MACMA Member-to-Member 1983 Christmas Citrus Sale Featuring ... Fresh Florida citrus, concentrates and nuts. Wisconsin cheeses ... Michigan concentrates, meats and. ANNOUNCING delightful, delectable "Michigan Farm Best" gift packs containing taste-tempting treats from Michigan producers. Michigan's Farm nest Supreme Gift Pack INCLUDES Michigan's Farm nest Gift Pack 13/4 lb. Smoked Turkey Breast 1 lb. Hickory Stick INCLUDES 41/4 Ib, MACMA Vintage Ham P/4 lb. Smoked Turkey Breast 112 lb. MSU Colby Cheese 1 lb. Hickory Stick 112 lb. MSU Smoked Cheddar Cheese 112 lb. MSU Colby Cheese 112 lb. MSU Dagano Cheese 112 lb. MSU Smoked Cheddar Cheese 1 pint Pure Maple Syrup 1 pint Pure Wild Honey 1 pint Pure Wild Honey 10 oz. Cherry Butter 10 oz. Cherry Butter 10 oz. Red Raspberry Seedless Preserves $18.50 $39.70 Over 5¥2 pounds of premium Michigan productl Over 11 pounds of premium Michigan product! A Memorable Way to Please Everyone on Your Gift List MACMA Dam by Farmer Peet's - a name in color with a mild to mellow flavor and long associated with premium quality. No a firm, soft texture. water added, hickory smoked and honey -The Smoked Cheddar is smoked by a spe- cured for a juicy country ham taste long to cially developed MSUprocess, giving it a be remembered. Boneless, full cQoked and delicately smoked flavor while preserving vacuum packed to seal in freshness. Truly a the golden color. table centerpiece for..the holidays! . -The Dagano Cheese is a swiss-type The Dickory Stick is a German-style .sausage cheese with a pleasing mild, sweet nut- blended with fresh natural spices and choice like flavor. It has holes, or "eyes," that cuts of lean meat; then slowly and deeply develop as the cheese ripens. smoked for days over fragrant hickory em- Pure Northern Michigan Maple Syrup pro- bers, giving a zesty flavor that is irresistible. duced in the Grand Traverse Bay area. Smoked Turkey Breast - by Bil-Mar Pure Wild Doney produced and packed in Farms. One-quarter turkey breast, slowly northern Michigan. cured, naturally smoked and fully cooked by a special process which produces a unique Cherry Butter 8t Red Raspberry Seedless taste. Vacuum packed for freshness. Preserves from Rocky Top Farms in north- ern Michigan. They keep a close involvement Ch.ee~'.es"QY J\'1'i~higan State University. in the making of their gourmet products. -The'Colby Cheese is light cream to yellow Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 22, 1983 .Delivery Date: Beginning Week of December 12 See the county newsletter section of Rural Living magazine or your own county's newsletter to see if your county Farm nureau is participating in the sale. NOVEMBER 1983 FARM NEWS VOL. 62 NO. 11 THE COVER A publication Jerry Ward of Delton fashioned this wood-hewn of the symbol of "Turkeyville USA" for the Cornwell family. Michigan Story on page 8. Farm Bureau Photo by Cathy Kirvan In this issue: Turkeyville, USA Where Every Day is Thanksgiving! Cornwell's Turkey House is more than a restaurant serving turkey specialties. It's an every day gathering place for families in a holiday atmosphere. 8 Aloha From Grand Rapids As members look ahead to the 1985 AFBF convention in Hawaii, a South Pacific theme warms this year's MFB annual meeting in Grand Rapids. 10 Mean Ole Allis Not Getting Older, Getting Better From retired farm tractor to super stock diesel powerhouse, Mean Ole Allis has found success on the regional and national tractor pull circuits. 14 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 County Newsletter - pages 18-19 Country Ledger - page 5 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 20 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 26 Front and Center - page 16 Discussion Topic - page 28 Letters to Rural Living - page 17 Michigan farm I'lews RURAL LlVII'lO (ISSI'l 0026-2161): MIchIgan Farm News Rural LIvIng is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bu. reau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Office Box 30960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 508. SUBSCRIYTIOI'l YRICf:: $1.50 per year to members. Included In annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members In Michigan. $5.00 per year non.members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 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 offices. f:OITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor; Mar- cia Dltchle. Associate Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Associate Editor. OffICf:RS: Michigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. Jack Lauric. Cass City; Administrative Director. Robert Braden. Lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Of- ficer. Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. OIRf:CTORS: District I. Arthur Bailey. Schoolcraft: District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: District 5. Albert Cook. Mason: District 6. Jack Lauric. Cass City: District 7. Robert Rider. Hart: District 8. Lyle LeCronler. Freeland: District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort: District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch: District II. Bernard Doll. Dafter. D1Rf:C- TORS AT LAROf:: Dave Conklin. Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Robert Rottler. Fremont. fARM BURf:AU WOMf:l'h Faye Adam. Snover. fARM BURf:AU YOUI'lO fARMf:RS: Mark Smuts. Charlotte. POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mall to: MichIgan Farm News Rural LIvIng. P.O. Box 30960. 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Cooperation Will Lay Firm Base for Economic Expansion I believe most farmers of this should certainly be valuable to I sincerely hope the governor state were pleased with the the governor as he reaches and the new commission mem- decision of the Michigan Agri- toward his goal of economic ex- bers, whoever they might be, culture Commission to hire Dr. pansion for our state. With have learned from events of the Paul Kindinger as the new MDA foreign trade so vital to our past several months: (1) that a director. His intense belief in farmers, Kindinger's expertise solid block of voters are com- the future of Michigan agricul- in this area should be especially mitted to saving the commis- ture and his enthusiasm for the. beneficial to Michigan. sion system; (2) that the con- industry's tremendous growth Kindinger is currently serving fidence of the agricultural com- potential have gained him on the food processing and for- munity in the governor and the broad respect as an effective estry committees that are work- ~ommission is on shaky ground spokesperson. ing with the governor's staff to now, and (3) if the new director Let's hope that, with the nam- develop recommendations for is not given a chance to prove ing of a new director, the non- Blanchard's jobs and economic his worth, that confidence will productive controversy that has development package. be completely destroyed! surrounded this issue can be While Dr. Kindinger may have As the editor of a weekly set aside so "on-hold" action to all the qualifications needed to newspaper in the Thumb said in make it happen for Michigan be an effective MDA director, we a recent editorial: " ... in recent agriculture can get underway. must face the fact that he was years, the awareness of agricul- Throughout this controversy, not the governor's choice. When ture as an important economic it has been the independence of appointments to the commis- force in this state has grown. A the commission which has con- sion are made in January, that move against agriculture in cerned farmers the most. Had body may decide he is not their Michigan is no longer a move the commission's choice been choice, either. It would be a against just two percent of the any of the three final can- tragic mistake if that happens! state's population tucked neatly didates, the farming community We strongly urge the governor away in the hinterlands .... " would have accepted that and the new commission to be That two percent has the po- choice - so long as it was the appreciative of the new tential and the power to help commission's choice. Making director's own special qualifica- the governor meet his goals of that decision is a right and tions. He deserves the chance economic expansion for Michi- responsibility given to them by to prove himself as he meets gan. Let's hope he and the new law and we strongly defend that the challenges of program in- commission realize that. system. itiatives the governor may We believe the major initia- charge to the department and tives the governor has indicated carries out the policies he has in mind for agriculture established by the commission, will be in good hands if the new to which he is accountable. director is given the opportuni- This can happen only if politi- President ty to prove himself. Kindinger's cal interference is kept at a Michigan Farm Bureau experience with the Governor's minimum - and it will if the Conference on Agriculture and governor is really committed to the subsequent Governor's Con- the goals he has set forth to the ference on the Horse Industry citizens of Michigan. 4 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198.3 COUNTRY LEDGER ~ Uoliday Traditions Enrich IUomecomings l Holiday traditions are the ty to bring this richness and Because your families and shared history of the family in strength to every facet of their their safety are of concern your home and in mine. At our home and worklife. By the very throughout the farm sector, t family homecomings, the long nature of their family enter- this month's issue of Rural Liv- past and recent history is told prise, they are interdependent ing features an article remind- in a nearly ritualistic series of as are few other contemporary ing farm operators to exercise anecdotes. The youngest family families. caution and safe practices dur- members delight in the tale of There is much to be thankful ing the harvest season. In the five-year-old Uncle AI asleep in for in our daily lives on the article, which appears on page .. the clothes basket while mother farm and in the small events 23, MSU agricultural safety and sisters frantically searched that are strung together specialist Howard Doss reminds the neighborhood for the miss- throughout the year. Such farm family members to "be ing boy, or how great-grandma everyday happenings bring joy careful out there." The safety changed her name from Mar- in the retelling as we remember practices and precautions he garet Alice to Alice Margaret in a special moment and share it outlines recognize that tensions the family bible many years with a family member or friend. may run high, the hours long, ago. Their high, excited giggles With this in mind, we are begin- and the potential for risktaking cannot be contained when they ning a new column in the De- very likely. It is a time to cloak hear their own name entered in- cember issue of Rural Living, our families with the protec- to the weaving of the familiar and we are inviting you to share tions of patience and a watchful r and comforting fabric. the anecdotes of your family eye for safety because, as Doss With each year's retelling, the and neighbors with Farm Bu- reminds us, machinery and .. small tears and fraying edges of reau readers throughout the parts can be replaced; lives and the piecework are lovingly state. Your stories of farm limbs cannot. mended and the "heirloom" dis- families at work and at play will Be sure to read and follow the played for the youngsters who be part of a regular column harvest safety tips outlined in will add their own stories and called "Rural Exchange" - a the article so that your family ,. join in the telling and retelling. sort of swapping place for the homecomings in this holiday Such family traditions are unusual, humorous or tender season will not be marked by precious keepsakes of assur- happenings of farm life. There the tragedy of accident or in- ance for each of us that, how- will also be space for announce- ever tumultous the world out- ments of special events and jury. ~~) /~ side, there is a center of un- photos. wavering care and love handed We are looking forward to this {~~ down from heart to heart in our new column and to the holiday families. anecdotes we hope you But it is not an effortless lov- will share with us for th(' _ ing that binds families and December issue. Please friends together. The richness send your descrip- of the fabric we weave comes tion of your family's from the daily gestures and the holiday traditions or t ~ "thank you's" that reward the special Christmas helping hand or the comforting story to Rural heart. It is strengthened by the Living Magazine, firm "no" to that which is un- P.O. Box 30960, fair, unsafe or unforgiving. Lansing, Mich. / Among the bright threads are 48909 by Nov. 5. the reflected light of shared And watch for Rural JVII laughter and joy lending their Exchange in next ~~ I particular colors to the cloth. month's issue of Rural Living Farm families, working close- magazine. ly together, have the opportuni- RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198.3 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW - A mandatory 50 cents per American developing countries. hundredweight assessment on The duty free access