ichigan Farm News Agriculture Enters the Era of Personal Computers A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau County Newsletter Inside Michigan Farm Bureau and Safemark Group Purchasing, Inc. are on the PRICE CUTTING EDGE * High Quality * Low Member Prices * Every Community Vendor Service SPECIAL SUMMER SALE! Safemark Sickles & Parts Safemark Longwear Plow Shares 16" Deere $50.58 Safemark Guards 18/20" Deere $58.07 (New Holland, Mower Conditioner) 16" International $50.59 Forged 2 Prong BU 245 $5.29 16" Melrose $50.59 2 Prong Serrated BU 215S $8.78 2 Prong (tie guard) BU 260 $7.02 Moldboard Shins WAC 13 $37.23 Safemark Sickle Sections W Deere 3 $37.22 (price per 50 Sections) W International 25 $33.00 Smooth Regular Black $19.57 (for Super Chief) Smooth Heavy Chrome $27.67 OliverW09 $33.01 Topserrated Regular Chrome $31.05 Topserrated Heavy Black $31.86 Moldboards - Soft Center JD NU 1036 SC $60.97 Safemark Sickle Assemblies IH 462314 SC $53.16 (For New Holland Haybine) Oliver RadexlWhite 472 477 478 488 9' $62.72 R 419.R 619-16 SC $57.88 461 467 469 490 9' $57.40 MOLD BOARD Disk Blades International Harvester 22" x 7 guage Plain $19.76 Conditioner 990 9' $61.74 20" x 7 guage Plain $15.30 $16.48 PlAIN Combine 615715815915 15' $123.06 20" x 7 guage Notched DISC BLADE 18" x 9 guage Plain $10.15 John Deere 24" x 1/4" Plain $32.69 Conditioner HE34769 9' $ 79.24 20" JD Fluted Coulter P $25.64 Combine 200 AH88845 15' $124.74 Combine 200 AH88848 20' $144.20 Most tillage tools available. Provide your vendor with proper bolt hole, discs axle size, steel thickness and distance between holes on sweeps and chisel spikes. DISCOUNT ORDER DEADLINE - JULY 12 -Drop-forged, special alloy steel ... heat treated for longer life. Call Your Local Vendor -Fits virtually all field equipment (OEM certified). or County Farm Bureau Office -Precision sharp edges, made to stay sharp. -Plain or carbide hardsurfaced for About This SPECIAL toughest soil conditions -Knives for side and front mount. Farm Bureau Member Only Sale JULY 1983 FARM NEWS VOL. 62 NO.7 THE COVER A publication Daily market reports, news of the and weather reach Michigan farmers and agribusinesses Michigan via AgriCom. Photo by Marcia Ditchie Farm Bureau In this issue: Agriculture Enters the Era of Personal Computers Once reserved for "big business" computer technology is taking its place in the farm operation. 8 Citizenship All Stars Young People's Citizenship Seminar students and America & Me essay contest winners exemplify America's new generation of "all stars." 12 PROFILE: Robert Gast The new director of MSU's agriculture experiment station discusses the future of plant and animal research in farm profitability. 22 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 30 Letters to Rural Living - page 17 Pride in America, Agriculture and Farm Bureau There are times when it's ap- portunity that was responded to after those visits, it's with great propriate to set the concerns by several thousand students feeling that I say, "America is and challenges of the day aside, from 500 Michigan schools. for me!" temporarily, and simply say: Multiply that response by the 16 With all its problems, America ''I'm proud to be an American; years that fBIG has sponsored is the greatest nation on this I'm proud to be a farmer; I'm the contest and you have a earth, and the magic ingredient proud to be a farm Bureau groundswell of young people that makes us different from member." The celebration of seriously considering what it other countries is freedom! That our nation's birthday is one of means to be an American! freedom extends from our poli- those times. I'm proud, too, of the Young tical life to our economic life. In our sophisticated society People's Citizenship Seminar We are free in our religious today there seems to be a cyni- sponsored annually by our state choices, our social status and cism about public display of and county farm Bureaus. That our educational aspirations. We anything related to patriotism. activity, which just took place are free to choose our vocation, It seems to me that public opin- for the 20th year, literally free to try to succeed - even to ion tends to label celebrating changes the lives of many fail and try again. events such as the fourth of young people who will soon As we pause on this Indepen- July as "corny." take their rightful places as dence Day to celebrate those I don't agree with that atti- community and state leaders. freedoms, let's also remember tude. I believe America was Watching these young people that we must always guard built by people who showed respond to the opportunities against the loss of those pride in their country, demon- the seminar offers to learn freedoms. There is a price for strated respect for those who about our system of govern- maintaining them - being ac- serve the nation and put forth ment compared to others, to ac- tive in organizations like farm effort into community service. tually participate in political ac- Bureau to give direction and Those actions became tradition tivities, and gain a new appreci- guidance to our elected repre- while this nation was develop- ation for the freedoms we enjoy, sentatives, carrying out our citi- ing into the wonder of the is a moving, gratifying experi- zenship responsibilities to vote world. ence. knowledgeably and support I'm proud that our organiza- Earlier this year, at the Young candidates who share our con- tion dedicates a portion of its farmer Leaders' Conference, cerns and philosophies, giving united efforts to that concept. our Distinguished Young farm- of our time and talents to com- As I read the essays submitted er, Gary Carmichael, shared his munity service. by our young citizens to farm experiences of visiting other Compared to the supreme sac- Bureau Insurance Group's countries through the Michigan rifices so many made to Insure "America and Me" contest, I Agricultural Leadership Pro- our freedoms, ours is a very gained a feeling of confidence gram, and eloquently reaffirm- small price - but a necessary in tomorrow's leadership. ed his devotion to our nation one. Let each of us vow to pay It is entirely fitting that the and its private enterprise sys- it. winners of this contest receive tem. public recognition for their I could relate to his message. achievements. But more than It has been my privilege to be that, I'm proud that our farm involved in trade missions to Bureau affiliate provided an op- several foreign countries, both in the free world and behind the I:lton R. Smith, President Iron Curtain and, believe me, Michigan Farm Bureau 4 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 COUNTRY LEDGER The Value of Your Membership By Robert Delano, President When I first joined Farm Bu- prove depressed farm income. American Farm Bureau Federation reau nearly 30 years ago, I re- Currently, the American Farm member thinking that farmer Bureau Federation is leading an Because Farm Bureau has representation at the state capi- all-out "tax attack" to prevent been around so long, it is easy tol alone was worth more than the states and Congres.sfrom to underestimate the continu- the price of an annual member- increasing taxes to finance still ing value of a family member- ship. I personally did not have greater spending. ship. We grow so used to relying the time to leave the crops or Few of us have the time or ex- on Farm Bureau to represent us cattle for days of lobbying on pertise to face a congressional and to work on our behalf, that farm issues at either the state hearing. Without organizational it is easy to forget the many house or Washington. It was a backing, our individual testi- hard jobs each of us would have good feeling to know that I mony would often mean little in to do without it. could stay home most of the such broad areas as national Here, out of hundreds, are time, because a competent security, monetary policy, several valuable local Farm Bu- state Farm Bureau legislative general labor and environmen- reau actions I have observed, or staff represented my interests tal issues. Farm Bureau has taken part in, through the years: according to policies that, as a nine registered lobbyists on its -Tax reform - and work to Farm Bureau member, I helped Washington based staff, work- assure that farmland is assess- write. ing with members of Congress ed according to present farm My belief in Farm Bureau's and the branches of govern- use rather than someone's idea legislative effectiveness has ment on behalf of member- of potential value. strengthened with the years. families. -Support for farmers in emi- Without exception, state Farm What is the yearly value of nent domain proceedings in Bureaus have assembled su- Farm Bureau-organized, cooper- which farm property is taken perb, professional lobbying and ative marketing programs over for public purposes. legislative-research staffs to (local, state and national) to - Effective commodity market represent member interests. A each of us? What is the yearly expansion and promotion pro- recent list shows 113 state payback from Safemark pro- grams organized by Farm Bu- Farm Bureau legislative work- grams and other Farm Bureau reau. ers, most of them full-time pro- affiliated services? What price - Helping township and coun- fessionals. tag can be placed on the results ty commissions in planning and Because these people are of our combined voluntary ef- gaining approval for needed backed by the powerhouse of forts in farm safety and health? water drainage and control. family membership strength, Through Farm Bureau, these A different, but equally impor- Farm Bureau has become the voluntary efforts are directed, tant, list of accomplishments single most effective lobbying much like the flame of a weld- could be drawn up for virtually force in most states. Statewide ing torch, to either cut, in every township and county telephone grids are part of this slashing red tape, or to weld, in where years of positive work by strength. building sound farm program Farm Bureau families have sen- policy. Farmers and ranchers sitized local and county officials Our American Federation join Farm Bureau, not only be- to farm and ranch needs. Unit- cause it directly pays in many ed Farm Bureau effort has open- What value can be placed on ways - but also because, ed doors for farmers and ranch- the unified national affairs ef- through it, we are effective in ers to hundreds of county com- forts of state Farm Bureaus, as shaping and directing our own mittees, councils, hearings and coordinated through the Ameri- destiny. That, most members platforms - to the point where can Farm Bureau Federation? agree, is worth whatever it the county Farm Bureau office Last year, Farm Bureau origi- costs. usually is the rallying place for nated a 12-point plan to im- most important farm actions. RURAL LIVING, JULY 198.3 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW •• FB Tax Attack Continues Tax writing committees are At a hearing on estate and $13.10 has been introduced by "fIying blind" with no idea of gift taxation, FB testified in Rep. Barber Conable (R-NY). what revenue requirements of support of a bill to repeal the Unlike the measure approved by the First Concurrent Budget estate tax and a Senate resolu- the House Agriculture Commit- Resolution will be. The Senate tion to oppose any freeze in the tee, Conable's proposal (H.R. resolution calls for $9 billion in current estate tax law. Legisla- 3292) would neither pay farm- higher taxes in 1984 and the tion has been proposed which ers to cut back production nor House version calls for $30. The would freeze estate tax exemp- impose a tax on the milk they delay in the budget resolution tions at the 1983 level of sell. process may mean that a tax $275,000 rather than allowing AFBF President Robert Delano bill of major proportions will them to accelerate as required said the Agriculture Commit- not be adopted until sometime by the Economic Recovery Tax tee's proposal, N.R. 1875, would in July or even later. Act of 1981. hurt taxpayers and consumers FB mem bers are urged to con- and be "deadly public relations tinue sending the message to for the industry. Payments to their congressmen that a con- producers under the paid diver- tinuation of their "tax and sion part of the program will spend" tradition will not be greatly exceed the revenue gen- tolerated. erated by the tax and con- If a budget resolution is not sumers will not realize reduced adopted by Congress, which will prices until a real cut in the recess for the month of August Uighway Use Tax on Farm support price is enacted," he and is scheduled to adjourn in Trucks - Legislation has been said. He also said it would be October, the president will have introduced in the Senate which difficult to end even though it the opportunity to conduct an would increase the existing is supposed to run for only 15 informal budget process by use 5,000 mile per year exemption months. of the veto of appropriations for farm trucks from payment "Farmers will support the bills. The major drawback of the heavy vehicle use tax to Conable legislation because would be no binding reconcilia- 10,000 miles per year. FB main- continuation of the much-dis- tion feature that would require tains that the heavy truck use puted 50-cent assessment is un- the authorizing committees to tax, which will go into effect on acceptable, the IS-cent promo- make changes in legislation to July 1, 1984, is inequitable for tion fee that producers have no reduce government outlays. farmers whose only hauling ac- say in is unacceptable, and be- As part of the organization's tivity is taking produce to mar- cause they know that current "tax attack," FB testified at two ket. If enacted, the bilf will en- price levels will cause continued Senate Finance Committee able farmers to travel an addi- deterioration of the dairy mar- hearings in late June. At a hear- tional 5,000 miles annually on keting situation and eventually ing on the administration's pro- public roads without having to lead to destruction of the na- posal to cap the amount of pay the increased tax of $1,600 tional dairy program," Delano health insurance premiums that FB is looking' for co-sponsors said. may be furnished tax-free to for the bill. Similar legislation employees by an employer, FB has also been introduced in the testified against it because it House. constitutes a tax increase. In- stead, FB supports a tax deduc- tion or tax credit for the cost of Dairy Program Legislation health insurance premiums - Legislation which would give paid by self-employed taxpayers the secretary of agriculture Lansing legislative topics are and employees who must self- authority to adjust the dairy reviewed by Robert E. Smith, finance their health insurance support price as low as $11.60 senior legislative counsel. costs. per cwt. from the current 6 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 FLOCPlans for Michigan - In a special appearance before the Interagency Migrant Ser- .vices Committee in Lansing on June 7, Baldemar Velasquez, leader of the Farm Labor Organ- izing Committee (FLOC),said that migrants were victims of misdirected public policy. Farm laborers are hard-working peo- ple who should be compensated adequately