Michigan Farm Bureau Buyer's Service Program Now It's Guaranteed! What IS the Buyer1s Service? The Michigan Farm Bureau Buyer's Service is a program designed to help save you hundreds of dollars on major purchases that you may make in the coming years. Farm Bureau has Most major brands available at discounts up to contracted with The Family Saver Co. to pro- 60%! vide this service. Appliances Photography equipment Freezers Lawn and garden equipment The Family Saver can be your purchasing agen- Dishwashers Power tools cy by eliminating much of the middleman's Washers and dryers Lamps high mark-up and pass these savings on to you. Refrigerators Fireplaces Ranges Wood furnaces No pressure to buy, only our help in saving Small appl iances Luggage you money. Microwave ovens Watches Electronic Equipment Musical equipment Stereos Lawn furniture How can we Scanners Televisions Sporting Goods Archery equipment Hunting equipment Miscellaneous do this? Furniture Carpeting Pool and game tables Rods and reels Box springs and mattresses Very simple. We order merchandise direct from the factory or distributor and ship it All merchandise is brand new and carries full factory directly to you or to a warehouse near where warranties with nationwide local service. you live. We do not have the high cost of in- ventory, or large warehouse and showrooms, sales commissions, etc. As your purchasing agent to help you save money, we also have ---------------------------- Michigan Farm Bureau Buyer's Service Enrollment Form some retailers who are interested in increasing their volume and thus giving them larger buy- Please complete and mail along with your check or ing discounts by brokering their product money order in the amount of $25.00 to: through our great purchasing power. Michigan Farm Bureau Member Service Department P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, M I 48909 What does it cost? Date The Buyer's Service, at a cost of only $25 for the first year and $15 thereafter annually, allows you Membership Number to get unlimited pricing information via a toll free number. This program compares favorably Farm Bureau Membership Name with ones costing up to $795 annually. (as shown on membership card) Satisfaction IS Address Guaranteed! City Use the Family Saver for one full year. If at the State and Zip end of the year you find you could not save at least $25.00 in quick quotes, we will refund your Telephone No. $25.00 fee! Amount Enclosed $ (check or money order) MARCH 1984 FARM NEWS VOL. 63 NO.3 THE COVER A commitment to farming and A publication personal growth is typical of young farmers like Mark of the Smuts, who operates a cash crop and beef farm in Eaton Michigan County. Farm Bureau Photo by Marcia Ditchie In this issue: The Leader Builders MFB Young Farmers talk about their role in state and county programs. 8 Experience, Confidence, Awareness The two-year MALP study program offers new horizons for 30 selected Michigan farmers and agribusiness people. 13 Farm Bureau Basics 1984 Presidents' Conference focuses on FB program goals and policies. 14 Not So Ordinary People Agriculture Week activities salute American agriculture and farm families. 20 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 18 Country Ledger - page 5 Rural Exchange - page 19 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 22 Front and Center - page 15 Discussion Topic - page 24 Following Through on AgriPac's Commitment The recent election of two where good lawmakers are Because of the active support "Friends of Agriculture" to elected." mem bers have given to the pro- Michigan Senate seats vacated Their action broke a nearly gram since 1978, AgriPac has by recalls proves that farmers, 60-year-old tradition. The 1974 scored well - an average 87% even though a small minority and 1976 elections, when MFB success record for the 1978, group, can have an impact in endorsed a farmer for the MSU 1980 and 1982 elections. The the political arena. Board of Trustees, was the only title of "Friend of Agriculture" I congratulate the Macomb time the organization had en- has become very meaningful to and Oakland County Farm Bu- dorsed a candidate for political candidates. They know it's a ti- reau Candidate Evaluation Com- office. tle that is not passed out in- mittees for their vital input to discriminately; it has to be AgriPac, a major factor in the earned. endorsements of Rudy Nichols They know, too, that FB and Kirby Holmes. Because The title "Friend of members follow through on these committees took their re- Agriculture" has be- their commitments with active sponsibilities seriously, they campaign support and their had a positive influence on the come very meaning- power at the polls. A solid farm outcome of those elections and ful to candidates. vote for office seekers who have we now have two new state sen- proven themselves worthy of ators we're confident will be They know it's a the title of "Friend of Agricul- supportive of our industry and title that is not ture" can make a difference in our FB policies. passed out indis- the outcome of elections. The Macomb and Oakland When you consider the deci- committees had an early oppor- criminately; it has sions that will be made in Lans- tunity to flex their political to be earned. ing and Washington, D.C., dur- muscles. In so doing, they've ing the next few years - deci- set an example and, it is hoped, sions that will impact on your a pattern of success for all businesses - you'll realize how other county Candidate Evalua- It was time, I believe, to break important it will be to you and tion Committees, whose inputs that tradition. The days when your industry to have those will be vital to AgriPac's suc- nearly every legislator in Lans- decision-makers be "Friends of cess in the 1984 elections. ing and Washington, D.C., had Agriculture." It was at our 1977 annual roots on the farm and under- I strongly urge you to get meeting that delegates decided stood the unique needs of agri- geared up now to make that that Michigan Farm Biireau culture were long gone. The happen! should be involved in an "ag- time had come for our organiza- gressive and effective" political tion to take the traditional in- action program. "Political deci- dividual member political in- sions are made daily which af- volvement and blend it into a fect agriculture," they said. strong, organized, united effort "Farmers must be more active to elect "Friends of Agricul- President politically if these decisions are ture." Michigan Farm Bureau to be made in the best interests of agriculture. Good laws begin 4 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 COUNTRY LEDGER Water: Michigan's Liquid Asset By Connie Turbin Another highlight of Farmers' puter workshops have entry Week is the annual recognition fees and limited enrolIment. Living in a household with on Thursday of persons who - Farm mechanization (Tues.- four teenagers, my experiences have made outstanding contri- Thurs.) - Offers "hands-on" with water resources center on butions to Michigan agriculture. workshops ranging from whether I am first or last in the The ceremonies will take place calibration of pesticide sprayers shower. And, in my book, water at the President's Luncheon in to welding farm equipment. diversion is what happens when Kellogg Center. This year's These workshops have fees and a double sink is stopped up. awards go to Carl and Edward limited enrolIment. But like most Michiganians, I Mantey of Fairgrove, Gerald Sur- -Gardening (Weds.lThurs.) - am becoming increasingly brook of Rives Junction and Sessions are for flower and aware of the need to protect Claudine and Andrew Jackson vegetable gardeners, for per- one of this state's greatest of HowelI. sons interested in growing fruit natural resources: Michigan's This year's program contains and nut trees, in fruit tree prun- lakes and streams and ground- about 200 sessions. With the ing techniques, or who are in- waters. It is an advantage in exception of selected work- terested in historical and Euro- agriculture and industry, trans- shops and the luncheons and pean gardens. portation and for quality of life banquets, aII activities are free -Integrated pest management in this state. and open to the public. (Mon.-Fri.) - Training in pest Planners of Farmers' Week The week's educational pro- control for farmers and com- and Natural Resources Days, gram is roughly divided into 13 mercial representatives. Ad- March 19-24 at Michigan State categories which include: vanced registration is required University, will direct the atten- for these classes and there is a tion of Michigan's rural and - Beekeeping (Tues.l Weds.) - fee. agricultural population to Basic information for beginners - Livestock and horses (Tues.- "Water: Michigan's Liquid and special programs for com- Thursday) - Classes on feeding Asset." mercial apiary managers. dairy cattle for the beef market, To address this issue, says - Crops and soils (Tues./ and production guidelines for program coordinator Thomas Weds.) - Focus on biological raising swine and horses. Thorburn, several nationally agricultural systems, Michigan -Natural resources (Mon.- known individuals wiII speak. alfalfa production and conser- Sat.) - Focuses on preservation Gov. James Blanchard will vation tillage. and management of Michigan's open the program, "Our Great -Dairy (Mon.lWeds.lThurs.) - water resources, expansion of Lakes: Resources for Growth Looks at producing dairy cattle tourism, management of pri- and Quality," which begins at 9 for the beef market (is part of vate woodlands and preserva- a.m. Wednesday in WelIs Hall. the alfalfa program). There is tion of Michigan's non-game Other speakers wiII be S. David also a session for dairy goat wildlife. Freeman of the Tennessee producers. - Diet and exercise (Tues.) - ValIey Authority and Michigan -Family, health and home Features several nationalIy Attorney General Frank Kelly. (Mon.-Thurs.) - Classes are on prominent experts in nutrition. Lee S. Dreyfus, former gover- rural living in Third World coun- Examines the effect of diet and nor of Wisconsin, will discuss tries, handling pesticide con- exercise on physical and mental the necessity of preventing taminated clothing, dealing health. Great Lakes water diversion with family stress, handling - Poultry (Mon.lTues.) - when he addresses the MSU farm accidents and keeping the Features the Michigan State Friends of Natural Resources farm family in good health. Coturnix Science Fair and Olym- Banquet Wednesday evening at - Farm management and com- pics. There is also a session on the KelIogg Center. puter workshops (Tues.