents. One representa- continue to exist," De- tive from each district in the lano said. "Good health state plus one to three at-large and safety practices and members will make up the com- habits are essential. In- mittee. Kent County Farm Bu- dividuals determine their reau member Ruth Johnson futures, not governments. serves on AFBF's nine-member Choices of well- Rural Health Committee. being are theirs to The AFBF program breaks the make. " health care effort and its deliv- ery system into three major areas - economics, legislative and programs and activities. "All of these are designed to assist and service our members RURAL LIVING, MAY 198.3 2.3 in reducing their health care nance their health insurance. If costs and also to make people such legislation is not possible, more aware of the cost of their policy states that the value of coverage, and of what is hap- employer-financed premiums pening to the total cost of should be taxed to the em- -4 health care," said Ken Cheat- ployee as income. ham, director of AFBF's health During the recent Washington and safety program. Legislative Seminar, Michigan Farm Bureau legislative leaders Cost Containment Important urged their congressmen to support Farm Bureau's position About one-third of all Farm on these issues. Bureau members nationwide State and county rural health have health care coverage committees are encouraged to through their state organiza- monitor legislative issues and tions. Annual premiums paid by regulatory programs and activi- those members are approxi- ties at the state and local level mately $1.5 biIlion. that add costs or limit services, "Farm Bureau leaders and identify and monitor health- staff are quite concerned about related agencies and assist in what effect the spiraling cost of selection of persons serving in health care is having on our leadership roles, and respond to membership, and on the entire KEN CUEATUAM "action requests" on health nation," Cheatham said. care issues based on Farm Bu- . In 1981, health care costs ac- reau policy, Cheatham said. counted for 9.8% of the Gross National Product, up from 8.9% For too long we have Individual Awareness insured for illness, the previous year, he said. In Goal of FB Programs 1982, that figure rose to 10.5%. not wellness. Now, The total cost for health care in "In the area of programs and this country was $287 billion in activities, it is important that perhaps, it's time to 1981 and it rose to $321 biIlion we make members and others change our habits in 1982. aware of what is going on in the "Let me put that in perspec- health care industry," Cheat- and do those kind of tive," Cheatham said. "In 1981 ham said. "Because of the third things we call pre- it cost every man, woman and party reimbursement system, child $1,225 for health care; in most consumers of the health ventive medicine. 1982 that figure rose to $1,395. care system have absolutely no It has been predicted that dur- idea how you arrive at the costs ing the entire decade of the that they are charged. Cheatham warned that farm- 1980s, health care costs will "There are many things that ers and others in rural areas rise in double digit figures. we can do as individuals to im- must become more aware that "We have a health care sys- prove our own health situation. they are not immune to the tem that is the envy of the For too long we have insured pressure situations which can world," he said, "but we have to for iIlness, not weIlness," he cause health problems. ask - at what cost?" said. "Now, perhaps, it's time to "The pastoral scene of rural change our lifestyles, change America is not the same as it AFBF Seeks Legislative, our habits and do those kind of was years ago. Farming today is Regulatory Reforms things we call preventive medi- a very complex, chaIlenging cine. We must be very much business, and many farmers On the legislative front, Farm aware of how expensive it can Bureau policy calls for federal be to be ill, and do everything income tax credits or tax de- possible to remain welL" ductions for people who self-fi- 24 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 suffer from high blood pres- sure," Cheatham said. More Doctors Needed He suggested that farmers cut back on consumption of salt, watch their diet, reduce in Kural America their weight and get more exer- cise. "Farmers work hard," he AFBF policy also addresses ing tips to communities inter- said, "but they need a different the need for more doctors in ested in recruiting one or more kind of exercise than they're rural areas. It calls for medical physicians: used to. They need exercise schools to train additional fami- -Be willing to spend a sub- that builds body tone and helps