for their labor in- stead of being social service recipients, Velasquez told the committee, and said that much of that compensation should be subsidized by "huge compan- ies" like Campbells. FLOC, which has led the strike , and boycott against Campbell Soup Company in Ohio since 1978, recognizes the plight of Members of the Michigan Uorse Council gathered on the capitol lawn on small family farms, Velasquez June 8 to call attention to their $2 billion industry. Sen. Nick Smith said, and will use a strike only (K-Addison), at right, samples the beef stew served from a chuck wagon as a last resort if their efforts to that was part of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage back in 1976. The council also brought exhibits, information booths and horses to the negotiate with growers and pro- capitol. cessors fail. The FLOC leader re- quested a "dialogue" with farm organizations such as FB to gain understanding of the mi- $15 plate for this particular PCB Contaminated Silos - grants' plight and support in use. However, the law limited it An emergency regulation sign- getting processors to the bar- to vehicles" designed" for the ed by Gov. James Blanchard gaining table. use which caused confusion specified that after May 9, Positive improvements must and limited the use of the law. 198.3, no feed or farm products be made in the farm workers' In fact, the secretary of state's can be added to a PCB contami- situation, Velasquez said, and office quit issuing the permit. nated silo. The order further whether that takes place "with- - A new section has been states that such silos cannot be out confrontation depends upon added allowing a farmer to buy used after Sept. 1, 198.3. This how seriously we are taken." a license for three months or replaces a regulation that was more at a time for a truck, road to become effective in 1984 and tractor or truck tractor if used results from the finding of a Special Farm Truck Licens- exclusively in his own farming very high level of PCBson one ing - H.B. 4581 (Rep. Allen, operation and not for hire. The farm. R-Fairgrove) has been favorably fee is 1/10 of the regular an- According to the Michigan De- reported out of the House nual fee for each month. This partment of Agriculture, of the Transportation Committee to will be very helpful to many 14,220 silos surveyed to date, provide: farmers as they will be permit- .317 silos were found to be con- -A special $15 permit for any ted to choose the period of time taminated. About 91 of those truck, truck tractor or road they use the truck. This applies are presently being used. PCB is tractor used exclusively to on trucks where the regular fee a highly toxic chemical and a gratuitously transport farm is $50 or more. This FB-pro- known carcinogen. Federal law crops between the field where moted bill has passed the House now prohibits its manufacture produced and the place of stor- and is in a Senate committee. or sale. The U.S. Food and Drug age. A few years ago FB suc- Administration also sets ceeded in getting the special (continued on page .3.3) RURAL LIVING, JULY 198:3 7 By Connie Turbin "If a "Because for member is many of our Computer systems housed in only interested members this is large, air-conditioned buildings in receiving the an initial move to are not obsolete, but the era in AgriCom informa- on-farm computers, which computer technology was tion service, we can naturally, there are fre- reserved for major corporations get them on the system quent questions about or government agencies has with the very basic equip- compatibility of computer passed. Today, the personal ment: a videotex unit with equipment for the AgriCom microcomputer makes the uses telephone moClem and their service, but we haven't run into and applications of the technol- own television set," Kovacic a personal computer yet that is ogy available to virtually every- says. "With this basic hard- incompatible with our service," one. ware investment at a cost of he says. Because of the availability about $150, they can begin to Kovacic says that although and affordability of computer explore the farm computer many people believe they must hardware, software and infor- age." have some type of formal train- mation services, the decision Selection of more sophisti- ing, i.e. through continuing for many farmers is not so cated computer hardware and education classes or junior col- much one of whether to enter software programs to perform lege courses, "computer cours- the computer age, but rather analysis, recordkeeping or other es aren't necessary to run Agri- which combiriations of hard- tasks may follow. "We have Com." ware and software will best found," says Kovacic, "that However, new subscribers can serve their needs. That's the subscribers who have utilized attend an introductory seminar question most frequently asked the basic service using a video- held four times each year. For of MFB AgriCom specialists tex or a color computer have the intermediate and advanced Robert Craig, Ken Nye and Mike either increased their interest in user, one seminar is conducted Kovacic. computers so that they want to each year, usually in February, Kovacic answers that the expand, or they have deter- and others may be available at question of a major investment mined that the basic invest- additional costs beyond the in computer hardware can be ment satisfies their interest in basic AgriCom subscription fee. delayed, depending on the im- and need for an on-farm com- Craig, who heads the team of mediate and future needs for puter. In that case, they have AgriCom specialists, says that on-farm application. been happy with the system that AgriCom provides. 8 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198:3 educational support is one of nection. With nearly 100 MFB System Pays for Itself the most important features of members throughout the state the AgriCom system. "On this subscribing to the service, cur- Farmers interviewed for this system we can give information rent AgriCom users are likely to article give the AgriCom service and marketing advice, but if the be on hand to share their own high marks, and many have al- subscriber doesn't know how to experiences and successes. ready saved the cost of the interpret and use that informa- Corlee Computers will demon- computer hardware and the tion, the potential value of the strate many programs, includ- AgriCom subscription fee by fol- system is not being utilized." ing livestock management, lowing the marketing advice What separates the AgriCom dairy herd management, crop provided by the farmer-member- service from other such infor- management, farm accounting, only feature - AgriVisor. mation systems, Craig says, is payroll, farm machinery man- Fred Folkema of Grant in New- the opportunity for personal agement and word processing. aygo County relates that the contact with the AgriCom staff Corlee markets its computer AgriVisor recommendation to and the educational seminars. systems nationwide. The com- buy soybean meal in May of this "Mike, Ken and I are available pany has been in business for year was a good one. Savings to our subscribers on a call in three years and its agricultural on that purchase were nearly basis. If you don't understand division is well known for the equal to his investment in com- what you're reading on the personal and special considera- puter equipment made 30 days screen, you can call us up and tion given to farmers and agri- earlier. Folkema says that "pay talk to us about it. No other businesses before, during and off" has convinced him that up- system offers this and I believe after the sale. to-the-minute market informa- we can continue to provide this tion and advice can make the kind of personal contact." profit difference. And, he says, Primarily, calls for assistance the AgriVisor feature gives him come from new or relatively AgriCom-Corlee Computer a feeling of confidence in his new subscribers and the need Summer Fair Schedule decisions. for personal assistance dim in- "After the soybean meal pur- ishes as the individual becomes Stop by the AgriCom / Cor- chase, we sold cattle timed on more familiar with the system. lee Computer exhibit at one an AgriVisor prediction that cat- of the local fairs in your area tie prices would go up," Folke- Computer Road Show or at Ag Expo, July 26-28. ma says. "Right now (in late May), the advice says to keep During July, August and Sep- Mecosta County fair lots current, so I sold and will tember, Michigan farmers will July 10-16, Big Rapids deliver a pen (of cattle) within a have the opportunity to see Berlin fair day or two. I could have fed AgriCom and other farm com- July 17-23, Marne them out a little longer, but I puter applications in operation decided to take the profit in the MSU's AG EXPO'83 at several local fairs when Mich- market now rather than put the July 26-28, East Lansing igan Farm Bureau and Corlee money into additional feed to Computer Systems, Inc. of Ionia free Fair sell in a soft market." Lapeer tour 11 Michigan fairs July 29-Aug. 7, Ionia Folkema, who says that farm and MSU's Ag Expo with a Huron Community fair periodicals constituted his mar- "computer road show." The Aug. 7-13, Bad Axe ket information sources in the road show concept was gener- Berrien County Fair past, really appreciates the ated by Jim Cork, co-owner of Aug. 12-20, Berrien Springs timeliness of the information Corlee Computer. and the feeling of confidence Western Michigan Fair In the joint venture, MFB and that he is gaining in marketing Aug. 22-27, Ludington Corlee will travel to the fairs in decisions. "Of course, you al- a motor coach equipped with Lapeer County Fair ways question (your decision) IBM Personal Computers, DEC Aug. 29-Sept. 5, Imlay City when you make a contract Personal Computers, Commo- Saline Community fair whether you've hit the high or if dore, COMPAQ,and Osborn Sept. 6-10, Saline you've blown it, but with the models for demonstrating on- Saginaw County Fair farm software applications and Sept 10-17, Saginaw the AgriCom information con- St. Joseph County Grange Fair Sept. 18-24, Centreville Hillsdale County Fair Sept. 25-0ct. I, Hillsdale RURAL LIVING, JULY 1983 9 AgriVisor, I have more assur- ance that my marketing deci- AgriCom farmers ... give the service high sions are well timed." The daily package of informa- marks and many have already saved the tion available to farmer mem- cost of the computer and AgriCom sub- bers in AgriCom includes: scription. Specific Marketing Advice - Livestock and Grains - Rec- ommendations on when to sell cash, forward contract, or hedge commodities. Advice is based on both technical and fundamental analysis and is up- dated twice each business day. - Feed Purchases - Advice on when to forward purchase soy- bean meal and feed grains to take advantage of the best pric- ing opportunities. Price Quotations -Futures - Complete futures price quotations including the daily highs and lows from the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Quotes are updated at 10-min- ute intervals throughout the. trading day. -Cash - Cash prices on all major commodities from around the state and the Midwest, in- cluding the Michigan Elevator Exchange, the Michigan Live Stock Exchange and key termi- nal markets are updated on a daily basis. Agricultural Weather - Local, state, national weather is provided continuous- ly on the AgriCom system. Up- dated three times a day, fore- casts include current, 3 to 5 day, 6 to 10 day, an extended 30 day outlook, and a special international forecast. News and Information -Subscribers receive the lat- Dally market reports, news, weather and marketlng.advlce have given est legislative, regulatory and Fred folkema of Newaygo County greater confidence and more profit In commodity news from Lansing, his marketing decisions. folkema uses a Radio Shack Color Computer Washington and around the with a telephone modem and his television set. world via AgriCom. 10 RURAL LIVING, JULY 1983 Five Options Available Since the AgriCom program went "commercial" in Septem- ber of last year, other subscrib- er options have been added to the program making it a valu- able information and educa- tional tool for ag related busi- nesses, high school vocational agriculture departments and other associate Farm Bureau members. The program options for the non-farm user do not provide the marketing advice (Agri- Visor), but do offer daily access to pertinent information affect- ing agribusiness firms. For this service the cost is substantially reduced. Without the "advice," users may receive reports of A micro computer with 64k memory and printer give John 8t Nancy news, weather and markets for Bihlmeyer the capability to maintain farm. financial and personal as little as $.35 per month. records. "It makes work fun," says Nancy. "because I'm learning AgriCom farmer-members who new ways to use it all the time." select the full complement of information for their farming operation may subscribe to the member direct marketing pro- without doing some homework service for a cost of either $99 gram, Nancy also used the com- to identify a system that fit per month (with unlimited toll- puter for the MACMASpring their needs. free calls) or $69 per month, Asparagus Sale. Each cus- ''I'm no expert on computers," paying their own phone costs. tomer's name. address and says Nancy, "but I've found how phone number was entered on a it will work for our farm and Variety of Computer sample order blank that she family needs. It makes work fun Applications Unlimited programmed into the computer. because I'm learning new ways The computer sorted out the to use it all the time. I'm even Some AgriCom users have orders for asparagus, hams and going to put my recipes on found useful applications of other items and then gave an file. " their own for the personal com- itemized total for the entire John expects to gain greater puter for farm, personal and sale. In addition. packing slips expertise in marketing through volunteer work. were printed to accompany AgriCom with the daily market- John & Nancy Bihlmeyer of each customer's order. Nancy ing information and advice. He Manchester in Washtenaw Coun- proudly reports that the sale ac- is convinced that in order to ty use their computer with 64k counts came out to the penny! compete in today's market- memory and a printer to main- The computer "files" agricul- place, farm marketers must tain all of their farm records tural news stories for back- have the latest information and financial statements, busi- ground information and to pro- available. ness and personal addresses, vide to the schools. Their three AgriCom farmers and associ- and correspondence. children have access to the ate member subscribers have With the printer feature on computer and make use of the found that for legislative infor- their system, the Bihlmeyers educational games to practice mation, weather. news and mar- are able to maintain their seed simple addition and multiplica- kets. the service meets their in- corn customer accounts and tion. Using the word processing dividual needs and provides op- obtain an up-to-date printout at function helps the youngsters portunities to apply computer any time. learn to build