-Thurs.) raising pigeons. Blanchard is also the featured - Provides guidelines from - Rural sociology (Thurs.) - speaker for the Governor's marketing grains to learning An in-depth look at the quality Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Thursday how to use the computer for of drinking water and the ef- at KelIogg Center. dairy, livestock and poultry fects of acid rain. operations. Several of the com- RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW EDB Ruling Acceptable to Farmers By projecting revenues of Several Senate bills also ad- $7.38 billion in 1985, and spend- dress the subject, and include ing of $925.5 billion, the propos- similar provisions. ed deficit will be roughly $180 The administration has made billion. The 1984 federal deficit it known that it would not ap- EDB Tolerance Levels - projection is $210 billion. prove of any bill on this subject Following the EPA's announce- AFBF said that while the ad- which would increase the ment of new restrictions on the ministration's deficit expecta- deficit. That means, in effect, pesticide ethylene dibromide, tions are going in the right that funding for the program AFBF said that the tolerance direction, they are still way would come from employers or levels were" acceptable and above acceptable levels. that the public portion of the would not pose a major prob- The administration and Con- funding would require a new lem for farmers." gress should abandon talk of source of funds or cuts in other The new restrictions suspend reducing the deficit by adding programs. Proposals for public the use of EDB as a fumigant more taxes, AFBF said, and get funds include a $2 billion cut in for grain to be stored and down to the business of whit- the general Medicaid program, shipped in the future, and tling away at those entitlement and an amendment to the fed- establish residue levels for programs, which have been eral income tax law to tighten grain and grain-based products growing instead of shrinking for the rules on income averaging. already in the food production the past three years, despite all Farmers have an interest in chain. EPA deferred setting new pledges to the contrary. this legislation. First, none of residue levels on citrus prod- the bills exclude seasonal work- ucts for a few weeks. ers from eligibility. Second, Uealth Insurance Coverage changes in income tax averag- AFBF expressed the hope that for the Unemployed - Legis- ing would mean a sizable tax in- the federal order would en- lation which would provide crease for many farmers, courage conformity of EDB health insurance protection for whether or not they are em- standards among the states. the unemployed is on the calen- ployers. MDA has indicated that Michi- dar for Senate consideration gan will follow the federal early in this session. The bill, guideline at this time. The EPA H.R. .3021, which was passed by Commission on Modern standard sets tolerance levels the House last year, has an Farming Practices - Thirty- at 900 ppb (parts per billion) for estimated first year cost of $2 six congressmen, including raw grains, 150 ppb for inter- billion. Rep. Dennis Hertel and Rep. mediate/ milled grains, and .30 As currently written, the bill Sander Levin, have added their ppb for ready to eat products. would amend the Social Securi- names as co-sponsors of legis- EDB is no longer used as a ty Act, providing for federal/ lation which would create a soil fumigant by farmers. In state cost sharing to provide commission on modern farming Michigan, the total use of EDB coverage for persons whose practices. The bill, H.R. .3170, for agricultural purposes was employers do not provide which has the active support of below 1,500 Ibs. in 198.3. health insurance as an em- the Humane Society of the ployee benefit. For those per- United States, currently has Fiscal Year 1985 Budget - sons who are laid off by about twice as many co-spon- The $.30 billion cut in the 1985 employers who do not provide sors as similar legislation in the federal budget deficit, proposed such a benefit, employers would previous Congress. by President Reagan in his bud- be required to extend the same FB opposes the legislation, get message to Congress, was benefit for 90 days after em- citing the following reasons why termed a place from which to ployees are removed from their H.R. .3170 is not necessary: start really serious spending payrolls. -The USDAAgriculture Re- cuts by AFBF. search Service has made avail- able $.380,000 to eight univer- 6 RURAL LlVINO, MARCH 1984 sity research groups and two ARS research facilities to deter- mine if there is animal stress Legislators Do Listen due to commercial agricultural practices in the U.S.; if so, By Dawn Wilkinson Several other stops in and out quantitate it and recommend Allegan County of the capitol were made before methods of removing stress. we drove back to FB Center. I The studies were undertaken It was my good fortune to be asked Ron how we, as Farm Bu- with confined swine, caged able to "tag along" with MFB reau members, could be more ef- layers and dairy-veal calves. Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson fective. He responded with three - Congress has directed the recently to find out just what a points: Food and Drug Administration lobbyist does. Thejob he and - Policy development is for to undertake epidemiological Senior Legislative Counsel Bob real - get involved. studies to determine whether Smith do for us is incredible! -MFB is a wonderful tool, use there is an association between I began my day with Ron at it or lose it. Ron likened the the use of feed antibiotics and a 8:.30 a.m. Of course, he was members' involvement to a mus- reduction of antibiotic effec- already into his work day hav- cle. The more you use it, the tiveness in humans. The results ing made several calls, and been stronger it becomes. of the studies should be avail- through the mail. Ron's time is - Make yourself available to able in 1984. divided between his office at FB your legislators. They value " -It is premature to pass Center and downtown Lansing. your input. legislation before these studies Today was no different We are completed. went to the capitol where we sat in on a committee hearing on trails in Michigan. Represen- tatives of the Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources and the federal government were there. As many farmers and rural peo- Grain Dealers and Uniform ple are well aware, property can Commercial Code - S.B. 55 be damaged when some ski and and 56, sponsored by Sen. snowmobile enthusiasts over- Smith, would amend the Grain step their boundaries. Dealers Act and Uniform Com- We were then off to Rep. Don mercial Code. Much time has Koivisto's office. He is chairper- 1)0 been spent on these bills, work- son of the House Agriculture ing with the financial communi- and Forestry Committee. A big ty, grain associations, bean concern now is the handling of Dawn Wilkinson, Allegan County shippers and others to address grain elevator bankruptcies. Ron Information chairperson, recent. Iy spent the day with Legislative concerns in the bill. The bill has and Koivisto traded ideas on Counsel Ron Nelson and found been assigned to a subcommit- that topic that "Iegislators do listen." tee of the House Agriculture Next we attended the subcom- Committee. FB supports S.B. 56 mittee hearing on this issue. The In conclusion, I would like to and the concept of S.B. 55. entire hearing was an encour- make one very important point, -j agement to me, as I sat there Farm Bureau offers its members and listened to the committee Grain Insurance - H.B. many benefits. Some are long- members' willingness to under- 4319, sponsored by Rep. term and some are short. I was stand the issue. One sometimes Spaniola, provides for a Manda- reminded of this by my day of gets skeptical, especially out on tory Grain Insurance Fund. Nu- observing one of our legislative the farm, when we see urban merous conversations with in- counsels in action. legislators dealing with rural dustry, finance and grain His use of MFB policy - your issues. It is good to know that policy - to influence legislation (continued on page 29) they do listen. can and will affect our industry During the hearing, which • for years to come in the form of was dealing with H.B. 4.319, S.B. laws and regulations. Hats off to 55 and S.B. 56, Ron explained Ron and his colleagues for the Farm Bureau's position. job they do for us! RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 7 Farming is first on the list of priorities for young farm families. Active Farm Bureau Young Farmer leader Mark Smuts operates an 1,800-acre cash crop and beef operation in Eaton County, not far from FB Center in Lansing where he volunteers his "spare" time to the statewide leadership development program. The Leader Builders By Cathy J. IHrvan, Marcia directors. He was recently ap- ing Sheraton Inn. Ditchie & Connie Turbin pointed to a two-year term on The conference includes ses- the AFBF Young Farmer & sions on farm partnerships, At 23, after three years of Rancher Committee. marketing, the outlook for farming and two years as a Mark is also involved in many agriculture, estate planning, Farm Bureau member, Mark organizations besides Farm Bu- time management and current Smuts was elected president of reau. He serves on several local legislation. The Young Farmer the Eaton County Farm Bureau boards and advisory councils program at the county, state in autumn 1977. and is a township trustee. and national level is also ex- It wasn't until he attended the ''I'm sure that what I've been plained to conference partici- Young Farmer Leader Confer- able to accomplish so far in my pants. ence the following year, how- life is because of the leadership "Our leadership conference is ever, that he realized the full ability that was spawned in bringing a lot of new people in- scope of the organization. Farm Bureau," he said. to the Young Farmer program," "That's where I really caught As state Young Farmer chair- Mark said. "We think that's fire for what Farm Bureau has person, Mark assists committee great - that's what we're hav- to offer and how great an or- members in planning activities ing it for." ganization it is," he said. designed to surface and train The contests the Young Farm- He is currently serving his other young farm leaders. One er Committee sponsors also second year as chairperson of of their major projects is the bring new