covers vir- all milk marketed will be col- tually everything grown, manu- lected from producers to offset factured and sold. Exceptions the costs of the $10 per hun- include textiles and apparel, dredweight diversion payment. canned tuna, petroleum, shoes National Dairy Legislation The 50 cent assessment will and certain leather goods. - On Oct. 7, the U.S. Senate end on the termination date of Theoretically, these countries passed the dairy compromise the diversion program. have small productive capacity legislation opposed by Farm - Dairy farmers will pay a and it is considered unlikely Bureau. mandatory 15 cents per hun- that the duty free competition The bill would lower the milk dredweight on all milk mar- will injure any sector of our price support to $12.60 until keted to finance a national economy. However, U.S. farmers Sept. 30, 1985, but provides for dairy product promotion pro- say, "Don't bet on it." Of par- the following adjustments: gram. Producers can receive up ticular concern is the potential - Not later than March 31, to 10 cents per hundredweight for shipment of imports through 1985, the price support may be credit for payments they are a Carribean country, with some lowered to $12.10 if the pro- making to qualified state and "semiprocessing" or some form jected annual CCC purchases regional dairy product promo- of "manufacturing" before duty for the coming 12 months will tion or nutritional education free shipment to the United exceed six billion pounds of programs. There will be no prior States. milk equivalent. producer referendum for ap- President Reagan can with- -On July 1, 1985, the price proval of the national dairy draw the duty free provision of support may be lowered to product promotion program. the initiative at any time. Short $11.60 if projected annual CCC The above dairy provisions of that, on the recommendation purchases for the coming 12 were attached to a House bill of the secretary of agriculture, months will exceed five billion passed previously dealing with the president can take emer- pounds of milk equivalent. Con- a cotton PIK program. The bill gency action to stop movement versely, if annual CCC pur- may now go directly to a House- of perishable crops which might chases for the coming 12 Senate conference committee flood domestic markets while a months are projected to be less rather than to the House floor full investigation is underway. than five billion pounds milk for full debate on the dairy pro- Regardless, farmers have served equivalent, the price support visions. notice that they will monitor may be increased by at least 50 import levels and are working cents on July I, 1985. to clear a "fast track" system -Beginning no later than Jan. Reagan's Carribean In- for import relief. I, 1984, and ending no later itiative - The Carribean in- than March 31, 1985, dairy itiative presents 28 developing farmers will have the opportuni- countries in Central America, ty to enter into a paid diversion South America and the Carri- program to reduce milk produc- bean with a package of assis- tion. A participating producer tance measures designed to will sign a contract specifying a help them help themselves. Pro- reduction of 5% to 30% below visions of the initiative worry the average of his fiscal year farmers, especially growers of A great deal of legislation is 1981-82 or fiscal year 1982 high value, labor intensive in progress during the fall ses- marketings, whichever he crops competing head-on with sion. Numerous new bills have chooses. The payment for milk those produced in the Carribean been introduced, many of which not produced would be $10 per basin countries, i.e., fruits, are of particular importance to hundredweight. Transfer of cat- vegetables and ornamentals. farmers and rural areas. Sum- tle from herds on which diver- One way free trade is the cen- maries of such legislation fol- sion payments are being made terpiece of the initiative, pro- low. would be restricted. viding 12 years of duty free ac- cess to U.S. markets by Carri- bean and South and Central Strategic Fund - This pro- posal has passed both houses, S.B. 386 in the Senate and H.B. 6 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198.3 4753 in the House. The legisla- tion coordinates the current Commission Selects Kindinger Job Development Authority and Economic Development Author- for MDADirector's Post ity, but broadens what can be done. Each establishes a board The Michigan Agriculture to administer the act. Commission voted along party One role of the fund, for ex- lines, 3 to 2, on Oct. 13 to ap- ample, will be to issue bonds, point Dr. Paul Kindinger as di- generally not more than 5% of rector of the Michigan Depart- the fund's assets, to finance ment of Agriculture. Kindinger projects for local governments, will assume his new responsibil- public colleges, utilities, in- ities on Nov. 1, replacing Dean dustrial development, etc. Pridgeon, whose resignation Also passed was H.B. 4762 was accepted by the commis- which establishes a loan insur- sion on Aug. 31. ance center for economic devel- Kindinger had served under opment and H.B. 4763, creating Pridgeon as the assistant MDA a center for assistance to local director until he accepted his governments using the fund. recent position as MSU's Coop- Several other pieces of legisla- erative Extension Service assis- tion will be needed to complete tant director in 1981. Before the eight-part proposal includ- joining the MDA as chief of mar- DR. PAUL KINDINGER ing a Center for Research and keting and international trade, Development. he directed Michigan Farm Bu- the governor's choice for the The governor's proposals on reau's Commodity Activities MDA director's position, he is agriculture and the food indus- and Research Division. confident they can work effec- try, to be announced later, tively together toward the goals would be able to use the funds. they share for Michigan agricul- We are confident that ture. In a statement following the we will be able to work PCB Contaminated Silos - announcement of Kindinger's Legislation is finally moving to very constructively with selection, MFB President Elton make it possible for affected Dr. Paul Kindinger for R. Smith said: "We are confident farmers to receive compensa- the betterment of Michi- that we will be able to work very tion when those silos that are in constructively with Dr. Paul Kin- use are removed. Action was gan agriculture. dinger for the betterment of taken when the House-Senate Michigan agriculture. His strong Joint Rules Committee rejected agricultural background, in- the MDA's permanent rules, During his