sentences, Nancy technology once reserved for As a coordinator for the says. "big business" to their farming Washtenaw County member-to- However, the Bihlmeyers did enterprise. not simply discover these uses RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 11 Citizenship All Stars "1 was really apprehensive about coming here and about the people I"d meet," said Tam- my Provoast of Ogemaw Coun- ty. "But everybody worked to- gether. It was really easy to make friends. I didn't know that much about politics before coming here, and when we got into that I thought it was the neatest thing I'd ever done. I learned to vote here and am very proud of it. I think any- body who comes to something like this is one of the luckiest people you'll ever find." The students heard from sev- eral outstanding speakers who discussed free enterprise and the democratic system as com- pared to governments in other countries. By Cathy J. J\irvan tice," he said. "It's really ex- "1 learned a lot about our citing to watch the students get country and how free we really They came from all over the involved. Some outstanding are," said Thomas Schramm of state. Some made the journey leaders are surfaced in a very Sanilac County. "1 always knew in less than an hour, others left brief period of time. that those communist countries the night before and traveled all ''I've been involved with four weren't as free as us, but I night and half the day. All to- seminars and the quality of the didn't know how much and I gether, 231 of the highest cali- students this year was unsur- really realize that now." ber high school students in the passed," Verchereau said. "That "1 think that the speakers state arrived on the campus of is a tribute to the county lead- helped me to realize my free- Albion College Monday, June 13 ership who were selective in dom," said Brenda Feldpausch for the 20th annual Young Peo- chosing students." of Clinton County. "You don't ple's Citizenship Seminar, spon- When they arrived at the five- really think about it otherwise." sored by Michigan Farm Bureau. day seminar, most students "1 learned more here about "The main intent of the semi- were not sure what to expect. foreign policy and the U.S. nar is to bring the students to- "When I first got the informa- economic situation than I did gether to learn about the social, tion, I wasn't too excited about this whole year in school," said economic and political makeup coming," said Jerry Todd of Kevin Yeager of St. Joseph of the United States," said Vic Genesee County, who was elect- County. Verchereau, seminar chairper- ed county prosecuting attorney. "1 thought it was a really son and manager of MFB's "1 thought it would be a farm great experience to apply the Young Farmer Department. convention - that you'd learn government that we've learned "The students actually have how to breed cows and stuff - in school so far," said Jeff Kim- the opportunity to run for office but I enjoyed myself and learn- mey of Barry County. "It was and to manage their own politi- ed a lot about our government, really interesting to see how cal campaign. They can set voting, how to write a speech, you apply it and how it works in their goal for anything from a how to run a good campaign society." county official to state senator and how to make a lot of Ron Gaskill, MFB local affairs to a state Supreme Court jus- friends. I wouldn't have given it specialist who conducted the up for the world." political activities, said the elec- 12 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 tion results at the seminar reflected "real life" facts. "The Populist Party held a 6 to 5 majority over the Federalist Party - in real life that's just about what we see. There were a few unfilled precinct delegate seats - that's real to life. The parties being close in their philosophy - that was real to life. The split between parties in the offices they won - that's similar to real life also," Gaskill said. "The issues they talked about, including capital punish- ment, hand gun control, nu- clear freeze, dairy assessment, drinking age, are all issues now facing society. Overall, the seminar was one of the most accurate and reflective on soci- ety. " The parties not only challeng- ed one another at the voting booth, but in athletic contests. Populist, Independent and Fed- eralist teams participated in a track meet, softball games and tug-of-war competition. Junior and adult counselors had a chance to tame the youthful en- thusiasm of the seminar stu- dents in team matches, but the students prevailed - winning all but two events from the "aging" counselors, ranging in age from 17to 33. RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 * * *America Bt Me* * * The old Supreme Court cham- bers in the state capitol aren't open to public tours any more, but the doors were reopened May 18 for a ceremony honor- ing the top 10 winners of the America &. Me Essay Contest. The young winners and their parents were brought to Lan- sing by Farm Bureau Insurance Group, sponsor of the statewide contest. Greeting the winners in the ornate chambers, Lt. Gov. Mar- tha Griffiths told them they were the pride of Michigan. "You are the top of your state Capitol Opens generation," Griffiths said. "I urge you to keep up what you've started, to continue to Its Doors to Top learn and respect your country. You are very important to the Essay Winners future of Michigan and the na- tion." It was all part of an awards day honoring the 10 eighth grade students whose essays By Luke Schafer were selected the best in the Farm Bureau Insurance Group state in FBIG's 1982-83 America &. Me Essay Contest. Their essays were judged the 10 best out of several thousand entries from more than 500 Michigan junior highs and middle schools. The first place statewide win- ner, whose essay survived five levels of judging to make it to the number one spot, was Lee Ann Lindenfeld, a student at Ring Lardner Junior High in Niles. She received a $1,000 savings bond and a plaque from FBIG, as well as a framed trib- ute from the Michigan Senate, presented to her by state Sen. Harry Gast. The other top 10 winners re- first place statewide winner Lee Ann Llndenfeld (left) receives a congrat- ulatory handshake from Lt. Gov. Martha Griffiths. Lee Ann's parents, Dr. ceived plaques and savings lft Mrs. f. n. Llndenfeld of Niles, share the happy moment. All top 10 win- bonds ranging in value from ners are shown In the top photo. $200 to $600. After their VIP treatment at the state capitol, the winners 14 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 and their parents were treated Why I am Important to America's Future to an awards luncheon at the Midway Motor Lodge in Lansing, By Lee Ann Lindenfeld hosted by FBIG Marketing. Among the guests at the lun- Many years ago, John Quincy Adams said, "1 must study cheon was Howard Lancour, war that my son may study politics that his son may study the news director of WILX-TV in Lan- arts." / wonder what he would say today. We've known wars, sing, who, along with Gov. we've known politics, and we've known the arts. Yet today our James Blanchard and U.S. Con- future seems more in question than ever. It could be completely gressmen Bob Carr, served as a erased by nuclear war, or it could be the beginning of a new finalist judge in the contest. wave of technology. "The'most satisfying part / am especially important to this future because of the ex- about serving as a finalist judge treme possibilities at stake. It is up to me as well as the rest of is seeing that you young people my generation to see that the heritage of America lives on. We know and respect the written will never be able to do this unless we can identify the changes word," Lancour told the win- in America and where these shifts will lead us. Our economy has ners. "Your essays show that changed, our employment has changed, world balance has writing skills are still strong in changed. many Michigan schools. Con- Ten years ago, no one planned on a career in microcom- gratulations on your excellent puters; today it is a major occupation. No one dreamed that use of the English language." robots would replace people on a factory line. No one dreamed Serving as emcee of the industry would ever shut down to the extent that it has. awards program was Robert The necessary careers of the future are only beginning to be Reed, vice president of market- identified. Once these trends are discovered I can do my part for ing for FBIG; Robert Wiseman, the future of America. / and my generation will be able to help FBIG's executive vice president, preserve our heritage whether it be in the North Sea or in space presented the plaques and sav- or in Small Town, U.S.A. ings bonds to the winners. Presently it seems that my future will be important to An editorial in the June .3 America in two general areas: information and conservation. Our issue of the Dally Mining Ga- computer technology could make us the global headquarters for zette in Houghton praised the the transmission of all kinds of technological information, second place winner in the con- analysis and maintenance. Conservation would include health test, Jennie Heikkila of Calu- care, geriatrics, genetics, bionic medicine, solar energy, and the met, for "bolstering our faith in efficient use of raw materials. today's young people." Times are fearful for everyone now but / have hope for The editorial concluded: America's future. I see it as a bright horizon waiting for me. My "There are many Jennies out parents visited Russia a few years ago and said that they there, many conscientious thought the most depressing thing was that there seemed to be young people who recognize the nothing to hope for there. Here / have hope for a future that will same values that have been survive depression, opposing government philosophies, and passed from generation to gen- nuclear weapons. eration. A performance such as If John Quincy Adams were alive today perhaps he would that by Jennie Heikkila gives us say, "/ must study technology, that my son may study space, an opportunity to salute them, that his son may live on another planet." one and all." Open to any eighth grade stu- dent in Michigan, FBIG's annual America & Me Essay Contest en- Top Ten Winners - 1982-83 America 8t Me Essay Contest courages Michigan's young peo- ple to explore their roles in Lee Ann Lindenfeld, Ring Lardner Jr. High, Niles America's future. More than Jennie Heikkila, Washington Middle School, Calumet 80,000 Michigan students have Meghan Dalton, South Intermediate School, Saginaw entered the contest since its Tricia Horning, Nellie Ackerson Middle School, Manchester start in 1968. Douglas Ayers, Cooke Middle School, Northville The program is conducted Ken Black, PattengiJI Jr. High, Lansing with the help of FBIG agents Jim Goenner, Sacred Heart Academy, Mt. Pleasant throughout the state, who spon- Terry Wood, Ruth Fox Middle School, North Branch sor the contest in their local Bill Groth, CentreviJIe Jr. High, Centreville communities. Christopher Holborn, Gaylord Middle School, Gaylord RURAL LIVING. JUL Y 198.3 15 FRONT at CENTER Negotiations between Farm Bureau Services and Ohio Farmers were continuing as this publication goes to press, but several other options are also under consideration as FBS seeks the reorganizational plan that will be "best for the creditors and the membership," ac- cording to Executive Vice President/CEO Newton Allen. In the me~ntime, a hearing on a re- quest to extend the filing deadline to Aug. 1 was to be held on June 24. The extension was re- quested because no final resolution with Ohio Farmers was expected by the June 30 deadline. The St. Paul Bank of Cooperatives has agreed to extend its present financing agreement with FBS to Oct. 31. While the massive sign-up in the PIK program is affecting FBSsal~s as well as other ag sup- pliers, May was described as an "excellent month" by FBS management with $33 million in sales and a profit of $800,000. Year to date, FBS has sold more bushels of grain than in the previous year. Positive results from a spring statewide radio advertising campaign and the ad- dition of nine new dealers since FBS filed for reorganization are other reasons for optimism. Several major obstacles to submission of a reorganization plan have been removed; claims by the New Hampshire Insuran~e Company, by individual PBBclaimants, by Velsicol and by the state of Michigan have all been settled. Settlement payments will be incorporated into the reor- ganization plan and resolved when the plan is approved. FB members will receive information regarding the reorganization process through Rural Living, Rural Leader, the news media or the committees involved. The on-again, off-again dairy assessment is on againl A u.s. Court of Appeals has issued a stay against the permanent injunction ordered by a South Carolina judge to halt the 50ft per cwt. assessment on all milk marketed. This latest action means that the USDAmay resume its collection of the assessment. The stay will remain in effect until the case is heard on appeal by the court, probably sometime in July. YOUmade it happenl With 79,155 families on its membership rolls, Michigan Farm Bureau marks its 16th consecutive year of growth. This puts MFB well over its 1983 membership goal of 78,924 - but there's still the "every county over goal" plateau to reach. In his announcement to membership workers, Field Operations Division Director Chuck Burkett said, "Success is a journey, not a destination. With that thought in mind, let's make it happen again in 1984." Pledges by Michigan Pork Producers Association members to Project AIM, plus pro- cessing and transportation contributed by Frederick and Herrud ~ompany, resulted in 7,000 pounds of processed pork products being shipped to 12 different locations in Michigan iden- tified as crucial need areas, during the week of June 20. In another Project AIM activity, the Saginaw County Young Farmers are planning a chicken roast for Aug. 20 at the Spaulding Township Hall to benefit the hungry families of Michigan through AIM (Agriculture Involved in ° Michigan). Tickets are $1 per person, $5.00 for children under 12, and include not only the meal but also entertainment. For more information contact Dale Kettler, 517-845-6697. Dean Pridgeon, MDAdirector, has been appointed as chairperson of the 1983 Farm-City Week. The activity is strongly supported by AFBF and hopes are that it will be stronger than ever this year. Theme of the Nov. 18-24 Farm-City Week is "People Helping Peo- ple." Promotional kits are available, at $2.00 each, that include placemats, posters, press releases, proclamations, radio/TV spot announcements, fact sheets, brochures, etc. For copies of the order form, contact the MFB Information Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Another poor harvest and some expressed willingness by the USSR to sign a new long-term agreement with the U.S. make it likely that the Soviet Union will continue to be an important customer for American farmers, but perhaps never again as important as before the embargo of 1980. AFBF President Robert Delano frequently tells the news media that the Soviets are the only government in the world which has confessed to 60 years of bad weather to explain poor harvests. 