people into the the MFB Young Farmer Commit- annual Young Farmer Leader Young Farmer program, surfac- tee and as Young Farmer repre- Conference, scheduled this year ing potential future leaders for sentative on the MFB board of for Feb. 29-March 2 at the Lans- Farm Bureau and building 8 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 their leadership skills. Paul 8t Denise Jefts (right) are driving a new "The addition of prizes into Chevy S-I 0 truck thanks the competition is helping stim- to Paul's win in the MFB ulate some involvement," Mark Discussion Meet. said. "But almost all contes- Glenn Preston (center) is tants have been somewhat in- awaiting delivery of the Allis Chalmers 6000 ser- volved in county programs ies tractor that was his before they agree to compete prize as Distinguished for a state title." Young Farmer. A minia- Discussion meets are held at ture model sits atop his AgriCom screen where it the county, district and state is a daily reminder of levels. The winner of the state the "prize package." contest represents Michigan at Two time winner, Laurie Isley the national meet during the (bottom right), says she has the AFBF annual meeting. best prize of all: six-month-old Last year's winner, Paul Jefts Alysa. Isley, who is the 1983 Outstanding Young Farm Woman, of Mecosta County, also re- will attend the Washington Legis- ceived use of a Chevrolet S-10 lative Seminar next month. pick-up for one year. He orders a new truck every three months from his local dealership, "Allis Chalmers believes that Franck &. Wood Chevrolet of Big this involvement by young Rapids. farmers will benefit agriculture "We're very proud to have a in the long term, providing pro- young man of Paul's caliber in gressive farmers who have our community," said Wes demonstrated their leadership Knight, sales manager at the abilities through participation dealership. "Paul and his dad in the very sound Young Farmer have been buying cars and program," Smith said. trucks from us for over 20 The winner of the Outstand- years, and I think it's fantastic ing Young Farm Woman contest that he won the contest - he receives an expense paid trip to worked hard for it and deserved the annual Washington Legisla- to win." tive Seminar. She also serves as The Distinguished Young a spokesperson for agriculture Farmer contest recognizes an throughout the year. The winner individual or c'ouple for the of the 1983 contest, Laurie Isley quality of their farming opera- of Lenawee County, also won tion and their degree of involve- the Discussion Meet last year. ment in their community. Win- "We expect stiff competition ners of the 1983 award, Glenn in 1984 for the Young Farmer &. Suzie Preston of Branch contests," Mark said. "The County, receive use of an Allis prizes - and the expense paid Chalmers tractor for a year. trip to the AFBF annual meeting Allis Chalmers also sponsors next January in Hawaii for two the national competition, which of the winners - are helping to Glenn competed in during the stimulate interest, but we're AFBF annual meeting. careful that we don't lose sight "As a manufacturer of farm of the fact that we're here to equipment, Allis Chalmers is surface and develop leadership, vitally interested in the future not to give out prizes." The state committee also of farming," said Sam Smith, So far, the contests are ac- sponsors an FFA/ Producers manager of Allis Chalmers' trac- complishing their objective. Forum and an MSUAg Tech visi- tor marketing and lawn and "The young farmers who com- tation program each year. garden operations. "This Young pete in these contests tend to At the county level, Young Farmer program is designed to go into other areas of leader- Farmer groups are involved in a promote the continued involve- ship in their counties," Mark variety of other activities rang- ment of young farmers in the said. "And of course that lead- ing from Ag Accident Rescue improvement of their farm, ership surfaces on the state Seminars to mall displays to community activities and Farm level a few years later." MACMAsales coordination. Bureau activities. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 9 go into it full-time in 1975, after a variety of other jobs. "We went into dairying with the plan that my father was go- ing to help me become the future owner of the farm," Paul said. "And the best way to do it at that time was through dairy. Ten years down the road we ,>- might be hog producers or we might be cash croppers. This farm is going to change to whatever the best avenue is." In 1980 the farm was finan- cially stable enough for Denise to quit her job as a legal secre- tary and work full-time on the farm. "I was raised in the city of Grand Rapids. It was a tough MF8 Discussion Meet winner Paul Jefts attributes his own growth to par- transition for a while, but I did ticipation in the Young Farmer program and to his family. Paul and his it," she said. "Now I can't im- wife, Denise, are the third generation on the family's Mecosta County agine doing anything else." farm. They are pictured here with the promising fourth generation, Karen, 6, and Carl, 2. In 1981, Paul and Denise pur- chased his father's share of the dairy herd. They now lease his 360 acres of land and equip- ment, but will begin purchasing Award Offers New Tool it soon. The Jefts milk between 40 and 50 cows and maintain a for Leader Building herd of about 150. They're also considering opening a road-side vegetable stand after the suc- Paul Jefts may get a lot of Farm Bureau organization and cess of the V-pick pumpkin young farmers to join Mecosta their communities. patch Denise started in 1982. County Farm Bureau this year. "The people in the Young Paul is very proud of his farm He's got a new membership tool Farmer program are involved in heritage. "The first thing I said - it's blue and silver, has four the county's Ag Council, on the to my dad after being named wheels and can transport a lot county Farm Bureau board, on runner-up in the Distinguished of young farmers to a bonfire many committees and as 4-H Young Farmer contest, was after a hay ride. leaders. You name it and ~\. 'look what the farm got: It His new tool is the Chevrolet they're involved in it," he said. wasn't just me who did it. I 5-10 pick-up truck he won for a Paul attributes his own didn't build all the buildings. I year in the 1983 MFB Discus- growth to participation in the didn't do all the painting sion Meet. And what he's sell- Young farmer program and to ... look what the farm got for ing, besides membership, is the his family. recognition:' opportunity for personal devel- "Coming from a third genera- Paul also shares the credit for opment and growth. The Mecosta County Young tion family farm is an asset. My parents and my grandfather his triumph in the Discussion - \ Meet, although he admits he Farmer group has grown tre- were very active and that helps originally got into it as a mendously, both in numbers pass down ideals." "fluke:' and in leadership. The group His grandfather started farm- "When I was 28 I agreed to won a gold star at the state an- ing outside Big Rapids near participate in a district meet in ",. nual and had finalists in all Clear Lake about 60 years ago. order to get some younger three state contests. In 1953 his parents, Glenn and farmers involved." Paul was one Paul attributes the successes Marian, started a beef and cash of the district winners that year of the young farmers to their crop operation. Glenn also and went on to the state meet. partic~pation throughout the worked full-time off the farm. Paul said he had always wanted to farm and decided to 10 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 He and Denise began prepar- said. ''I'm hoping those guys pense. When the man hesitated, ing for the next year's competi- will be there. If they're not, I'm Paul suggested that he discuss tion by clipping articles on the going to suggest to the others it with his wife and offered to four topics as soon as they were from their counties that they come down in a few days to announced. Toward the end of pat them on the back and tell discuss it further ... while the year, Paul visited with ex- them what a good job they did. riding in the new truck. perts on the topics. Before each Win, lose or draw, they par- meet they would organize the ticipated for you." material and prepare an outline. Paul was a finalist in the na- In 1982 he again won at the tional competition in Orlando, district level and was first Fla. "I was the only guy in the runner-up in the state. national meet finals who didn't "I felt fortunate, this year, have a college education. To me that I didn't win last year," Paul that meant a lot." said. "As always, that one more Soon after returning from year of experience gives you the Orlando, Paul picked up the advantage." first of four Chevy 5-10 trucks Paul said he feels strongly from Franck & Wood Chevrolet that the other finalists in the in Big Rapids (he gets a new state meet - first runner-up one every three months). Within Jefts is the proud recipient of a new blue and silver Chevy truck. Dale Kettler of Saginaw County, a couple hours, he was using it Just hours later he was using the Neal Sanford of Jackson County to increase participation in new "tool" to recruit more young and Pat Albright of Branch Young Farmer programs. farmers into the county program. County - deserve recognition A hog farmer who lives down for doing a good job, after put- the road had seen Paul in town Paul said he will continue to ting so much time and effort in- with the truck and stopped by utilize his new membership tool to researching the topics. to visit. Paul invited the young - the color may change as he "I plan to incorporate that in- man and his wife to attend the trades it in every three months, to my speec.hdown at the Young upcoming Young Farmer Leader but the opportunities it pro- Farmer Leader Conference," Paul Conference at the county's ex- mises will be the same. Isley Gains Leadership Experience From Young Farmer Program It's over 1,300 miles from Seminar in April in the nation's ended up competing and went Dallas to Washington, D.C., but capitol. on to become first runner-up in for Laurie Isley the distance "I feel it is quite an honor to the state contest that year. translates to two state Young hold these two titles in con- She is now serving as chair- Farmer titles in two years. secutive years," Laurie said. person of the Lenawee County At the 1982 MFB annual meet- "Competing in the Discussion Young Farmer Committee