Michigan Farm Bureau Buyer's Service Program Now It's Guaranteed! What IS the Buyer/s 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 Fam i1y 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 appliances Luggage you money. Microwave ovens Watches Musical equipment Electronic Equipment Lawn furniture Stereos 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 Please complete and mail along with your check or their volume and thus giving them larger buy- money order in the amount of $25.00 to: ing discounts by brokering their product 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 Fam ily 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) MAY 1984 FARM NEWS VOL. 63 NO.5 THE COVER A publication The flowers were just begin- ning to bloom when over 100 of the Michigan farmers visited their congressmen in Washington Michigan during April. Farm Bureau Photo by Marcia Ditchie In this'issue: National Legislators Hear Farmers' Views MFB's Outstanding Young Farm Woman reports on the 1984 Washington Legislative Seminar. 8 Yes! Campaign Packs New Promotional Punch for Michigan Food Products Michigan Week activites for the state's first lady, Paula Blanchard, will include emphasis on the "Say Yes to the Best From Michigan Farms" campaign. 12 Spring Puts Holland Residents in a Festival Mood Tulip Time is a colorful combination of Dutch costumes, flowers and traditions. 17 Thank God I'm a Country Boy! After off-the-farm careers, two Alpena County sheep farmers return to their country roots. 20 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Rural Exchange - page 15 Country Ledger - page 5 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 16 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 24 Front and Center - page 14 Discussion Topic - page 26 Continued Farmer Ag Secretary Block believes those who are most determined will Communication Will write the 1985 farm bill. Increase Our Impact As this is written, we have on agriculture and realize they have to settle for compromises. just returned from the nation's had better listen to what repre- Secretary of Agriculture John capital where 100 county and sentatives from that key in- Block told us that a lot of peo- state legislative leaders and dustry have to say. ple care about farm policy and assistants participated in the The biggest factor, I believe, are going to speak to it, in- Washington Legislative Semi- was the united strength of in- cluding agricultural suppliers, nar, our major policy execution dividual members who evidently grain traders and a host of activity on the national level. did their homework before they other people who make their liv- When our organization invests delivered their messages - ar- ing off our industry. Farmers the amount of human and fi- ticulately, honestly and knowl- are going to need a strong, nancial resources that goes into edgeably - on the targeted united voice to compete with all this annual project, it's well to issues. Certainly, we are proud those other voices. ask - was it worth the invest- of our professional lobbyists I can't stress strongly enough ment? Did we accomplish our who work daily for our best in- how crucial this issue is to our objectives? Did the efforts of so terests, but it is individual future and how necessary it is many dedicated farmers have farmer member contacts that for those involved in production an impact on the decision- give them the credibility they agriculture to work together, makers? enjoy in the halls of Congress. with foresight and knowledge, Most of those questions can't to shape the farm policy that be answered until we inventory will assure us a sound industry. the votes cast on legislation, or We went to Washington Take every opportunity you can check the listing of co-sponsors now to prepare for that task. of bills we discussed with our to deliver a Farm Take advantage of the educa- U.S. representatives and Bureau policy message, tional modules currently being senators. But I've participated but we also received a offered through Community Ac- in this activity for a number of tion Groups, read the discus- years now and have learned to message ... farmers sion topic in this issue of Rural recognize some indicators of must have input into Living, attend meetings that are just how effective we are. the writing of the new being held throughout the state I don't think there was any and invite others to join you. farm bill. doubt that, this year, our na- Secretary Block also told our tional legislators did listen at- group that, in the end, the peo- tentively to what our farmers ple who have the most interest, had to say. We went to Washington to de- the most desire, and who are The fact that this is an elec- liver a Farm Bureau policy most determined, will write the tion year probably had some- message, but we also received a farm bill. We need to remember thing to do with that recep- message while we were there - that during the months ahead. tiveness, but certainly not not once, but several times: everything. The Michigan con- farmers must have input into gressional delegation keeps a the writing of a new farm bill. sensitive finger on the pulse of Sen. Riegle's agricultural their home state. They know the liaison warned us that as a vital importance our state gov- minority group, we simply President ernment officials have placed aren't strong enough politically Michigan Farm Bureau to get what we want in a farm bill and that we're going to 4 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 COUNTRY LEDGER Spring Gladness Paints the Pages of Kural Living Let's do it! following the Governor's Break- northeast Michigan in early Do you really think we should? fast during Farmers' Week and March, she ran into an ice They might think we're presump- the FB Women's Ag Day Break- storm but the warm hospitality tuous. fast where Paula Blanchard was of her hosts and the cuddly Ah! Come on, we'll hate our- the speaker. (You can read softness of newborn lambs were selves if we don't take advan- about her plans for introducing like a breath of spring. Read her tage of an opportunity like this. the "YES!" campaign to our story of a third generation Where are the bodyguards? We state's ag products during farmer and a city "personnel might get arrested! Michigan Week on page 12.) headhunter" turned farmer on Let's take that chance. Let's Meeting the Blanchards was page 20. do it! an appropriate conclusion to an The article by Cathy Kirvan on What would you have done? exciting week in Washington, a unique method one west cen- There we were 600 miles away D.C., with our 100 legislative tral Michigan farm woman uses from home, in a place a sign in leaders. Our Outstanding Young to save baby lambs (page 22) the airport aptly describes as Farm Woman, Laurie Isley, kept