EXPERIENCE ORLANDO 65th ANNUAL MEETING AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION with your Michigan FaRm~ BUreaU January 8-12, 1984 See Farm Bureau, where people grow on a national level. Attend the 1984 AFBF Annual Meeting in Orlando. Participate in special conferences. Meet farmers from all parts of the nation. Observe policy being set for the world's largest farm organ.ization. 'Hear world famous speakers. And, have fun at Disney World, EPCOT Center and many other favorite attractions. An optional post- convention Caribbean cruise is also available. For more'information, contact Michigan Farm Bureau at 517-323-7000, extension 516, orT.M. Travel Associates, Inc., 616-364-6231. OCTOBER 1983 FARM NEWS VOL. 62 NO. 10 A publication THE COVER of the Farm Bureau policies developed and discussed by Michigan Your County Annual Meeting farmer members are adopted Farm Bureau It's Happening Because of You! at county annual meetings. In this issue: It's Happening Because of You Member participation is critical to the success of the county Farm Bureau annual meeting. 8 Good Guys Don't Always Win Confident that the Ag Commission would not bend to gubernatorial pressure, the farm community was unprepared for the political finale to MDA Director Dean Pridgeon's career. 11 Christine Wizner: MFB's 1983 Outstanding Young Farm Woman In 1983, Christine Wizner added organizational spokesperson to her other roles of farm business partner, wife and mother. 21 COLUMNS Rural Route - pagc,4 County Newsletter - pages 18-19 Country Ledger - page 5 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 20 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 27 Front and Center - page 16 Discussion Topic - page 29 Letters to Rural Living - page 17 Jtllchlgan farm "ewil RURAL LlVI"O (155" 0026,2161): Michigan Farm News Rural Living Is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bu- reau In/ormation and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial ornces at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lanslng:Mlch. 48909. Post Ornce Box 30960: telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIPTIO" PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. Included In annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members In Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out 0/ state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. D. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. I. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at additional mailing ornces. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor: Mar- cia Dltchle. Associate Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: Cathy J. Klrvan. Associate Editor. OffiCERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. Jack Laurie. Cass City; Administrative Director. Robert Braden. Lansing; Treasurer and Chle/ Financial 0/- fleer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRECTORS: District I. Arthur Bailey. SChoolcraft: District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Bllssfleld; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville: District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; District 5. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City: District 7. Robert Rider. Hart: District 8. Lyle LeCronler. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frank/ort: District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District II. Bernard Doll. Dafter. DlREC. TORS AT LAROE: Dave Conklin. Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery: Robert Rottler. Fremont. fARJtI BUREAU WOJtlE": Faye Adam. Snover. fARJtI BUREAU YOU"O fARJtlERS: Mark Smuts. Charlotte. POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mall to: Nlchlgan Farm News Rural Living. P.O. Box .:50960. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. \ During a visit to central Michigan, former ag secretary Making Sense of the Earl Butz praised FB for its market- Price Support Confusion oriented policies. Judging from the number of "The price of milk shall be six times, and raised in all the telephone calls I've received in supported, through purchases other years. It was effective the past few weeks, it's evident of milk and the products of because it sent a signal to the that dairy farmers are confused milk, at such level not less industry when production was about price support legislation than $11.60 per hundredweight getting out of line with demand. currently under consideration. as the secretary determines On the other side of the coin, It's no wonder they are con- necessary in order to assure an since Congress took the author- fused. As the battle heats up in adequate supply of milk to ity to adjust the price support the halls of Congress, dairy meet current needs and taking away from the secretary in farmers have been subjected to into consideration the net price 1977 and started mandating a misrepresentation of facts by support purchases of milk or price support levels based on opponents of the farm Bureau the products of milk by the political reasons, the dairy in- proposal. Commodity Credit Corporation dustry has been producing milk Statements such as "Farm Bu- during the preceding fiscal far in excess of market needs. reau is for cutting the price year. The support price shall be Let's face it - a decision will support $1.50" and "under established annually by the be made soon regarding the farm Bureau's proposal, the secretary at the beginning of dairy program and we need to support price would drop to each fiscal year." be aware of the alternatives: $11.60 immediately and perma- I fail to understand how the • Legislation that will bring a nently" have caused dairy Conable-Moynihan amendment tremendous amount of govern- farmer members to question could be interpreted to mean ment involvement into our busi- the position of their organiza- the price would drop imme- nesses, with no guarantee of a tion. I think it's time to set the diately or that it would be per- supply / demand balance; record straight because infor- manent. The legislation would • A return to a system that mation that is being distributed give the secretary of agriculture history proves was effective in is not an accurate reflection of the authority to adjust the price addressing the supply-demand farm Bureau policy. annually - not permanently - imbalance problem; Very simply, farm Bureau is to a level not less than $11.60 • A realization by the general supporting dairy price support per cwt. It gives him the author- public that present farm price legislation known as the Con- ity to move it up or down, but supports have turned into en- able-Moynihan amendment be- to not less than $11.60. titlement programs and a de- cause it repeals the two 50-cent This legislation is in line with mand for relief from this tax per hundredweight assessments the policy our farmer members burden. The result - no dairy and brings a return to a system adopted as the best solution to program at all. that worked effectively for near- the worst milk supply-demand Doesn't a return to a system ly 30 years. imbalance problem we have that worked well for nearly 30 Opponents of the Conable- ever faced. years make the most sense? Moynihan legislation are telling I recognize the tough decision That is what the farm Bureau dairymen that the legislation our delegates had to make. backed Conable-Moynihan farm Bureau is supporting They took a look at history and amendment would do. would immediately reduce the found that from 1949 to 1977, support price by $1.50 per cwt. when the secretary had the and establish an $11.60 per authority to adjust the price cwt. permanent price support support, dairy farmers kept pro- level. This is not correct. Let's duction in reasonably close take a look at the actual word- balance with market demand. ing of the legislation: During that nearly 30 years, the Elton R. Smith, President price support was lowered only Michigan Farm Bureau five times, it was left the same 4 .RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 COUNTRY LEDGER Format Change to Improve Communications By Connie Turbin ules set at the Farm Bureau "Hold the presses" for a coun- Center in Lansing keep your tywide information meeting? Getting ready to write this newsletter coming regularly, With your own county newslet- column, I used so much paper but without that all important ter publication - you bet! that I was beginning to feel like news "punch" - timeliness. Our recommendation to dis- a very serious environmental County information volun- continue the newsletter service threat. Visions of trees toppling teers have been trying to "beat as part of the magazine was a and huge, churning vats of the clock" in each publication tough one for the coordinators wood pulp chided me as I month. They have devoted their of the Rural Living county pulled each unsuccessful at- best, hardworking efforts to newsletter service as we tempt at written communica- surfacing local news (almost weighed our own personal in- tion from the platen of my before it happens), preparing terest and investment in the typewriter. articles with the sketchiest of success and continuation of the Why the agonizing over a few details, and taking photographs county newsletter service simple paragraphs explaining of the actual county events and against the risk of losing this the reason for discontinuing the activities whenever possible. important local member com- county newsletters as a part of They deserve a real vote of munications vehicle. Your Rural Living magazine after the thanks. During the two years of Michigan Farm Bureau board of November issue? Because it was this program they didn't lose directors recognized the risks not a simple decision and be- their punch, but, to be sure, involved, but because they are cause I believe in the need for there were times when they felt your leaders and your represen- communication in the county a little "punchy" with the tatives, they saw the positive Farm Bureaus - in any organi- monthly newsletter deadlines challenges and the benefits of zation. It's not simply because I looming ahead. returning that interest and in- am concerned that county Producing the homegrown vestment in the program's suc- boards and members will read county newsletter may give cess to the county Farm Bureau the wrong signals and interpret these volunteer editors relief membership. the change in the delivery of from the six-week advance They asked for, and got, our the county communications as deadline schedule, but they will commitment to give assistance a change in priority - nothing need the support and assis- and support to the county Farm could be further from the truth! tance of county Farm Bureau Bureaus in establishing locally In fact, county communications members to continue this coun- prod uced newsletters, to pro- need to be more timely, more ty communications effort. vide training and maintain reg- responsive than we are able to Deadlines will be more flexible, ular contacts with the informa- offer through the Rural Living more easily tailored to your tion volunteers so vital to the county newsletter service. county's needs. There will be success of the program. Happenings in your county time and space for publicity, I was reminded as we grap- Farm Bureau deserve the best promotion, recognition and an- pled with this difficult decision advance publicity direct to the nouncements. There will be that the Chinese symbol for membership and the fullest, need for your input. Whether challenge and the symbol for most detailed reporting to keep it's to publish details of a opportunity were the same. Our members informed and up to membership campaign contest mutual challenge and oppor- date. A county newsletter timed or review a "hot" local issue, tunity is to build an active, and published on your county's your county newsletter should responsive county-run com- specific communications sched- be the best, most direct avenue munications program for mem- ule is the best possible way to to the county membership. bers and among the non-farm accomplish these communi- public. We can make it happen! cations goals. Publication sched- RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 5 _LEGISLATIVE REVIEW the House Ways and Means Sub- Identical language is pro- committee on Trade. The legis- posed in S. 1712 to be offered lation would restrict imports of by Sen. Moynihan to amend S. automobiles and trucks by re- 1529, the Dairy and Tobacco quiring that up to 90% of the Adjustment Act of 198.3. New Protections in PACA - components in domestically Legislation to amend the sold vehicles be produced in the Perishable Agricultural Com- U.S. Such a requirement, Farm Amendments to FIFRA - modities Act (PACA)by requir- Bureau warned, could result in Identical bills have been in- ing buyers of perishable agricul- trade retaliation against troduced in the House and tural commodities to maintain agricultural exports. Senate to amend the Federal In- a statutory trust has been in- secticide, Fungicide and Roden- troduced in the House of Repre- ticide Act (FIFRA).The bills, H.R. sentatives. Dairy Program Legislation .3818, introduced by Congress- The bill, H.R. .3867, would - In the House, pending legis- man Harkin of Iowa, and S. amend existing legislation by lation includes H.R. 1875, the 1774, introduced by Sen. Prox- adding a provision that requires dairy compromise plan. Farm mire of Wisconsin, reflect the buyers to maintain enough as- Bureau continues to oppose "wish list" of environmental sets to cover their obligations H.R. 1875, favoring instead the groups. to produce sellers. In addition, Conable substitute legislation, Provisions of the amendments the proposed legislation gives H.R. .3292. The Conable amend- would substantially revise the priority position to produce ment would give the secretary product registration portion of sellers in the event of bankrupt- of agriculture authority to ad- the existing act relative to data cy or insolvency by the pur- just the price support for dairy collection, registry support chaser and declares it to be an and would eliminate the two 50 data, fees and cancellation or unfair trade practice to fail to cent per cwt. assessments. suspension of product registra- maintain the statutory trust. Text of the Conable amend- tion. New recordkeeping and re- ment is as follows: porting requirements would be