and ing, the Lenawee County young Meet last year helped me tre- feels that the group's purpose farmer won the state Discussion mendously in the Outstanding is to develop programs that Meet and the opportunity to Young Farm Woman contest be- meet the needs of the county's represent Michigan in the na- cause I was up-to-date on a lot young farmers. tional contest at the AFBF an- of agricultural subjects and "On the state level, I think nual meeting in Dallas in both contests stressed public one of best programs they have January 1983. speaking. I'm looking forward is the Young Farmer Leader Then, at the 1983 MFB annual to the Washington seminar and Conference," Laurie said. "Both meeting, Laurie became the the opportunity to meet with my husband, Jim, and I attend- first person to capture back-to- my congressman, John Dingell, ed the conference a couple back state Young Farmer titles from whom I received a letter years ago. It was a real exciting by being selected as the Out- asking me to visit his office." experience for us. It gave us the standing Young Farm Woman. Laurie became involved in the chance to exchange ideas and In that role, she will participate Young Farmer program in 1981 compare problems with other in the Washington Legislative when a friend invited her to "come and watch" a Discussion Meet. Instead of watching, she RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 11 young farmers and it really got us motivated on becoming more involved in Farm Bureau." Young Farmers Build for Ag Understanding In the winter quiet of a warm kitchen, unhurried conversation gives the opportunity to listen beyond the interview responses of Glenn and Suzie Preston. There is time to notice Suzie's expressive eyes and quick, bright smile as she talks about the hectic family schedule in Time out for their new daughter early December when Glenn re- doesn't mean time out from ceived MFB's Distinguished farming and leadership activities Young Farmer award at the state for Laurie 8t Jim Isley. The couple is actively involved in the county annual meeting, and the birth Young Farmer program and oper- of their daughter, Elizabeth, ate a 300-acre farm near Palmyra just three days later. Her pride in Lenawee County. shows, though it is reserved, not boastful. Even though the county This is what we are, they Young Farmer Committee re- seem to say - hardworking, ceived a gold star for its pro- home-based, part of the family gram last year, Laurie feels they farm. Glenn is the more re- are just getting started. served of the couple. He is "We have a small group of given to careful, considered people who are quite involved, speech, and thoughtful yet we have trouble sometimes answers. drawing enough people to make And he admits that he is just the programs we plan run as a little uncomfortable with ap- . Glenn is well equipped to do smoothly as we'd like," she said. pearances before farm audi- the job of communications. At ''I'd like to see it spread over a ences. "Farmers need to talk to 30, he has experienced some of broader base with a smaller core those outside of our industry," the best leadership training op- group that does the planning he says. "We need to find ways portunities the ag industry has and more people to draw on for to help non-farm people relate to offer: FFA American Farmer the actual activities. to the similarities and differ- Degree in 1975, 1976 MFB "The best thing about the ences between the business of Discussion Meet winner, county Young Farmer program in our farming and their businesses." and state FB Young Farmer county, however, is that most of Finance, interest rates, cash Committee member and state the people on our committee flow and government regula- Young Farmer chairperson, are also involved in other tion, he says, are major areas of Young Farmer representative to aspects of Farm Bureau," Laurie concern to all farmers, especial- the MFB board of directors, MFB said. "A very active member of ly to young farmers. And they Policy Development Committee our committee is also member- are issues of concern to other member, and Michigan Agricul- ship chairperson this year, business people. tural Leadership Program which helps get our group in- "I feel more effective before a (MALP) participant in 1982-83. volved in membership as well group of Rotarians or the "My involvement with Farm as tie all the groups together." Chamber of Commerce," Glenn Bureau was as natural as marry- What does the program need says. "Public relations is impor- ing the girl next door (which he to become even better? tant, and while I recognize that did)," Glenn says. "When I was "I would like to see more par- we hire competent people to young, there were community ticipation from a broader base," communicate with these non- group meetings and potlucks at she said. "Once that starts, I farm groups, nothing beats ac- my parents' home. As I grew would like to see a transfer of tual communication with a older, I saw that the successful leadership from those of us who working farmer." (continued on page 27) (continued on page 27) 12 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 _____________________________________ 1 ---------------------------- --------1--------------------------- ---1 1 ---- -- 11 1111__ -- --- 111 IIIT.IC - .. - b-Igan Agncu ---------~---_._-----_._----_ .. __________________ Leadersblp - It uraI - Program Goals r EXPERIENCE, CONFIDENCE --------------------. -------------------, ---- "One reason I applied ------------------- was because there are so many things I don't know about Michi- 1111 AWARENESS gan, its economy and how --- things work," said MALPpartici- ---- pant Bonnie Gazdag of Kalama- zoo County. "That is what I am really look- --------~" 11__ 1111__ - __ " During their ing forward to learning." first week together, Jan 16- The group will meet again in 20, they learned about leader- II II~ March to study government at --~---- ~ ___ .... II__~~ ship at the community level through guest speakers and by visiting local businesses. "We have been looking at local and community issues and how to identify leadership in the community," MALP partici- the state level and continue discovering the answer to "Who am I?" During the following ses- sion, the participants will travel to Detroit for a week. "Detroit is so different from anything they've experienced," By Therese Nichols pant Kenneth Hofmeister of Trotter said. The welfare system Tuscola County said. in Detroit and the different It was difficult to believe that They also had sessions to help cultural groups made a lasting the .30 people gathered at Mich- them learn more about them- impression on the 1982 MALP igan State University's Kellogg selves, and discover who they participants, he said. "You only Center had met as a group for are. To Hofmeister, one of the understand your own communi- the first time only four days most interesting meetings was ty when you have something to before. Their common goal on listening. "I found out that compare it to." seemed to bring a special we only retain about 25 percent 'Tm looking forward to see- cohesiveness and friendship to of what we hear," he said. ing people of different back- the group. The major objective of MALP grounds in Detroit such as the That common goal is building is to "try to help the par- very poor and the very rich," their leadership skills through ticipants understand them- Gazdag said. "It is an ex- the Michigan Agricultural selves and their fellow citizens," perience to see different people Leadership Program (MALP). said Eugene Trotter, MALP and how they live and what is These .30 MALP participants will director. "We try to help them acceptable, and unacceptable." spend 60 days together during understand the social, eco- According to Trotter, plans the next two years sharing com- nomic and political systems in are not definite yet where the munity, state, national and in- which these people function - MALPgroup will visit on the na- ternational experiences that will then use this framework to tional and international trips. equip them to be effective agri- analyze complex problems fac- "During the last international cultural leaders. ing people in agriculture and trip in 1983, there wasn't one rural communities. To do all person who didn't come back this we try our best to increase their level of confidence." (continued on page 27) RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 13 Nuts a Bolts Session Focuses on Farm Bureau Basics By Connie Turbin developing leaders who know the organization, its philosophy "This year's Presidents' Con- and programs inside and out. ference was planned to be a "It also provided them with real nuts and bolts session. And the opportunity to get to know from the feedback we're getting one another and discuss what's from the participants thus far, going right and what's not right I'd say it was appreciated," says in the county organization," Al Almy, chairperson of the MFB Almy says. "That's an integral staff committee that planned part of the conference. In fact, and coordinated the 1984 con- the recommendation came from ference for county presidents, several of the county presidents executive committee members, that similar, less formal gather- and their spouses. ings be held during the year to During the two-day confer- foster the exchange of ideas." ence in Lansing, Jan. 30-31, the The conference also drew county leaders dealt entirely upon the experience and exper- with Farm Bureau issues in- tise of organizational leadership cluding executive committee in other states and in AFBF. performance, member service programs, member participa- tion and basic policy issues. Participants in a Community Action Group workshop got down to the basic grassroots structure of the organization and identified some ways to strengthen and expand the pro- gram. "Based on what we discussed in this session, our board will be taking a look at existing groups here in Gladwin County to determ ine their strengths and weaknesses," says County President Clay Maxwell. "That Iowa Farm Bureau Executive should give us some clues to Secretary Dale Nelson cautioned ways to establish new groups, against "playing it safe." Farm and to identify those members Bureau, he said, must be willing with the needs and potential to to tackle tough issues and stay be involved in a community ac. in a leadership position. tion group. It was a good ses- Analyzing tough economic sion. It spurred some thinking (continued on page 28) and offered some good ideas." Other workshop sessions fo- Group discussion and one.to-one communication at the Presidents' cused on political action com- Conference gave leaders a chance to mittees and the Farm Bureau question FB staff and resource per- Women's program. sons. Pictured are: (top) Clare Coun- ty Vice President Richard Kleinhardt The leaders got good back- and AFBFstaffer Ross Korves: ground information on the phi- (center) Cheboygan and St. Joseph losophies and objectives of FB Presidents William Collins and farm Bureau at the local, state !'Iarlin Outman with !'IFB's AI Almy: and (bottom) !'IFBWomen's program and national level, says Almy. manager Rosemary Kartes and Paula That's important, he says, to Bt Keith Preston of Branch County. 