tenure with MDA, cluding his years of service in which would extend the emer- Kindinger served as co-coordi- the MDA and at Michigan State gency rules which prohibited nator of the Governor's Confer- University, will be especially the use of the silos after Sept. ence on Agriculture in 1981 and valuable in his new role. 1, 1983. A special session of has been actively involved in "His belief in the great poten- the House Agriculture Commit- the follow-up of recommenda- tial of growth for Michigan agri- tee was held and H.B. 4958 tions resulting from that con- culture is well-known to farmers (Dodak) was approved. It is ference. He later chaired the who recognize his abilities as a identical to S.B. 365 (N. Smith) Governor's Conference on the spokesperson for agriculture. which was introduced last June. Horse Industry in 1982. We believe Paul Kindinger meets The bill authorizes the MDA to Kindinger, who received his the qualifications our board of use regular condemnation pro- doctorate in agricultural eco- directors determined were nec- cedures to remove the contami- nomics from Cornell University, essary for an effective MDA nated silos. This includes pay- says that although he was not director," Smith said. ing the costs of removal and (See President Smith's Rural disposal, appraisal and compen- Route message on page 4.) sation and the right of the own- (continued on page 34) RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198.3 7 Turkeyville, U.S.A. Where Every Day is Thanksgiving By Cathy J. Klrvan key salad, turkey and noodles and even turkey dogs. Autumn ... cool days and But Turkeyville is much more cooler nights ... leaves chang- than a restaurant. It is full of ing color and falling from the places and activities which trees ... jack-o-lanterns ... families can enjoy together. goblins threatening tricks if There's the old granary where they get no treats ... pumpkin visitors can buy hand-crafted pie ... turkey and dressing and gifts of tin-ware, soaps, candles cranberry sauce with grandma's and more; the barn full of an- homemade rolls ... Thanksgiv- tiques; the ice cream parlor and ing ... and families. gift shop; an antique fire engine Families ... what would that impresses kids and adults Thanksgiving be without them? alike; and even a barn filled Just another Thursday in with the gobblers themselves. autumn. Activities, which take place Families are also the essential just about every Saturday and ingredient in the success of holiday, include flea markets, Turkeyville, where it is Thanks- arts and crafts shows, band con- giving every day from early certs, antique fire engine and March through late November. car shows, a fall festival. quilt Turkeyville is the home of the shows, an Independence Day Cornwell family restaurant, festivaL a frog jumping contest which serves nothing but turkey and even a Turkey trot - a four - turkey soup, turkey sand- mile marathon that brings in wiches, turkey dinners, smoked runners from all over the state. turkey, barbecued turkey, tur- Yes, families are very impor- tant to Calhoun County Farm Bureau members Alan & Joellyn Cornwell - their own and the thousands who visit Turkeyville each year. 8 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1983 Government Regulations milk by-product somewhat like Uelp Cbange Farm white cheese with their feed - into Restaurant it makes all the difference in the world." The centennial farm at the The "elite" turkeys brought corner of N Drive North (now them a steady clientele that Turkeyville Road) and 15112Mile liked the way their turkeys Road, Marshall, has been in tasted. Alan's mother's family for 148 With all those gobblers on the years, only the last 16 as a farm, Alan's mother, Marjorie, restaurant/ family gathering and wife, Joellyn, had lots of place. practice preparing various "When I was real small, my forms of turkey sandwiches and dad was a dairy farmer. But other dishes. So, in 1961, the that was before state inspec- family opened a food booth at tions, and when we unknowing- the Calhoun County fair in Mar- ly bought some cows that were shall. It proved successful, and No turkeys are allowed in the ice cream parlor at Turkeyville. but Joellyn and Alan Cornwell serve a variety of turkey dishes next door in the restaurant. diseased, we lost the entire they continued it for six more herd," Alan says. "At that time years. we also had about 50 turkeys, About that time, Michigan and a couple bigger turkey decided to end its poultry in- growers in the area talked my spections and the farm process- dad into going into it full time." ing plant was to fall under Turkey farming agreed with federal jurisdiction. Wayne Cornwell and son Alan, "Our plant was fine," says and soon they opened a proc- Alan, who was working in the essing facility to freeze and family processing plant and package 8,000 to 9,000 fresh also at Kellogg's in Battle turkeys every holiday. "That's Creek. "But to comply with as many as we could get out," federal regulations, we would Patti Cornwell dishes up another Alan says. "We specialized in have had to build the inspector piece of homemade pie at Corn- milk-fed turkeys. We mixed a well's Turkey House restaurant. (continued on page 25) RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1983 9 " There may be a bone-chilling attending a reception following Michigan blizzard outside the the awards program can offer Amway Grand Plaza and Grand their congratulations for pro- Center in Grand Rapids during gram achievements and take the Farm Bureau annual meet- notes on "How'd you do that?" ings, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, but inside The reception will feature there will be a touch of balmy Hawaiian "munchies," travel in- Hawaii. Building anticipation for formation and an opportunity the January 1985 American to make early reservations for Farm Bureau Federation annual the January 1985 AFBF annual meeting, the focus of several meeting trip to the islands. activities will be on Hawaii. The "touch of Hawaii" will Good-will ambassadors from also be in evidence at the Hawaii will provide entertain- Wednesday evening delegate re- ment for the 1983 award-win- ception, banquet and hoedown. ning presidents and their cheer- Members are encouraged to ex- ing sections during the Tuesday change their boots for sandals, evening awards program, with their square dance outfits for well-earned fanfare for the top muumuus, and their western county Farm Bureau of the year. shirts for colorful Hawaiian top- A drawing for a free trip to pers. But, for those with special Hawaii will be a highlight of the attachment to their western