Section 201 of the Agricul- established for commercial ap- Agricultural Weather Fund- tural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. plicators and the amendments ing - Agricultural weather ser- 1446), as amended by the Om- would eliminate prohibitions vices funding for fiscal year nibus Budget Reconciliation Act against required testing for pri- 1984 is part of the appropria- of 1982, is amended, effective vate applicators, I.e., farmers tions bills for the Departments sixty days after enactment by and ranchers. A definition of State, Justice and Com- (1) deleting subsection (d) change would require that all merce. thereof; and (2) amending sub- handlers of restricted use H.R. .3222 and S. 1721, which section (c) to read as follows: pesticides be certified applica- continue funding at the fiscal "(c) The price of milk shall be tors. year 198.3 level, have been re- supported, through purchases The Harkin amendments ported to the floor by their re- of milk and the products of would also expand the "private spective House and Senate com- milk, at such a level not less right to sue," require vicinity mittees. It appears likely, how- than $11.60 per hundredweight use and protection regulations ever, that funding for agricul- as the secretary determines and give authority to OSHAto tural weather services will be necessary in order to assure an prescribe regulations and en- part of a continuing appropria- adequate supply of milk to force against occupational ex- tions resolution. meet current needs and taking posure for farm workers and into consideration the net price others. support purchases of milk or Hearings on the Harkin bill Domestic Content Legisla- the products of milk by the are expected to get underway in tion - Farm Bureau opposition Commodity Credit Corporation October. Farm Bureau will op- to domestic content legislation, during the preceding fiscal pose the Harkin amendments H.R. 12.34, has been expressed year. The support price shall be and will present testimony at in a letter to the chairperson of established annually by the hearings before the House Agri- secretary at the beginning of culture Subcommittee on De- each fiscal year:' partment Operations, Research and Foreign Agriculture. 6 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198:3 Proclamation Praises Cooperatives' Role in Building a Better America Food Industry Economic Recommendations - Earlier this year Gov. Blanchard ap- pointed an Economic Develop- ment Commission for the pur- pose of recommending ideas and programs to improve Michi- gan's business climate and maintain and create jobs. Michigan has a reputation of being a "high cost" state with unreasonable regulations. Three subcommittees were formed. One was on the food industry which includes production, processing, marketing, regula- tory reform, etc. The other two were on auto supply and for- Leaders of Michigan farm cooperatives and associations met in Gov. estry. Blanchard's office Sept. 19 for signing of the Cooperative Month Procla- Farm Bureau has been exten- mation. Since 1964, October has marked the observance of National sively involved in the subcom- Cooperative Month. mittee on the food industry. A report has been submitted to the Economic Commission. It From the generation of cooperative pioneers who formed the includes 15 broad areas. The first supply and marketing cooperatives for the economic benefit recommendations include: of their members to the contemporary cooperative enterprises for • Encouraging Gov. Blanchard credit, utility services, child care, health services and housing, to identify with the food indus- the success of each new generation of cooperators is a tribute to try including agriculture in a the resourcefulness and independence of the American people. positive way and demonstrate his awareness of its existing Today, over 40 million Americans are members of their own strength and diversity as well cooperatives, working together to secure for themselves and their as its great potential. neighbors needed goods and services. The future of such • Locate a Food Industry Insti- cooperative enterprise depends upon public understanding of tute at Michigan State Univer- what these member-owned businesses are and the economic sity to coordinate research, on- stimulus they provide. Since 1964, this goal of cooperative campus teaching and Extension understanding has been furthered by the national observance of programs. It would serve mar- Cooperative Month. keting organizations, proces- sors and consumers by provid- The 1983 theme - Cooperatives, Building a Better America ing market analysis, new prod- - is especially fitting for Michigan which has long been a source uct development, consultants of cooperative leadership and support, including recent work on to aid new operations locating the development of a school curriculum on cooperatives and a in the state and maintain an in- proposal for a model consumer cooperative law. formation base for the entire food industry. It would include Therefore, I, James J. Blanchard, Governor of the State of a Center for Food Engineering Michigan, do hereby deciare the month of October 198.3 as COOPERATIVE MONTH in Michigan. I urge all citizens to recog- (continued on page .34) nize the contributions and potential of cooperation as a way of doing business. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 7 FaRm Bureau TILtS) ~ IID @) [(D[(D@lJQnlJQ@~ Because of You Don't let your county Farm Bureau annual meeting happen without you! By Connie Turbin Richard Sullivan and a represen- Heck says the Monroe County tative from Congressman John board will start planning for the The Monroe County Farm Bu- Dingell's staff attend our meet- 1984 annual meeting within reau annual meeting drew 260 ing to hear the discussion of two weeks of this year's meet- persons for the dinner and poli- the state and national resolu- ing date. cy session held Sept. 13, re- tions. "Following the annual meet- ports county Farm Bureau Presi- "When the legislators are ing, our board will critique this dent Gerald Heck. "That's down there to hear our local farmers year's meeting, set a date and 20 from last year, but still rep- speak on these issues in the location for the 1984 meeting, resents about 10% of our 2,500 policy setting portion of our and determine whether to have county membership." meeting, the grassroots basis of a speaker and possibly deter- BasicaIly, he says, he is pleas- our Farm Bureau policies is mine who that speaker will be. ed with the quality of the meet- reaffirmed for them. The fact If we expect there will be ing arrangements and the par- that they attend shows that scheduling conflicts near our ticipation of members in policy Farm Bureau is considered an annual meeting date, we send a deliberations. Monroe County important influence. These law- letter off to the proposed considered 12 local resolutions, makers recognize that Farm Bu- speaker inviting him or her to 12 state resolutions and four reau members are informed and attend and requesting that they national during its three hour ready to speak on the issues reserve that date." meeting. that concern them. It also Heck is very proud of the "The discussion was very builds greater appreciation and planning and of the smoothly good," Heck says. "I was espe- a closer relationship between run county meeting. The low cially pleased to have state Sen. the membership and the legisla- cost of the dinner and a well Norm Shinkle, state Rep. tors." run, orderly meeting, he says, has contributed to good atten- 8 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER .198.3 dance and participation over and recognition, door prizes in terms of member participa- the years. Long meetings, he and policy discussion into just tion and in relationship says, discourage people from three hours? "We cut corners," building with the legislators. coming. says Heck. "Wherever we can "In the past year, we have "Our meeting generally starts save even a few minutes, we do combined our local, state and about 7 p.m. and we will have it. I guess that's the most im- national affairs committees into completed our agenda by about portant responsibility I have as one legislative committee with 10p.m. There's plenty of time chairman before and during the eight to nine members. This for policy discussion. We try to meeting - to keep things mov- year, we are planning more per- keep other portions of the ing along." sonal follow-up on our policies meeting from dragging out." In the policy session, there is with the members of that com- To attract members to the more emphasis on local and mittee taking the lead. Our goal meeting, the county offers lots stat~ resolutions, he says, at the local, state and national of door prizes and "thank you" because county people tend to level is to have more and more kinds of incentives. For exam- be more familiar with these contact with our elected offi- ple, the county board agreed to issues. "Farmers are concerned cials and to get to know them. offer Farm Bureau stop signs to about drainage issues, roads We want to have Farm Bureau those at the annual meeting at and bridges, taxation and safe- members in Monroe County rec- half price. The meal is half ty, so we find these issues get ognized by our lawmakers as price, too, with the county good discussion." constituents who keep up with board picking up part of the Unfortunately, not as much is the issues and who are willing cost. Heck recognizes that his done to follow up on these local to take a stand." county's good financial position policies as he would like to see. Willingness to take a stand gives them this advantage and "That's something our county hasn't been a problem for the he feels that these expenses are will be working on in the year Branch County Farm Bureau money well spent in the county ahead. We have been building either, says county President Farm Bureau. our policy execution activities Gary Albright. How does the county pack a with a focus on the Lansing and "We've taken on some pretty dinner, guest speaker, awards Washington Legislative Semi- controversial local issues in re- nars and, I believe, we are mak- ing good progress there, both While there's plenty of time on the Monroe County Farm Bureau annual meeting agenda for policy discussion, meeting organizers find time for door prizes, awards, recognition and a guest speaker. A smoothly run meeting, says County President Jerry Deck, has contributed to good at. tendance and participation over the years. RURAL LIVING, OCTOB~R 198::> 9 cent years and while we haven't • always been 100% successful, we are playing a role in the county by getting another point F8Rm(, of view aired and talked about." Local policies adopted by Branch County members at their annual meetings have BUrea .~~:;; ~ ranged from opposition to a $60,000 expenditure of local \ ~~ hospital funds for a services {: feasibility study to fire protec- ~.... tion, drains maintenance and crime prevention. ~tii): '::;:: Follow up is usually done on a \ . one to one basis, Albright says. "The policies adopted at our I'IFB President and AFBF Vice President Elton K. Smith emphasized to Branch County FB members the vital importance of involvement in the Sept. ] 9 annual meeting will be policy development process, especially this year when farm programs sent to the appropriate county are at a crossroads. Broad member involvement, he said, is needed to board or agency stating our assure that FB policies are a reflection of grassroots farmer-member policy position and requesting concerns. comment or questions. But gen- erally, our board members or committee chairpersons will make some personal contact with county officials. I guess it's pretty informal but effective. Our members are active in the community and the interaction usually happens that way." Annual meeting coverage by the local radio station and newspapers also plays an im- portant role in getting the policy stands of Branch County members out to the communi- ty. "For the past several years, the station's reporters have at- tended our annual meeting and done taping and interviews for broadcast the following day." Albright praises the involve- ment of members in the annual meeting, but he also expressed Around the state, county sideration by the membership, concern for the declining par- Farm Bureau board members they agree, are undeniably im- ticipation of the older genera- and county presidents like Jerry portant to the success of this tion of Farm Bureau members Heck and Gary Albright are county Farm Bureau happening. in the county. planning, analyzing and search- But they are critically aware "There are so many instances ing for ways to draw ever in- that without the involvement of throughout the year when the creasing participation and sup- Farm Bureau members - young experience and judgment of port from their total member- and old - the organization and, these seasoned farmer mem- ship for this important grass- ultimately, the agricultural bers would be a valuable asset roots policy meeting. community is adversely af- to the total organization." Well planned meetings with fected. an awareness of the social as- They remind members that pects of the county annual the county Farm Bureau is meeting and meaningful policy "happening because of YOU!" recommendations for con- 10 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 Good Guys Don't Always Win Confident that the Agriculture Commission would not bend to gubernatorial pressure, the farm community was unprepared for the political finale to Pridgeon's career as director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. By Donna Wilber what happened to him, but the political pressures, and the ag hurt and disappointment are community that wonders if it On Aug. 31, the Michigan Ag- still there, too new yet to be should have shouted louder to riculture Commission, by a tucked beneath a cheerful protect the commission system unanimous vote, accepted the facade. it strongly supports. resignation of Dean Pridgeon as Who would fire a man cred- director of the Department of ited with taking a staggering, Commissions Frequent Target Agriculture, effective Nov. 1, demoralized department out of 1983. the PBBdebris and molding it Even as he clears the desk "The only off-the-farm job I into a responsive agency with drawers in his office in the new ever had and I get fired!" an