14 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 FRONT 8l. CENTER An international trade forum, sponsored by AFBFMarch 1-2, will feature keynote speaker William Brock, U.S. trade representative. The two-day forum is designed to provide a thorough review of world market conditions, examine the U.S. position in world markets, and define what FB members and their organization can do to increase U.S. world market share. MFB President and AFBF Vice President Elton Smith will be the forum chairperson. Sen. Nick Smith (R-19th District) is the new chairperson of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The recent election of two Republicans to seats vacated by recalls gave control of the Senate to the Republican Party, and the right to select committee chairpersons. Other changes occurring during the reorganization of the Senate will be announced later. Smith, who operates a farm near Addison in Lenawee County, served in the Michigan House from 1978 to 1982 and has served in the Senate since 1983. Applications for the Marge Karker-Farm Bureau Scholarship are being accepted through March 9 by the MFB Women's Department. The scholarship, which was developed in 1966 to honor Marge Karker's 20 years of service as coordinator of MFBwomen's activities, is applied toward tuition for fall term at MSU.Two $300 scholarships were awarded in 1983. The amount and number of scholarships for 1984 have not yet been determined. All students who qualify will be interviewed. Applications are available from county secretaries and the MFB Women's Department, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Farm days mall shows sponsored by county FBs will bring the farm to the city at eight Michigan malls during March and April. In many locations, the popular event is scheduled to coincide with Agriculture Week activities. Mall show dates and locations are: March 3-4 - Copper Country Mall, Escanaba; March 15-17 - Westwood Mall, Jackson; March 16-17 - Adrian Mall; March 23-24 - Muskegon Mall; March 23-25 - Arborland Mall, Ann Arbor, and Maple Hill Mall, Kalamazoo; April 12-14 - North Kent Mall, Grand Rapids; and April 27 - Port Huron Mall. Mall shows at the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall and the Genesee Valley Mall were held during February. "Water: Michigan's Liquid Asset" will be the theme of the 1984 Farmers' Week and Natural Resources Days March 19-24 on the MSUcampus. The week-long activity features over 200 sessions including workshops, seminars, lectures, exhibits and association meetings. Details of the programs are in the free Farmers' Week and Natural Resources Days guidebook now available from county Cooperative Extension offices. Two sessions of advanced training for planning commissioners will be offered by the Michigan Society of Planning Officials in April. The sessions, which will be held April 16 at Kellogg Center in East Lansing, and April 17 at the Grayling Holiday Inn, will address critical improvement programming. Participants will examine planning and processes for the physical expansion of public services with emphasis on appropriate locations, proper timing and sound financing. For further information or a registration form, contact: MSPO,P.O. Box 18187, Lansing, Mich. 48901; phone 517-484-3333. "Agricultural Labor: Managing the Uuman Resource" will be the topic of a con- ference sponsored by MFB and AFBF March 14-15 in Grand Rapids. The March 14 program of- fers resource workshops and general sessions on agricultural labor forecasting, current and pending legislation and management training. The March 15 program is an intensive, limited- enrollment seminar for employers and supervisors of agricultural labor. The seminar will deal with selected labor management topics and human resource management skills. Conference information and registration forms are available from the MFB Public Affairs Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909; phone 517-323-7000, ext. 559. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 15 TRASHY FIELDS: HOW YOU CAN STILL . \ Maintaining good control in trashy fields .j can be a real challenge for a herbicide. Condi- tions in these fields are very different from . "tabletop" seedbeds ... . A volatile herbicide can vaporize off the i trash before it reaches the soil. The trash can even soak up and hold some chemicals, again preventing them from reaching the soil. Be- ~ cause of these factors, some herbicide makers f' recommend increased rates in trashy fields ... We don't think your savings from reduced tillage should be given up in higher herbicide to rates. That's why we recommend Dual ~ Dual has a unique combination of proper- ties that allows it to perform effectively in trashy r.\ '1 .{;' • 1 GET GOOD CONTROL. fields at the same low rates you'd use on clean it with a single pass. Either way, Dual will deliver ones. Let us explain how. longer-lasting grass control. From two to four First, Dual has the lowest volatility of any weeks longer. Increased surface trash doesn't grass herbicide for corn and beans. That have to mean less effective grass control or means virtually all of it stays where you spray costly increased rates of herbicide. It just it, instead of vaporizing off the trash. means that you need the right herbicide for the Dual also is readily soluble in water. So in- conditions. That's Dual. stead of getting tied up, it washes down off the Want to know more about conservation til- trash with the first rain. Once it's in the soil, Dual lage? For an informative 58-page booklet pre- bonds to organic matter to stay put. Even pared by the editors of Successful Farming heavy rains won't leach significant amounts of magazine, write to Direct Response Dept. at it below the zone where it needs to work. the address below and request your free copy Because of its unique properties, Dual of "The Conservation Tillage Guide:' can give you a lot of flexibility. Using the same Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div., Box 18300, Greens- low rate, you can surface apply or incorporate boro, NC 27419 elBA-GEIGY -~- -=- -.- -=.:::: - .~ = - -~ --~ FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK DOGS MISCELLANEOUS Badger l'lorthland equipment for Duroc and Yorkshire boars. Ready for Collie. Border Collie. Sheltle (Minia- Extra Income - Addressing labels. sale: lagoon agitators and tanks, roller service. Delivery available. Mark Palm- ture Collie) registered puppies, studs. Easler than addressing envelopes. Free mills, ear corn mills. bale choppers. etc. reuter. Vassar. Phone 517-823-3745. Baird Farm, Lowell. 616-897-9462. details. Send two stamps: LISTS, Box Also. we rent manure tanks and agita- (3-5t-13p-ts) (2-3t-13p) 90028-RR. East Point. GA 30364. tors. Plummer Supply. 616-792-2215. (3-3t-20p-ts) Fast growing Cornish Cross. Over 20 Registered Australian Cattle Dog (3-3t-27p) varieties popular and fancy chicks. Ban- pups for sale. Good workers on cattle, Farrowing Stalls - All steel $179.20. tams, ducks, goslings. turkeys. guineas, hogs, sheep and gentle enough for FOR nOMEMAKERS Includes feeder-waterer. top rail. rump Pharoah Quail. Pictured Brochure - horses. Great family dogs. $150. Phone rail. Weighs 196-. Free literature. Starr 25(. Cackle Hatchery, Box 529JJ. Gobles 616-628-4270. (3-24p) National. 219 Main. Colchester. IL 62326. Lebanon. MO 65536. (1-8t-28b-ts) Sausagemakers - greatl German (3-24p-ts) recipes, no nitratesl Frankfurters, Sum- Rare. fancy. ellotlc and old fashioned mer. Bologna, Headcheese, Venison and Wanted to buy: 16 Inch David Bradley bantams, chicks. ducklings. turkeys, Porksausagel $1.00. Hamiltons. Box silo filler. International riding horse guineas. geese. Pictured brochure free. cultivator. International No.9 and John Country Hatchery, Wewoka. Oklahoma MISCELLANEOUS 652-131. New Ulm. Minn. 5607.3. (3-20p-ts) Deere No. 4 mowing machine. John 74884. (1-6t-20p-ts) Spezla. Leonard. Mich. 48038. phone Pecansl Quart each halves, pieces, Unattached? Pen Pals Nationwide. Corrledale Sheep breeding stock. Blue meal. .3quart sampler. $12.95. Postpaid. 313-628-4147. (3-29p) Country Lovin' Singles. Details free. Box ribbon fleeces. Phone 313-429.7874. Canecreek Farm. Dept. MF, Cookeville. (3-12t-8p) 593RL. Appleton, Wisconsin 54912. TN 38502. (7-12t-16p-ts) ( 1-5t-14p-ts) LIVESTOCK "olsteln "elfers - Two registered Birthday Dolls - 10 Inch cloth. $8 p.p. Cabbage Patch-Like Dollsl Make your (Celebrity and Lester Daus) and 19 own! Complete instructions, patterns. Sue Teichman. 1371 S. Aiken. Owosso. grade. AI breeding due March and April. Birth certificate. $2.50. Hamlltons, Box Sheep. cas Curtis. Reg. Suffolks and Records to 20,841 M bred to Nugget GP- Mich. 48867. (3-15p) 652-131. New Ulm, Minn. 56073. Reg. Southdowns. Helping small flock Son from 23,724M 4% Dam. George "eavy duty "TMT" formulas. Now we (3-20p-ts) owners and 4-H'ers our special Interest. Robb, Fowlerville. Phone 517-223-9462. have heavy duty TMT for dieseL tractors, 204 N. WIlliams. Stockbridge, Mich. 517- (3-30p) RVs, buses, large trucks and marine. 851-7043 - 517-851-8017. (7-12t-22p) Cuts friction, faster starts in cold NURSERY STOCK Quality Registered Angus breeding Paint "orses - Weanlings, yearlings, weather, more useful power out of your stock. reasonably priced. Delivery avail- bred mares. Lawerance Baumunk, Big engines. Also regular TMT for cars, Tree Source. Quality hybrid poplar able. Bordner Angus farms. Sturgis, Rapids, Mich. 1-616-796-2346. pickups, lawnmower, chain saws. 10% stock for: commercial energy planta- Mich. 616-651-8353 evenings. (3-6t-16p) (9-lOt-12p) off through this ad. Contact Howard tions, home heating, fast growing shade Miller, 1732 Sheick Road, Monroe. Mich. trees, wind breaks. Consulting and 48161. Phone 3 13-587-2252. (3-56p) custom tree planting services . .30.3 S. Veronica Ct., St. Joseph, Mich. 49085. Satellite antenna dealers needed - Phone 6] 6-983-7551. (12-7t-.33p-ts) no experience required - dealer cost for complete unit as low as $747.00 - retail Giant paste tomato. Origin Italy. 