evening's activities. Those eligi- gear, remember that Hawaii is a ble for the drawing include premium blend of all the every committee chairperson world's cultures and, geographi- who submitted award entries, cally, it is definitely west. A lei the presidents of each county around your neck, a flower in Farm Bureau that submitted an your hair (furnished at the ban- entry, plus all FB members in quet), and you won't be able to attendance (MFB and affiliate tell a cowhand from an island company employees and direc- native! tors excluded). The Hawaiian trip drawing Leis flown in from Hawaii will won't be the only opportunity to clearly identify award-winning win a prize. During the Wednes- county presidents so members day evening delegate reception, 10 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198.3 drawings will be held for Com- Those who made it happen in Farmer will win the use of an munity Action Group members membership will be honored Allis-Chalmers tractor for one and non-group members inter- during a County Presidents' and year. The Outstanding Young ested in joining or forming a Campaign Managers' Banquet Farm Woman will win a trip to group. (See advertisement on Tuesday evening beginning at 6 Washington, D.C., in April for page 13). p.m. Sponsored by Farm Bureau the annual legislative seminar. With no Farm Bureau Services Insurance Group, the banquet All members are encouraged annual meeting and no Product will feature recognition of the to view the Discussion Meet Show this year, a major change "Fabulous 15," Director's Key semi-finals at 10:30 a.m. and in the overall program will be Club members and other mem- the finals at 1:30 p.m. Winners the call to order of the delegate bership achievement winners. of the various contests will be body on Tuesday afternoon. Immediately following the honored during a Young Farmer Convention planners are hope- County Presidents' and Cam- awards program at 4:30 p.m. ful that this early start will paign Managers' Banquet, at The commodity session, be- allow an early adjournment on 8:30 p.m., will be the 1983 ginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday Friday, erasing any delegate county Farm Bureau awards morning, will feature Dr. William concerns about not arriving program. Hawaiian entertain- Lesher, USDAassistant secre- home in time for high school ment, recognition of star award tary for economics. Lesher is basketball games. county presidents, and a draw- the top agricultural economist ing for a free trip to Hawaii in for the Reagan administration Tuesday. Nov. 29 January 1985 will be included on the program. Opportunities Registration for the Farmers to congratulate the many win- Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. and ners of this evening's recogni- Subsidiary annual meeting will tion activities will take place begin at 9 a.m. The meeting will during a special Hawaiian re- be called to order at 10 a.m. ception following the awards and will include operations and program. financial reports, the presi- dent's address and election of Wednesday, Nov. 30 directors. Registration for the MFB an- "Farm Bureau - It's Happen- nual meeting will be open from ing Because of You" will be the 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and regis- theme of an address by AFBF tration for the MACMAannual President Robert Delano at the meeting will be from 11 a.m. to Delegate Breakfast sponsored noon. by Farm Bureau Women at 7:30 The Michigan Agricultural a.m. The program will include Cooperative Marketing Associa- highlights of the past year's tion annual will open with a lun- activities by FB Women. cheon at noon for MACMAmem- This is also Young Farmer bers, followed by the business Day, with contestants vying for meeting and program. To fortify the titles of Distinguished them for the afternoon's busi- Young Farmer, Outstanding ness, MFB voting delegates will Young Farm Woman and Discus- be treated to refreshments sion Meet winner. Winners of sponsored by MACMA's Direct the Distinguished Young Farm- Marketing Division from 2 to 3 er and Discussion Meet contests p.m. will win trips to Orlando, The opening delegate session Florida, to compete in the na- of the MFB annual meeting will tional contests at the 1984 be called to order at 3 p.m., AFBF annual meeting. The Dis- with business running until a 5 cussion Meet winner will also be p.m. adjournment. "Farm Bu- awarded the use of a Chevy reau - It's Happening Because S-10 pick-up truck for one year of You" will be the theme and the Distinguished Young throughout the annual meeting. DAVID R. LANDSWERK Mf'B ANNUAL BANQUET SPEAKER RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1983 11 YF Contestants Vie and was a key architect for the PIK program. He will take a look forward to the] 985 farm bill for Valuable Awards and discuss policy options for dairy. wheat and feed grains r programs. The Safemark meeting will start at 9:45 a.m. It will include a panel discussion on building ~,I , ,. the Safemark program in coun- ty Farm Bureaus. Guest speaker Keith Todd, director of AFBF marketing, will discuss the future of the member-only pro- gram. The President's Luncheon, scheduled for noon, will feature the annual address of MFB President Elton R. Smith. The resolutions session will begin at 2:30, with adjourn- ment of the delegate body set for 4:30 p.m. The Hawaiian Round-Up Re- ception will start at 6 p.m., The winner of the Distinguished Young Farmer competition will receive highlighting a special Com- an Allis Chalmers 6000 series tractor for one year of free use. The win- munity Action Group promotion ner will also receive an expense paid trip for two to the AF8F national convention at Orlando. Florida, in January. with drawings for prizes. The banquet is set for 7 p.m., followed by the Hawaiian Hoe- down from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Music will be furnished by the Petal Fall Variety Band. Thursday, Dec. 1 "Can AgriPac support make a difference in election results?" That question will be addressed by state Rep. Robert Bender and state Sen. Richard Posthumus during the AgriPac Breakfast which begins at 7:15 a.m. Ad- vance reservations are advised; however, if tickets are still available, they may be pur- chased at the AgriPac exhibit at the annual meeting. Members attending the AgriPac Breakfast can receive a special AGRIPAC'er button by showing their tickets at the AgriPac ex- for the second year, the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Corp. has hibit. Others can support agreed to provide a Chevy SolO pick-up for one year of free use to the "Friends of Agriculture" by pur- winner of the Discussion Meet finals. The MF8 winner will also compete chasing the buttons at the in national Discussion Meet competition at the AF8F convention In AgriPac exhibit. January. Michigan's Outstanding Young Farm Woman, to be selected during The resolutions session will Young Farmer competition at the state annual meeting, will receive an begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue expense paid trip for two to the MfB Washington Legislative Seminar. through until 4 p.m. Thursday with a break for the Governor's 12 RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1983 Luncheon. Gov. James Blan- chard is expected to address the delegates during the lun- Annual Meeting Uighlights cheon. (At this writing, his ap- pearance is still tentative.) Tuesday, November 29 Caucuses for odd-numbered 10:00 a.m. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. district elections will begin im- and Subsidiary Annual Meeting mediately following adjourn- 12:00 noon Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing ment of the resolutions session Association Luncheon and Annual Meeting at 4 p.m. .3:00 p.m. Resolutions Session The MFBAnnual Banquet will bring members and their spe- 6:00 p.m. Presidents' and Campaign Managers' Banquet cial guests together for an 8:.30 p.m. Star Awards Program evening of inspiration and fel- 10:00 p.m. Hawaiian Reception lowship. The guest speaker will be David R. Landswerk, superin- tendent of schools, Owatonna, Wednesday, November 30 Minnesota. 7:.30 a.m. Delegate Breakfast The dinner will be followed by 9:45 a.m. Young Farmer Contests a dance with music furnished 10:00 a.m. Commodity Session by Lee Talboys, popular Lansing 10:00 a.m. Safemark Conference musician whose past appear- ances at annual meetings have 12:00 noon President's Luncheon gained him many Farm Bureau 1:.30 p.m. Discussion Meet Finals fans. 2:.30 p.m. Resolutions Session 4:.30 p.m. Young Farmer Awards Reception Friday, Dec. 2 7:00 p.m. Dinner The final resolutions session 9:00 p.m. Hawaiian Hoedown will begin at 8:.30 a.m. and con- tinue until completion in the Thursday, December 1 afternoon. 7:.30 a.m. AgriPac Breakfast Election of directors in odd- numbered districts, one director 8:.30 a.m. Resolutions Session at large, one director represen- 12:15 p.m. Delegate Luncheon ting the FB Women's Commit- 4:00 p.m. District Caucuses tee, and one director represen- 6:.30 p.m. Annual Banquet and Dance ting the Young Farmer Commit- tee, will take place. The president of the Michigan Friday, December 2 Farm Bureau will be nominated 8:.30 a.m. Resolutions Session by the delegate body and elect- 12:00 noon Luncheon ed during a reorganizational 1:.30 p.m. Resolutions Session meeting of the board following the annual meeting. Delegate News Highlights of the annual meeting activities will be avail- Identify yourself as a Community Action able to delegates each morning of the annual meeting. The Group member at the CAG registration table in the "Delegate News" will be distri- Grand Center when you arrive at the MFB annual meeting. Group buted to each county delega- members will receive an ID button and portfolio for annual tion in the resolutions session. meeting materials. Be sure to sign in for the Wednesday even- In addition, a Grand Plaza hotel ing, Nov. 3D, prize drawing. The drawing is limited to Commu- television channel has been re- nity Action Group members and Farm Bureau members interested served to carry afternoon re- in Joining or starting a group in their area. ports of annual meeting events. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198:3 1:3 Mean Ole Allis - Not Getting Older, Getting Better By Connie Turbin of "Mean Ole Allis" in the 16 "That kind of national win is years since he and his partners a once in a lifetime happening," The jigsaw puzzle of metal "hooked" in their first county says Simpson. "Chances are parts, steel casings, turbo fair tractor pull. that'll never happen again for chargers and pistons in the The Allis-Chalmers 0-21 super us." But it was quite a showing Simpson farm shop is no mys- stock tractor and team mem- for Mean Ole Allis with only one tery to Max Simpson of Char- bers Max and Roy Simpson, previous national circuit season lotte. He's pulled off, rebuilt or Steve Davidson and Keith under her belt, and it has replaced nearly every part on Haynes have come a long way gained respect for both the the Allis-Chalmers 0-21 chassis from their 1967 Grand Cham- machine and the drivers among pion win at the Ingham County pullers and fans. Fair. In 1982, Mean Ole Allis Among pullers, respect is pulled her way coupled with a sense of sharp to a Grand Na- competition. Leafing through tional Champion- the 1983 issues of a tractor ship in the 7,000 pullers' magazine, Simpson pound super stock points out "the guys to beat." class and second The names and faces of super place positions in stock drivers John Klug of Iowa, the 9,500 pound and Bret Berg and Esdon Lehn of 12,200 pound classes. Minnesota and hometown com- petitor Jerry VanDorpe of Char- lotte are well known to enthusi- astic fans of tractor pulling. Such outstanding regional and national circuit drivers are friends as well as fellow com- \ .... 14 t petitors, and Simpson is look- Indy Invitational Pull," says Simpson admits he's hooked ing forward to seeing these Simpson. on the sport" although I never familiar faces next February at The Silverdome Invitational thought tractor pulling would .... the Silverdome Tractor Pull in Tractor Pull, in two show be this exciting or challenging Pontiac. events, will be a non-point, na- before I got into it," he says. tionally sanctioned pull for the Partner Keith Haynes of Wit- top four tractors and their Iiamston really got things going drivers from the 198.3 Grand back in 1966 when he bought National Circuit and the top two "Allis" and talked Simpson into regional pullers in super stocks giving up "a few nights" to help and modified. The rest of the install the clutch system. entries will be competing by in- "Keith ran' Allis' in the farm vitation of the pull organizers. stock pull at the Eaton County What makes these tractors Fair. Naturally, I was there to and their drivers so good? see how we'd do. I've been there "Naturally, they're a highly ever since. I guess Keith knew if competitive bunch of people," he could get me to work on the says Simpson, "and they're tractor, he'd have me. He was never satisfied with their last right about that!" performance. They'll keep on working and redesigning and adjusting until the machine is cranking out every ounce of horsepower it can give." That