earned high degree of public Ottawa Building in downtown Dean Pridgeon's summation confidence and credibility? Lansing and packs the Pridgeon of the stormy finale to his The acceptance of his resig- family photos that were proudly career as director of the nation (requested by Gov. Blan- displayed on the walls and Michigan Department of Agri- chard) by his "bosses," the five- credenza, observers wonder why culture reflects the persistent member Michigan Agriculture this is happening. sense of humor that's been Commission, is a more palat- Why would a man, whose per- dampened, but not completely able description to everyone sonal integrity is beyond extinguished, by recent events. concerned - the Democrat ad- reproach, whose dedication to He knows, as he says it, that ministration that is the target his industry transcended him "fired" is an overstatement of of public criticism for its inter- beyond the games politicians ference, the commission that appeared to have succumbed to RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 11 play, be the victim in this non- would be appointed as MDA community by prematurely re- fiction scenario? What hap- director. Instead, he went questing the resignation of a pened to the old-fashioned directly to Pridgeon and asked director who was so obviously "good guys always win" Act III? for his resignation. Pridgeon popular? What was the hurry to Pridgeon has known, since obliged, to a point. He submit- get his man in that position November 1982, that his time ted his resignation, not to the when, in a few short months, he as MDA director was limited. It's governor, but to the commis- could have had him there with- a political fact of life that a new sion which alone, by law, had out public condemnation? governor will want his own peo- the power to accept or reject it. ple in positions of power, even It seemed at first that the Future of the System if it .means replacing competent commission, made up of three people. When he accepted the Republicans and two Demo- It's no secret that the gover- position of MDA director, crats, would hold fast to its nor is not a fan of the commis- Pridgeon, an active Republican, authority. With Pridgeon's im- sion system. Even though bills left partisan politics behind and peccable record of achieve- introduced to make the MDA he had, so he thought, one ment, recognized even by the director a gubernatorial rather good thing going for him, no governor who sought his resig- than commission appointment matter who was elected gover- nation, and a Republican ma- have failed to make it through nor - a commission to which jority on the commission, the the legislative hopper, Pridgeon he was accountable that was, future of the system - if not feels Gov. Blanchard has taken by its structure, insulated from Pridgeon - seemed secure. a giant step toward crippling partisan politics. What happened between the the system. He had been the first farmer governor and the commission in history to be appointed to members just prior to the Aug. the Natural Resources Commis- 31 meeting where they an- sion, later serving as its chair- nounced their 5-0 decision to person, and was familiar with accept Pridgeon's resignation? such a system. Both the MDA Why did a Republican-domi- and DNR have had battles keep- nated commission bend to the ing their commission systems will of a Democrat governor? intact. Governors of both Reporters from every major political parties have tried, by metro media in the state, on legislative action, to make the hand to hear the decision of the appointment of those agency commissioners, failed in their directors their authority rather efforts to unveil this political than the commissions'. So far, mystery. A letter circulated those efforts have failed among the news people from because of the outcry, each Blanchard to commission mem- time the issue has surfaced, ber Robert Chaffin, extolling the from the people served by those virtues of the governor's choice, agencies. former state senator John }'his record of success, plus Hertel, and requesting the im- Reporters from every major confidence in the commission mediate resignation of commis- metro media, on hand Aug. 31 to members, left the agricultural sion chairperson John Krone- hear the decision of the commis- community unprepared for what meyer for withholding sioners, surrounded Director might happen if a new governor Pridgeon's resignation letter, Pridgeon following the an- didn't follow the script. was more revealing than re- nouncement that the commission had voted to accept his resigna- sponses to reporters' questions. tion by a unanimous vote. Governor Writes Own Script Other questions remained un- answered. Why, in view of the Gov. Blanchard chose not to well-known, broad support for follow the script. If he had, he the commission system, did the would have patiently waited un- governor risk the ire of the ag til his gubernatorial appoint- ments to the commission would have assured that "his man" 12 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1.983 "I think the system is sadly cessor, the outgoing director governor's office. My challenge .. hurt. From now on, the director would tell him to remember was to re-establish those rela- of agriculture will be on the list that a department is only as ef- tionships and make the depart- every time we change gover- fective as its people. ment credible and put it on an nors. When one commission "Don't form the nucleus of equal basis with other state succumbs, then the next gover- your organization around a agencies. nor comes in and decides, we'll group of people whose primary "My other goal was to elevate try the same thing," he said. goal is political and ignore all agriculture so it was considered While Pridgeon is clearly dis- those who have dedicated them- equal in importance to other in- appointed by the commission's selves to service. It's dangerous dustries. acceptance of his resignation to bring all new people in for all "I think I accomplished both "because the whole commission the key spots. Sure, it makes a of them." system depended upon them center of power, but it doesn't being independent," he still make a good department," he The Commission's shows compassion for their ac- warned. Side of the Story tion. Characteristically, the direc- "There's a certain awe of the tor is concerned about the "Leaving the responsibility of governor's office and he does morale of the current MDA staff. hiring a new director to a new have some power over the com- "They feel hurt; they feel commission would have been mission when appointments are betrayed right now. Personally, the easy way out," according to pending. He doesn't have to I'll be okay. I'm lucky I don't John Kronemeyer, U.P. dairy promise anything; it's just there have to go out and find another farmer who chairs the Michigan in the air. He's a very per- position. I can go back to the Agriculture Commission. "We sonable and persuasive indi- farm. It will probably be good made the tough decision to ac- vidual and he did not run me for me and for the farm," he cept that responsibility our- down. He said 'Dean's done a said. selves. Most of us have a num- great job, but I want my own The farm is a 2,200-acre hog ber of years experience on the guy in there; I have a right to operation in Branch County. It's commission and we're still that.' I think it had gotten to a family operation involving his learning. I just think this com- the point where they didn't two sons, who are the sixth gen- mission can make a better have much choice," Pridgeon eration of Pridgeons to farm choice." said. that land, and his father. "It's a Refusing to accept Pridgeon's good life and Mary and J, even resignation would have left that Advice for "is Successor though it's been a great experi- job to a new commission, cre- ence serving with the Michigan ated by gubernatorial appoint- What about Pridgeon's suc- Department of Agriculture, look ments in January 1984. At this cessor? Will the anger of the forward to going back to the point in time, none of the cur- agricultural community over farm," Pridgeon said. rent commissioners who are up what's happened make for some for reappointment - with the special challenges for the new Challenges and exception of Kronemeyer who director? Accomplishments was requested by the governor "I think it's going to make it to resign - know whether, tough. It's a lot easier to have As he reviews his nearly five come January, they'll still be everyone on your side and not years of service as MDA direc- members of the commission. have any group out there shoot- tor, Pridgeon remembers two Kronemeyer admits that the ing at you. It's important that major goals he tackled when he Nov. 1 resignation date was a the people you serve trust you took over the helm. compromise because the Dee. 1 because you have to make "The first was to make sure date the Republicans were some really tough decisions in the department survived. When pushing for was not acceptable this position. If you don't have I came in, the department had to the Democrats on the com- their trust when you come in, withdrawn within itself and kind mission. you really have to earn it the of pulled their wagons in a cir- "Moving that acceptance date hard way," Pridgeon said. cle. Nobody wanted to be asso- up a month seemed the right If he had the opportunity to ciated with the MDA because of decision to make even though share some advice with his suc- PBB and there were relationship we knew it wouldn't be a popu- problems with other agencies, with the university and the RURAL LIVING, OCTOB~R 198.3 1.3 lar one with the agricultural though he got his way the has offered and even by the community," Kronemeyer said. wrong way. That will be two mistakes he's made, which he "Now that we've invited their in- strikes against a man who just hopes he's learned by but which put, I hope they respond." might be the best person for haven't made him paranoid. In action at the Sept. 12-13 the job," Kronemeyer said. "But As he told one young reporter commission meeting, a screen- I really think we (the commis- at the Aug. 31 commission ing committee was appointed to sion) are strong enough to do meeting in response to her surface candidates for the job what is best for Michigan agri- question, "How will the gover- and an invitation was issued to culture." nor's request for your resigna- agricultural groups to make And, what about the gover- tion affect your career?" recommendations. Michigan nor's request for Kronemeyer's . "It won't hurt it a bit, ma'm; Farm Bureau declined to recom- immediate resignation? It got I'm a dairy farmer." mend a specific individual but turned down - flat! The gentle And so Dean Pridgeon will outlined the qualifications it but strong-principled farmer in- return to his hog farm in believes a new director should formed Gov. Blanchard that he southern Michigan and John have. would finish his term which ex- Kronemeyer to his dairy farm in The commission recognizes pires Dee. 31, 1983. the U.P., their "careers" un- that their action may result in marred by decisions made in the surfacing of a candidate In Summation the ivory towers of Lansing. But who might be acceptable to along the hallways of those them and to the agricultural As he reviews his four years ivory towers, there are imprints community, but not to the of service on the commission, left behind by those who governor and the new commis- Kronemeyer sees the experience served, not for political glory, sion, which will have the as an enjoyable time of learn- but for the betterment of their authority to fire and hire the ing, learning by the experiences industry. director of agriculture. This and opportunities the position means an unacceptable choice could have a very short career. But Kronemeyer is hopeful. "There just has to be good people out there who are qualified and will work for the betterment of agriculture and who will be acceptable to the governor, the new commission and the farming community," he said. The governor's choice, John Hertel, may end up being the commission's choice. Krone- meyer says he's already re- ceived several letters from ag groups recommending Hertel, who is actively seeking the job. But because of the governor's aggressiveness, that choice, even though it might also be the commission's choice, creates some problems. Ag Commission Chairperson John Kronemeyer and other commission "It could make the commis- members accept responsibility for what they termed a tough decision In sion look terrible, as if it really a stormy political climate. "Leavlng the responsibility of hiring a new had been manipulated. It will director to a new commission would have been the easy way out," make the governor unpopular Kronemeyer says. "1 just think this commission can make a better choice." with the agricultural communi- ty because it will look as 14 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 Position Statement of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors Regarding Michigan Department of Agriculture September 7, 1983 The ability of the Michigan Department of Agriculture to administer pro- grams benefiting farmers and consumers has been seriously diminished follow- ing recent political interference by Gov. Blanchard with the independent Agriculture Commission. Past political appointment of the director of the Department of Agriculture failed to provide the continuity necessary to build a great department. for ex- ample, from 1921 to 1944, when the governor had authority to appoint the director of agriculture, a total of nine persons served as director during the 23-year period. Their average tenure of 2.6 years provides clear evidence that the director and the administration of department programs were susceptible to constant political interference under direct gubernatorial appointment sys- tem. A return to such political interference must not be allowed to happen. In 1945 the authority to appoint the director was transferred from the gover- nor to the Agriculture Commission. During the 37-year period since the trans- fer, only four persons have served as director, with an average tenure of 9.3 years. This proven record of stability, continuity of programs, and lack of political interference has been compromised by Gov. Blanchard in his urging the Agriculture Commission to appoint a director of his liking. This is especial- ly true in view of the fact that the terms of two of the five commission members expired in December 1982 and a third will expire in December 1983. The request from Gov. Blanchard that Agriculture Commission Chairperson John Kronemeyer resign before his current four-year term expires in December is unfortunate. Mr. Kronemeyer should not resign from the commission. for Mr. Kronemeyer to bow to the request would further compromise the independence of the com mission. The present Agriculture Commission should take prompt action to identify capable individuals for the position of director, conduct appropriate interviews with the top candidates and hire the best individual by Jan. I, 1984. The per- son hired should have recognized experience in the agricultural industry, be a strong communicator, possess the ability to work with all segments of Michigan's diverse agricultural industry and have demonstrated organiza- tional/ administrative skills. Michigan farm Bureau will continue to vigorously support an independent Agriculture Commission system and vigorously oppose efforts to weaken or repeal the system. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 15 FRONT 8/. CENTER Dr. John Bannah, former l'ISU president, and L A Cheney, former secretary of l'IAFC, were honored for their "meritorious service to agriculture" by the Production Credit Associations of Michigan and St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives during a 50th anniversary celebra- tion at Long's Convention Center, Lansing, in early September. Each was presented with a com- memorative eagle sculpture entitled, "Between Sky and Soil." Bill Byrum, Ingham County grain and pork producer, is the lone farmer on Gov. Blanchard's recently-appointed 27-member Governor's Commission on the Future of Higher Education. The commission is charged to explore, assess and offer recommendations on the mission of higher education toward meeting Michigan's future needs. FB's opposition to cancellation of the U.S. I Soviet grain agreement does not, In any way, diminish the anger of farmers, along with all Americans, regarding Russia's inex- cusable action of shooting down the Korean airliner, MfB President Elton R. Smith told reporters at recent agricultural news backgrounders in Lansing and Grand Rapids. Rather, it is a realization that grain embargoes do not work and only result in the labeling of u.S. farmers as unreliable suppliers in world markets, he said. Markets took a nosedive in immediate reaction to news that a congressional resolution had been introduced to suspend grain shipments under the new agreement until the incident is resolved. To date, President Reagan has taken a strong stance against the use of a grain em- bargo as a retaliatory measure. In a telegram to Reagan, Smith urged the president to reject any actions against the Soviet Union that would ask farmers to assume an unfair burden. If economic sanctions are taken, they should be total, involving all segments of the economy and be joined by all free world allies, he said. The USDA's SO-cent per cwt. assessment on milk has been upheld by the U.S. Cir- cuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. The ruling said Ag Secretary John Block's com- pliance with federal regulations and imposition of the tax are constitutional. The court ruling came as a result of an attempt by the state of South Carolina and several dairy groups to have the assessment overturned. AFBF has gone on record in opposition to a proposed cabinet level Department of International Trade and Industry. In testimony before the Senate Committee on Govern- mental Affairs, an AfBf spokesperson said that the interests of farmers - as major exporters - are sufficiently protected and safeguarded by the existing services of the foreign Agriculture Service of USDAand the u.s. Trade Representative's office. John Datt, AfBf secretary and director of the Washington office, told the committee that fB fears that the new trade depart- ment would be built around the nucleus of the Department of Commerce which has an in- dustrial constituency often with interests that don't coincide with those of farmers. Autumnfest '83_, l'ISU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources reunion for alumni and friends, has been scheduled for Oct. 29 preceding the MSUvs Minnesota home- coming football game. A pre-game "Superbrunch" of Michigan foods will be served from 9:30 a.m. to ] p.m. at Jenison Fieldhouse. for ticket information, see the ad in this issue. l'Iichigan Commission of Agriculture members Robert Chaffin, Ithaca. and David Diehl, Dansville. have been appointed to a special screening committee to seek qualified can- didates for MDA director. The committee will accept applications through Oct. 7. Ag industry leaders are encouraged to make recommendations to the committee. Applications may be sub- mitted to the Screening Committee, Commission of Agriculture, Attention Betty Daley, Michigan Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 300] 7, Ottawa Bldg. North, Lansing, Mich. 48909. 16 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198:3 LET T E R 5 TO R U R ALL IV I NG No Crystal Ball Saginaw Valley and Thumb Old Friends Regions. Here's an interesting sidenote As pointed out in the Septem- I don't have a crystal ball for ber Rural Living article, "A Look to your September Rural Living the Gratiot County Farm Bu- Back ... ," getting local Farm cross stitch cover of the Apple- reau, but I'm counting on in- Bureau members involved in ton School in Clinton County. creased involvement from our the policy setting activity is a My father was one of the stu- membership to build a strong dents at the school and since. challenge that continues for Farm Bureau in Gratiot County. county Farm Bureau boards of we were youngsters, our family directors. Doug Kostal has been taking part in the an- We feel that we have made Ithaca nual reunion of the" Appleton good progress in Gratiot County school kids:' this year with the increased at- The fam ilies gather for the tendance at our 1983 county A Feather in Our Cap reunion at the home of one of annual meeting, Aug. 27. A the former classmates or a I just read in the (September) family member. There are about new, earlier date and a new Rural Living about your fan- 12 families now that take part dinner-dance format doubled at- tastic success at the AFBF Infor- in this nostalgic get together. tendance from the previous mation Conference. Congratula- While the school was destroy- year. We are hoping for even tions on your awardsl And don't ed by fire many years ago, the better participation in 1984. forget to put more feathers in friendships made during those We're also staying active in a Farm Bureau's capl years in the one-room school- number of projects throughout It's always been my feeling house have endured. the year that invite member that Farm Bureau should toot If there are any other Apple- participation and support. its horn more often. It makes ton alumni or their families who These county and inter-county all the long hours and sleepless would like to be a part of this activities include: the Fashion nights somehow a little easier. annual tradition, they can write Square Mall "Farm Days" show, Just wanted to say congratu- to me for information: Judy the annual Bean Smorgasbord, lations and keep up the good Fick, 7034 Lennon Road, Swartz and the new Channel 5 televi- work. Creek, Mich. 48473. sion program, "Farm and Gar- den," produced and hosted by Marcia Spink Judy Flck Farm Bureau members in the West Branch Swartz Creek FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- pIes, peaches, cherries and pears. Aug. 22 - Douglas Kostal, .36, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Dalton serves as Manlius Township operates a 750-acre farm near Ithaca Group and the Michigan Farm Radio cierk; is a member of the Allegan Coun- with his father. They grow a iarge Network, honors Michigan farmers for ty FB and the local Rod and Gun Club; percentage of their crops as certified their contributions to the community is past Lakeland Fruit Growers vice grain. Kostal is treasurer of Neward and the agriculture industry. Five farm- president; and he served on various Township; member of the Ithaca First ers were honored in August 198.3: committees for the Fennville Public United Methodist Church; Gratiot Coun- Schools. ty Selective Service Board chairperson; Aug. 1 - Tom Guthrie, 42, operates and Gratiot County Farm Bureau presi- a 420-acre dairy farm near Delton. He Is Aug. 15 - William Wagner, 45, Is a dent. area 4-H Council vice president; Barry dairy farmer from Kingsley. He Is on the County FB president; Barry County DHIA Northwest Michigan Fair advisory coun- Aug. 29 - Wayne DeForest, 44, president; chairperson of the township cil; Is a .member and past president of runs a 200-acre dairy farm near Ann Ar- board of review and serves on the town- the Northwest Michigan FB; serves as a bor. He Is membership chairperson of ship pianning and zoning committee; 4-H leader; Is past Northwest Michigan the Ann Arbor local of the Holstein Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame vice Livestock Commission president; Is a Association; serves on the Washtenaw president; a member of the MFB Policy past member of the Regional Planning County FB board; Is a member of the Development Committee; and was named Commission and the township zoning county FB policy development commit- Farm Manager of the Year In 1977 by board; and was recipient of the Distin- tee and chairperson of the membership the MSU Telfarm program. guished Service to Agriculture Award committee; Is a former DHIA board from Northwest Michigan FB. member; served 20 years In the Na- Aug. 8 - William Dalton, 55, a tional Guard and was named Soldier of fruit farmer from Fennville, grows ap- the Year in 1968. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 17 ([ount~ j}e1t1sltttet News and Information from Michigan's County Farm Bureaus - Time for ChangeJ During the past several years, programs have inspired farmers to farmers have seen changes take take on tremendous debt loads and place in their profession that they to "over produce." The payment of never would have imagined 100 interest (as opposed to principle) is years ago. Men of the early 1900s rewarded by tax breaks. There are were true men of the soil. They government regulations which add could tell by the feel and smell of to the cost of the product but do not the soil what crop would be best necessarily increase the quality of suited for the year and tell you the product. Subsidies are paid for within one-half bushel what the products that are of low use oOrarp yield would be. "hazardous to your health." In today's world, the man of the They tell me you can't go back. soil has become a man of technolo- And simple solutions are for simple gy. We have become obsessed with people. Maybe you can't go back 0 • 0 • change and "progress" and increas- Perhaps we should examine our in- ed yields and more land and 0 0 0 have centive programs. Maybe we should we over done it? smell the soil .... Are we afraid of Some have said that we did all "going back" because of the loss of Editorial by Gwen Nash right until the government stepped the progress that we have made, or Clinton County Farm Bureau in and messed us up. They're prob- because of what we might find when Newsletter Editor ably right, to a degree. Government we get there? Cooperative Recipe Serves Montcalm County Farm Bureau Fights Drugs Over 60 Million People Audrey Qu isenberry and Ruby Jeppesen, secretaries of Montcalm Take a good idea, add a group of County Farm Bureau, each present- people, mix with a sound business ed Sheriff Tom Hebert a check for philosophy and practical know-how $300 recently. Montcalm County and you've got 40,000 cooperatives Farm Bureau Women and the Farm owned and operated by the people Bureau board each voted to donate they serve. $300 to the Montcalm County Cooperatives meet "just about any Sheriff Department's Drug Informa- need you can think of serving peo- tion Fund. The drug investigation ple and their communities. They get unit was formed six months ago on a jobs done efficiently and econom i- very limited budget of $16,500 to cally th ~t individuals simply can't cover all costs of operation. In the do alone There are cooperatives for first four months that program was electric arid telephone service, hous- Sheriff Tom Hebert accepts FB's contribu- tions to the Drug Information Fund from in force the Sheriff's Department ing, food, insurance, farm credit, secretaries Audrey Quisenberry and Ruby drug unit has arrested 34 drug farm marketing and farm supply, health and day care, and credit Jeppesen. dealers. unions. Look around you. Count the coop- eratives. See what's cooking with Chamber of Commerce Takes Farm Tour these thriving businesses that are working hard to provide goods and The Kalkaska Chamber of Com- The visits were part of the Kalkas- services and jobs that benefit not merce recently had the chance to ka Cooperative Extension Service only their communities, but all of get a first hand view of the business and Farm Bureau Agricultural Tour. America. of farming. Members of the group It allowed Chamber members to get -= --I ",,~,,,,--- ,- - -- took their community breakfast on a hands-on experience with different __ -- ..