ly physicians who intend to stantial amount of time and ef- reduce high blood pressure." practice medicine in rural areas fort. Many Farm Bureau women's and supports state and local -Ask area hospital adminis- committees across the country, economic inducements to en- trators to help in recruitment including some in Michigan, courage doctors to practice in efforts. conduct health fairs that, rural areas. -Assure the doctor that all among other things, offer hy- According to the Michigan other physicians agree that pertension (high blood pres- Health Council, recruitment of another doctor is needed in the sure) screening. Other health physicians by rural communi- community. and safety projects of county ties usually includes three -Show the doctor how com- women's groups in Michigan in- phases: the initial contact, a munity leaders could assist in clude promoting home, recrea- visit to the town and helping setting up a practice. Some hos- tional, agricultural, chemical the doctor set up his or her pitals guarantee an annual in- and farm machinery safety; and practice. come and will make up the dif- identifying and supporting ap- But the council warns that ference if the doctor does not pointment of qualified members rural communities face major make that amount through his to serve on Farm Bureau health obstacles when trying to recruit or her practice. committees and local hospital a new physician: doctors do not - Find out where the doctor or rural health boards. They respond well to mail, word of was born and where he or she also support seminars and pro- mouth seems to be the best went to high school or college. grams on nutrition, exercise, way; because of residency and Studies show that doctors who identifying stress symptoms, other schedules, it is very diffi- grew up in small towns are stress management and alcohol cult for him or her to visit the more likely to return to one. and substance abuse aware- town; doctors are concerned - Express an interest in the ness. about being isolated from other doctor as an individual. Find "We're also encouraging colleagues in a small town; and out what his or her interests are county Farm Bureaus to meet smaller towns usually mean and how the community can with county medical societies or smaller incomes. A doctor may meet those interests. professional groups to become also worry about his or her -If the doctor is married, talk better acquainted, to under- spouse not being able to find a to the spouse. If he or she will stand what the problems are job. also be working in the commu- and to discuss the issues," Through the council's Physi- nity, offer to help find a job. Cheatham said. cian Placement Service, com- -If the doctor has children, "We want America to continue munities can learn where a doc- discuss the quality of the com- to be a very healthy nation. We tor graduated from medical munity's schools. want our members to have af- school, the location of his or - Emphasize the benefits of fordable, accessible, high quali- her residency, area of specialty living in the community, i.e. the ty health care - but we hope and where the doctor would high quality of life, the advan- we can do this at a lower cost," ideally like to practice. The tages of raising a family in a he said. council also publishes an an- quiet, country atmosphere. nual roster of opportunities in - After the doctor visits the which registered communities town, send a small gift to help list their needs for physicians. remind him or her of the town. In addition, the council spon- for more information on re- sors two Physician Recruitment cruiting physicians, contact the Conferences each year which Michigan Health Council, Suite give doctors and community 340, Nisbet Building, 1407 5. leaders an opportunity to talk Harrison Road, East Lansing, informally with one another. Mich. 48823. The council offers the follow- RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 25 AGRINOMIC UPDATE 1983 Farm Outlook Revised The farm outlook for 1983 A 22-24 month cycle top is duction are to be used to re- has changed rather dramatical- expected to be in place by late duce the direct cost of the ly from earlier forecasts. This is spring and prices should trend removals by the CCC. due primarily to the USDA's Pay- lower as large numbers of This program is unlikely to ment-in-Kind program. Now that feeder cattle will come off achieve the desired decrease in more of the details are available wheat pasture into feedlots for production immediately. The --( on the impact of PIK, we have fall and winter marketings. At real gross margin over direct revised our agricultural outlook. the same time, we can expect costs will decline by about 6% larger