kind of performance demands long hours, teamwork and money. Right now there isn't much sponsorship of individual drivers or machines in tractor pulling, and, consequently, most drivers are financing their participation in the sport in- dependently. Repairs, mainte- nance and improvements on Damage repairs are expensive, the big machines can cost big attests Simpson. A cracked engine block, discovered before money, even if the owners have the last pull of the summer sea- the farm shop facilities son, will mean a $2,000 expend i- available, as does Simpson, for ture for replacement and alum i- making most of the parts. num reinforcement. "I look at it this way," he says, "some guys spend a lot of Simpson, who is a farm equip- ~ money for speedboats and ment service manager, relaxes in The central Michigan native is hunting trips and come home the evenings by working on the enthusiastic about the Silver- with nothing. I spend a lot of Allis Chalmers 0-21 super stock dome pull in 1984. "It's a tractor in the Simpson farm money on tractor pulling. That's r darned good pull and the shop. my hobby. The difference is I organizers are working to make make enough income from the each year better for the drivers sport to support my hobby." Farm stock pulls were the ~ and for the spectators. This Enough is the nearly $25,000 only com petition that" Allis" year with the national sanction Mean Ole Allis brings in each saw from 1966 to 1975, until (by the National Tractor Pullers year from the purses of regional she was retired from farm work. Association), the Silverdome and national circuit pulls. In 1975, the chassis and engine will be the first national circuit That's an impressive income for block were registered for the pull in Michigan for many years. a hobby, but Simpson explains super stock class and Mean Ole I think it's a great event for » that travel for team members Allis became a competition-only pullers and for the state; and and their wives, fees, parts and tractor. "Now, after supper I'm the potential is there for the repairs eat up about 98% of Silverdome pull to rival the that figure. (continued on page 27) granddaddy of them all - the RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1983 15 FRONT &. CENTER A grower referendum to approve five-year funding for Michigan's Plum Advisory Board will be held Oct. 31 through Nov. 14. The $2.50 per ton check-off on fresh and proc- essed plums would raise monies to continue research projects and an aggressive promotion campaign for the commodity. 1 FB members planning to seek elected office in 1984 can get training on effective campaigning at a campaign management seminar in March 1984. Political specialists and of- fice holders will guide the planning and information session. for more information contact Ron .... Gaskill, MFB Public Affairs Division, phone 517-323-7000, ext. 559. Farm Bureau Services, Inc. received approval of the company's proposed reorganization plan by the creditors' committees and the court at Bay City on Oct. 18. This action allows FBSto solicit favorable votes from the co-op's creditors. Confirmation of the plan by the court, expected around Nov. 21, will result in a new, viable Michigan cooperative, according to FBSchief executive officer Newton Allen. The Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. Annual Meeting Nominating Committee has announced the following nominees for the board of directors: Gordon Albright, Branch County; Neil Harris (incumbent), Saginaw County; George Landheer, Ottawa County; and Hugh White, Calhoun County. FPCdelegates will elect two directors at the annual meeting on Nov. 29, 1983, 10 a.m., at the Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.. MACMAhas received reports that the U.S. Supreme Court will review the Michigan Supreme Court's decision on P.A. 344, Michigan's Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act. Extensive state litigation culminated last February with a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court upholding the act by a 6-0 vote. The Michigan Canners and Freezers Associa- tion, which initially filed the suit, maintains the provisions of the state law are preempted by the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967. Their appeal went immediately to the U.S. Supreme Court. MACMAwill continue to defend P.A. 344, according to MACMAGeneral Manager Noel Stuckman. Project AIM(Agriculture Involved in Michigan) has drawn to a close after providing agricultural produce and food products to needy people throughout Michigan. Frank Madaski, secretary-manager of the Michigan Agricultural Conference, who made the announcement, said that with economic conditions improving, AIM has accomplished its goal of responding to what was a critical situation. Today's low prices, coupled with higher feed costs, are forcing pork and beef farmers to cut back production, according to MFB commodity specialists. The market re- adjustment action will mean higher supplies of pork and beef at lower prices for consumers un- til early 1984. Consumers are advised to take advantage of the bargain prices to stock their ",,1 freezers. EPA orders to cancel the use of EDB (ethylene bromide) could cost farmers export grain sales. The chemical is used as a soil fumigant for crops and for stored grain. The loss of this protective measure could mean refusal of grain in foreign markets in which U.S. exports must be shipped free of contamination. 16 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 198:3 LET T E R 5 TO R U R ALL I V I NG You Said Itl ally select women to come. We -I wish I had recordings of do need a leadership conference these excellent speakers to take My husband and I would like for men also to fill the gap after home to share with members to applaud Donna Wilber on her the Young Farmer Leader Con- who won't come to a good thing article, "Good Guys Don't ference and before the Presi- like leadership conference. The Always Win," in the October dents' Conference. There is word "leadership" scares a lot Rural Living. plenty of room for growth in of people. On the whole this She knew just the right words this area. was an excellent two days. I to put our feelings on paper have learned so much and hope . ~ concerning the shameful way -This was my first leadership I can put it to good use. Dean Pridgeon was treated. conference and I feel it was very Thanks! worthwhile. I have many new ideas to bring back to our coun- New Column in December Myra Hand ty board. Afton Rural Exchange, a column for « -I thoroughly enjoyed being county news and events, will exposed to new projects and begin in the December