16 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 LET T E R S TO R U R ALL I V I NG Agriculture's Showcase ment currently represents an in- the Saginaw County Farm Bu- put into the state of over reau board of directors, and the On behalf of the Michigan fair $500,000. 3,350 Farm Bureau members we industry, I would like to thank After reviewing the possible represent. Your programs of your fine publication for listing effect of organizing in this pro- news and commentary are very the Michigan fair schedule in ducing area, we believe if the well received and are broadcast your June issue. organizing is successful that by several of our local radio sta- One of our prime responsibili- Michigan would become uncom- tions. We, here in the Saginaw ties at Michigan fairs is to pro- petitive, and we would be forced Valley, enjoy your "good news" mote Michigan agriculture and to move our commitment else- attitude and the positive way provide a showcase for Michi- where. you present agriculture to your . gan agricultural products. We audience. are pleased when we receive Kenneth Swarthout It is because of this attitude help from agricultural interests. Vice President, Operations and your friendly, open manner, Again, we would like to thank Bloch & Ouggenheimer, Inc. that we felt we could answer the Michigan Farm Bureau and Long Island City, New York you when, on April 27, you the Rural Living staff for your asked: "How can the president help. of the American Farm Bureau Paul lIarvey News Brings James L. Harrison, President support the torture of these Saginaw FB Commentary Michigan Association of Fairs animals?" and Exhibitions (Editor's Note: Paul Harvey's Although we cannot answer syndicated program of news for Mr. Delano personally, we Organizing Efforts and commentary has many reg- would like to answer with the Affect Jobs and Commerce ular listeners among farmers policies that were passed at our and non-farmers allke. On April state and national conventions We found your information re- 27, the popular broadcaster last year. We think you will garding the union activities and posed a question on the animal agree that no one cares more organizing of farm workers very care polley of the American for animals than the person interesting as we are currently Farm Bureau Federation. Sagi- who depends upon them for his purchasing in the neighborhood naw County Farm Bureau's livelihood. We are very con- of 100,000 bushels of cucum- board of directors responded cerned with animal care and be- bers for pickling in the state of with their own commentary.) cause of this concern the Michigan, and we are consider- Dear Mr. Harvey: American farmer raises the ing increasing our commitment within the state. This commit- This letter comes to you from (continued on page .3.3) FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- He and his wife were named District who handles the farm's sheep opera- sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Outstanding Dairy Couple. tion, serve as livestock Judges. Group and the Michigan Farm Radio Network, honors Michigan farmers for May 9 - Elmer "elsler Jr., 37, May 23 - Evert Smltb, 42, operates their contributions to the community operates a 900-acre grain and hog farm a 265-acre crop, beef and hog farm and the agriculture Industry. Five farm- near Albion. He is a member and past near Bronson. Smith Is a member of the ers were honored In May 1983: county director of the Michigan Pork Pleasant HIli Missionary Church and has Producers Association, member of the served as church treasurer for the past May 2 - Robert Lee, .39, a dairy Salem United Church of Christ and a eight years, serves as Noble Township farmer from Marlon, farms 600 acres member of the Progressive Farmers, a treasurer and Noble Township sexton and manages a 140-cow herd. He serves local farmers' group. and Is a Branch County FB member. on the Northern Michigan Christian School Board; was chairperson of the May 16 - Quentin "arwood, 43, Is May 30 - Mlcbael "artman, Web- area 5011 Conservation District board for a beef and sheep farmer from Ionia. He berville, Is a 30-year-old dairy farmer II years; was an MMPA delegate for Is superintendent of 4-H beef at the who farms 300 acres with his brother. seven years; Is an Osceola County FB Ionia Free Fair, president of the 4-H ad- He Is president of the Livingston County member and served as FB membership visory council, a 4-H leader, a Michigan Farm Bureau; Is active In St. Joseph chairperson; Is on the Falmouth Co-op Simmental Beef Association board Catholic Church In Howell, belongs to board; served four years as local MABC member and a past board member of the Livingston County Young Farmer president; and he served on the MFB the LeValley Church. He was named group and the MMPA and Is a past of- Natural Resources Advisory Committee. Outstanding Young Farmer of Ionia ficer In the Byron FFA Chapter. County. Both he and his wife, Linda, RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 17 ([ount~ j}twslttttt News and Information from Michigan's County Farm Bureaus - Horse Industry Uses Capitol Day to Gain Recognition The Michigan Horse Council used the state capitol lawn as a forum to call attention to the $2 billion indus- tryon June 8. Horses, music, exhi- bits, information booths and stew served from an authentic chuck- wagon were used by members of the various organizations that belong to the council to let the general public and legislators know that the horse business is a modern, viable industry and not just a backyard hobby. Updating the public image of the industry is part of the recommenda- tions which resulted from the Gover- nor's Conference on the Horse In- dustry held in 1982. Goat Raising Gains Popularity in Michigan Treat Yourself to Discouraged by yo-yo markets for to $500. It is also in demand for fur- Something Special beef or other farm produce? niture, draperies and airplane seats. Farmers who supplement their in- -The by-product of mohair is lan- come by raising goats, tell an en- olin, used in soaps and skin care thusiastic success story. products. Several plusses in favor of the -With a small amount of basic scavenger animals include: care, raising goats is a fairly low -low feed costs. One bale of hay labor operation. Their needs are per day will feed 15 to 20 goats. relatively simple and include good Their grazing diet includes most any electric or woven fencing, some pasture ground, including brush shelter from weather, hay and small land. amounts of grain and water. -Two crops of mohair per year. -Many producers also keep -Our Michigan climate produces neutered billies for mohair. A good a far superior quality of mohair than billie will produce $50 worth of southern states. mohair per shearing. -Mohair is considered the Cadil- -Slue tongue - disease is not a lac of fibers, either as a blend with. threat in Michigan currently. Why not try an Apricot-Pineapple other fibers or in its pure form. Pure -Initial cost for grown goats is Punch? Yield three quarts. mohair sweaters will market at $250 around $200. 2 cups apricot nectar, chilled -The mohair market should be 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice, firm as long as people wear clothes. chilled As with many operations, some of 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice the goat raisers found that they had 3 pints vanilla ice cream, softened been "fleeced" by unscrupulous 4 cups cold milk. dealers when they first began opera- Gradually add fruit juices to ice tions, so it is wise to consult with cream; stir until blended, stir in milk. farmers already in the business to Chill. Serve with fruit and mint-filled protect yourself. milk cubes. Most of the U.S. raw product has To make fruit and mint-filled been sent to foreign cou ntries to be cubes, pour a small amount of milk processed and then sent back to U.S. into bottom of ice cube tray. Place for manufacture. However, a newly an apricot half or a pineapple chunk organized group of investors, Great and a sprig of mint in milk; freeze lakes Mohair Co. from Litchfield, several hours or overnight. This Michigan, has been formed to buy keeps punch cold and does not Stacy & Curtis Postma are shown with their Uncle Chris Postma's "kid" in Chippewa mohair and process it to a finished dilute the flavor with water. County. product. - Recipe from Otsego County JULY 1983 Sharing Story of Michigan Agriculture Important Role for Farmers By Duane Tirrell, President understanding about agriculture - this past spring with the Rural life Eaton County Farm Bureau its problems and potential - even project sponsored by the county Ex- This past month we had over 250 in relatively rural areas such as tension Service and the Intermedi- ~rade school children tour our farm. Eaton County. ate School District. With the support I think this was an education both This lack of understanding - and of many county farm groups and . for the kids and myself - third grad- the misconceptions that arise from other organizations, third graders in ers can ask some of the darndest it - can cause problems with gov- the county had the chance to learn questions! But I think they did go ernment regulations, conflicts about about farming as it was in the past ~away with a better understanding the environment, misinformation and as it is today. The county Farm about farming and where their food put out by people promoting vari- Bureau Women played an important 'Eomes from. ous diet and animal welfare con- role by taking lessons about agricul- It is important that those of us in- cepts. and the friction that can oc- ture to over 30 classrooms in the 'volved in agriculture work to edu- cur when people move into rural county. Several members also made _cate the publ ic about it. We make areas. their farms available and helped up less than 3% of the population, An excellent example of what can with tours. ~~o we need the support of non-farm be accomplished in educating Besides these organized efforts to oeorle. There is a great lack of others about agriculture occurred educate the public, we also need to work as individuals whenever we get the chance. Let people know what Insurance Column the profit margin is on a bushel of corn or a market steer; explain the FBIG Sets Up Scholarship Fund importance of pesticides and herbi- Farm Bureau Insurance Group has able to qualified students having ag- cides to your operation; tell them ~stablished a scholarship fund for ricultural or rural backgrounds." why the livestock on your farm is Farm Bureau members interested in Olivet College was chosen as the raised the way it is. majoring in insurance at Olivet Col- institution through which the stu- You may get some difficult ques- lege. dents will receive the financial assis- tions from any third graders you Known as the Michigan Farm Bu- tance because of the excellence of might talk to; but most people will reau Insurance Scholarships. the its insurance program. go away with a more complete un- fund will award two scholarships Preferred distribution of the two derstanding of agriculture. and .' each year of $1,850 each. The annual scholarships will be to one that's important to all of us. ~wards will be offered beginning senior and to one junior at Olivet with the 1983-84 academ ic year. College. with the college administer- "The scholarships will ideally be ing the selection process. Certain awarded to Michigan Farm Bureau grade point and financial need re- members or their spouses, sons or quirements apply. r daughters," said Robert Wiseman, For more information, contact the Farmette Farm Bureau Insurance Group ex- Human Resources Department, Farm -ecutive vice president. "However, if Bureau Insurance Group, 7373 W. no such qualified applicants exist, Saginaw, Lansing. Mich. 48909. the scholarships will be made avail- ,Txam Workxrs Makx a Diffxrxncx A txam may bx I ikxnxd to my typx- am only a mxmbxr - onx pxrson. I writxr. It is an old modxl, but it won't makx or brxak thx group." But, works quitx wxll xxcxpt for onx of it doxs makx a diffxrxncx bxcausx a thx kxys. Many timxs, I havx wishxd group, to bx xffxctivx, nxxds thx ac- that it workxd pxrfxctly. It is trux tivx participation of xvxry pxrson . . that thxrx arx forty-four kxys that So, thx nxxt timx you think you arx function wxll xnough, but just onx only onx pxrson - a mxmbxr - and 'kxy not working makxs thx diffxr- that your xfforts arx not nxxdxd. rx- xncx. mxm bxr my typxwritxr and say to Somxtimxs it sxxms to mx that yoursxlf, "1 am a kxy pxrson in thx txams arx somxwhat likx my typx- group, and for it to function xffxc- " ... so I thought I'd get a tan writxr ... not all thx kxy pxoplx arx tivxly, I am nxxdxd vxry much." and cultivate at the same time." working togxthxr. (Author Unknown) You may say to yoursxlf, "wxll, I FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK FOR nOMEMAKERS Wantedr New Idea single or narrow row JlIllklng Sbortborns: Young bulls. SAVEl JlIake Your Own I Frozen hash- 1960 "yster Forklift - .3.000 or 4.000 yearlings and calves for sale. Write or corn picker. Will pay cash. Phone 517- browns. tater tots. french frlesl Com. pound capacity. good running condi- visit Stanley M. Powell and Family. In- 52.3-280.3. evenings. (7-I.3t-22p-ts) plete. easy. Instructions. $1.00. Hamll- tion. used extensively when new. Buy as gleside Farm. Route 2 • .3248 Powell Hwy .. Parrowlng Stans - All steel $167.40. tons. Box 652-1.31. New Ulm. Mlrn. Itl Asking price - $1.000. Contact Ionia. Mich. 48846. (4-6t-12p) 5607.3. (7-20p-ts) Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump Howard Boerman. Fremont Cooperative rail. Weighs 196 Ibs. Free literature. Starr Corrledale sbeep breeding stock . .31.3- "owl frozen Tomato Silcesl Enjoy Produce Co" phone 616-924-.3851. National. 219 Main. Colchester. IL 62.326. (7-.30p) 429-7874. (I-12t-5p) garden fresh flavor year roundl Com- (7-24p-ts) for Saler Dairy Goats. French Alpine plete. easy Instructions. $1.00. Hamll- Interested In Antique Gasoline Cblcken Coop Pole Building. Approxi- Nubian and Saanen. Registered and tons. Box 652-1.31. New Ulm. Minn. Engines? Here are eight excellent books mately 42'x104'. Galvanized steel. wood grade. Clo Barker. Route I. Box 168. 5607.3. (7-20p-ts) on and about these fine old engines. frame. Yours for $5.000. You tear down. Manton. 616-824-.3972. (6-2t-20p) Reclpesl Couponsl Cooking' Delight These are collections of advertisements Newaygo County. Mich. 1-616-798-.3450. for engines ranging from 1881 to 1949. Sbeep. Cats Curtis. Reg. Suffolks and Magazine. Cookeville. TN .38502-2727. (7.20p) Eight volumes. totalling 4.32 pages of Reg. Southdowns. Helping small flock $.3/year. (4-lOt-lOp-ts) Wanted to Buyr Milk cans for shipping advertising. for Just $.31.00 postpaid. owners and 4-H'ers our special Interest. Coldwater Dill Plcklesl Can In mln- milk. International No.9 silo flller. corn Order from Alan C. King. 4790 River 204 N. Williams. Stockbridge. Mich. 517- utesl No hot brine. Delicious. Crisp. Fac- binders and grain binders. John Spezla. Road. Radnor. Ohio 4.3066 (sorry no 851-704.3 - 517-851-8017. (7-12t-22p) tory secretsl Recipe. $1.00. Hamlltons, Leonard. Mich. 480.38 . .31.3-628-4147. C.O.D:s). (7-2t-5.3p-ts) For Sale - Half Simmetal bulls. 