--r the road for a tou r of some local types of farm operations. Those at- ...... ~ farming operations at the Ralph lott tending indicated the tour was very ~1*~PIi{ 'potato farm and then to the Jakel interesting and informative. Diana Uitvlugt hog and dairy farm. Let's hope more community break- A dairy punch was served at the fasts with similar tours may be ar- Uitvlugt farm and fun iJems provid- ranged and the general public in- ed for the children. vited. October Is Co-op Month. OCTOBER 1983 You Have Influence Today's Ideas Could be Tomorrow's FB Policies By Elva Boyles You all have ideas on what you'd ed policies to state annual meeting Eaton County Farm Bureau do if you had power and influence in delegates to vote on. These are real- There is a common factor in all government. You do have power and ly all your ideas. We are one of the legislation from the beginning to the influence! Just exercise your rights "refiners" and "gleaners" groups end. This factor is people. You and I and give the Farm Bureau Policy that you can use to make your ideas are the people. If we don't suggest, Development Comm ittee some ideas become legislation. study, redefine, consider and give to work on. You and I are the common factor final approval to proposals/ideas, in legislation, so put on your think- then the needed legislation never ~FaRm ing cap and help out your county PO happens. We have lots of influence in the legislative process if we will L1BUreaU Committee with some ideas of your own. That idea of yours may be- only use it. More important, we have rr119~ [}{I~[P)[P)@lIDnlID~2 come Michigan law in 1984-85. total responsibility for communicat- Some topics now being consider- ing our ideas to other people who Because of You ed are: computers in education, revi- can help us with the refining and sions to the farm program, land con- gleaning of ideas. The pol icies we (1) work on; (2) servation (marginal), water rights for It's important for all of us to present at county annual meetings; farms, Social Security reform, hospi- remember that no one has the abili-. (3) send those proposals which are tal cost containment, transportation ty to read our minds. Included in the approved at the annuals to the state - train and water, organized labor "non-mind readers" are family, Farm Bureau Policy Development and society, and elimination of un- '" legislators and Farm Bureau Policy Committee. The state Policy Devel- necessary food contamination. Development Committee members. opment Comm ittee presents propos- { /. \,1. ,.l...Do ~ t/:i' "ft 1"--1 '~' .1 'Too Busy' Excuses Make for Lonesome New FB Members; All You Can to Make Them Welcome in Our Organization '. " I' r ~ "~ / If have been. Maybe how remiss we all This does not affect some pretty ,0-'::. ~ o;;a.--1.' ~ y~\ '.- lit r-r::.. are in welcoming new Farm Bureau exciting programs offered by the in- {~ r- !~,J~. ,. i-lWl members. surance company, including the c.__ - ;~~:.. - _.~ Do I explain what it is that they adaptable Universal Life or the fan- tlf ;~ I P - " ,T ~- - - - are joining? That it is the most active farm group going? That the FB fami- tastic IRAs or the essential estate planning service. No, I am not seil- ly exists as multiple members of one ing insurance, but I know someone (-- body? That our Farmers Petroleum, who is, do you? Farm Bureau Services, Farm Bureau We do all feel the after effects of Insurance Croup and the communi- the PBB explosion. I feel that is an ~!l ty organization operate under sepa- excellent term for the massive emo- l[J By Deni Hooper 'Y 1''1 rate corporate boards headquar- tered together in one big Lansing complex? tional excesses of our news-starved media. Maybe someday things will settle down and the facts will. be Northwest Michigan FB Today FBS is in the process of understood. Newsletter Editor reorganization. The plan, according Today our lonesome new member A brand-new Farm Bureau mem- to Executive Vice President Newton will be swamped in literature, at- ber just called me to ask what was Allen, would also bring to the organ- tended by an FBIC agent, and cer- going on. Since he joined the ization the expertise and to the tainly receive a copy(s) of our organization three months ago he marketing area the products of one wonderful Rural Living magazine. had neither seen nor heard from of the nation's most reputable sup- Most important, he will receive an anyone in Farm Bureau. Is the pliers of top quality farm input prod- invitation to attend the next Com- organization really bankrupt? ucts, Land O'Lakes, Inc. In addition, munity Action Croup meeting in his After an apology - harvest time it will bring to the membership new area to gain a better understanding is really no excuse, but I use it efficiencies that will be beneficial of how we feel. How about all the anyway - I cons4der how remiss I both long and short term. others who don't call? FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE LIVESTOCK FARM EQUIPMENT FOR HOMEMAKERS MISCELLANEOUS Registered Ramsl I Surrolk - :5Colum- One Plyers IrrlgaUon pump. 6x6. good SAVEl Make Your OwnI Frozen hash- bia. Delbert Myers. North Branch. Mich. condition. 20 pc. 30' - 4" pipe. :50 pc . .30' Save ."001 Cookware. extra beavy browns. tater tots. french frlesl Com- plete. easy. Instructions. $1.00. Hamll- Phone :5I :5-688-:5206. (l0-1.'5p) - .3" pipe. One New Idea corn picker No. 19 piece stainless steel sold through In- 10. phone 3 13-327-63 I 6. (9-2t-24p) home demonstration at $595. Now avall- tons. Box 652-1.31. New Ulm. Minn. Corrledale sbeep breeding stock. :51:5- 5607.3. (10-20p-ts) ~ble direct only $189.95. Only 100 sets 429-7874. (1- I 2t-5p) "ew Steel Special Salel I 5~ per lb .. from bankruptcy. Order now to avoid new air compressor. 3f4 hp oil-less with Lose welgbt foreverl 20 Ibs. monthl)'!.c Sheep. CatS Curtis. Reg. Surrolks and disappointment. 100% refund If return- No diet plllsi No starvation! ~njoy loslngl tank. plastic l!t steel 55 gallon barrels. Reg. Southdowns. Helping small nock ed within 10 days unused In original con- Ida. Mich. 3 I 3-269-2868. Closed Satur- Even when all else has falledl New weight owners and 4-H'ers our special Interest. dition. Send check. money order. Visa or day. (9-.3t-23p) control tapel Use the power of the sub- 204 N. Williams. Stockbridge. Mich. 5 I 7- Mastercard number and expiration date. conscious mlndl Stay trim forever! This 851-704:5 - 517-851-8017. (7-12t-22p) for Sale - 400 gal. mixer. 100 - :5 gal. Yankee Trader. 4600 Stein Road. Ann Ar. cassette tape will change your IIfel Only palls. 40 pall rack. pump with extra bor. Mich. 48105. $1 for brochure. ralnt lIorses - Weanllngs. yearlings. $12.50. Hamlltons. Box 652.1.31. New motor. 100 leather neck belts with (7 -6t-65p-ts) bred mares. Lawerance Baumunk. Big Ulm. Minn. 5607.3. (10-48p-ts) chain. Call John Bouman. 6044 Pt. Rapids. Mich. 1-616-796-2:546. CEDAR fence posts. any size. Rustic Sheldon. Route 3. Hudsonville. Mich. Reclpesl Couponsl Cooking Delight (9- IOt-12p) round rail sections. Log homes. Rapid 49426. (I 0-32p) Magazine. Cookeville. TN .38502-2727. River Rustic Cedar Log Homes and Fenc- Plorgan horses. mares and colts. $3/year. (4-10t-l0p-ts)" Phone:5I:5-727-7679. (8-6t-7p) Scales and parts. new. used. rebuilt all Ing. Rt. .3. Ensign. Rapid River. Mich. types. scale service. (10- lip) 49878.1-906-474-642;. (2-1 1t-27b) freel "awaUan toast recipe when you 3 Plontadale 3," yr. old ewes. $75 order delicious country french toast each. Ram lambs. Romney ram lambs. Wanted to BUYIPapec Model L or Model Wanted: Old Indian Artlfads. Axes. recipe. Send $1.00 to Better Days. 1.35 K silo nller. Rosenthal 40 corn husker. celts. arrowheads. drilled slate. Informa- yearling. aged ram. :51:5-4:59-I 425 even- San Jose Ave .. San Francisco. CA 94110. International No. 9 or No. 7 silo nller. tion to: Relics. Box 152A. Eau Claire. Ings. (10-18p) (9. 2t- 25p-ts) John Spezla. Leonard. Mich. 480:58. :51:5- Mich. 491 I I. (5-6t- I 8p) Lambs for freezer. $65.00 plus pro- 628-4147. (10-29p) Pecansl Quart each halves. pieces. cessing. :513-4:59- I 465 evenings. (10-8p) Quilt Show - Over 100 quilts. quilts meal . .3 qt. sampler. $12.95. Postpaid. Plachlnery for Salel All housed and In and dolls for sale. Shepardsville Church Registered Suffolk rams - 2-year-old Canecreek Farm. Dept.-MF. Cookeville. excellent condition. J.D. 4020 Diesel - Oct. 14 and IS. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. by Mainliner and Queen's daughter. 2 TN :58502. (7-12t-16P-ts\ with Turbo. cab and duals. J.D. F145. $ I .50 admission. For more Information sons from 1:5 Carat and Queen's Dia- 5-bottom plow. J.D . .3-polnt Rotary hoe. phone 517-8.34-2895, (9-2t-22p) fantasUc 3 week coleslawl It.s mond daughters. 5 I 7-655-:5:588. International .3-polnt 4-row cultivator. delicious. easy and lasts .3 weeks. Send (9-2t-21p) Book Salel Hardcovers. $ 1.00 each! International 4-row planter. Oliver H.G. $1.00 to Better Days. 1.35 San Jose Ave .. Over 400 titles: fiction. western. Cletrac 1948. also Hondo II. lead guitar San Francisco. CA 94110. (9-2t-24p-ts) mystery. Chlldren's series books and with Mica 75 watt amp. Used very little. classics. Two 20 cent stamps for list. Exciting foreign dinners with com- DOGS David Yallup. St. Johns. Mich. 5 I 7- Glenn Smith. Box 151:5. Dept. F-IO. plete menus. recipes. Ideas. Italian. 224-2514. (10-50p) Akron. Ohio 44.309. (1O-2t-.30p-ts) Chinese. Mexican. Polynesian. $1.00 AKC English Setter puppies. Show. Antique tradors. some restored. JDs. each. all for $:5.00. Brenda Riddle. 112:55 obedience and neld potential. 6 I 6- We specialize In handling Independent McDeerlng. Fordson. A. Magslg. 88.3.3 Tuttle Hili. Willis. Mich. 48191. 66:5-8:554. ( 10- lOp) probate estates of all sizes through the U.S. 27. DeWitt. Mich. 48820. (l 0- I 2p) ( 10-2t-25p). mall. Computer assistance helps us help SbelUe (Pllnature Collie) pups. AKC, farrowing Stalls - All steel $180.00. personal representatives. Probate Court lIerbs - Your one stop berb center. shots and wormed. all colors. Beautlesl Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump supervision can be avoided and you. as Teas. books. seeds. medicinal. vitamins. Ardyth Schroeder. 7080 Blllmyer Hwy .. rail. Weighs 196 Ibs. Free literature. Starr representative. can remain In control. "Herbs for Everything Catalog" - $1.00 Tecumseh. Mich. 49286. 517-42.3-3069. National. 2 19 Main. Colchester. IL. 62.326. Call Michigan Probate Services. P.C. of (Refundable). Saint Jude Herb Center. (I 0-2t- I 8p) (10- 24p-ts) Burrows toll-free 800-521-8724. Box 563-RL. Huntington Station. NY, (7-6t-48p-ts) 11746. (10-2t-27p-ts) LEE Jeans. factory outlet work clothes. shoes. Bargains on new shirts CLASSIFIED AD POLICY (low as $5.95). jackets. boots. gloves. coveralls. Send $ I for catalog. SARA Members pay lO~ per word for non-commerlcal ads and 15~ per GLOVE CO.• 16 Cherry Ave .. Dept. C-95. REAL ESTATE Waterbury. CT 06704. (8-5t-:5:5b-ts) word for ads which promote a commercial business other than ag- for Sale - Five acre mini farm. Three' farm Computer Systems, Does cash- bedroom new home. barn with water and riculture. All other advertisers pay 20~ per word for one Insertion now. depreciation. grain. livestock and electric. chicken coop. large new tool and 15~ per word for two or more consecutive Insertions. equipment management and more. shed. walkout basement. black top road. The deadline for advertisements Is the first Monday of tbe $ I .995. Complete Computer Center. Oceana County - $.39.900. 616-861-2750. montb preceding publication and the publisher has the right Blanchard. 5 I 7-561-2689. (1Q-.3t-19p) ( 10-.30p) to reject any advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre- Quilt Show - Pllnl Bazaan First For Sale - 12x60 well kept mobile Presbyterian Church. Howell. Oct. 22. home on own tree shaded lot. lOOx2.35. paid and may be pre-paid up to one year In advance. Please In- 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. $1.00 admission. lake frontage In central Florida. Variety dicate If you are a Farm Bureau member. It Is the responsibility of Lunch $3.00. (1O-16p) of citrus. For Information write H. A. the advertiser to re-insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by- Are you concerned about the quality of Bradshaw. 58.3.3 Bradshaw Road. Ludlng-" year basis. your drinking water? You should be. For ton. Mich. 494.3 I. (9-2t-.32p) Send ads to Rural Living. P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mlcb. free Information send a self addressed 200 acre farm. large set of buildings stamped envelope to: Water Information. - barn. granary. large heated shop. and 48909. No ads will be taken over tbe pbone. P.O. Box 75. Clio. Mich. 48420. We are a 1.3 room house. A creek runs through not promoting a water softener unit. the pasture. and a very nice pond. good (9-2t-.37p) soli. woods. Phone Sand Lake. 616- Name OMember ONon-Member Why Die Without a Will? Two legal 6.36-4 I 16. (9-2t-35p) "will forms" and easy Instructions. Only "ew condominium project "PlARI"A Address _ $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- BAY" on beautirul Duncan Bay off Lake. Company. Box 752-MF. Pryor. OK 74.362. Huron In Cheboygan. Mich. Two. three (8-6t-22p-ts) and four bedroom units. Adjoining Run this ad In the Issue(s): marina. For Information write: Lofgren Wholesale Panty lIose. all sizes and colors. Fantastic savings - send self ad- Construction Co .. P.O. Box .35. Cheboy- dressed stamped envelope and $1.00 for gan. Mich. 49721. Phone 616-627-9506. catalog to: P. H. Wholesale. P.O. Box 75. (10-2t-40p) Clio. Mich. 48420. (9-2t-26p) 891h acre Soutbwest Pllchlgan fruit Earn extra Income. Addressing labels. farm - 65 acres apples. 9 acres cher- easier than addressing envelopes. For ries. 7 acre woodlot. some open ground. free details. send two stamps to: LISTS. packing house. new 44 x 88 pole barn .. P.O. Box I 7597-RR. Atlanta. GA :50:5I 6. Other storage buildings. Four bedroom ( 1O-2t-25p-ts) home. Machinery available. Phone Lawrence. 