issue of "l' nigh Scores for ideas to take back to my county Rural Living magazine. It will be Leader Conference and learning how, as a leader, your place to share announce- -< to carry out programs more ef- ments of county activities, and (Editor's Note: The on the spot fectively. comments and opinions about evaluations of the State Leader your Farm Bureau. On the Iight- . ~ er side, Rural Exchange will Conference, Sept. 20-21, make - Mary Jane Nelson (Wisconsin interesting reading. These com- FB Women's Committee chair- publish your humorous anec- ments were shared by confer- person) was one of the most in- dotes of farm life in words or ence participants and forwarded teresting and down to earth pictures. to the Rural Living editors by speakers I have heard in quite a Please limit your written MFB Women's Department man- while. The "Patterns for Suc- materials to 200 words. Type- ager, Rosemary Kartes.) cessful Communications" (AFBF written and clearly printed con- spokesperson training) was an tributions are preferred. Submit ~ materials for Rural Exchange by - Encourage county boards to excellent program. I was disap- ~- select someone to come to this pointed that all of us could not the 8th of the month preceding leadership conference - men. be on TV videotape, but I realize publication. "" " Women's Committees tradition- that time was a factor. .~ FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- raises forest products, is active in St. Sept. 26 - Ann Trudell, raises sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Bruno Catholic Church; Is a member of registered "elite" dairy cattle on 105 Group and the Michigan Farm Radio the Menominee County FB and UPWARD, acres near Ishpeming. The cattle she Network. honors Michigan farmers for an agricultural service organization; breeds and raises are used to upgrade their contributions to the community served on the ASCS committee; was dairy herds and as show animals. She and the agriculture industry. Four farm- named Outstanding Farmer by the has been a 4-H leader for 22 years; is a .,. T ers were honored in September 198.3: Menominee Jaycees; and received the member of the township planning and Progressive Farmer of the Year Award zoning board; is a Cub Scout den Sept. 5 - Walter Rocbowlak, .38, a and the Outstanding Conservation mother and Explorer Scout ski advisor; cash crop farmer and greenhouse oper- Farmer Award. serves as a coach for both the area ator, farms .300 acres and has two acres youth ski league and the U.S. Ski of greenhouses near Belleville. He Sept. 19 - Robert Carter, 75, is a Association; leads a 4-H dairy club in serves on the Detroit Flower Growers livestock farmer from Clare, specializ- summer and a 4-H ski club with 521 board; is Wayne County FB vice presi- ing in beef cattle breeding and raising members In the winter; is active In the dent; is active in St. Anthony's Church sheep. He farms .3,800 acres. Carter is Iron Range FB; and serves as a and the church Men's Club; and receiv- Clare County ASCS chairperson; a mem- volunteer for the Marquette County Pro- ed an outstanding service citation from ber of the Cattleman's Association and bation Office and is Involved In many ~ • the Boy Scouts of St. Anthony's Parish. the Clare County FB; a past member of other projects benefiting youth, senior the local school board and past presi- citizens, agriculture and community Sept. 12 - Cbarles Berger, 50, dent of the county board of education; development. operates a LOOO-acre farm and milks and belongs to the United Brethern ~• 200 cows near Carney. Berger, who also Church. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1983 17 ~ount~j}ttu~lttttr News and Information from Michigan's County Farm Bureaus FB Members Urged to Educate Decision-Makers About Farming By Dennis Hoxsie, President tial effect of any particular decision ed of a future as an economically 1 • Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau on the farm economy. viable and productive, efficient As I'm sure most of you are If you consider the economic im- enterprise, it is apparent that the " aware, the number of people in- pact of government on the potential farm community will need to act ~ volved in production agriculture for success of your farming opera- together to educate and inform our represents a gradually decreasing tion, I am certain that you can ap- present governmental leadership as <: percentage of the electorate and is preciate the importance of our gov- well as the general public so that in- inevitably given proportional con- ernmental leaders' awareness and tell igent decisions can be made on'"' sideration by governmental leaders understanding of the business of issues that ultimately affect the when they are considering pol itical farming. health of our nation .... decisions. There is a critical need for all The Northwest Michigan Farm BU- A However, the economic impact of those who depend on agricultural reau, along with Michigan Farm your agricultural production has an production for their livelihood to Bureau and American Farm Bureau, 1, effect on every sector of our nation, make a concerted effort to educate is working to inform our leaders in ~ and on a wider scope, is a significant our present governmental leader- government and the non-farm factor in the world economy. ship and the non-farm public, as the public of the business requirements r Unfortunately, since many of our source of our future leadership, of agricultural production. governmental leaders have very lit- about the business of producing When the decisions are made that to tle knowledge of the business of food and fiber for our nation and the affect the future of your farming -J farm ing, they are faced with the ne- world. business and your way of life, will cessity of having to make decisions If the business of agricultural pro- you help to make sure that infqrmed • without an awareness of the poten- duction is to be preserved and assur- and intell igent choices are made? Ag Expo '83 Drawing Winner Discovers 'They Really Do Give Well Water Should Out Those Prizes!' be Tested Annually The water we drink is as impor-"- By Myra Hand, Newsletter Editor tant as the food we eat, but unless ... Cheboygan County Farm Bureau the supply gives out or it smells bad, I had always felt that when I drop- we often ignore it. "''''t ped my name in a "drawing" box the Iron is a major cause of taste and only thing I was going to get was my odor in well water in Michigan, but .. name on some salesman's list. But it is not harmful. An odor of chlorine surprise - they really do give out is unpleasant, but can be expected