25 $1,395.00 - call todayl 303-636-0640. CLASSIFIED AD POLICY (11-6t-21 pots) seeds $1.00 plus SASE. Carl Jensen. 7480 Frances Road, Flushing, Mich. 48433. (2-2t-18p) Members pay IOlt per word for non-commerical ads and 15lt per Radio Shack Computer for Sale - MUST Sf:LLl Model 3. 48k. Will sell with word for ads which promote a commercial business other than Asparagus roots - Viking KB3, in- word processing, mailing list. statistical spected, high quality plants grown on agriculture. All other advertisers pay 20lt per word for one inser- analysis and editorl assembler pro- virgin sandy soil. Also: Black Locust tion and 15lt per word for two or more consecutive insertions. grams. plus other software (all on seedlings - excellent for firewood, The deadline for ads is the first l'Ionday of the month pre- cassette). Also includes Radio Shack fenceposts and land reclamation. Also: computer cassette player. $850 or best Blue Spruce transplants - great for ceding publication and the publisher has the right to reject any offer. Contact Joe Mielke. 3059 Biber. landscaping, Christmas trees, etc. Call advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre-paid and may Apt. 5-9, East Lansing, Mich. 48823. Summit l'lursery. Rockford. Mich., be pre-paid up to one year in advance. Please indicate if you are a Phone 517-337-0937. (3-tf-53p) 616.866-2044. (3-42p) Farm Bureau member. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to Auctioneer Vaughn "Joe" Lewis. Giant rufned gladiolus bulblets - re-insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. 3310 Paragon Road, Tipton, Mich. 1,0001$7.00 postpaid. Strawberry Send ads to Rural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, l'Iich. 49287. Phone 517-4.31-2571. Purebred plants ] 001 $1 0.00 plus $1.50 postage. livestock. farm machinery, estate, and Bowman's Flowers, IOOO5-RL Rittman 48909. No ads will be taken over the phone. antique auctions. (2-IOt-18p) Road. Wadsworth. Ohio 44281. (3-22p-ts) Watkins Products. quality since 1868. Plants for Sale: Asparagus crowns: one Dealers wanted: make 25% or more. year old KB-3 asparagus crowns: two Customers wanted. For free catalog and year old Mary Washington asparagus Name sale-flyer. write: 2140 Utley Rd.. Flint. MI crowns. Phone 616-889-5594, Calvin 48504 or phone: 313-395-2085. Lutz Farms, Kaleva. Mich. 49645. (3-3t-29p) (3-25p) Address Why die without a will? Two legal "Will OFarm Bureau member ONon-member Forms" and easy instructions. Only REAL ESTATE $4 ... Order Today! Guaranteedl TV- Company. Box 1054-MF. Pryor. OK 40 acres on paved road. 30 tillable Run the following ad in the issue(s): 74.362. (3-6t-22p-ts) with pond. Nice 3 bedroom farmhouse. Ellplosives made easily. cheaply from In-ground swimming pool. 65x45 pole farm fertilizer. Blast dugouts. stumps. building with both wood and fuel fur- rocks. Instructions $3.00. DeFost. 925 naces and adjoining stick building. Air Bradshaw, Prince Albert. SK, CANADA. compressor, buried gas and fuel tanks. S6V 2P3, (3-21 pots) fluorescent lighting, 220 electric. Silent Motivators: Lose weight. relieve Hesperia, Mich. Phone 616-854-6525. stress, Improve health. children's grades (3-40p) or study habits. Multilevel business op- Low cost lake place: nice older trailer. portunity with no bookkeeping, inven- full bath, septic system. good well. Shad- tory, or meetings. Write: Clothier Sales. ed lot. small lake. Branch County. Will Box 7] 6. Pontiac, Mich. 48056_ take travel trailer. motor home. etc. on (2-2t-30p-ts) trade. $10,000. Phone 616-885-1615 or Sunnower growers needed: if you're R. Briggs. N. 3 Mile Rd, Rt. I, Mesick, set up for corn, you're set up for Mich. 49668. (3-38p) sunflowers. Offers greater profit poten- 40 acre retirement farm. One mile off tial than corn. Contracts available. U.S. 31 freeway. 6,000 laying hens in Michigan markets, Call R & R Farms, production. Nice 6 room farmhouse. Ada, Michigan - 616-874-6784.(3-31 p) Other potentials. Write: The Egg Farm. Words Insertions Total Due _ Route 2, Hart. Mich. 49420. (j'3t-30p) RURAL LIVING, MARCH 19841 -- :;;jC ,A1IJi. "We've got computerized recordkeeping, automated feeding schedules, and the latest in climate controlled facilities. You'd think we could master the prob- lem of frozen water pipes!" RURAL RASCALS - MFBYoung Farmer Department Manager Vie Ver- chereau is recruiting younger and younger leaders for Farm Bureau. Sara Schmidt, 2111., seems more interested in the balloon. Sara attended the recent Presidents' Conference with her mother, Alice, and her father, Virgil, who is Arenac County FB president. Agriculture's Public Relations Department A friend from Chicago recent- basis. ly commented, "You farmers But, we are already sold on sure have lousy public rela- agriculture. To what news do tions." I'll give her a good argu- our non-farming friends have ment against that - as soon as access? Their headlines are I think of one. more apt to read: "Milk Can Every month, thousands of Harm You," "Red Meat Causes agricultural publications with Cancer," or "Confinement Is Ap- Watching the mortgage on the sound, scientific backing are proved Animal Cruelty." They Ingham County FB office build. printed and mailed, many free have little opportunity to hear ing burn at the Jan. 28 open of charge. Progressive farmers, the real story. Sure, we have house are Stanley Fay (left), who was president when the office or those who wish they were, spokespersons for our industry; building was constructed, and receive at least half a dozen we hold contests and vie for the current president Alan Awalt. farm periodicals on a regular (continued on page 26) FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- Jan. 9 - Michael Proctor, 28, Jan. 23 - Richard Klelnhardt, 36, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance farms 140 acres and milks 50 cows of Clare operates a 900-acre dairy farm Group and the Michigan Farm Radio near Mayville. He is active in his with his father and brother. He is a Network, honors farmers for their con- church, on the Tuscola County FB ex- board member and past president of tributions to the community and the ag ecutive and Young Farmer committees, DHIA; secretary and past president of industry. Five farmers were honored in chairperson of his Community Group his church board; Clare County FB vice January 1984: and a member of DHIA and MMPA. president; and a delegate to DHIA, MMPA and Select Sires. He and his wife Jan. 16 - William Densham, 62, of were named MMPA's Outstanding Young Jan. 2 - Gary Fisher, 29, of Breck- Ceresco has a 500-acre cash crop and Dairy Couple in 1983. enridge operates a 1AOO-acre cash crop beef farm. An ASCS committeeman, he farm with his father and uncle. He is is a member of the Calhoun County FB Jan. 30 - Jerry Clark, 43, is a cash Gratiot County Young Farmer chairper- board, the township zoning board of ap- crop farmer from Alma who farms in a son, on the county's policy develop- peals and the Harper Creek Schools partnership. He is an elder and trustee ment and information committees, on transportation committee. He is a past at his church, president of the inter- the B & W Farmers Co-op advisory township supervisor, church board mediate school advisory board, past board and was named Young Farmer of member, school board president and church treasurer and Sunday school the Year in 1983. DHIA board member, and served 35 teacher, and was named Outstanding years on local planning and zoning Young Man of the Year by the Jaycees. commissions. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 19 Agriculture Week -- March 16-22 This will be the third year that Elanco Products Co. presents a National Agriculture Week tele- vision special. Co-sponsors of the broadcast include American Bankers Association, Ford Motor Corp., Stauffer Chemical Co. and Ford Tractor Opera- tions. Check your TV listings to see if a station iri your viewing area will carry the show. What Is Ag Day? National Agriculture Day is an annual celebration, officially recognized by Congress, the president and most governors, to salute the achievements of the working men and women of agriculture in the United States who are responsible for 20% of the gross national product. That "human chain," from the miners of ores that go into trac- tor steel to cashiers at neigh- borhood restaurants, includes 23 million people involved in the nation's food chain. "The people involved in the By Donna Wilber Fowler, Indiana, a farmer and many steps and enterprises re- businessman who travels the quired to produce and deliver Nobody can tell the story of world as an agricultural consul- the hundreds of U.S. agricultur- agriculture better than farmers tant; and Robert Wilhelm, al commodities form a chain of and they'll be taking center Calamus, Iowa, an immigrant linked human hands, each with stage to do just that during Na- from Europe who began with a contribution to the final tional Agriculture Week, March nothing but a dream and be- goaL" said Faye Adam, MFB 16-22. came a successful farmer. Women's Committee chairper- On the national scene, three Washburn and Wilhelm are Farm son. farmers will star in a television Bureau members in their re- "During various activities, Na- special, "Not So Ordinary Peo- spective states. tional Ag Day supporters will at- ple," scheduled to be shown on Through the stories of these tempt to gain public under- some 135 TV stations across three individuals, viewers will standing that each of the links the nation. The special will discover that the farmers' con- must be strong, in order to focus on the three not-so- cerns are no different than their keep every other link back ordinary individuals who pro- own: the ability of people to through the chain strong, for vide insights into the contribu- have a significant impact on the benefit of all Americans." tions of farmers and agriculture the laws of the land; an abun- For several years, MFB Women to the nation's economy and dant, wholesome and affordable sponsored a separate Ag Under- society. food supply; and the opportuni- standing Day, but the state The stars will be Doris Royal, ty to provide for themselves committee and most county farm wife from Springfield, and their families through hard committees have now tied their Nebraska, who led a grassroots work and initiative. campaign to change