numbers of hogs to be in 1983, unless Congress takes Farm Income coming to market, which will in- definitive action to further re- Net farm income could im- crease the possibility for down- duce the national dairy price prove by $4 or $5 billion over ward price movement. support program and thereby last year, due primarily to pro- Two additional negative fac- reduce the huge surpluses of ducer acceptance of the Pay- tors to watch are the chance for milk and dairy products. Such /> ment-in-Kind program. This re- hot summer weather to drive action is quite possible as sev- duced acreage program will re- cattle off pastures earlier than eral proposals have been intro- sult in higher than expected planned, and the very real pos- duced and the Reagan adminis- commodity prices, lower carry- sibility for higher interest rates tration does not like the two over and reduce production ex- by the end of the third quarter, 50-cent deductions currently penses. However, the improved which could increase liquida- authorized by Congress last income and reduced year-end tion and pressure prices. August. supplies do not necessarily sig- The reduction in revenues will Dairy only press the marginal dairy nal continued good economic times for agriculture as long- farmers, whereas most opera- The secretary of agriculture term prosperity will not return tors are likely to respond by in- has authorized the deduction of until demand is increased to creasing milk production. Num- 50~ / cwt. from the proceeds of meet our productive capacity. bers of cows and production per milk sales. Michigan dairy farm- ~--. ers should see this in their mid- cow continue to increase at the Caltle present time. May milk checks. This deduction will continue through 1984 as Cattle prices have trended significantly higher than many long as CCC purchases are ex- pected to exceed five bi Ilion ____ ~II analysts had expected. Poor weather and muddy feedlots pounds of milk equivalent. ~~IIIIIIIIIIII- had slowed weight gain and pre- Funds obtained from this de- ~1II111111_1I1I- vented the late February / March ~~_IIIIIIIIIIII- marketing bulge that was an- ticipated following the January cattle inventory report. With a seasonal tendency for strength into the spring period, prices have continued their strong up- ward bias. __11_- ~_IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII- _1111- 11111111- _1111- _1111- ------------- ~11--_--IIII_---_II--_IIII- 1111- ---------- .--------- - 11- ~IIIIII--II_II_IIII--_II_IIIII--_IIIIIIII_IIII- ..----------- -----_--11_1111_1111- 11_1111111111_1111 - However, over the long run, costs could temper the expan- 19% below 1982 levels. the national dairy program will sion. The impact on feed prices lead to a reduction in cow num- Price risk could be as low as from participation in the PIK bers and milk production, and the lower 40's this fall and early program could limit any gain in this should lead to a stable winter as a major four year cy- returns even if egg prices do. dairy industry with demand ex- cle low is put in. From there, respond to the lower supplies pected to increase over the next prices should be working higher indicated by the figures above. three to four years because of into 1985. Latest estimates show that population growth and econom- Grade A large eggs in New York ic recovery. Eggs could move to near the 80 cent level in the last quarter of 1983. With lower egg prices, produc- Dogs ers have increased the number Corn The March 22 hogs and pigs of mature hens slaughtered dur- report showed expansion in ex- ing late 1982 and the first Nationally, farmers will idle cess of the trade's expectations. quarter of 1983. By selling old 33.2 million acres of corn under With cash prices in the upper hens and adding pullets, pro- the RAPand PIK programs. This 40s as of this writing, it ap- ducers have kept the rate of lay 39% acreage reduction is much pears we are close to, if not at, high. So, even though there has higher than had been expected. a low for the time being. We ex- been a slight decline in total While some additional corn pect some seasonal strength in- hen numbers, egg production is' acres will be planted by produc- to the summer months which likely to hold very close to year ers outside of the program and should move cash back to the ago levels for the near future. from "switchover" of non- mid-50s. The heavy sign-up in The hatch of layer replace- program crops, the 1983 U.S. the government's PIt\ program ments for February was re- corn crop will likely be only 5.5 has sparked a rally in the grain ported by the USDAto be 10% to 6 billion bushels. This com- market, and many analysts are lower than a year ago and eggs speculating