6 I 6-674-82.34. (I 0-2t-.35p) "See Through People 50 Ways" Stop decelversl 50 protectlonsl $1. Newllfe. Box 684-SQ, Boulder City. Nevada 89005. (9-6t-16p-ts) Words Insertions Total Due _ RURAL LlVINQ, OCTOB~R 198.31 CHRISTINE WIZNER Michigan Farm Bureau's 1983 Outstanding Young Farm Woman the responsibilities of being an Wizners Divide organizational spokesperson to Farm Responsibilities an already busy schedule. After graduation from college, With an estimated crop of the couple worked for other 10,000 to 15,000 bushels of ap- fruit farmers for a few years ples this year and switching with George as farm manager from retail to wholesale, the and Chris handling the market- Wizners also had to make some ing. changes in their responsibilities "After we had worked for on the farm so that they could other people for a couple years, meet the demands of their new we had to make a decision customers and still have time about our future," Chris said. for their young family. "That's when we made the "George and I do most of the break, purchased a former cash work, though we have one local crop and beef farm in 1976 and family, a woman and her three started a pick-your-own fruit sons, who work part-time," operation in partnership with Chris said. "1 pack the apples, my parents." both bulk and in three-pound The Wizners' main fruit is ap- bags, and make the deliveries ples, but they also have to the stores, which includes peaches and raspberries and unloading the truck and putting this year they had their first (continued on page 31) sweet and tart cherry crop. They have also purchased an additional 80 acres which they are in the process of planting. As the variety and quantity of their fruit has increased each year since they planted their or- By Marcia Dltchle chard in 1977, so has their business. For a young Clinton County "We started with pick-your- farm woman and her husband, own, but our crop last year was life has been on the fast track so large that we needed to find since graduation from Michigan a new market. You have to grow State University in the and make changes as your busi- mid-1970s, and especially dur- ness grows and it was a big ing the past year. switch for us to go from retail At the 1982 Michigan Farm to wholesale," she said. "We Bureau annual meeting, now sell our apples and cider to Christine Wizner, who with her five different Shop Rite grocery husband, George, farms 185 stores in the Lansing area, as acres of fruits and vegetables well as two food cooperatives in near Laingsburg, was named East Lansing." MFB's Outstanding Young Farm Woman. This has meant adding RURAL LIVING, OCTOBeR 1983 21 On the Track to Leadership Development By Marcia Dltchie nalism means the end, or what nected to every tie in the rail- we are trying to accomplish. road track. She also discussed Life basically has no meaning Once we set our objective and the need for keeping a balance if you don't have an objective purpose, whether in our lives or in life by prioritizing objectives. and purpose, according to the Farm Bureau, that then be- "You must identify those ob- founder and president of comes our 30. In order to jectives in your life, guard them Woman Alive, Incorporated. achieve these, we then need a and be very careful not to let Speaking to the 165 men and plan, aI-3D." other people tell you what the women attending the annual Stophel related her 30, 1-30 objectives in your life should State Leader Conference spon- concept to a railroad track, be," Stophel said. sored by the MFB Women's where the 30 is as far as you Committee in Grand Rapids in can see down the track and the late September, Karen C. 1-30 are the ties that you lay to Stophel, president of the Chat- get to the 30. tanooga, Tennessee, firm, said Participants at the conference that once personal objectives were then taken through a pro- and purposes are determined, a cedure by Stophel to help them plan has to be established in learn to better utilize their time order to accomplish them. simply by making sure that the "I refer to this as 30, 1-30," time they use is somehow con- Stophel said. "Thirty in jour- The key to leadership Is under- standing yourself and others, conferees learned from speakers Mary Lord (left) and Karen Stophel (above). The women In- structed respective sessions on understanding personality types and self-development. 22 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 "Community education pro- grams then need to be devel- oped to encourage insurers, organizations and individuals to develop incentive programs to reduce the cost of insurance." Long also reviewed, "To Your ., \ Good Health," a suggested health care program developed by the AFBF national health ad- visory committee and its con- sultants. It suggests ways that local health advisory groups can govern themselves and the steps that should be taken in developing programs. Workshops Assist in Spirited participants found ample opportunity for fun, fellowship and Personal I Leader Development thoughtful questions during the two-day State Leader Conference. Six workshop sessions con- ducted during the two-day con- ference provided participants with the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills and to better understand them- selves and others. The wor.kshops included un- derstanding personality types, interpersonal relationships in farm partnerships, handling conflict constructively, making things happen through effective leadership, patterns for suc- cessful communication and highlighting action programs at the county level. "Farm Bureau has long been in the business of building leaders and Farm Bureau Wom- en have been leaders in provid- ing opportunities for personal growth and leadership develop- Accepting Responsibility what government is doing to ment," said Faye Adam, chair- sponsor cost containment and person of the MFB Women's With increased concern in the the responsibilities of organiza- Committee. "We believe in this country about quality rural tions such as Farm Bureau in role. We believe it is one of the health care and its spiraling developing rural health care most important contributions costs, a session at the con- programs. we can make to our organiza- ference was devoted to rural "There has to be some form tion, to the agricultural indus- health care, conducted by Dr. of health advisory committee try and to the members who Keith Long, director of the In- established within organiza- take advantage of the oppor- stitute of Agricultural Medicine tions like Farm Bureau," Long tunities that are offered to at the University of Iowa. said. "This committee should them to reach their potential as Long discusse9 the factors in- have certain responsibilities in leaders." volved in the high cost of finding out the utilization of medical services, the role of health care services, the utiliza- physicians and technology, tion of insurance programs and the utilization of the private sector for health care. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 23 '1 Butz' straight Talk Still Draws a Crowd In an interview with Bob Driscoll of the Michigan Farm Radio Network, Butz praised the productivity of American agriculture and took verbal Jabs at govern- ment farm programs. By Cathy J. IHrvan "That applies to some things spend it for high technology or besides grain," he said. "When for hardware they might one Earl Butz, former secretary of we embargoed high technology day throw back at us. the U.S. Department of Agri- for the Russian pipeline last "1 think we've got them where ~ culture under Presidents Nixon year, all we did was raise unem- it hurts when we sell them grain and Ford, was in the mid-Michi- ployment in Peoria, Illinois, and make them pay for it," he gan area recently espousing his where Caterpillar is located. said. "plow fencerow to fencerow" Embargoes simply don't work." Government embargoes and philosophy. Butz believes we should sell other government programs Speaking at Funk Seeds Inter- the Russians every ton of grain have made a mess of the free national's Michigan Ag-Review they pay for. "1 said pay for - I enterprise market system as it on Sept. ] 4 near Charlotte, wouldn't give them credit or relates to agriculture, Butz said . ... Butz, 74, praised the productivi- anything like that. I think it is "If we've learned anything in ty of the American farmer which great to soak up their precious this mess, it's that a govern- has allowed the U.S. farm popu- foreign exchange for a consum- ment bin is not a market. lation to shrink from 40% when able like food so that they can't he was born to 2.5% today, and permitted the average American family to spend only 17% of its take home pay for food. Speaking before over 1,600 farmers, he said they should be proud of the $35 to $40 billion of agricultural exports last year and should continue to produce for that market. Discussing the possibility of a grain embargo against the Soviet Union in retaliation for the downing of a civilian Korean jet, Butz said, "1 think any em- bargo of an internationally trad- ed commodity is a mistake. It injures the one imposing the embargo far more than the other country. Farmers attending funk Seeds' Michigan Ag-Revlew in Charlotte Sept. 14 gathered around the Michigan Farm Radio Network broadcast booth to eavesdrop on Butz' live radio Interview. 24 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 . "We've sent false signals out "And what do you do with it?" need protection under our farm- in recent years. Our govern- . he asked. "If you start giving ers but at a market clearing ment has sent a price signal to the cheese away all you do is level so that the government dairy farmers - we want more displace a sale in the store and does not become the market. milk - and farmers not being you meet yourself coming stupid produced more milk. back." And at the same time they sent Butz believes the answer lies a price signal to consumers - in setting target prices at mar- eat less cheese - and con- ket clearing levels . • t sumers not being stupid have "We're in a very untenable sit- eaten less cheese. uation right now because we "As a consequence," Butz were not market oriented. In said, "we've got enough cheese crops, we've accumulated all and butter and dry skim milk in this surplus - we carry the warehouses around this country world's reserves," he said. "As - owned by the government - the Farm Bureau has said, as to supply us for eight months if Secretary Block has said - we we didn't milk another cow. Butz and MfB President Elton Smith take advantage of the Michigan visit to exchange Ideas. , . The former ag secretary praised fB's market-oriented policies. "It takes a lot of courage for a farm leader - like Elton Smith in the state of Michigan and Bob Delano who is presi- dent of the American Farm Bu- ., reau - to come out and recom- mend a freezing in target prices. It takes a lot of courage to come out and recommend lowering the loan rates. And they don't do that because they're not interested in the farmers. They're doing it be- cause they want to maintain a long range market opportunity for farmers in the corn belt." Funk Seeds' Michigan Ag- Review was held on the farm of ,t Ken Forell, an Eaton County Farm Bureau member and a Funk Seeds cooperator. Activities at the BO-acre site included corn, soybean and for- age plot tours, corn harvest demonstrations by International Harvester, and exhibits by more Exhibits by more than 20 agrlbuslnesses and equipment dealers were than 20 agribusinesses. Ciba- part of the attractions at the Michigan Ag-Revlew In Charlotte. The event was co-sponsored by funk Seeds International and Its parent company. Geigy, Funk's parent company, Clba-Gelgy. co-sponsored the event. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 25 V.P. State Fair Boasts Country Character By Cathy J. IHrvan Dairy Herd Improvement As- Besides dairy and beef, U.P. sociation before joining Michi- farmers raise potatoes, sheep, Upper Peninsula farmers are gan Farm Bureau in 1957 as poultry, milking goats, Angora very proud of "their" State Fair, regional representative for the goats, horses, corn for silage, held annually in Escanaba. "It's entire U.P. He retired 23 years small grains for feed, fish and an old type country fair - not later and now "this fair is my mink. "We have quite a bit of like that carnival in Detroit," only responsibility." soybeans, which most people said fair board chairperson The U.P. State Fair is still con- don't realize," Kivi said. Hugo Kivi. trolled by the Michigan AgricUl- "It's commercialized to a cer- ture Commission and the Michi- U.P. Counties Cooperate tain degree, but that's part of gan Department of Agriculture, in FB Promotion at Fair the fair. Basically, it's still an unlike the State Fair in Detroit, agricultural fair and we hope to which is supervised by the De- Bernard Doll of Dafter in Chip- keep it that way," he said. partment of Natural Resources. pewa County, a retir~d dairy Kivi should know. He's worked Thousands of tourists visited farmer who now grows cash at the fair for over 30 years, the U.P. State Fair, held Aug. crops, has only visited the U.P. many of those as superinten- 16-21 this year. "A lot of them State Fair in recent years. "1 dent of the dairy exhibit. Three were surprised at the diversity always wanted to but with dairy years ago he was named to the of agriculture in the U.P.," Kivi cattle I was tied down," he said. U.P. State Fair board and now said. "You just don't see agri- This year Doll was working at serves as its chairperson. Kivi is culture driving on U.S. 2 - you the Farm Bureau booth, coor- well qualified for the position. have to get on the byways and dinated by the Hiawathaland He spent 17 years with the side roads." Farm Bureau, "This was the first time in quite a few years that the coun- ties in the U.P. cooperated on a booth at the U.P. State Fair," said Joanne Stefl, Hiawathaland Farm Bureau president. "Every county was very responsive." She said the goal of increas- ing visibility was met. "People had many questions - a lot of people think of insur- ance and nothing else when they hear the name Farm Bu- reau," she said. "We tried to stress the legislative aspect which was very easy to do with Congressman Bob Davis' booth just across from us and the county Democratic Party booth nearby." Doll, who serves as District 11 director on the Michigan Farm This cow ain't got much kick, grins a participant In the Hlawathaland Young Farmers milking competition. The exhibit was a popular one at (continued on page 31) this year's Farm Bureau booth and will be repeated next year. 26 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198:3 AGRINOMIC UPDATE ,r Woodlot Management Offers Environmental and Economic Benefits Just over one-half of Michi- recreation, wildlife, lumber valuable trees. The result is a gan, some 19 million acres of products or maple syrup. Clear- healthier, higher quality, more land in total, is forested. Over ing or cutting is the usual valuable woodlot. 