19 Box 652-1.31. New Ulm. Minn. 5607.3. (7-2t-24p) months: 1.450 Ibs. Holstein Angus (7-20p-ts) JlIacblnery For Sale: All housed and In Por Saler Sblpplng borse stan. mother. 517-676-298.3. Mason. Mich. Pecansl Quart eacb halves. plece.s excellent condition. J.D: 4020 Diesel .34"x80"x4'. Steel and I" plywood. dou- (7-2t-14p) meal . .3 qt. sampler. $12.95. Postpaid . with Turbo. cab and duals. J.D. F145. ble walled lower panel. Rubber floor. 5-bottom plow. J.D . .3-polnt Rotary hoe. Canecreek Farm. Dept.-MF. Cookeville. Breaks down to 5 pieces - Airline ap- TN .38502. (7-12t-16p-ts) proved. $200. Romulus. Mich . .31.3- International International .3-polnt 4-row cultivator. 4-row planter. Oliver H. G. MISCELLANEOUS 75.3-455.3. (7 -.30p) Cletrac 1948. also Hondo II. lead guitar Save $"00: Cookware. extra beavy Com Cribs - seven corn cribs from 15 with Mica 75 watt amp. Used very little. 19 piece stainless steel sold through In- to.30 feet long. 6 to 8 feet wide. Make of- David Yallup. St. Johns. Mich. 517- fer. Call Mike at .31.3-7.31-.3400. (7-21 p) 224-2514. ('r-48p) home demonstration at $595. Now avail- NURSERY STOCK able direct only $189.95. Only 100 sets from bankruptcy. Order now to avoid "ursery Stock - Evergreens. shade (!Jt disappointment. 100% refund If return- ornamental trees. shrubs. roses. peren ed within 10 days unused in original con- nlals. ferns (!Jt ground covers. Top quality dition. Send check. money order. Visa or at reasonable prices. Our 26th yearl Lan- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY Mastercard number and expiration date. Yankee Trader. 4600 Stein Road. Ann Ar- tollary Nursery. 57.36 N. 25th St .. Kala- mazoo. 616-.385-2488. (5-.3t-.30p) bor. Mich. 48105. $1 for brochure. Members pay lO~ per word for non-commericaJ ads and 15~ per (7-6t-65p-ts) word for ads which prGmote a commercial business other than ag- CEDAR fence posts. any size. Rustle round rail sections. Log homes. Rapid riculture. All other advertisers pay 20~ per word for one Insertion River Rustle Cedar Log Homes and Fenc- REAL ESTATE and 15~ per word for two Gr more consecutive Insertions. Ing. Rt . .3. Ensign. Rapid River. Mich. Tbree bedroom modular manufac- The deadline for advertisements Is the first Monday of the 49878.1-906-474-6427. (2-llt-27p-m) tured In 1969 by Active Homes. Used month preceding publication and the publisher has the right Wanted: Old Indian Artifacts. Axes. as summer residence. Excellent condi- celts. arrowheads. drilled slate. Informa- tion. Must be sold and moved to settle to reject any advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre- tion to: Relics. Box 152A. Eau Claire. estate. Price $21 •.300. Includes set up on paid and may be pre-paid up to one year In advance. Please In- Mich. 49111. (5-6t-18p) your foundation. For particulars: Penta. dicate If you are a Farm Bureau member. It is the responsibility of Rake Knitting Looms - This fascinat- 2.395 Williams Road. Petoskey. Mich. Ing craft can be mastered by people of 49770. (7-.3t-.39p) the advertiser to re-insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by- all ages and excellent therapy for the Smoky JlIountaln riverside bome for year basis. handicapped. SASE. Davldson's Old Mill rent. To..wnsend. Tennessee. near Gatlin- Send ads to Rural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. Yarn. Box 8. Eaton Rapids. Mich. 48827. burg and Cades Cove. Pictures sent on (5-.3t-.31pots) request. $50.00 night. Carl Morgan. 409 48909. No ads will be taken over the phone. Lambert Lane. Maryville. Tenn . .37801. Patterns for making stuffed animals and dolls. 15" baby boy. Individual (6-4t-27p-ts) fingers and toes. dressed In coveralls farms. homes. businesses - free cat- and shirt. $.3.00. 12" horse. $2.00. alog No. 204 lists acreage and property Name Lifelike cat. standing position. $.3.00. In 15 states. American Farm Digest. Brochure of all available original pat- .3546 Watson. St. louis. MO 6.31.39.800- terns. $1.00 and LSASE. Dlxle's Love & .325-994.3. (4-4t-2.3b-ts) Address _ Stuff. 2.328 Vernor Road. Lapeer. Mich. BO.acre tiled clay loom. 150 sow 48446. (5-.3t-47p-ts) feeder pig operation. modern farrowing Learn to play Bluegrass banjo. Write barn. nursery. home. central Michigan. for free details: Ebro-MI. Star Route. David Richardson. 6775 Hoover. Beaver- DFarm Bureau member o Non-member Dunlap. Tennessee .37.327. (7-2t-15p-ts) ton. Mich. 48612. 517-.386-27.37. $200 - ."00 weekly working at (5-.3t-25p) bome. No experience. National com- for Sale - Lake property with cabin Run the following ad In the Issue(s): pany supplies all materials and pay- and garage on Black Lake. Cheboygan checks. Fully guaranteed. For details County. Beautiful. large lot. 616- and application. send self-addressed. 627-4796. (7-17p) stamped envelope to: Tobec. Route I. Blueberry farm - Excellent produc. Box 514. Carpenter. Miss . .39050. Ing stage. 20 acres of blueberries (7-.3t-.35p-ts) and 10 acres of other. Home. barn. large Probate Assistance. Probate by JlIall. tool pole bldg .• packing shed. Tractor The attorneys at Michigan Probate Ser- drag. sprayer. rotllitor and all needed vices. P.C.. specialize In handling Inde- equipment to run the farming buslnessl pendent probate estates of all sizes Blueberry Harvestor avallablel Irrigation through the mall. Computer assistance equipment. pond and pipe. 4 Inch well. helps us help personal representatives. Fantastic U-Plck operation and cllentall Probate Court supervision can be avoid- Members of Michigan Blueberry Growers ed and you. as personal representative. Marketl Must be seen to appreclatel can remain In control. Call toll-free for Come and look us over. 616-924-0229. rates If you have an estate to be pro- Fremont - Newaygo County. Mike (!Jt bated. 800-521-8724. (7-6t-48p-ts) Barb Maxson. (7-2t-77p) ____ Total Due ATTENTION FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: Words Insertions Buy and sell through Rural Living classlfiedsl RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 I BAKED BEAN BONANZA Through a cooperative effort, annual meeting in Philadelphia, the Michigan Bean Commission June 30-July 2; at Penn's Land- and the canners and packers of ing, also in Philadelphia, on the Michigan dry edible beans 4th of July; at the Cherry Festi- across the United States have val in Traverse City; the state designated July as National farm management tour in Sani- Baked Bean Month. The purpose lac County; the mid-Michigan of the designation is to increase Crops Day in Isabella County; the awareness of baked beans and in Peoria, Illinois in mid- and their tradition as a great July," he said. accompaniment for just about Restaurants, institutions and any food. schools have been asked to par- "This is one of the first times ticipate in promoting Baked that canners, packers, growers Bean Month by serving baked and elevators have worked to- beans, displaying posters and gether in an attempt to pro- offering literature highlighting mote the Michigan dry bean in- the month. In addition, 500 dustry," said Jim Byrum, secre- food editors across the nation tary of the Michigan Bean Com- were sent a news release on the mission. designation and a copy of the Activities set for Baked Bean commission's new "Baked Bean Month include events across the Bonanza" brochure. The top 100 country where baked beans will food editors across the country be served to consumers, along were sent a box containing a with distribution of recipes and one pound bag of dry Navy other information. In addition, beans and several cans of pork according to Byrum, the com- and beans and two cans of dif- mission's 250-gallon soup ket- ferent brands of baked beans. tle will be making appearances Baked Bean Month will also at various activities in several be the focus of displays by the states during the month-long Michigan Bean Commission at promotion. trade shows sponsored by the "We will have the kettle at the American Home Economists As- National Education Association sociation, Great Lakes Food Ser- vice and the National Education Association. Baked bean bonanza recipes are available by writing: Baked Beans, Michigan Bean Commission, P.O. Box 22037, Lansing, Mich. 48909. RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 21 PROFILE: Robert Gast Director, Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU As he makes the transition As he projects the role of from a state where four com- agricultural research into the modities account for over 90% future, Gast draws on the ex- of the agricultural production periences of the past. "The to the "meal in a,mitten" state whole agricultural production that boasts over 40, the former system, the pressures and con- head of the University of Ne- straints on it, have changed in braska Agronomy Department the last 30 to 40 years, and so sees the future of Michigan the things we have to consider agriculture - and his own - from a research standpoint filled with both challenges and have changed," he says. opportunities. "We expanded our production The challenges include "just initially by expanding our land sorting out the research priori- base. We started at the East ties, the needs of the many Coast and went west, but we commodities and natural re- didn't do much else in that pro- source areas, and the mainte- cess. There wasn't much By Donna Wilber nance research needs to ke~p change in technology. We plow- those industries growing." ed, planted the same crops and Between yesterday's remark- The opportunities he cites in- raised the same animals with able scientific achievements clude working in a state with the same techniques. Then, that allowed American farmers unique water, land and human even though our land base be- to record an unparalleled resources and a geographical came about fixed, our produc- history of productivity and proximity to markets that add tion continued to increase as tomorrow's major break- up to a good growth potential we brought in mechanization, throughs in the bio-technology for the industry he's been in- better management, improved area, there will continue to be volved in since his childhood on varieties and the use of chemi- less spectacular but vitally im- a Missouri farm. cals, fertilizers and pesticides. portant advances in the agricul- Gast took over the helm of "Today, we're beginning to tural industry. Many of these the MSUAg Experiment Station see some signs that our in- improvements, according to from Dr. Sylvan Wittwer in April. crease in productivity is pla- Robert Gast, new director of In his new position, he will ad- teauing and I think we need to Michigan State University's Ag- minister research programs realize that the next break- ricultural Experiment Station, conducted by more than 160 throughs in agriculture will not will result from "maintenance MSUfaculty members in 30 de- bring about the spectacular in- research" and be aimed at mak- partments and eight colleges creases in performance that we ing producers more efficient on campus, as well as 13 field once experienced. and competitive. research stations throughout "In the fertilizer area, for ex- the state. ample, we've realized the great- est potential increases in yield 22 RURAL LIVING, JULY 198.3 from fertilizer already. We can ratio. That's really the name of have been trimmed down pretty still increase yields by convinc- the game in agriculture today," lean and are far from operating ing producers they need to use What about the criticism that on the 'fat side,' The big deci- fertilizer, but much of our effort agricultural research only adds sion is not which one is worth- should be aimed at showing to the already existing problem while, but which one is the them how they can use it most of over-production? Gast comes MOSTworthwhile." efficiently to minimize their pro- out swinging on this inquiry. The identification of needs duction costs, to keep them "We're gaing to have to con- and the development of pro- competitive with other pro- trol production some way other grams to meet those needs will ducers, and to minimize the ex- than keeping the farmer ineffi- include the agricultural com- tent to which they may be con- cient! My feeling is that both for munity, Gast believes. "Some- tributing to environmental the benefit of the producer to times it's difficult to determine problems through runoff or keep him competitive and for what is researchable - and we leaching. the benefit of the consumer to have to depend upon the scien- "Certainly, we're going to keep food costs down, we need tists for those decisions - but need to continue developing to be as efficient as we can be producers can certainly tell us new crop varieties because the in agricultural production. what the problems are," he advantages we gained from dis- "The broader problem of con- says. ease, insect and all kinds of trolling that production level to pest resistance are lost over a where farmers can make a rea- period of time as pests become sonable profit is a complex . Certainly, we're going tolerant and adaptable and new issue and ( think we can use to need to continue ones come along," Gast says. some of our research dollars, ,developing new crop The director believes that im- through departments like agri- proved management practices cultural economics, to try to varieties because the will be a major factor in in- understand and give direction advantages we gained creasing productivity and effi- to a national policy that will not from disease, insect ciency. use the farmer as he's been and all kinds of pest "Our genetic potential right used in the past - as a political resistance are lost over now is probably at least twice' weapon to keep a cheap food a period of time as what we're getting on the aver- policy and deny producers a reasonable profit," he says. pests become tolerant age, and it's management, gen- erally, that is removing the con- Another item on Gast's list of and adaptable and new straints that keep the average challenges is gaining the fund- ones come along. yields below the maximum ing necessary to carry out the yields. We can continue to gain research projects identified as a great deal through more priorities. He views this as a co- Gast's goal is to develop a sophisticated management operative effort between his of- budget with a credible set of systems and probably the whole fice, the Extension Service, the priorities that have a broad area of computerization is go- college of agriculture and natu- base of support from people ing to be one of the most pro- ral resources, and the agricul- across the state involved in the ductive areas we can get into in tural community. agricultural industry. the next five years," he says. "( hope we will work together "I can appreciate that our leg- "If we can give producers a in identifying and establishing islators are often put in the sit- software package that will allow priorities for agricultural re- uation of having to make tough them to say ... 