that higher feed in incubators on March 1 were (continued on page 32) .. mICHIGan'S UIJ] FaRm BeST MAY ASPARAGUS SALE See Your County Newsletter for Details pages 18-19 The Calorie Counter's Friend RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 27 The Discussion Topic is prepared by Ken Wilesfor Community Action Group polley discussions. Water is the primary limiting production and among various vapor is estimated to be 70% factor in agriculture in the agricultural users of water re- from non-irrigated land areas United States and the world. sources. and 2% from irrigated areas. The western states have gained Essentially, all the water used Plants use far more water importance in agricultural pro- in the United States is derived than is required in the vital pro- duction only through extensive from precipitation. A portion of cesses of growth and develop- use of irrigation from surface the precipitation flows to ment. This inefficiency is large- and ground water sources. With streams, ponds, lands and res- ly a consequence of stomatal the increase in population, ervoirs and some of this eventu- apparatures in the foliage these water supplies are facing ally reaches the ocean; another through which water vapor new pressures for reallocation. portion infiltrates the soil to the leaves the plants. Although vap- Adequate scientific informa- rooting zone; and another por- orization of water is important tion concerning water availabili- tion percolates below the root- in cooling the leaves, loss of ty, behavior, management and ing zone and becomes ground water vapor is not an essential value is essential in optimizing water. Surface sources of water function as such. Rather, it can water allocation on farms, in are recharged rapidly, but be considered a necessary evil ground water reservoirs are that accompanies absorption of recharged slowly in dry regions. atmospheric carbon dioxide in Ground water reservoirs in the essential process of photo- some dry regions are being ex- synthesis. The stomata close hausted by pumping. when the water supply is defi- The proportion of the precip- cient, and this decreases the itation received in the transpiration, but it also de- United States that is re- creases photosynthesis. turned to the at- Water is also essential in ani- mosphere as water mal production. The total agri- New technologies and increased demands on our water resources call for a re-examination of . water use policies RURAL LIVING. MAY 198:3 cultural use of water, however, municipal sources and from ir- organizations, governmental is so heavily dominated by rigation return flows is widely and otherwise, deliver water to plants that the amount required practiced at present. Reuse of farmers. in animal agriculture is of only treated water from municipal, In water law, there are doc- minor concern. industrial and electrical genera- trines of water capture and use. tion sources is expected to ac- According to the "Riparian Doc- Use of Irrigation Expanding count for a small, increasing trine," the owner of private land proportion of the supply of along a stream has the right to Irrigated cropland harvested water to agriculture in the fu- use the water provided that the amounted to 14% of the total ture. Desalination of brackish use does not interfere unrea- acreage harvested in the United water is too expensive for prac- sonably with the rights of per- States in 1978, but the value of tical use at present, and cloud sons who own other parts of the these crops amounted to 36% seeding requires further devel- stream or with the rights of ad- of the total value of all crops opment before it will be ready jacent owners. produced. About 85% of the ir- for general use. According to the "Prior Ap- rigated land is located in 17 Removal of "non-beneficial" propriation Doctrine," a "water western states, and in nine of vegetation that has high water right" is required by diverting these states, more than 50% of requirements, snow manage- water from a water course for a the total acreage of harvested ment, run-off management and beneficial use. The first person crop is irrigated. changing the landscape to di- to appropriate the water and All states have periods of low rect water to limited areas are put it to a reasonable and bene- rainfall in which irrigation is other procedures that have ficial use has a right superior to needed, however, and irrigation some practical use. any later appropriators. is gradually increasing in the Many possibilities exist for In the western states, water eastern states. The extreme ex- conserving existing supplies of laws generally are based upon ample, Florida, is in a high- water for irrigation, but the sav- the