54% is owned by 180,000 non- means by which the goals are One nice aspect of woodlot industrial private owners. This reached. However, sometimes management is that usually forest resource constitutes a not cutting is equally impor- more than one goal can be at- tremendous growing resource, tant. The skill is in knowing tained at the same time. In which can benefit both indi- what method is needed and hardwoods, for example, thin- vidual owners and the state's when to use it. ning a woods can also provide overall economy. firewood. It also improves con- Unfortunately, many private Why Should You Bother ditions for many species of owners realize little economic to Manage Your Woodlot? wildlife, and upgrades the quali- return because their woodlots ty and future value of the re- I 1 are poorly managed or poorly Why does a farmer cultivate maining trees. stocked with desirable trees. In his field or a gardener tend his Another im portant aspect of many cases, woodlot owners do garden? Because proper care woodlot management is the not realize the need to manage returns higher yields to the timing of certain practices. their resource nor do they know farmer and more vegetables to Whether a particular method is how to go about managing a the gardener. The same is true applied at one month or woodlot. They are also unaware for a woodlot. The amount of another is not usually as critical of the benefits that a managed growth in a woodlot is generally as it is in the case of growing program can have on their consistent. In an unmanaged corn. But, some forms of man- woodlot. woodlot, the growth is spread agement do need to be applied Simply put, woodlot manage- out over all trees regardless of within reasonable time limits. ment involves controlling the their value or size. Using the kind, size and number of trees proper methods and timing, What Methods. are Used to achieve certain goals. They this growth is directed to max- to Manage a Woodlot? may be to provide firewood, imize the number of the most Many different methods are used. Often they can be modi- fied to meet the exact situation of the woodlot and the desires of the owner. They are: Uarvesting Harvesting is needed to re- move mature trees, to reduce the number of large trees and to provide for the development of new and young trees. Differ- ent types of harvesting are used depending on the species of tree involved and the objectives of the landowner. -Clear Cutting - Removing all trees. Clear cutting is used on woodlots containing tree species such as jack pine and aspen, which require full sun- light to develop. RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 27 -Selection - Removing se- - Nut Trees - Certain tree management needed for their lected trees. Applies to most species such as beech, oak, woodlot. hardwoods, red pine and white hickory and walnut provide For more information, contact pine woodlots. nuts for wildlife. Leaving some your local Department of Natu- -Shelter Wood - Removing of these trees at strategic loca- ral Resources forester, Soil Con- about 60% of the trees. The re- tions encourages and attracts servation Department forester maining 40% are large trees wildlife. or consulting forester. A list of and are removed after the - Dead Snags - Cavity-nest- consulting foresters is usually young trees are well estab- ing birds need dead snags for available from county Coopera- lished. nesting and/ or as a source of tive Extension offices, Agricul- food. Leave a few dead snags to tural Stabilization and Conser- Timber Stand Improvement attract these birds. vation Service offices, or the Soil Conservation Service office -Thinning - Reducing the Where Do I go From "ere? in your county. number of trees in a crowded, young woodlot. Care is used to Once an owner has commit- (EDITOR'S NOTE: This article remove damaged, diseased, rot- ted himself to woodlot manage- is based on Forest Management ten and undesirable trees. ment, he will generally need to Notes prepared by the staff of Sometimes good trees are re- get professional assistance, Region .3 of the Department of moved if too many are crowded since few landowners know the Natural Resources.) together. - Pruning - Removing the side branches on the most valu- able trees to improve their qual- ity and value. This must be done when the branches are less than two inches in di- ameter and when the tree is less than 10 inches in diameter. -Grape Vine Cqntrol - Cut- ting grape vines which kill and deform trees. Protection - Fencing - Grazing animals should be kept out of woodlots; they are very destructive. - Fire Lanes - To provide ac- cess and, in some instances, to reduce the chance of wild fires The Complete Granule and their spread. It's the number one swine feed additive that's now - Edges - Leaving thick totally granulated. Featured in Swine Starter feeds . woodlot edges reduces drying by Farm Bureau Services. Locked into each AUREO winds within the woodlot and S.P 250@granule are AUREOMYCIN@chlortetra- provides important habitat for wildlife. cyline, sulfamethazine and penicillin. That means faster gains, better feed efficiency, more disease Wildlife protection and improved control of sulfamethazine carryover. Don't settle for second best. Get Swine - Den Trees - Trees with Starter feeds by Farm Bureau Services. Now with holes, especially in the upper branches, are of value to many new totally granulated AUREO S. P 250. The species of wildlife. Leaving one Complete Granule. den tree per acre, and particu- larly those trees along the edge See your Farm Bureau Services of the woodlot, encourages and dealer today for details. (;e!:~~~~ID Wayne. NJ 07470 attracts wildlife. 28 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 The Discussion Topic Is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly Agricultural Credits polley discussions. and Exemptions Face Challenge in Legislature This month's discussion topic legonds (R-Holland) and Rep. emptions and credits within was prepared by Robert E. Engler (R-Mt. Pleasant).. them, including those of partic- Smith, senior legislative counsel The subcommittee has met ular importance to farmers and with Michigan Farm Bureau. during the summer recess. One agribusiness. session was to review a 52-page The bills introduced by Rep. Just before the Legislature report prepared by the Depart- Saunders are: recessed for the summer in ear- ment of Management and Bud- H.B. 4. 7 56 - Amends the ly July, six bills were introduced get listing most of the "tax ex- General Property Tax Act to in the House by Rep. Saunders penditures." eliminate personal property ex- (D-Detroit). The bills, if passed The report is in three sections emptions after Dec. .30, 1985. by the Legislature in original and contains numerous tables This includes all farm personal form, would put a "sunset" or and lists. All exemptions and property (machinery, livestock, expiration date on every tax ex- credits (tax expenditures) feed, etc.); farm products, emption and tax credit in the studied add up to a total of "processed or otherwise" in state and local tax structure. $6.9 billion ($4.4 billion state public warehouse, dock or port, To begin the discussion, it and $2.5 billion local). and sugar made from sugar- should be pointed out that ex- State taxes are listed in cate- beets in processor storage; emptions and credits are being gories. They are: mechanics' tools; household called "tax expenditures," - Business privilege taxes (sin- furnishings; appliances; fuel; defined as "revenue foregone gle business tax, corporation wearing apparel; jewelry; etc. by the government" due to fees, foreign insurance com- It would also eliminate the ex- such credits, exemptions, etc., panies, oil and gas severence, emption of growing farm crops in over .30 state and local tax boxing and wrestling and horse (trees, shrubs, plants, bushes, statutes. It is claimed that such racing) vines, annual or perennial) and "tax expenditures" are similar -Consumption taxes (alcohol, the assessments on public to "direct expenditures" or ap- cigarette, sales and use taxes) rights of way exemption. propriations because "they pro- -Individual income taxes It also applies to senior citi- vide government aid and subsi- - Property taxes (commercial zen deferments, farmland inher- dy through reduced taxes." forest, inheritance, intangibles, itance and P.A. 116, the farm- However, it is claimed, "a direct stumpage, utilities) land and Open Space Preserva- government expenditure is sub- -Transportation taxes (air- tion Act. ject to an annual budget review craft and aviation, marine ves- This is not a complete list. whereas a tax expenditure is sels, motor carrier fees, motor However, every farmer can not." fuels, motor vehicle weight quickly estimate his or her in- A subcommittee of the House taxes, watercraft fees) creased property tax if all live- Taxation Committee was Local tax expenditures in- stock, machinery, feed, all formed to study all exemptions. clude: crops growing iri the field (fruit It is chaired by Rep. Padden - Property taxes (general prop- trees, bushes, wheat, hay, etc.), (D-Wyandotte). Other members erty tax, iron ore, mobile home, household goods and other per- are Rep. Weeks (D-Warren), Rep. real estate transfer, swamp tax) sonal property is assessed and Bullard (D-Ann Arbor), Rep. Jon- -Other local taxes (accommo- taxed. dahl (D-East Lansing), Rep. HiI- dations tax, city income tax, H.B. 4757 - Amends the In- city utility users tax) come Tax Act to eliminate, after All of the state and local taxes listed have numerous ex- RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 29 Dee. 31, 1983, the $1,500 per- The sales tax exemption is ities of $90 million. The home- sonal exemption and various crucial to farmers. Farm Bureau stead tax credit program, which deductions including retirement first achieved this many years also includes farms, now totals benefits, contributions, energy ago and has had to fight to about $540 million in exemp- credits, and the homestead tax keep it throughout the years. tions. credit program known as the The Michigan exemption is the If exemptions were removed "circuit breaker." It would also best in the nation; however, from the state income tax, in- eliminate the credit a farmer other states are slowly getting creased revenue would total can take when he or she allows similar exemptions. well over one-half billion charitable organizations to II.B. 4761 - Amends the dollars. "glean" fields or orchards for Single Business Tax Act and The report does not indicate usable food. Again this is not a among other things would what the exemption on fuel complete list. again impose the tax on farm- taxes for agriculture would D.B. 4758 and D.B. 4760 - ers. Agriculture was under the amount to. It does, however, Amends the general sales tax tax when it first passed, but list the tax credit on gasohol at and use tax laws to eliminate Farm Bureau successfully sup- about $5.7 million. all exemptions after Dee. 31, ported legislation to exempt Total agricultural exemptions 1984, including the sales tax farmers. that are listed add up to $77.4 exemption for agricultural ma- II.B. 4759 - Amends the million which is small when chinery, livestock, feed, seed, Severence Tax Act in a similar compared to the total. However, fertilizer, all supplies, ete. It manner. because farmers are such a also applies to churches and This tax could affect some small portion of the total state other exempt groups. farmers who have oil or gas or population, it is of tremendous other minerals being extracted importance to the individual from their land. farmer. Also, keep in mind that the report does not list many of Tremendous Impact on the smaller exemptions and THE FINEST Agricultural Industry credits. PECANS! What does it all mean to agri- Necessary for Equity I • For FUND RAISING culture as a whole? It's not pos- Future Development • For BUSINESSGIFTS sible to know the total effect. • For PERSONAL USE For exam pie, no one can guess Exemptions and credits (tax ~ ..,..... ..(: ....~ ... , J .It how much the total farm per- expenditures) serve an impor- sonal property would amount tant purpose in a total tax to. structure. They are used to pro- This is also true with some vide equity in the structure. other exemptions. For example, There is no tax that is not the Department of Management seriously unfair to some people. Meaty, flavorful new crop pecans, all and Budget's report estimates picked wifh care from our Georgia Exemptions and credits are groves, processed and shipped fresh that the agricultural sales tax also used to encourage new de- from our spotless plant. ACE PECAN is your direct source for a exemptions amount to $28.9 velopment and investment and complete variety of nutmeats- million compared to a total lost other purposes thought to be walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews, brazils and mixed nuts. There is nothing of $477.6 million. The exemp- for the public good. Some are in your local grocery store that com- tion on food and drugs which pares in size, quality and just-picked intended to expire after they freshness! was put in by a vote of the peo- have served the purpose. WRITEFOR FREEINFORMATION! ple totals $330 million. It should be understood that Brochure, Wholesale Prices, "How The report indicates that the the chairperson of the tax sub- To Sell" Brochure and Sample Of- fer. Learn how organizations single business tax exemption committee has made it very profit with our fundraising program! for farms totals $5.8 million, clear that every tax exemption - compared to total exemptions and credit will be studied and ~ of over $310 million. Similarly, will have to be justified if it is farm inheritance exemptions to survive. total $800,000 compared to Farm Bureau has promoted Ninth and Harris Street $52.6 million total exemptions. and supported all the tax pro- Dept. 140 P.O. Box 65 P.A. 116 credits now total $36.4 Cordele. Georgia 31015 million, but compare that to an Call TOll FREE1-800-323-0775 Dept. 140 exemption for industrial facil- .30 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 grams for farmers through the day, Aug. 21 at the fair to raise MID-SOUTH TRACTOR years and now, as in previous money and educate non-farm- PARTS, INC. years, will continue to justify ers. Rt. 2, Box 316-M9, Sikeston, MO 63801 those tax programs as equity Young Farmer Neil VanDrese CAll TOll FREE for agriculture. This will be a built two cows (a Holstein and a Out of State: 1-8OG-325-7070 Missouri Res.: 1-8OG-392-0929 major challenge in the coming Jersey) from old barrels and of- "For good used parts at low prices." months and the cooperation of fered youngsters and adults Farm Bureau members will be alike the opportunity to "milk" needed. a cow. The exhibit proved very LIQUID PLASTIC (NOT SOLD IN STORES) It is not known when particu- popular. lar "tax expenditures" will be "The kids paid 25 cents each ~h~:yauprpii~~ I~: • paint forms a considered. The bills, as intro- to race against each other," ~~, - skin so tough it . won't crock, chip duced, will only serve as "vehi- Stefl said. "They had a line of .~ "'-. or peel. Cuts ~ cle bills" which provide the over 200 kids waiting for a turn . •. :..::":~ -.