the inheri- (continued on page 30) tance tax laws; Sam Washburn, 20 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 Old and New Ideas Combine for Success "I feel that everyone who's a LeRoy considers it important and still be profitable for me," part of agriculture should be to have constant exposure to he says. Edible beans, corn, actively involved on behalf of new ideas. But after three seed oats, wheat and hay are agriculture," says LeRoy decades in agriculture, the now his principal crops. Schluckebier, a Frankenmuth Michigan native still sees ad- At the same time, LeRoy de- cash crop farmer and Tuscola vantages to using some age-old cided to build an elevator to County Farm Bureau member. farming methods and adapting have better control over crop ''I'd rather spare the time to them to blend with modern-day sale prices through more timely participate than chance being techniques. marketing. uninformed on issues affecting When it comes to managing Although many farmers don't my future. As farmers, we have the farm, however, LeRoy now look favorably on borrowing a responsibility to the profes- lets a sharp pencil take prece- funds for expansion, LeRoy says sion which is also our life." dence over the plow as his that spending money to make primary farm tool. "More than or save money in the long run ever," he says, "farming de- enables him to justify the in- pends on key management de- vestment. His personal storage I'd rather spare the cisions." facility, for example, has helped With this in mind, he under- reduce commercial elevator time to participate took a major revision of his charges and expedite har- than chance being farming program three years vesting. It also has allowed him ago to increase efficiency. After to custom dry small grains and uninformed on is- careful consideration, he elimi- edible beans for seed, although sues affecting my nated sugar beets from his this was not anticipated as a cropping schedule. "They were future. simply too expensive to grow (continued on page 26) In addition to farming 700 acres in Tuscola and Saginaw counties, LeRoy takes the time to participate in community, state and national organiza- tions, most notably as chair- person of the Michigan Bean Commission. In that position, he travels extensively through- out the United States and abroad as a spokesperson for Michigan's dry bean producers. "Farmers who say they don't have time to attend agricultural meetings are usually the first ones to call me afterward, ask- ing 'What happened?'" he says. "Many of the practices I've in- stituted on my farm were first learned from people I met at Respect for the land is a belief that LeRoy Schluckebier (right) strives to committee meetings. Time well pass on to future generations. LeRoy spends much of his time speaking spent pays many dividends." to and working with young farmers. RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 21 AGRINDMIC UPDATE - Ag Employment: Finding Your Way Out of the Regulation Maze • > Several factors may converge description of crops to be "These standards have been during the 1984 growing sea- harvested and employment ac- in the drafting process for over son which would create a tense tivities, terms of payment, a year now and could go into ef- and potentially volatile situa- transportation, housing or fect during the growing season, tion for Michigan agricultural other benefits. And, by refer- so employers are going to have employers and the migrant ence, the MSPArequires the to be alert and flexible," he work force, warns Ron Gaskill, employer to meet state and says. MFB local affairs specialist. federal standards for housing, And there's still more to trou- According to Gaskill, many vehicles, etc. Complete and ac- ble the agricultural employer. employers are not yet familiar curate recordkeeping is re- "We have migrant housing with the requirements and quired. facilities in this state that have scope of the federal Migrant And although the impact of been in use for 25 years or and Seasonal Agricultural Work- the proposed Immigration Re- longer," Gaskill says. "Conse- er Protection Act (MSPA)which form and Control Act on Michi- quently, we are seeing the num- went into effect last year. Still gan's migrant and seasonal ber of first time inspection to come is the Immigration labor situation is not fully violations increase simply due Reform and Control Act current- known at this time, employers to the fact that the housing is ly being debated in Congress. deteriorating because of age." Inadvertent violations of the Had enough? That's likely to procedures and requirements For the farm operator I be the response of many agri-" could result. In addition, he employer who must cultural labor employers who says, an earlier, larger influx of are able to convert their harvest rely on migrant and migrant labor to the state is an- operations to mechanization or ticipated due to the damaged seasonal labor there less labor intensive crops, harvests in freeze-affected are alternatives and Gaskill says. southern states. precautions which can But for the farm operator / "It will be especially impor- employer who must rely on tant in this growing season for reduce labor related migrant and seasonal labor agricultural employers to be in problems. there are alternatives and full compliance with the provi- precautions which can reduce sions of state and federal laws labor related problems. regarding housing, employment, can be certain that additional Gaskill suggests that employ- labor contracting and so forth," recordkeeping and worker docu- ers plan their labor needs, coor- he says. mentation will be required. dinate with related agencies, In a June 1983 series of U.S. "This act would give legal and contact known workers in Department of Labor bulletins, status to some 'undocumented advance to make an agreement the rights of migrant and sea- workers' currently in the United on the number of workers need- sonal workers, and responsibili- States," Gaskill says, "but there ed, housing, transportation, etc. ties of employers, are outlined. are no figures indicating how And he emphasizes once again Under the law, labor contractors many are involved in agricul- the importance of being in total are required to be certified by ture. Some estimate 30% of the compliance with all laws per- the U.S. Department of Labor, migrant and seasonal workforce taining to the employment of however, it is the responsibility is in the country illegally. The migrant and seasonal workers. of the employer to insure that law imposes stiff sanctions and A good place to begin plan- the contractor has a valid cer- penalties on employers who hire ning and information gathering, tificate. illegal aliens, including felony he says, is at the agricultural Other requirements are that convictions and fines." labor conference, "Managing the employer disclose written Implementation of OSHA reg- the Human Resource," March employment information re- ulations and standards for field 14-15, which is being sponsored garding work availability, sanitation and first aid may fur- by Michigan Farm Bureau and ther complicate problems for the American Farm Bureau Fed- employers of agricultural labor. eration. 22 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 The two-day conference will offer employers/ supervisors of aUINAUL T EVERBEARING STRAWBERRIES agricultural labor a comprehen- sive update on existing and GREAT NEW VARIETY pending legislation, and provide PICK BERRIES UP TO 2" IN labor management training and DIAMETER FROM JUNE .. TI LL FROST skills. Resource persons from 10 for $1.95 25 for $ 3.95 the Michigan and U.S. Depart- 50 for $6.95 100 for $11.95 ments of Labor, the Michigan Department of Public Health, PLANT THIS YEAR - HARVEST THIS YEAR Michigan State University and Here's Stuwberry ill greillt-tillsting, heillvy-beuing new everbeuing thillt grows so big we hesitillte to tell you .. the AFBF national affairs office we're iIlfrillid you won't believe us. But they hillve been found illS big illS teill cups! This iIlmuing berry WilS de- will be on the program of work- veloped by Willshington Stillte University. It is well on its WillY to being the grutest performer ever. Quinillult has been shops and general sessions. tested in 13 stilltes iIlnd Cillnilldill with excellent performillncc A meeting of the Michigan Ag- record for size, tillSte iIlnd plillnt growth. IT WAS FOUND TO BE THE MOST DISEASE-FREE EVERBEARING WE HAVE EVER TESTED! Because it ricultural Labor Commission, is so new the Quinillult is still being tested. But it iIlppeillrs to have iIll1 the properties to millke it ill very populillr .•. if not the MOST POPULAR VARIETY OF EVERBEARING STRAW- open to the public and con- BERRIES. AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS - pick qUillrts of big, delicious Strawberries every few ference participants, has been weeks iIll1 summer long! Plillce your order todillY and get them started now. Order at lust SO plillnts to try them out ••. or more if you cilln h,lIndle them. Plant Quinillult Everbearings scheduled to coincide with the this Spring iIlnd begin harvesting big, red, ripe Strawberries .. often in just 6 weeks .... iIlnd iIll1 summer long. conference. Program information. and reg- EASY- TO-GROW - BIG-TENDER FROM YOUR GARDEN, VERY .. istration forms are available by DELICIOUS EASY-TO-GROW contacting Ron Gaskill, MFB TENDER - MEATY Public Affairs Division, P.O. Box ASPARAGUS DELICIOUS OLD-FASHIONED 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909; 10 for $1.98 phone 517-323-7000, ext. 559. 20 for $3.75 VICTORIA 30 for $5.65 RHUBARB 5 Roots only $1.00 LIQUID PLASTIC Big, tender, and perhaps delicious the easiest - 10 for $1.95 15 for $2.85 (NOT SOLD IN STORES) of illII sum mer vege- I 1 . ~h~:aU;pii~~Irk: How about some old-fashioned tillbles! Once established Rhubub pie! It is easy to start y the original planting iIlnd this Victoriill Rhubillrb usually produces for 20 grows ill new crop every year ". ", paint forms a yeus! MiIlrthill Willshing- without replanting! Gives beau- ~~, - .. ;' . skin so tough it ton variety produces tiful flowers, too. Makes ill nice ~ , " ;"'_' "-"'_., '--- .'