doctrine of prior appropria- rainfall area, but more than ings from individual techniques tion. Some eastern states have 50% of the total value of the generally are small. Realizing established a permit system for crops it produces is derived the potential use would be dif- managing their water resourc- from irrigated crops. ficult in practice. es, and others are considering Water for irrigation commonly The institutional development it. The permit system is essen- is stored in surface reservoirs or in irrigation is extensive. Some tially a modified appropriation underground reservoirs and is 35 federal programs and 10 doctrine. applied as near to the time it is Control of ground water utili- separate agencies provide some needed as the facilities will per- zation has been difficult. type of assistance for irrigation. mit. Application methods in- Various states have adopted Most states have an impressive clude surface systems, in which one or more of four different array of agencies relating to the water flows on the soil; doctrines: absolute ownership water resources. pivot and traveling gun sys- of water under the land; reason- Local agencies consist of tems, in which the water is able use, which recognizes the water districts and conservancy sprayed on the soil; and drip right of all of the resources; districts which are established systems, in which the water is correlative rights, in which the to form a service, usually that distributed through plastic landowner must correlate his of supplying water for various tubes with small holes through uses. Many different kinds of (continued on page .32) which the water drips on or into the soil. New equipment and the new CAll THE PROFESSIONALS TOll FREE In Michigan: 1-800-292-9233 227 page illustrated book explains sausage technology have enabled making plus home curing and smoking of meal. Out of State: 1-800-248-9263 fowl and fish. Over 100 recipes. Free equipment farmers to increase the ratio of and supply catalog has more information. crops produced to irrigation CENTRAL MICHIGAN For yours. send to: water delivered, and further im- TRACTOR & PARTS The SAUSAGEMAKER 2713 N. U.S. 27, Sl. Johns. Michigan 48879 177-56 Military Road Buffalo. NY 14207 provements are possible. Various procedures for in- creasing the supply of water for agriculture are technologically MDS complpl .. ,pcelvlng sysfpm "'a y .1 NEW! COMPLETE SYSTEMS WITH I • 8 It .. 11 ft. etc. DISHES I feasible. Reuse of water from 1'0' : TV hOO''''D "II TV ( ••oles InCluded Satellite TV. Inc . "We have it all" 100+ Channels.LNA's • Antennas. Receivers. Sources. Photos I I I P.o. 80. 3108.Depl. TS-S lanlana.Fl 33462 Send yOll' REFERENCE BOOK to' 511.95 plus Industry's lug est selling book eliminates mysteries I : 52.95 shlpp,ng & InsuritnCt'lU S fundSI 0' c ••11Ou' 01 sophisticated satellite TV technology. Pun:bmd I ,Lot-hOur C.O.D. Order l.ne 13051276-2941 by pre.stigious M~SS .. lnsl olTech.. U.Urmy. Nmll I L_ ~~:;;~ss --~_:~~~~y!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!~--~ RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 29 LOWEST PRICE Legislative Review lion; State Police, $5 million; PUMPING POWER (continued from page 7) Department of State, $1.2 mil- ON EARTH lion; and DMB, $4.1 million. used to pay the $820 million Some department cuts are accumulated deficit and expir- less 'than expected, including WINDMillS ing by 1986. The remaining the Department of Agriculture, 1.5% increase will drop to not Aermotor $1.7 million. This is $400,000 The classic name more than 1.25% in 1984 and less than the original $2.1 in water pumping windmills .5% in 1986. There are actually million proposed due to the ap- since 1888 two income tax rate increases. propriations committee rein- One is 1.5%, the other is .25% Write stating $400,000 to city race The total is 1.75% which added for complete information to tracks. Cuts within the depart- to the present 4.6% tax rate ment will include: SCS, DEAN'S WINDMILLS totals 6 ..35% for 198.3. In 1984 Sales & Service $150,000; Animal Diagnostic the 1.5% drops to 1.25% and to 32519 N, River Rd. Center, $87,000; gypsy moth, MI. Clemens, MI 48045 .5% in 1985 and thereafter. 50 $1 14,000; Pontiac stadium, the total rate will drop to 6.17% .. ' (313) 469-2417 $50,000; city race tracks in 1984 and to 5 ..35% in 1985. $200,000 (was $600,000); The second part of the rate horserace revenue programs r Virgil Jelly: increase, .25% which is to be ) $550,000 (fair premiums, coun- CUSTOM used to eliminate the accumu- ty fair improvements, breed POLE BUILDlflGS lated cash deficit of over $800 L_ ~ awards, etc); FFA, $14,000; million, will automatically ex- • Stor.g •• W.r.hou •••• Agrlcultur.1 laboratory division, $62,000; \: - 24.24.8 $2.495 40.64.,2 $10.495 pire by 1986. This will bring the ",' \ • 24.40.8 $4.295 Will quote yours! animal health, $7,.300. Various - ' Commercl.1 Building. total tax rate down to 5.1 % or ~ Office 32.52.10 $32.900 other program cuts within the .5% above the present 4.6%. Complete with heat. electric department will extend into the 1 11 AI -10'/ plumbing. carpet & paint. Further reductions could result \ \ ~v.