~ pointing costs . . . covers and reason for the tax review. The parents said it was the protects like a shield of unbreakable most fantastic thing they'd ever gloss. WATERPROOF IN 30 MINUTES Discussion Questions seen - very educational. Adheres to practically anything. Stops "We didn't raise a lot of leaks. Ideal for concrete, aluminum, wood. masonry, canvas, any metal. - Do you think that the Legis- money - about $60 - but next Clear any major color. Just specify. We pay all shipping costs. Order NAVAL 5. lature should review all exemp- year we'll go with it again and Ship as follows: ( ) Ots. at S'.'S tions and credits (tax expendi- have longer hours and give it each. ( ) Gal. at 525.95. ( ) 5 tures) to determine which more publicity," she said. Gal.s. at no per gal. should be terminated and which Name Address should be continued? City __ State Zip _ -If all exemptions and credits Hll,{'dall' Chl'rnical Cll., Dl'pl. ,\\V.H3 were repealed (which amounts Christine Wizner P.O. BllX 3()~2, Hll'l'dall', I\an. 66103 to at least $6.9 billion), do you (continued from page 21) think it would result in the tax LOWEST PRICE PUMPING rate being cut? the apples and cider in the POWER ON EARTH coolers at the stores." WINDMILLS The Wizners have two daugh- Aermotor ters, Kelly, 5, and Tracy, 4. It re- The classic name in quires a concerted effort to water pumping windmills U.P. State Fair since 1888 balance their time between the (continued from page 26) Write for business and their children. complete information: Bureau board, commended Hia- "Many times the girls go with DEAN'S WINDMILLS wathaland for taking the initia- me to deliver fruit, but after a Sales & Service tive for the booth. while that gets to be old stuff," 32519 N. River Road Mt. Clemens, MI 48045 "It was a wonderful idea for Chris said. "We try to get things (313) 469-2417 Hiawathaland to invite the caught up during the week so other county Farm Bureaus to that we can have one day dur- participate in the booth," he ing the weekend that we are free to spend with them, as well STATE MAPS said. "At least the Farm Bureau members themselves had the as a couple hours each BOOK evening." Specially prepared pub- opportunity to get together to lication containing the 83 share their ideas. If you're apart What qualities does Chris county maps of the state of so geographically as we are in believe an Outstanding Young Michigan is available. 128 the U.P., it's pretty difficult to Farm Woman should have? pages, 16x22 inch double do that." "You can't be afraid of hard spread. Detailed map of work, and most farm women each county. To order 'Milking' Contest Popular aren't. You have to have con- send $10.70 to Bureau of fidence in yourself and under- Maps, Box 30235, Lan- stand the field that you're in, sing, MI48909. The Hiawathaland Farm Bu- reau Young Farmers sponsored whether it's fruit, dairy, etc., a "milking" contest on Satur- and you have to be the kind of person who is willing to work 'l27 page illustrated book explains sausage making with your husband in order for plus home curing and smoking of meat, fowl and fish. Over 100 recipes. We now have Low Sa" the business to really work." Seasonings. Free equipment and supply catalog has more information. The SAUSAGEMAKER 177-56 Military Road Buffalo. N.Y. 14207 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 31 Trade Agreements Exact Political Price By Robert Delano, President ments. They act as if there country of a youthful Chinese American Farm Bureau Federation would be no market without tennis star along with a break- them. They ignore obvious down in U.S./Chinese textile The U.S.lSoviet grain agree- agreement limitations and the negotiations, caused Peking to ment was signed Aug. 25 in distinct possibility that, be- retaliate with a complete buy- Moscow. One week later on cause of unforeseen political ing freeze on American cotton Sept. 1, trigger happy Soviet happenings, there may be no and soybeans and curtailment ground officials ordered a ruth- market with them. Where gov- of grain purchases. The signing less ambush of commercial ernments are involved in the of a new textile agreement Korean airlines flight 007. In sale of anything from grain to brought a recent lifting of these what President Reagan called "a airline tickets, international trade restrictions. crime against humanity," the "politics" always rides along Soviet gunners blasted it out of with the price. the sky, killing all 269 persons Why then do we persist in aboard, including 61 Americans thinking of these government- - among them a member of to-government sales arrange- Congress. ments, involving farm commod- Farmers joined Americans ities we produce and own, as everywhere in expressing horror necessary, normal business at this barbaric act. Speaking deals in the face of a wealth of for Farm Bureau, I urged Presi- disastrous experience to the dent Reagan to take an interna- contrary? tional approach to the atrocity - calling for a full Soviet ac- Recent Uistory ... counting and appropriate con- certed action by the world com- In 1976, during President munity - including denial of Ford's administration, the long- Soviet air rights and landing term grain agreement was de- privileges. liberately written to control and In my opinion, the president limit sales to the Soviet Union reacted well to this crisis. U.S. after public outcry over Mos- ROBERT B. DELANO offices of Aeroflot were closed cow's supposed "Great Grain and Soviet wings were further Robbery." clipped by a Civil Aeronautics Can we not see that with a Bilateral Disadvantages Board order instructing U.S. purchase "cap" of 12 million airlines to refuse traffic to, tons, this year's version of the Farmers and ranchers have from, or within, the United agreement with the Soviets is learned to place very little faith States when an Aeroflot flight is also limiting? Besides, how firm in bilateral trade agreements listed on the ticket. is any commitment with unprin- which, at best, interfere unduly cipled people? Is it not reason- with the workings of a market- Trade-Limiting Agreements able to expect a government oriented agriculture. Such pacts which kills without conscience invite embargo actions or other Would there have been a to be just as quick to renege on intervention by governments. grains agreement with the an agreement of any kind were They can involve union- Soviets if, by chance, the airline it advantageous to do so? promoted maritime agreements massacre had occurred a week It is easy to get excited over requiring a large portion of all before the scheduled signing of the possibilities of expanded commodities to move in U.S. the U.S.I USSRgrains agree- trade with the Chinese, involv- ships at higher costs. ment? I think not. ing over one billion people, one American farmers have been Therein lies the inherent con- fourth of the world's popula- bombarded by propaganda urg- tradiction tied to the enthusi- tion. But, the defection to this asm some people have for long term international trade agree- .32 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198.3 ing u.s. participation in various proposed international com- modity agreements. The en- thusiasm for them generated among some members of the grain trade, and even some farm groups, is always surpris- ing. To some, the lure of "order- Iy marketing" or attempts to fix commodity prices outright ap- pear irresistable. Farm Bureau policy flatly op- poses any agreement to control price, or supply, or otherwise rig world commodity markets. We see many disadvantages and no advantages for u.s. pro- ducers in proposals for an inter- national wheat agreement. Without exception, international commodity agreements greatly restrict u.s. farmers' marketing opportunities and substantially reduce net farm income. It is significant that, without excep- tion, all of the dozens of inter- national commodity agree- ments attempted over the past 100 years have failed. ~ . III III III ~GIFT CERTIFICATE III III III III III III III III This Gift Certificate may be redeemed at III III participating Farmers Petroleum Cooperative dealers to receive $2.00 off each CO-O~ branded tire for light-weight trucks on: eCargo Carrier Lt. eMulti Carrier III III eRedi-Grip eCountry Squire III III III III III : - Offer Good Through October 31, 1983 - : III III III III : FARMERS PETROLEUM COOPERATIVE, INC. : III • III III (517) Dial 1-800-322-2611 (313 or 616) Olall-800-292-2639 III III III III III III Quality Products at Competitive Prices - Service You Can Rely On : : III ~••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• J RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 1983 Legislative Review and source of assistance. It has -General business climate been a leader in realistic and issues include workers' compen- (continued from page 7) "performance-based" inspec- sation, unemployment compen- Research to stimulate develop- tions for those laws for which it sation, business taxation, etc. ment of new methods, proc- is responsible. In addition to the above 15 esses and equipment for use in - New product development recommendations, the report production manufacturing, research to include such items also contains several areas for processing, packaging and as packaged ethnic foods, high study or other action. These in- distributing of food products. protein dry bean flour, fruits clude feasibility studies on - Eliminate all unnecessary preserved and packaged, ultra- broiler production and process- fees and inspections consistent high-temperature milk, turkey ing; soybean crushing plant; with maintaining a high level of products, etc. soyfood production; expanded health and safety. Presently -Good statistics are essential hog production; hard cheese concerns fall into two cate- to agriculture and the market- processing; potato processing; gories: inspections never done ing of its products. The USDA and the economic value of fuel for which a fee is charged and has eliminated many reporting ethanol by-products. inspections and fees that are services for crops and livestock, The Department of Commerce duplicated among state agen- including many specialty crops has already provided a Small cies. The report commends the that are important to Michigan. Cities Economic Development Department of Agriculture for It is expected that the states Grant of $267,500 to the Michi- its system of adjusting inspec- should support those programs. gan Milk Producers Association tions according to the perfor- -The efforts of Paula Blan- for purchase and conversion of mance record of those inspect- chard, the Michigan Department the Remus butter plant for the ed. of Agriculture and various re- production of hard cheese. - Recommendations on envi- tailers and restaurants were The report also mentions fruit ronmental regulations received commended on their programs and vegetable processor com- considerable attention in that to promote Michigan food prod- plaints on the Marketing and they are often enforced in a ucts. Further efforts are needed Bargaining Act (P.A. 344). How- harassing rather than a cooper- to promote new out-of-state ever, any further consideration ative manner. Those complying markets. is left up to the special House with one set of regulations • -Increased coordination Agriculture subcommittee often find themselves violating among agriculture, tourism and chaired by Rep. Stabenow. Proc- another. Some problems in- recreation industries. Agricul- essors have appeared before the clude odor, water and air pollu- ture is already attracting large subcommittee and fruit and tion, spray irrigation, waste numbers of tourists for pick- vegetable producers were treatment, etc. your-own fruit and vegetable scheduled to meet with the sub- -Transportation is essential crops. committee on Sept. 20. to the health of agriculture and -One stop problem solving The report further urges a the food industry. This includes assistance would help those partnership with business for maintenance of rail service, needing permits, approval, funding endowed chairs at highways, air freight. Port de- licenses, etc., who are often Michigan State University and velopment could also provide a delayed by bureaucratic delays consideration of Michigan's substantial boost. and the need to go from one "seal of quality" law passed - Research and Extension ex- agency to another. some years ago to promote pansion at Michigan State Uni- -Small cities bloc-grant funds Michigan farm products such as versity is also a major recom- have already been used to help the new "yellow potato." mendation. Reductions in the communities to assist in en- As the legislative session pro- budget must be restored at the couraging new processing gresses, many bills will no land-grant university to meet plants. doubt be introduced to carry the production problems of ag- -The Michigan Strategic Fund out the recommendations. riculture and the food industry. Legislation (now in bill form) -The Department of Agricul- sets priorities for the types of ture is recognized by growers, business and industry that can Lansing legislative topics are processors and commodity be helped. It is recommended reviewed by Robert E. Smith, groups as a traditional friend that the food industry be one of senior legislative counsel. those priorities. J4 RURAL LIVING, OCTOBER 198J Join alumni and friends of agriculture and natural t' resources ~-. ~Oct. 29 " AUTUMNFEST '83 Featuring: MSU vs Minnesota homecoming game. Pregame feast of fine Michigan foods served from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jenison Fieldhouse. Same low ticket price as last year. -------------------------------------------------- AUTUMNFEST '83 TICKET APPLICATION - Saturday, October 29 No. Price Total Football/ Brunch Package $19.50 Name (limit two per order) each Address ANR Superbrunch $7.50 (unlimited number) each Handling Charge $ I .00 (City) (State) (Zip) TOTAL REMITTANCE Make checks payable to Michigan State University. Mail your reservations to: Bob LaPrad. 121 Agriculture Hall. MSU. If we cannot fill your football order, do you still East Lansing. Mich. 48824. Your tickets will be mailed. want brunch tickets? DYes DNo Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization Rural Living Magazine U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PAID Lansing, Michigan Lansing, Michigan 48909 Permit No. 37