--- won't crack, chip or peel. painting Cuts costs iIlbu ndill nt, with tender tips. ' giant-size . perennial 1" nursery border. stock. be Shipped to California. ORDERHERE. Large 5/8" Sorry, can't _ to , , . covers and protects like a 'shield of unbreakable FULL ONE-YEAR I HOUSE OF WESLEY, NURSERY DIVISION glass, DEPT. 3934.52 WATERPROOF IN 30 MINUTES GUARANTEE I BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS 61701 Adheres to practically anything. Stops If within one year of reo ~ HOW CAT, leaks, Ideal for concrete, aluminum. ceipt of your order any I MANY NO. DESCRIPTION wood. masonry. canvas, any metal. plants do not live, just RE. r N6211 Martha Washin ton As ara us Clear any major color, Just specify, We pay all shipping costs, Order NAVAL 5, TURN THE SHIPPING LA. r N6607 uinault Everbearin Strawberries Ship as follows: ( ) 015. ot $'.95 BEL ONLY for a free I N6772 Victoria Rhubarb each. ( ) Gal. at 525.95. ( ) 5 replacement or purchase f Illinois Residents add 6% Sales Tax Gals. at 520 per gal. price refund. your choice, --651 We guarantee plants to be Postage and handling Name vigorous. healthy. and I NAME TOTAL $ 1 Address first class in every way. I 1 City State Zip _ The WARRANTY IS VOID I ADDRESS 1 UNLESS THE SHIPPING R()~l'dalc Chl'mical Co., Dl'pt. I\W.83 LABEl IS RETURNED. I CITY STATE ZIP I I I P.O. Box 3042, Rosl'dall', Kan. 66103 ---------------------- HEAVY BREED CHICKS NOW Special Offer - $19.95 per 100 $18.95 $12.95 per 50 - $7.95 per 25 SIZES No choice of breed or sex but guaran- N 5\'1-12 teed to be all heavy breed chicks. M 4.12 Shipped FOB. Free brochure. Order direct from ad. W 5.12 Cackle Hatchery, Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. ( Ngy~ "6es) Phone 417.532.4581. MID-SOUTU TRACTOR '227 page illustrated book explains sausage making PARTS, INC. Rt. 2. Box 3) 6.M3. Sikeston. MO 6380) plus home curing and smoking of meat, fowl and fish. Over 100 recipes. We now have Low Salt CALL TOLL FREE Seasonings. Free equipment and supply catalog Out of State: 1-800-325-7070 has more information. Missouri Res.: 1-800-392-0929 The SAUSAGEMAKER 177-56 Military Road Buffalo. N,Y. 14207 rllil ....58Ot "For good used parts at low prices." RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 23 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly World Trade polley discussions. The economic destiny of agri- Prosperity for American agri- price supports and loan rates. culture in the United States de- culture is dependent on export Wheat growers, who need ex- pends on international markets. markets. Neither farmers nor ports for about two-thirds of Thirty percent of all U.S. farm the nation can afford to lose their market, must have a output is exported. Production farm export markets that earn reduced loan rate to be com- from two out of every five acres $35 to $50 billion per year. petitive in the world market. of cropland is exported. Farm prices and hence farm- If government programs con- In recent years, we have ex- ers' economic fortunes follow tinue to price exported com- ported two-thirds of the wheat export demand, and in the modities such as wheat out of we produce and a similar per- 1970s as export demand grew the world market, other export- centage of rice. Over half of our at an average annual rate of ing nations will continue to grain sorghum and soybeans 8%, U.S. agriculture experi- undersell U.S. producers. move in international markets, enced substantial growth, but Other domestic government and a third of our corn. A third the 1980s have begun with a policies will also affect the price of our tobacco and half of our downturn in exports rather than competitiveness of U.S. pro- cotton go to foreign outlets. growth. ducers. As the world's most Who are our customers? Recession, the sharp increase energy intensive agriculture, Just to get an idea, take a in the value of the dollar, and taxes on imported oil and other look at export sales for the the international credit prob- government decisions that week of Jan. 13-19, 1984. Some lems have caused the value and force up the price of energy will 680,000 metric tons of wheat volume of exports to decline. In hurt U.S. agriculture. were exported. Principal desti- addition, U.S. trade relations Monetary policy that results nations included the USSR with a number of communist in inflation will make it harder (142,900), Moracco (106,700), countries have deteriorated in for producers to secure credit Japan (100,800) and China recent years, which hindered ex- for productive investments. (95,700). Some 925,200 metric port shipments. Regulations on things such as tons of corn were exported. U.S. exports are now facing pesticides increase production Japan (417,900) was the lead- increased competition, and costs. All of these activities and ing destination, followed by without much chance for an in- many more will directly impact Mexico (129,800) and Taiwan crease in domestic consump- the ability of U.S. agriculture to (108,600). Some 390,200 metric tion, the export market is the com pete for world markets. tons of soybeans were shipped. only opportunity as an outlet Increasing the volume of U.S. Principal destinations were The for our increasing productive agricultural products moving Netherlands (126,900), Japan capacity. into world trade also relies on (86,800) and Spain (83,600). The United States must con- an increase in the number of The week's soybean oil exports tinue to improve agriculture paying customers. The source of 2,300 metric tons were main- productivity and vigorously of additional world demand will ly to Ecuador (1,000) and Trini- compete for foreign markets. To be the middle class of develop- dad (600). do this, we must establish a ing countries. As these coun- No particular week is typical, long-term trade policy with the tries develop, they produce but there is one important point realization that customers out- goods that compete directly in to be made: one market exists side the country are just as world trade with products pro- for U.S. agricultural products, dear to the U.S. producer as duced by developed countries. the world market, and consum- customers within. If these new industrial pro- ers live in many different coun- Expanding export markets ducers are not allowed access tries. Consumers living in will not benefit U.S. producers to the markets of industrialized Tokyo, Moscow and Peking are unless commodity prices put countries, including the U.S., just as important to the success U.S. products in a competitive their economies will not have of U.S. farmers as consumers in position. Much of the wheat ex- the opportunity to grow and de- Boston, Chicago and San Diego. port business has been lost in recent years because of high 24 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1984 mand for U.S. agricultural prod- ucts will not expand. For this Here's how to stop reason, protectionism by devel- oped countries must be avoided so developing countries can foot pain ...instantly! There's really no mys- earn foreign exchange to use to tery about what causes ENJOY buy food. foot problems Lower Very simply stated, BLESSED Back Pain A similar concern exists with when you're born, each REUEF \ Leg our big customers like Japan. A Pain of your feet has 26 dif- FROM: prote<;:tionist measure such as a ferent bones held in ___ Sore Quota on Japanese auto im- balance and position by Ankle ports could invite retaliation by tendons, muscles and the biggest customer of U.S. ligaments. agricultural commodities. Once something hap- pens to destroy this bal- Agriculture must also con- ance, (no matter what tinue to fight other anti- your age) it's irreversi- competitive actions such as em- ble unless you do some- bargoes and restrictive trade thing about it. practices. There's really no mystery about Feathersprings act as a shock- Some feel that bilateral trade finding relief absorbing, pain-easing system agreements, which account for Since 1948, over 3,000,000 which structurally realigns your peopfe are enjoying blessed relief feet. Not only do they restore the roughly half the world trade in natural balance of your feet, they al- grain, make the world food sys- they never thought possible ... low your feet to flex normally in all tem more secure. Although gov- thanks to Flexible Featherspring@ types of shoes. Thanks to Feather- Foot Supports. ernment to government trade springs, your aching feet get the con- How do Feathersprings bring agreements can benefit the tinuous, moving support which relief? Well, unlike costly special brings that relief. United States in stabilizing nor- shoes, mass-produced arch pre- mally volatile Soviet and serves, or ready-made, drug store Chinese markets, widespread remedies, custom-formed Flexible Feathersprings actually restore use of bilateral agreements and maintain the elastic support could increase world and U.S. your feet had when you were a youth. market volatility, adding to a No matter how long you've had serious farm problem - unsta- foot problems-be it 3 months or There's really no risk involved in bility. 30 years-the instant you slip a finding out whether Feather- A long-term trade policy be- pair of Feathersprings in your shoes (one pair is all you'll ever springs can relieve your foot gins with the realization that problems need)-you'll be able to stand all the market for food is a world day, walk, dance, even jog or run We're so certain that Feath- market, not an individual coun- in total comfort. erspring Foot Supports will end try market. your foot problems that if you're What people say in unsolicited not completely satisfied we'll testimonials, about refund your money in full with Discussion Questions Feathersprings: no questions asked. "Thanks to Feathersprings, / can con- Write us for full information, -What can we do to improve tinue making my living playing golf. .. My feet were so painful that / could barely there's no obligation and no , our competitiveness in the walk 18 holes in any tournament. / heard about Feathersprings. Then, Since / salesman will call. Just fill out and world market? tried eveT),thing else. / might as well give mail the coupon below. them a chance. Now that / wear -Do you think food should be Feathersprings. I'm back on the tour and •Actual photos of customers who used as a political weapon? my feet are absolutely pain-free!" J.E. (Touring Golf Pro) sent us these letters. \, 11; -Embargoes have hurt U.S. pro- * Naples. FL. '£) 1984 Featherspnng International Corp. 712 N. 34th Street. \l' (~i/l(,(' NIH ~ ducers by labeling the U.S. as an unreliable supplier. What ~.. / hCWl'thoroughly enjoyed the comfort Feathersprings have provided me. You u'Ould not believ't' the difference they hm't' modI' my feet fee/.before 1hod such .---------_ ..~ Seattle. Washington 98103 FEATHERSPRING INTERNATIONAL .~~. • A CORPORATION alternatives are there to em- pain when lealking becau.