'what if I plant search that are going to be decisions between the different May 1 instead of May 15?' ... or most productive in the short factions of agriculture. So, if we 'what if I use a little less fer- and long range, build a pro- can get a com mon voice togeth- tilizer than my yield potential gram and associated budget er and arrive at a mutually- says I need?' ... or 'what if I and then convince the decision- agreed upon set of priorities, rotate versus not rotate?" ... or makers that it's worth support- then I think we'll have a much 'what if I control pests or ing," he said. better chance of getting their don't?' - then they can begin "With .30 units receiving some support" he says. to play the 'what if' game and level of funding from this office, (continued on page 31) minimize their costs and opti- all of which have challenges mize their cost production and opportunities they would like to see addressed, this in itself is a real challenge. All RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 2.3 The Ag Expo site is located at Boyland Sales Inc. 445 Bridgeway Mfg. Co. 631 the Mt. Hope Road and Farm Brookside Farms Lab A-32 Lane intersection on MSU's Bush Hog 402 southern campus. Admission Business Micro Systems, Inc. 182 Butler Mfg. Co. 679-680-681 and parking are free. Noon Butler Mfg.l Jamesway Div. 675-6-7-8 meals and refreshments are C. E. Sales & Service Inc. 110 available at the site. C.F.C. Distributing 263 C-Band Communications, Inc. 481 Cargill Seeds B-28 Carl Heald Inc. 555 Exhibitor's Name Booth Central MI Tractor & Parts 585 Acme Air Systems 209 Central Petroleum Co. A-55 Action Plastics, Inc. A-56 Century Mfg. Co. 156 Advanced Drainage Systems 751-2 Certain-Teed/Daymond 451 Aerovent Fan & Equipment 144 Ceva Laboratories, Inc. B-14 Ag-Bag Corp.! Maple Lane Ag-Bag 434 Chaffee Dist. Co. Inc. 268-9 AgraData A-39 Chaparal Buildings B-30 Michigan Agricultural Agriglas,lnc. 186 Chevron Chemical Corp. 632 Agro-Chem Equipment 848 Chore-Boy Div. 347 Equipment Exposition Agro-Marking, Inc. 756 Ciba-Geigy 109 AIS Construction Equipment 454 Clark Equipment/Melroe Div. 460 Allis-Chalmers Corp. 206-7-8 Clay Equipment Corp. 720 Alpine Plant Foods 369 Clements Livestock Equipment 180 Amcorn Hybrids 430 Compucon,lnc. A-44 Farm efficiency often depends American Agri-Systems, Inc. 271 The Computer Express A-53 on having the right equipment American Breeders Service A-I Computer Mart of Lansing A-12 to get the job done. Farmers American Cyanamid Co. B-9 Conklin Products B-12 The Andersons 748-9 Contractors Machinery Co. 461-2 will have the opportunity to ask Ang-Alloy Engineering Co. A-69 Contractors Rental Corp. 452-3 questions about what kinds of Area Supply Company 221 Conwood Corp. A-57 equipment will do the job best Asko,lnc. . 272 Cooper Animal Health A-22 at Ag Expo '83, July 26-28, at ASSAD Feed Company A-27 Corlee Computer Systems B-26/173 Atomic Steam Co. 482 Custom Farm Seed B-15 Michigan State University. More Automated Farm Service 819 DM\, Inc. 352-3 than 400 manufacturers will B & K Pump Corporation A-16 Dairy Equipment Co. 246-7 display just about every type of Babson Bros. Co. 344-5 Dairyland Seed Co. Inc. A-68 machinery used on the farm. Badger Northland, Inc. 317-8-9 Dave Steiner Farm Equipment 516 Bainbridge Enterprises, Inc. 151 David Mfg. Company 586 Check the listing and loca- BASFWyandotte Corp. 592 Dean's Windmills 104 Beard Industries 354 Decker & Co. 557-8 tions of the exhibitors to target DeKalb-Pfizer Genetics 303 Big Wheels, Inc. 384 your particular interests in the Bill Tysman Trailer Sales 721 DeLaval Agricultural Div. 218-9 35-acre farm equipment and Blanchard Foundry/Farm Machinery 375 Delphi Products Co. 643 supply display area, and be sure Bob Equipment Co., Inc. 483 DeMott Enterprises 146 Booms Silo Co., Inc. 627 Dennings Johnson Agri-Systems 484-5 to include the Farm Bureau Borkholder Buildings A-2 DeRyke Ag Equipment Inc. 174 tent. Bowers Farm Service 623 Detroit Edison Co. A-25-26 CENTRAL EXHIBIT AREA A NORTH 24 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 Deutz/ Fahr Corp. 712-3 Logsdons Stoves B-33-34 Randolph's Sales & Service 217 Diesel Equipment Sales/Service A-51 M&WGearCo. 119-20 Raydotlnc. B-16 E. F. Johnson Co. A-6 MABC-Select Sires 220 Reed City Power Line Supply .305 Earl Montel Livestock Equipment 103 Madison Silos-Mid-South Corp, 665 Renk Seed Co. A-31 Edw. J. Funk & Sons, Inc. A-29-30 Marantette Farms, Inc. A-70 Reurink Bros. Star Silo Corp. 753 Energy Panel Structures, Inc. B-13 Marting Mfg, Inc. 374 Rhone-Poulenc Inc. A-43 Enos Farm Supply 449 Massey-Ferguson Inc. 160-1 Rite-Way Agri Distributors 716-7 Evergreen Liquid Fertilizer Ltd. 464 Mathews Farm Equipment Co. 213 Rochester Silo Inc. 622 F. C. Mason & Ag-Co. Bldgs. 854-5 McCrometer / Div. of Ametek A-9 Rock-o-matic Industries 438 . Farmco Distributing Inc. 200-1 McDonald's Trailers Parts/Supplies 595 Rohlfs Equipment Sales B-5 The Farmers' Advance 106 McLain Sales 154-5 Rohn Agri Products 275 Farmhand/Dunham Lehr 544 Messersmith Mfg. Inc. 169 Rome Enterprises, Inc. 262 Farmplan Computer Systems Inc. B-35 MI Agricultural Commodities B-l1 Roskamp Mfg., Inc. 472 Fiber Tech 755 MI Ag Reporting Service A-52 Rupp Seed Farm A-20 Five H Enterprises 714-5 MI Chief Sales Inc. 417 Salisbury Mgt. Services Inc. B-27 Floyd Wonser Supply Co. 518-21/528-31 MI Corn Growers Assoc. A-3 Savage Sales Co. 408 Ford Motor CO.-Tractor Div. 455-6-7-8 MI Crop Improvement Assoc. A-64 Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants A-18 Forest Management B-29 MI Dept. of Agriculture A-71 Schettenhelm Vac-u-vator Sales 304 Four Star Agr. ServoInc. A-66 MI Farm Bureau/ Affiliates 248-9/348-9 Schoessow Inc. 368 Foxworthy Farm Systems 807 MI Farmer Magazine 431 Schuck Industries 183 Fred Gutwein & Sons Inc. A-38 MI Glass Lined Storage 820-1-2/844-5 Scientific Brake & Equipment 331 Funk Seed International 385 MI Land Improvement Contractors A-61 Searles Pressure Washers 580 Furst-McNess Co. B-4 MI Milk Producers Assn. 435 Selective Feeder Co. .301 Garno Seed Co. A-23 MI PCA& FLB Assn. 809 Shell Chemical Co. A-13 GehI Co. 639-40- 1 MI Pork Producers/Swine Breeders A-40 Shepard Industries Inc. 170 Gibson Mfg. Co. Inc. 107 MISealstor/Olthuis Equip. 152-3 Shiawassee Telephone Co. 372 Golden Harvest Hybrid Corn 205 MI Solar Fencing 188 Silo press 684 Grain Systems, Inc. 593 MI Timber Exchange B-36 Simon's Planing Mill, Inc. 163 Granary Field/Feed Services Inc. 744 MI Welding Supply Inc. 177 Smith Silo Systems, Inc. 661 Great Lakes Agri Supply 211 Micro Concepts Inc. B-32 Snowco 535 Great Lakes Farm Supply 568 Mid-America Agri, Inc. 266 Solar Works, Inc. A-4 Great Lakes Hybrids 204 Migro Seeds 147 Spartan Agri-Sales Inc. 184-5 Great Lakes Mohair Co. 596 Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co. A-IS Spartan Oil Corp. 590-1 Great Lakes Poly Steel 583 Mitchell Equipment Inc. 202 Spectra-Physics, Inc. A-II Great Lakes Radio Network 307 Mobay Chemical Corp. B-25 Spedquip Industries Ltd. 171 Greenville Liquid Plant Foods Ltd. A-24 Monsanto Agri. Products A-34-35 Sperry-New Holland 536-39/546-49 Gries Seed Farms, Inc. A-41 Moorman Mfg. Co. 181 Spring Brook Irrigation 112 H & S Mfg. Co. Inc. 4.39 Morton Bldgs. Inc. 256-7-8/356-7-8 Sprinkler Irrigation Supply 465 H & WAgri-Supply 371 Motokov Canada Inc. Tractor Div. 5.34 Stafast Hitches Inc. 270 Hamilton Distributing Co. 644-5-6 Motorola Communications A-36 Standard Steel Bldgs. 162 Hamilton Supply Co. 214 Mud Hog Corp. 594 Standard Supply & Lumber 808 The Hance Corporation 351 Mueller Company 145 Star Pak Solar Systems A-28 Hancor,lnc. 551-2 Munsell Enterprises 179 Starline Products, Inc. 244-5 Harbachow & Co. B-31 Murphy Products Co. Inc. B-22 Starr National B-19-20 Harley Rock Picker Co. 373 Na-churs Plant Food 251 State Wide Silo Repair Inc. 685 Hedlund-Martin Inc. 420 National Ag Products 418 Stauffer Chemical Co. 148 Henke Machine Inc. 118 National Farmers Organization 165 Stauffer Seeds 334-5 Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Co. A-63 Neuero Corp. 114 Steiger Tractor, Inc. 113 Hiniker Company 436-7 Norcan Farm Equipment Ltd. 411 Steiner Corp. 624 Hochstetler Grain Equipment 260 Northern AgSupply Inc. 470 Stover-Winsted 252-3-4-5 IBA Inc. B-7 Northrup King Co. 108 Superior Equipment Co. 121 Ideal Livestock Equipment 853 Nu Pulse America Inc. 346 Superior Precast 117 Insta-Gro International 362-3 Ohio Farmers Grain & Supply 816-7-8 Interlock Plastics B-6 Olson Tire Service 569 (continued on page .32) International Harvester Co. 308-9-10 Opperman Grooving Inc. 553 J & D Farrowing Stalls 810 Owatonna Mfg. Co. Inc. 409-10 J. I. Case 517-527 PAGSeeds A-33 Jacques Seed Co. 526 Palco Livestock Equipment 320 John & Leroy Tomlinson, Inc. 708-9 Parks, Inc. 581 John Deere Co. 504-510 Partlo's Equipment Sales 407 TOMSU CAM~US John King Sales 664 Passive Solar Heating Inc. A-67 John Miller Supply 203 Patz Co. 628-9-.30 K & H Concrete Grooving A-14 payco Seeds 582 Kencove High Tensile Fence 333 Paymaster Seeds 172 Kent Feeds, Inc. A-8 Pearson Bros. Co. 336 King Grain USA, Inc. 811 Perennial Energy B-21 Kirk's Automotive, Inc. 554 Pfizerlnc. A-21 Knight Mfg. Corp. 311-2 Phelps Dodge Refining Corp. A-37 l \HI~ITOR ~ Krause Plow Corp. 115-6 Pioneer Hi-Bred International 849-50-51 PlfH.~IT Pl\fH'INl Kubota Tractor Corp. 625-6 PlummerSupply 419 "'T H(W' HOAD L.N.S.. Inc. Livestock Products 597 Polymeric Systems & Eng. 852 L. W. Meyer & Son 276 Preferred Building Systems, Inc. 686 Lake-O-Enterprises, Inc. 846 Pride of the Farm-Hawkeye Steel 663 TO Lasco, Inc. A-7 Pro-Seed, Inc. 404 lINIVf RSHY r:..nMS Laursen's Inc. 710-1 Railoc Co. Inc. 682 Lee GMC Inc. 754 Rainbow Industries Inc. 166 Lilliston Corp. 584 Randolph's Cattle Feeders III RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 25 AGRINOMIC UPDATE P.A. 344 Economic Trends The Agricultural Marketing quantity, quality or any other and an important processing and Bargaining Act, P.A. .344, terms of trade. apple state. The annual grower was passed by the Michigan P.A. .344 applies only to per- value of our state's apple crop Legislature in 1972. The act ishable fruits and vegetables. exceeds $50 million. allows producers, who have or- This could include over .30 com- Processing apple producers ganized into an accredited asso- mercially produced crops in have used P.A. .344 since 1975. ciation, to bargain in "good Michigan. To date, five The accredited association is faith" with first buyers of com- commodities have been accred- the Michigan Agricultural Coop- modities. The act set up proce- ited for operation under the act. erative Marketing Association dures for collective bargaining One of those commodities - (MACMA),an affiliate of Michi- and binding arbitration. This al- processing apples - will be the gan Farm Bureau. lows the two bargaining parties focus of this article. Michigan is the third leading Growers to mediate any items relative to the trading between handlers producer of apples in the nation The number of apple growers and producers, such as prices, declined by .34% from 197.3 to TABLE 1 - AYYLES 8t TART CUERRIES TABLE 2 - AYYLES Number of farms. trees and acres grown in Michigan, Production and utilization. United States and Michigan, comparison of years 197.3 and 1978. comparison of years 1968-74 and 1975-81. 1973 1978 Ofo Change (Millions of Bushels) Apples 1968-74 1975-81 Ofo Change Farms 2,.384 1.579 -.34 UNITED STATES Trees .3.782,902 3.498,423 - 8 Total Production 146,502 177.689 + 21 Percent of Total Percent Fresh 56.7 57.5 Fruit Trees .30 .35 - Percen t Processed 4.3..3 42.5 Acres 66,157 52,049 -21 Total Processed 6.3.414 76,004 + 20 Percent of Total Fruit Acres 45 4.3 - MICHIGAN Total Production 15.561 16.46.3 + 6 Total Fruit. Percent of U.S. Farms N/A N/A - Production 10.6 9 ..3 Trees 12,6.38.455 9.996,6.31 .21 Percent Fresh .38.4 .39.8 Acres 147,.374 121.502 -18 Percent Processed 61.6 60.2 Total Processed 9,54.3 10,0.34 + 5 Percent of U.S. • Apples, Tart Cherries, Sweet Cherries, Plums, Pears Processed 15% 1.3% and Peaches SOURCE: 197.3 and 1978 Fruit Tree Surveys, MDA. SOURCE: Agricultural Statistics 1981, USDA Non-Citrus fruit and Nuts, Various Issues, USDA. TABLE 3 - AYYLES TABLE 4 - AYYLES Prices received by growers. United States and Number of handlers. in Michigan. for years 1975.81. Michigan. comparison of years 1969.74 and 1975-81. Yrocessors Others' Total (Cents Per Yound) 1969-74 1975-81 Ofo Change 1975 .32 54 86 1976 .36 80 116 UNITED STATES Total Utilization 6.19 9.47 +5.3 1977 .36 10.3 1.39 8 ..30 12.9.3 +56 1978 .36 94 1.30 Fresh Processed .3.45 5.00 +45 1979 .37 9.3 1.30 1980 .31 97 128 MICHIGAN 1981 .32 110 142 Total Utilization 5.12 7.46 +46 Fresh 7.58 10.80 +42 Processed .3.69 5 ..3.3 +44 • Fresh market handlers. brokers, receiving stations, and small cider mills. SOURCE: Agricultural Statistics 1981, USDA SOURCE: Marketing and Bargaining Board, MDA Non-Citrus Fruit and Nuts, Various Issues 26 RURAL LIVING, JULY 198.3 1978 (see Table 1). This is Uandlers GARDENERS! similar to the decline in grower The number of apple handlers I '"i~:::"\ / numbers of other tree fruits. has increased since 1975 (see For example, the number of Table 4). This increase has sweet cherry, peach, pear and come almost exclusively from plum growers declined by 26%, handlers who are not proces- 35%, 43% and 35%, respective- sors, such as brokers, receivers -1 ly, during the same period. or fresh market packers. The 'NONOER . Mantis 20 number of processors has re- Acreage and Tree Numbers mained relatively stable. T\~~~:/Op. Acreage of apples in Michigan In 1975, there were 32 apple CUL~ ~~ Forget about those heavy, expen- declined by 21% from 1973 to processors in Michigan. By .:..sive "just-one-job" rear-tine tillers. For- 1978 (see Table 1). However, of 1981, 23 of those firms were get yank-you-along front-end tillers. New space-age Mantis Tiller/Culti- all the tree fruits, only sweet still processing apples; six had vator uses 36 tiller "teeth" that cut and tart cherries had a smaller been purchased by firms who through hard soil like a chain saw goes decline in acres grown during were processing apples; and through wood. Tills 8" deep. Power weeds a garden in minutes. Mantis that period. three were no longer in the does 7 jobs in all with a variety of use- Due to the increased use of business of processing apples. ful attachments. dwarf apple trees, actual tree In addition, four new firms • Tiller • Lawn De-thatcher • Cultivator • Power Edger numbers were down only 8% began processing apples which • Planter/Furrower • Hedge Trimmer from the 1973 survey. This is a were not processing in 1975. • LawnAerator FREE DETAILS much smaller decline than any 3-Week Home Trial other tree fruit except tart cher- ries. Summary It is difficult, if not impos- sible, to estimate the impact of ------------- Mantis Manulacturing Co. 2651 Huntingdon Pike Depl. 232 0 Please send complete inlormation on the Mantis and all its Production Huntingdon Valley. PA 19006 attachments' P.A. 344 On the production and Table 2 shows the production marketing of Michigan's apple NAME ADDRESS _ of apples in Michigan and in the crop. However, these general TOWN _ United States during the pre- conclusions can be drawn: STATE __ ZlP _ and post-P.A. 344 time period. • Apple grower numbers, acre- Both the U.S. and Michigan pro- age and tree numbers have de- duction has increased, but the clined since P.A. 344, but by no LOWEST PRICE PUMPING national production has in- more than for other tree fruits. POWER ON EARTH creased by a greater amount. • Production has increased, but not as much as the national WINDMillS Aermotor Prices increase. The classic name in • Prices have increased, but water pumping windmills Apple prices in the United since 1888 only Michigan's processing ap- States and in Michigan have in- SEE US AT AG EXPO ple price has kept pace with creased in the 1975 to 1981 LOT 104 or contact U.S. prices. period (post-P.A. 344). However, DEAN'S WINDMILLS .Total handler numbers have Michigan prices have not in- Sales & Service increased, and the total volume 32519 N. River Road creased as much as U.S. prices of Michigan apples handled Mt. Clemens, MI 48045 (see Table 3). This is especially (313) 469-2417 (fresh and processed) has in- true for fresh market prices, creased. where Michigan has a historical price disadvantage relative to "HEAVY BREED" SPECIAl! (Editor's Note: This article is Get big Reds. big White Rocks. big Barred Rocks. and the ~.S. average. This disadvan- big Black Giants. Super-healthy. euy-ta-raise chicks based on "A Study of the Agri- for only $14.95 per 100 plus postage. 