~~~? Will assist in financing or land acquistion. 198.3-84 budget. The above are if unemployment rates drop in only a few of the cuts. About 25 ~ ~S~\\'"II'~ ~ 5 17-484-7900 / f' j\ ~ A CARL DEVELOPMENT CO. the state. For example, if boards and agencies will also 1/ 1809 Lake Lansing Road. LanSing. Mich. 48912 unemployment drops to 6.5% be eliminated by statute. the tax rate drops to the pres- ULCERS Which of these Ailments Plague You? ent 4.6%. The tax rate could continue to drop if unemploy- Wine Rules - FB staff suc- Ulcers. Cancer of all types. External sores of any kind: ment goes lower. cessfully testified in support of Lupus. Polyps. (Intestinal and veSical) Hodgkins. disease. Parklnson's disease. Asthma. Leukorrhea. Colitis. Rheu- rules that would prevent vol- matism. Diabetes. Bronchitis. Scab.les. Varicose-Ulcers. Ringworm. Cystitis. Psoriasis. GastltlS. Herpes. Leukemia. ume discounting by the major Any stomach or colon disorders and many others. Send Budget Cuts - In addition 20' stamp for Information on how to get relief from wineries, most of whom are above ailments. Don't pass this up: It could mean the to increasing the income tax difference of living in joy instead of misery. from outside the state, such as revenue, the governor has Pau D' Areo Information Center, Dept. 3383 Gallo of California. Michigan Box 2564, Mission, Kansas 66201 ordered additional cuts of $225 grape growers and wineries million in the present year's would have been at a serious budget. The cuts could also ex- disadvantage. tend into the 198.3-84 budget. Some $97.8 million of the total cuts are" deferrals." Cuts in- Marketing Bargaining clude a $69.5 million additional Board (P.A. 344) - This con- cut in social services of which tinues to be a major issue as $60 million is deferred; K-12 processors and others seem to school, $25 million of which be conducting a vicious cam- $15 million is deferred; local "HEAVY BREED" SPECIAl! governments, $15 million of paign. A Senate concurre~t res- Get big Reds. big While Rocks. big Barred R.licks. ~nd olution is expected to be antro- big Black Giants. Super-healthy. easy-Io-ralSe chicks which $10 million is deferred. lor only $14.95 per 100 plus postage. 50 lor duced to study P.A. .344. The $8.95. Oor choice of pullets. cockerel,s. The DNR will be cut $4.2 mil- .......... straight run mixed together as aYa~l- House Agriculture Committee ,. ,~~ able. Order direct now. We ship lion; MSU(including the Ag Ex- ",- '~~.O.O. Send name and address 10: already has a subcommittee to periment Station and Exten- '.I "A REO TOP CHICK FARMS sion), $5.7 million; Department study how to increase process- , ''\1 R.O. 1. MARIETTA. PA 17547 ing facilities in Michigan. The of Labor, $6 million; Depart- study will include P.A. .344. ment of Commerce, $4.6 mil- .30 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 198.3 This issue has also appeared Farm Bureau supports the an official policy designating in at least two major studies concept of the legislation, how- highest priority for P.A. 116. with reference to processor ever, there is a question Final passage of 42.32 could claims but no chance for pro- whether state law would be ef- cause problems. The bill allows ducer response. The Michigan fective against the federal law, the transfer of present person- Supreme Court, by a vote of 6 which controls bankruptcies. nel, however, the present expert to 0, has upheld the constitu- Various lending institutions staff may not elect to transfer. tionality of the law. However, have expressed opposition. The It will be a serious blow to the the processor groups have Department of Agriculture is continued good service farmers chosen to appeal to the U.S. studying the proposal to deter- have had. Training a new staff Supreme Court. mine the effect on the Grain to be competent in the very Dealers Act which was passed complex P.A. 116 law would last year. take 12 to 18 months. New ap- Transportation - The in- H.B. 4319 (Rep. Spaniola) has plications from farmers for creased federal gas tax became been introduced to create a 1983 are breaking records; over effective April 1. The states are Michigan grain dealers public 4,000 year-to-date. guaranteed at least 85% return warehouse insurance fund. Ele- The legislation also splits the of the monies collected within vators or other grain dealers land resource programs, some the state. This is important to could apply for membership in of which are included in the Michigan as in previous federal the fund, grain would be in- P.A. 116 law. The cost of trans- highway law, Michigan received sured at 80% of its value, fund- ferring the P.A. 116 program to as little as 60% return. How- ing would be one fourth of one MDA has been estimated to be ever, one provision requires cent per bushel. This proposal between $20,000 and $40,000. 10% of the work be given to will need study and could also minority contractors. This is create problems. The new Grain not likely to be possible as it Dealers Act already provides Lansing legislative topics are has never been able to reach much of this protection. reviewed by Robert c. Smith, more than 4.5% in Michigan. .senior legislative counsel. States that do not conform can lose all federal road monies. Agricultural Commission Another major concern is the - H.B. 4027 and H.B. 4057 have not received any action so growing number of lawsuits against the department, pres- far. It is not known whether the Make ently numbering 400, totaling over $500 million. Judgments governor expects to push direct appointments of the depart- Your have totaled over $24 million in the past three years. ment heads of agriculture, natural resources, corrections Own and civil rights. As reported in previous articles, such a change Brown Grain Dealers Amendments would be a step backward to Gold! - S.B. 55 and S.B. 56 (Sen. Nick the political spoils system. Don't throwaway grass clippings, Smith, et al) would amend the used-up crops, kitchen garbage, Grain Dealers Act to create a old newspapers, hedge and tree trim- "statutory lien" on the grain P.A. 116 Transfer - H.B. mings, etc. Feed everything (even 4232, which would transfer P.A. steak bones) to this WOW Shredder/ assets of a dealer in favor of the Grinder. It will turn it all into instant farmer providing he or she has 116 administration to the De- mulch and compost... in seconds! written evidence of storage or partment of Agriculture, has Re-cycle everything organic. There's sale. The bills further provide passed the House and is now in a model just right for you ... including our new Tomahawk, the only Shred- that in case of bankruptcy, the Senate. This bill was intro- der/Grinder made for suburban duced because DNR staff, in farmers with stored grain would have first priority against the grain assets. Farmers with writ- testimony to a House appropri- ations subcommittee, recom- -------- gardens. Write for more details! Mail to: WoW Grinder, Inc. ten evidence of sale of grain mended eliminating P.A. 116 2957 N. Market St., Room 25053, Wichita KS 67219 would have second priority administration as one of the Telephone (316) 836-4229 against the grain assets of a $4.5 million cuts required for o PleaserushdetailsonyourW- W Shredder/Grinders. dealer. the department. Since that Name time, the DNR commission, Address which makes policy for the DNR, has unanimously passed City State __ Zip RURAL LIVING, MAY 1983 31 Agrinomic Update wheat to the market. In addi- (continued from page 27) tion, both Canada and Australia have indicated that their wheat Do You Really pares to last year's record crop plantings and production will of 8.3 billion bushels. Assuming Need A BIG that PIK compensation is 2 bil- increase this year. Price outlook for 1983-84 is Expensive Tiller? lion bushels, this will result in a $3.40 to $3.90 per bushel. 7.5 to 8 billion bushel supply A good, big tiller is a great machine to own ... available to the market for if you have a huge garden. But what about furrowing, planting and weeding? (That's 90% of what's left once the 1983-84. This will be sufficient Discussion Topic to meet demand, but will also ground is ready.) Why arm-wrestle a 200- (continued from page 29) 300 pound monster all summer? significantly reduce stocks. Rent a big tiller once a year Farm gate prices should range use with others; and the doc- (or hire the job out). Then use from $2.70 to $3.10, up 30 trine of prior appropriation, in the Mantis-20 the rest of the season. It will do every cents from earlier forecasts. which the ground water is the job ...quickly, precisely, property of the state subject to economically. Mantis is so appropriation. easy to use. Try it yourself Soybeans with our 3-Week In-The- M The statutes establishing the Garden Trial! WM K M 4 U 1*1 • ' N M BMHJ GlWUi • >1 «MfT> Farm Bureau Non-Proflt Organization Ing Magazine U. S. POSTAGE 30960 PAID Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, Michigan Michigan 48909 Permit No. 37