50 for tage continued to widen in the $8.95. Oar choice of pullets. cockerels. cultural Economic Trends in '. ~"'" straight run mixed together IS avail- 1975-81 period. Conversely, Michigan as Related to the Agri- ~, .... ,~able. Order direct now. We ship Michigan normally has a price • ,- • ~.O.D. Send name and address to: cultural Marketing and Bargain- • RED TOP CHICK FARMS advantage over other states for ing Act (P.A. 344 of 1972, as R.D. 1, MARIETTA. PA 17547 processing apple prices, partic- amended)," by Ken Nye, com- ularly when comparing Michi- modity specialist, Michigan gan to other Eastern apple pro- Farm Bureau. Copies of the en- ducing states. tire study can be requested from: Commodity Actlvities and Research Department, Michigan •• CO ."CM .. c....... COOPER & CO. Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, =.~~:.':=~. ::::rc~.,n •. CINCINNATI. 2095 SEYMOUR AVE. OHIO 45237 Lansing, Mich. 48909.) RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198:3 27 currently managed by Jack & MILLER. Marlette Marion Kaufman. The farm is 2411 McGill Road More milk is produced in Sani- noted for outstanding milk pro- This farm has been in the lac County (about 427 million duction and quality animals, in- family for 71 years. It consists pounds annually) than any- cluding a number of proven of ] ,000 acres that produce where else in Michigan. Dairy sires currently in service with shell corn (550 acres), corn producers can find out why dur- several artificial breeder organi- silage (150 acres), alfalfa (114 ing the State Farm Management zations. An interesting facet of acres) and wheat (26 acres) Tour there July 1.3. this stop is the use of on-farm each year. Sponsored by the Michigan embryo transplants. The Miller brothers milk 130 State University Cooperative Ex- Kaufman's 40 registered Hol- grade Holsteins, with a current tension Service, the daylong steins have a current rolling rolling herd average of 19,000 event features nine farm stops, herd average of 23,300 pounds pounds of milk and 676 pounds including three dairy farms. A of milk and 898 pounds of but- of butterfat, in a recent struc- swine farm and two beef opera- terfat. ture expansion that houses a tions are also among the nine The farm cropping program dOUble-eight herringbone par- stops scheduled on the farm usually contains 55 acres of lor. The herd has been in the tour in Sanilac County. shell corn, 15 acres of corn for county 17,OOO-poundclub since Dairy farms to be seen in- silage, 70 acres of alfalfa, 20 1977. clude those operated by Jack & acres of wheat and 28 acres of MSUExtension specialists will Marion Kaufman; by Henry, Ken oats. conduct a public interview with & Glen Miller; and by Linwood Jack is active in MABC, DHIA the Miller family at 1 p.m. Dale and Tom Stamp. The live- and the Holstein Association. stock operations are those of He is a member of the Sanilac DALE-STAMP'.Marlette Albert Stoutenburg, Charles County Dairy Banquet Commit- 2675 Wood Road Cork and Earl & Chuck Hen- tee and the Sandusky school This farm has been in opera- drick. board; and he is a 4-H leader. tion since 1856. The partner- His son, Jim, is an FFA member, ship between Linwood Dale and Dairy Farm Stops a 4-H dairy judging leader and Tom Stamp has existed since treasurer of the Holstein Associ- 1976. The two currently man- KAUFMA~.Sandusky ation. age 1,200 acres for the support 381 Freiberger Road MSU Extension specialists will of ] 10 Holsteins (40 grade and This 225-acre farm has been conduct a public interview with 70 registered). in the family 65 years and is the Kaufman family at 10 a.m. 28 RURAL LIVING, JULY 1983 The herd is currently posting rate of 1% of body weight. MSUExtension specialists will a rolling herd average of 19,500 The farm cropping program conduct interviews with the pounds of milk and 633 pounds consists of 330 acres of corn Corks at 2:45 p.m: of butterfat. Milking is done in a with yields averaging 140 double-seven herringbone bushels per acre, and 100 acres UENDRICK, Decker parlor. Dale and Stamp have up- for corn silage. The 20 acres of 5318 Pringle Road graded existing facilities by alfalfa, harvested three times Earl & Chuck Hendrick have equipping them with a compu- during the season, yield four operated Hendrick Farms as a ter-controlled magnet feeder tons per acre. The 100 acres of father-son partnership since and total mixed ratios in a one- wheat average 80 bushels per 1977. They market Duroc-York cow group. The herd has been acre, and 350 acres of sugar crossbred hogs annually in the county 17,000-pound beets, grown under contract through the Michigan Live Stock club since 1978. with Michigan Sugar, yield Exchange. Crop production usually in- about 20 tons per acre. The 350 The Hendricks, who purchase cludes 500 acres of shell corn, acres of dry edible beans have only breeding stock off the 15 acres of corn silage, 200 been averaging 15 cwt. per farm, have complete farrow-to- acres of alfalfa, 85 acres of acre. finish facilities that were built wheat, 200 acres of dry edible Albert is a member of the in 1978. An average of 765 beans and 70 acres of oats. Michigan Sugar Company, the hogs are farrowed per year. The Tom is a 4-H leader, a trustee McKenzie Hospital board and average litter size is 8.7 piglets of the Second Presbyterian the Sanilac County Agriculture per sow. church, secretary of the Mar- Advisory' Board. The cropping rotation con- Iette Co-op board, a member of MSUExtension specialists will sists of 300 acres of corn with a the Marlette school district agri- interview the Stoutenburg fami- yield of 115 bushels per acre; culture advisory board and a ly at 1:15 p.m. 20 acres of wheat yielding 75 member of the county dairy bushels per acre; 200 acres of banquet committee. His wife, CORK, Peck dry edible beans yielding 18 Deanna, is a 4-H leader, a coun- 236 Mortimer Line Road cwt. per acre; and 25 acres of ty dairy communicator and a This farm, which has been in oats .. member of the dairy banquet the family for more than 100 Earl & Chuck are members of committee. years, is currently operated by the Sanilac County FB. Linwood is a 4-H leader, the Charles Cork. The cropping pro- Interviews with the Hendricks secretary of the Second Presby- gram consists of continuous by MSUExtension specialists terian church and a member of corn for silage, with yields aver- will begin at 9:45 a.m. the Cass Valley Co-op. His wife, aging 25 tons per acre. All of it Elizabeth, is a 4-H leader. is marketed through the 2,000 Lunch Available Both Dale and Stamp are cattle annually sold through the members of Sanilac County FB. Michigan Live Stock Exchange. A catered noon meal, served MSUExtension specialists will The feeders, generally Angus- by the Sanilac County 4-H conduct a public interview with Hereford-Charolais crossbreds, leaders, will be available at the the families at 2:15 p.m. are purchased from Virginia, Sandusky fairgrounds from the Carolinas and Georgia. They 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. Tour Livestock Producer Stops are started in conventional pole details may be obtained from barns and are fed a growing ra- the Sanilac County MSUCooper- STOUTENBURG, Sandusky tion of silage with brewers' ative Extension office at 313- 70 N. Stoutenburg Road grain protein. They are finished 648-2515. This 1,550-acre farm has on slats and are fed out on been in the Stoutenburg family shelled corn (50% dry matter). for approximately 100 years. It is currently managed by Albert Charles is a member of the Thumb Cattlemen's board of VISIT Stoutenburg, a cash crop pro- directors, chairperson of the ducer who also operates a small Speaker Township Planning beef feedlot that is stocked with Commission and vice president locally purchased feeders. of the local school board. His Albert annually markets 200 wife, Dorothy, is committee Holstein steers through area chairperson of the local Cub stockyards and as locker beef. Scouts and is a Girl Scout assis- The herd's ration, all farm tant leader. grown, consists of full feed Michigan State University silage and dry grain fed at a July 26 . 28 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 1983 29 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly polley discussions. Roads and Bridges Many things in life are taken According to. the Michigan De- an example. However, building for granted. Urban citizens ex- partment of Transportation re- costs continue upward. Gravel pect food to always be at the port #162 (released in 1981). and stone in some areas in grocery store. Rural citizens 34.6% of county primary roads Michigan are scarce and the think they can always drive to are rated inadequate. For local cost is rising rapidly. work or have the kids picked up roads, the figure is 58.2%. For Experts believe that. for the by a convenient school bus. bridges in Michigan, the inade- most part. the construction of Farmers expect supplies to be quate rating is given to 36.5% county roads is complete. We delivered and products to go on county primary roads and are now in the preservation from farm to market. It has 66.9% on local roads. These phase. This includes strength- always been, so long as we can two road systems contain 5,500 ening to reduce break-up and remember. bridges. widening for improved safety. Each of these activities are County primary and local In January 1983 it was an- . dependent upon good roads - roads are under the jurisdiction nounced that work would start a system taken for granted. But of county road commissions. to replace 63 bridges this trouble looms on the horizon These commissions faced a de- year. This is in addition to 28 for the system. cline in revenue for the past previously approved for con- While state trunk lines repre- several years brought on by struction. In most cases, bridge sent 8% of the total roadways lighter cars, more fuel-efficient construction comes from 80% of Michigan and face problems, vehicles and ride sharing. federal funds with 10% from this topic will focus on county Because of decreased revenue both state and local agencies. roads. County roads are divided between 1977 and 1981, road Townships have, in many by statute into primary and commissioners cut personnel areas, used funds to help coun- local. County primary roads from 7,985 to 5,186 in 1982. ties in financing bridge and measure 25,161 miles and rep- Annually, road commissions road improvements. resent 22% of the state's roads. spend about $28 million to In January 1983 the federal Local roads involve 62,755 keep equipment adequate. In gas tax increased by 5 cents miles, or 53.4% of the state's 1981, that figure dropped to per gallon. In April, Michigan road system. $11 million. What is the condition of coun- Cost cutting methods are be- ty roads? Brace yourself! ing used. Recycling material is .30 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 gas tax increased by 2 cents prove or disapprove of the alter- natives. per gallon. However, consump- tion continues to decline by -How much does your group Get Super Swine about 6.5% comparing the first know about your county road Performance with quarters of 1982 and] 983. It is commission? estimated that the average driver will spend about $5 per - How many miles of roads and how many bridges are in SOPER PAK year more for gas tax this year your county? than the previous year. The net result, however, was Farm Bureau's SOPER that state revenues for mainte- PROFILE: Gast PAK products for on-farm nance and improvement rose in mixing operations are (continued from page 2.3) the first quarter of ] 983 for the superfortified to provide first time in three years. County Gast w,asborn and raised on a road commissions received the extra nutrients you farm in northeast Missouri $59.4 million based on the first where his .parents still live. need for excellent feed quarter revenue. After receiving his degree in efficiency and fast gains. It is estimated that $30 mil- soil science from the University lion should be spent each year of Missouri, he worked with the Super Pak 75 is a just to keep pace with bridge Atomic Energy Commission and concentrated base mix of replacement. Under current the University of Tennessee for economic conditions, that is 10 years on basic soil science, vitamins and minerals not possible. It has been sug- studying the fate of radio- with added amino acids; gested that local millage be lev- nuclides in soils and their up- Super Pak 100 contains ied to pay for bridge repair in take by plants and subseqilent added animal source the local communities. Current- incorporation into the food Iy, user fees and taxes on ve- chain. The next step on his protein for faster gains hicles and fuel form the basis of career ladder was the University and improved feed road and bridge construction of Minnesota Soil Science De- efficiency. Each mixes and repair. partment where his teaching with your home-grown Part of the new "jobs bill" re- and research broadened his in- quested by Gov. James Blan- terest in production agriculture grains and soybean meal chard and enacted by the Michi- problems. After seven years in to produce a quality gan Legislature is geared to that field, he became head of grower, developer, road construction and repair. the department of agronomy at finisher, or sow ration. What that involves is not known the University of Nebraska. at this time. Gast met his wife, Mary Lou, The dilemma will continue. while they were in college and Top performance - and Roads and bridges are going to today they have three grown the convenience, deteriorate. School buses will children and two grandchildren. versatility, and economy not be able to cross some While Gast is perfectly at ease you need to keep feed bridges, making student pick- discussing nuclides and bio- costs down. up less convenient and more technology, he still remembers costly. Routes for trucks carry- his early days on the farm "do- ing supplies to farmers will be ing my share of work behind Ask your Farm Bureau more difficult and costly. the horses. I sometimes think feed dealer about SUPER Roads and bridges are impor- my dad held off mechanizing PAK today. tant to rural Michigan. How can until my brother and I left home they be more adequately main- to keep us out of trouble. You FaRm~ tained? don't have much time to get in That is the question facing trouble when you're behind two the citizens of this state. old horses and a plow." Discussion Questions - User fees are the traditional way to finance road construc- MID-SOUTH TRACTOR PARTS, INC. BUreaU AI. 2 Box 316. Sikeston. MO 63801 tion and maintenance. List Farm Bureau Services, Inc. CAll TOll FREE 1-800-292-2646 other alternatives and indicate QuI of Slale: 1-800-325-7070 whether group members ap- Missouri Res.: 1-800-392-0929 "For good used parts allow prices." RURAL LIVING, JULY 1983 31 Universal Farm Sales A-IO BeBS Premium Unverferth McCurdy The Upjohn Company 405-6 A-19 Costs Set USFarm Systems, Inc. 164 As the current contract period U.S.A. Buildings 758 USDAASCS A-48 for the Farm Bureau Blue Cross USDASoil Conserv. A-49/647-8/666-7 Blue Shield group draws to a Valley Industrial Products A-72 close, Michigan Farm ~ureau VanDale Inc. 158 management'reports a substan- Vermeer Mfg. Co. 463 Versatile Farm Equipment 446-7-8 tial improvement in the group (continued from page 25) Vicon Midwest Inc. 101-2 performance. Swine Equipment Specialists 302 Vigortone Ag Products B-2-3 MFB Member Services Depart- Sycamore Bldrs. 662 Voris Seeds Inc. 545 Taber & Ottenwess, Inc. 210 Wabash Valley Mfg. 212 ment Manager John Vander- Tailored Bldg. 468-9 Walinga, Inc. 480 Molen announced recently that Thermal Gard of MI B-23-24 Weatherwax-Brooklyn Radio Shack A-5 after three years of rate in- Thumb Truck Equipment, Inc. 355 Westfalia Systemat 421 creases - averaging 30% an- Top Line Equipment 642 White Farm Equipment 426-7-8-9 Townsend's Livestock Equipment 313 Wick Bldg. Systems 745-6-7 nually, the overall increase for Tri-State Silo, Inc. 683 Wicke Grain Equipment 321 all groups combined is less Truck & Trailer Equipment Co. 105 Wiles Sales 812-3-4-5 than 8% for 1983-84. Uckele Animal Health Corp. A-45 WiI-Rich 283-4 Union Carbide Agri. Prod. 264 Winpower (Midwest Power Sys.) 149 "Certainly, the past year has Unique Systems .' 175 Wood Lynn Farms Ltd. A-58 been a time of change and ad- United Farm Tools, Inc. 261 Woods, Div. of Hesston 847 justment," VanderMolen said. United Satellite Systems 274 Yanmar Tractor 360-1 "We are encouraged that our ef- forts to tighten medical under- writing and match premium to anticipated individual utiliza- tion has been successful. Two Ways to Lower In addition to implementing significant changes in the Farm Your Feed Cost Bureau program this past year, management has actively ex- plored alternatives to the pres- Per Pound of Pork ent Blue Cross Blue Shield car- rier, including a thorough examination of private carrier and self-funding plans. Each al- ternative was evaluated based Farm Bureau's Super Pak 75 and Super Pak 100 are on benefit levels, costs and ac- two ways you can lower feed costs and raise efficiency ceptability by providers as well in on-farm swine feed mixing operations. as members. Several health maintenance organization (HMO) plans were Super Pak 75 is a concentrated base mix of vitamins analyzed this past year, and as and minerals with added amino acids; Super Pak 100 a result, members in 12 coun- contains added animal source protein for faster gains ties were given the opportunity and improved feed efficiency. Each mixes with your to choose an HMO plan instead of one of the traditional Blue home-grown grains and soybean meal to produce a Cross Blue Shield plans. HMOs quality grower, developer, finisher, or sow ration. have demonstrated a remark- able abilfty to maintain low So you get super results and convenience, versatility, utilization 'and premium costs and economy all at the same time! by concentrating on preventive health practices. In addition, a free standing See your Farm Bureau dealer for more on SUPER PAK dental program was made avail- and other top performing swine feeds. able to members in several counties this past year. Unlike Farm Bureau Services, Inc. most dental plans that are tied to medical insurance, the free 1-800-292-2646 standing dental plan offered by Farm Bureau is available with or without medical insurance. 32 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y J98.3 Letters to Farmers are being asked to cy rule. FB's long time general work closely with the MDA's policy is that the farmer should Rural Living dairy and animal health inspec- be compensated when property (continued from page 17) tors so silage levels and con- is lost through government ac- most productive animals in his- tam inated silos can be moni- tion and by no fault of the tory. tored. Samples must be taken farmer. Usually such taking of Our concern extends to all when silage is down to the six property by government is com- domestic animals and we are foot level as this silage may be pensated through condemna- totally opposed to any cruelty. highly contaminated and should tion procedures. FB will strong- While we, in agriculture, are not not be fed until the degree of ly support legislation to com- directly" involved with labora- contamination is determined. pensate farmers' losses result- tory test animals, we do see Inspections must also be made ing from the PCBsilo contami- this method as the only viable on used silos that might be pur- nation. method to safeguard con- chased as replacements and This is a bipartisan issue. It is sumers and to speed develop- soil samples may need to be expected that the legislation ment of useful and sometimes taken around the old silo site. will be introduced in the Senate life saving products. It is emphasized that the MDA by Sen. Nick Smith (R-Addison) These (Farm Bureau) policies, must "make certain that no and in the House by Rep. Lewis like this letter, originate at the PCBcontaminated milk or meat Dodak (D-Montrose). basic "grassroots" level and reaches the retail market for they constitute the concerns the protection of the industry and beliefs of American agricul- as well as the public." "Prepayment" of Sales Tax ture today. The MDA is also proceeding on Gasoline - The Depart- with a permanent regulation as ment of Treasury is now pro- Saginaw County Farm Bureau the emergency rule expires in moting legislation to require Board of Directors six months. unless extended by "prepayment" of sales taxes on Richard E. Leach, President the governor. gasoline. The bill, H.B. 4587 Pridgeon's letter recognizes (Brown, D-Kalamazoo), would If you have a question or opinion that that farmers are concerned mandate "prepayment" of most you would like to share with Michigan about compensation for removal of the sales tax on gasoline by Farm Bureau members in Rural Living and disposal of the silos and the first purchaser within the magazine, send It to: Letters to Rural Living, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box points out that it is anticipated state. .30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. We retain that legislation will be intro- For example, the wholesaler the right to edit letters for length. duced to address the problem. would "prepay" the tax to the Farmers with PCBsilos are refiner, who would "prepay" the concerned with the problems tax to the state. The "prepaid" Legislative Review created by the emergency tax would be passed on to the order. Some have been able to retailer and consumer. The (continued from page 7) find other silos to use while "prepayment" would be claimed stringent tolerance levels in replacing a contaminated one. by the retailer on the monthly milk and meat. Six farmers went to court and sales tax return. The "prepay- Since 1976, when the danger succeeded in getting a tem- ment" rate would be 4% of the was recognized, the MDA has porary injunction permitting statewide average price of self- discouraged the use of such them to add feed or farm prod- serve leaded gasoline. Present- silos and advised recoating the ucts to their silo after the effec- ly, sales taxes are collected by interiors to limit the contamina- tive date of May 9. The court the retailer and then sent di- tion of stored feed. The contam- order applies only to those who rectly to the state. ination has been found in silos brought the suit and does not The reason given for the legis- constructed by the Michigan affect the portion of the ru Ie lation is that the Treasury De- Silo Company which has been prohibiting the use of the silo partment claims that sales tax out of business for several after Sept. 1, 198.3. revenue is being lost because of years. The PCBwas an ingre- Michigan Farm Bureau has illegal operations, fraud, dient of the material used to closely followed this issue for bankruptcies, falsified records, coat the inside walls. The prob- some time, especially since etc. Honest station operators lem has been found in about 15 Blanchard signed the emergen- claim this creates unfair compe- states. MDA Director Dean Prid- tition. The claimed loss is $2 geon has outlined the details of the emergency rules in a letter (continued on page .34) to farmers having the PCBcon- taminated silos .. I I RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 LIQUID PLASTIC (NOT SOLD IN STORES) Legislative Review further study the issue and ~h~:y~;pii~~lik: report in September. The issue , • point 'arms a (continued from page 33) • ~'. ' skin so tough it has serious consequences . " won't crack, chip million a year, but testimony If "prepayment" can be man- ;~_~ ......... _ . ar peel. Cuts ~ , '-~ -~ -- pointing costs stated that the total revenue dated for gasoline sales taxes it ... covers and can also be mandated for other protects like a shield of unbreakable . from this source is $150 million glass. a year. The loss is thus about taxes. WATERPROOF IN 30 MINUTES 11/4%, which is extremely low. Adheres to practically anything., Stops leaks. Ideal for concrete. aluminum, FB raised the question of wood. masonry, canvas, any metal. Clear any major color. Just specify. We what happens when gasoline is Education Finance Film pay all shipping costs. Order NAVAL 5. sold to those who are exempt Flam - Two newly introduced Ship as follows: ( ) Qh. at SI.9S bills, S.B. .31.3and S.B. .314, pro- each. ( ) Gal. at nS.9S. ( ) 5 from the sales tax because it is Gals. at no per gal. used for the production of a vide a scheme for the state to Name product. This would include shift some school costs back to AddrelS farmers, schools, governmental the local taxpayers. The propos- City __ State Zip _ agencies, construction, etc. The al would avoid the mandate of HU~l'dall' Chl'mical Cu., Dl'Pt. ,\\V-H3 answer wasthat it would have the people when they passed P.O. Box 30~2, RO~l'dall', nan. 66103 to be refunded. This means that the Tax Limitation Amendment HAMilTON DISTRIBUTING CO. during the delay and paper to the constitution in 1978. work of refunds, the state would This constitutional change re- have interest free money. quires that the "proportion of Farmers Petroleum Coopera- total state spending paid to all tive, Inc., estimates that it units of local government, would cost $10,000 to just taken as a group, shall not be change the computer program- reduced below that proportion ming. It is also estimated that in effect in fiscal year 1978-79." See Us at the annual interest cost on the In order to carry out the elec- Ag Expo money required to make the tors' mandate, in 1979 the Leg- '83 "tax prepayment" would be islature set the proportion of $25,000 a year. Such added the state budget guaranteed to Michigan's Leader in cost would have to end up in local units, including school Grain Drying Equipment higher prices to farmers and districts, at 41.6%. The state's Stormor Ezee-Dry • Stormor Grain Bins other customers. All companies payment to the Public School Farm Fans Dryer • Sweet Elevators would be affected in a similar Employment System and to So- Hog Equipment • Agri-Pole Buildings manner. cial Security were counted in Hamilton 616-751-5161 lapeer 313-664-0641 Gladwin 517-426-4591 Marshall 616-781-6500 The question really is: Is the the" state" share and not as 11/4 % loss in revenue the real part of the 41.6%. reason the Treasury Department S.B. .31.3and S.B. .314 would wants "prepayment"? Or, do evade the constitutional re- .. they want that huge amount of money paid in advance, which quirement by making full pay- ment of these costs to local • L1K~~i'~ESR2~lt~~R!;" .~E:6J~~~;~CE':'~~~~~~rNES • suddenly would balance this school districts and at the same :A~N:A~:OM "TO~';_EcPR~EiTO: . ',~....... year's budget and provide time charge the costs to the money for other things? This 41.6%. ~ ~ ~. ~ ..~ would be regardless of the added cost to businesses. The cost is estimated to be $125 million for the rest of the Still another question might current fiscal year and $.300 • WeIghs 22 Pounds Tills Deeper Than W~dS Fast Irom • be: Is this only the beginning? million for 1984. This payment Gasoline Powered Olher Tillers Do 12 to 2 In. Wide • I. Buill for commercial use ... Rugged Air Force approved • Will prepayment of other taxes shift would make it possible to • ~n;~~ b~~kT;Ja:h~:i:~ ii~:'~~:~~~n~~d~_n. S'~I~ I~C~~~ • be mandated? And the final gain that money for other state • • ..... direct saves you WRITE TO S .• 4UENTOWN TILLER CO. DEPT • question: Why can't the state of Michigan enforce the present spending and circumvent both the spirit and intent of the 1978 c,o Allintown Feld Co. ",.In 51.. Allinlown, N.J 08S01 law? After such questions, the constitutional mandate. • For Rush MaIling Of literature Ask for Belly Allen call .. 201 530 9380. - - House Taxation Committee has appointed a subcommittee to • - - - - - - - - - - - I CALL THE PROFESSIONALS TOLL FREE In Michigan: 1-800-292-9233 Out of State: 1-800-248-9263 CENTRAL MICHIGAN TRACTOR & PARTS 2713 N. u.s. 27, SI. Johns, Michigan 48879 .34 RURAL LIVING, JUL Y 198.3 HIGHLIGHTS • Receive valuable information on the benefits of • Personally see numerous farm supply products the Farm Bureau membership: and displays: -Service-to-Member Savings Programs -Feed -Fertilizer -Leadership Programs -Chemicals -Legislative Accomplishments. -Seed -Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Coverage -Hardware at a Savings - Tires -Batteries • Demonstrations of AgriCom, a computerized -Farm Equipment Accessories marketing and information system. • Get acquainted with Michigan Elevator Ex- • Learn about complete insurance protection and change, a worldwide marketer of Michigan coverages you need: grown grain and dry edible beans. -Agricultural Workers Compensation Insurance • Compare Custom Diesel fuel, a premium prod- -Universal Life Insurance uct boosting horsepower up to 15%. -Farmowners Insurance -Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) • Information exhibits about Farmers Crude Pro- duction Co.'s 200 producing oil wells providing • Drawings for free prizes. over 140,000 barrels of oil annually . Stop By and See Us - Booth 248 Michigan Farm Bureau and Affiliate Companies Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE Rural Living Magazine P.O. Box 30960 PAl D 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. lansing, Michigan Permit No. 37 Lansing, Michigan 48909