has been in our "bank" for the most important city in the a journal while she participated quite a while. Spring, the world, and we see a couple we in the policy execution activity. season of rebirth and renewed know - indeed, every Michi- Follow in her footsteps (without hope, seemed an appropriate ganian knows. It's our last day pounding the cement she did) time to share that story. in the nation's capital and our by reading her report on page 8. From sheep pens to tulip beds work with the MFB Washington The cherry blossoms and daf- to the halls of Congress - it's Legislative Seminar is com- fodils were in breathtakingly been an interesting "beat" this pleted in time for one last look beautiful bloom in Washington, month! around this historic city. with promises of tulips soon to We're hungry and so, we dis- follow. But, as lovely as the Connie Turbin, Donna Wilber, cover, are Michigan's governor public gardens of our nation's Marcia Ditchie & Cathy J. l\irvan and first lady. It's not the fancy capital may be, they have a Rural Living Editors kind of restaurant you'd expect rival in our own Holland, Michi- such dignitaries to frequent, gan, site of the gala Tulip Festi- just a spot on the balcony of val. Our MSU ag journalism in- The Old Post Office, saved from tern, Therese Nichols, gives a demolition by a group of enter- preview of that event and intro- preneurs who thought it would duces some of the people who be a good place for an interna- make it happen on page 17. tional center, boasting the Farmers' Week, Ag Day, the wares and culinary delights of Washington Legislative Semi- various ethnic groups. nar, Michigan Week, the Tulip So, do we simply point, stare, Festival ... these are all nudge each other, whisper, "00 activities that herald the you see who I see? It's Governor coming of spring to winter- and Mrs. Blanchard," and go on weary farmers and farm our merry way? Or do we hike editors. They're as much our "Good Things Growing in a signal of spring as Michigan" tote bags up into full flowers blooming, view and stop to say hello? freshly-plowed earth, We opted for the latter and Easter eggs and being the gracious folks they wobbly-legged baby are, we were cordially greeted lambs. and didn't get arrested. They Yes, we know that even acted as though they re- lambs don't necessarily membered the Rural Living wait until spring to be born. editors from a photo session When Marcia Ditchie visited a couple sheep producers in RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW process has been under study FB Questions Spending Pri- for some time because of the orities - The administration's large volume of economic emer- proposed budget for the Agri- gency loans resulting from last culture Department contains a summer's drought. Approved "serious distortion in spending banks wilJ collect credit infor- priorities for production agricul- Farm Program Legislation mation and develop loan ap- ture," an FB spokesperson told - The House and Senate acted plications, but the final ap- members of the House Appro- in early April to approve a con- proval will be made by FmHA. priations Committee's agricul- ference report to H.R. 4072, the ture subcommittee. In testi- "Agriculture Adjustment Pro- mony before the panel on grams Act of 1984," opening Elevator Bankruptcy Re- March 30, Stuart Proctor, AFBF the way for a new sign up peri- form - Elevator bankruptcy assistant director of national af- od for the wheat price support provisions, part of an overall fairs, said FB opposes proposals program. bankruptcy reform measure for fiscal year 1985 that would The compromise legislation passed by the House, would cut export funding, animal and will lower the 1984 wheat target establish a 120-day timetable plant pest programs, research price to $4.38 per bushel and for determining ownership of and Extension, and soil conser- freeze all 1985 target prices at grain stored in an insolvent vation programs. last year's level. The bi)) in- elevator. The four-month dead- The budget proposal would cludes acreage reduction pro- line may be invoked by anyone reduce funding for the export grams, diversion payments, and with a stake in the bankruptcy credit guarantee program by $1. offers a PIK provision only for thus speeding up the process billion, take $26 mi))ion from the 1984 wheat program. Other for claimants' requests for the Animal and Plant Health in- changes include increasing P.L. secured status prior to asset spection Service for the brucel- 480 allocations by $325 million distribution. The bill says that a losis eradication program and over the two years, boosting warehouse receipt or scale restore that sum through a pro- 1985 export credit guarantees ticket is a valid way to prove ducer check-off or user fee, cut more than $1 billion to $4.1 ownership of grain and to the Extension Service research billion, offers additional establish the amount owned. In budget by $35 million, and drought assistance and alJows addition, farmers would gain reduce conservation funding by the CCC to barter surplus dairy special status for resolving $222 million. products for UHT (ultra high their claims ahead of unsecured One budget proposal met with temperature) milk and to do- creditors. FB approval. Proctor told the nate that milk to needy coun- A limit on trustee's fees in a committee that AFBF supported tries. bankruptcy case would assure the $160 million increase in Wheat producers should be that grain or the proceeds from Farmers Home Administration aware that none of the 1984 selJing grain cannot be used to farm operating loans for fiscal wheat program contracts sub- recover costs other than those 1985. mitted to the USDA-ASCSprior involved in moving the case for- to the March 16 deadline have ward. been signed by the USDA,and The bill partially reverses a re- Congressional Tax Bills - are not yet legally binding. cent Supreme Court decision Tax bi))s in the House and which said firms in bankruptcy Senate each propose increasing can abrogate union contracts. tax revenues by between $45 Private Banks to Uelp The Senate bankruptcy reform billion and $49.8 billion over a FmUA Process Loans - Ag bill, already passed, contains no three year period, ] 985-1987. Secretary John Block has an- such provision and it is ex- The House bill and its Senate nounced a program by which pected that some senators in counterpart are similar in their private bankers will aid the conference committee may try tax provisions. Farmers Home Administration to modify or delete the amend- The Senate tax bill contains a in processing loans in order to ment. wide assortment of provisions speed up the process and give including the following: farmers better service. The -Treats interest free or low in- terest loans between family members as gifts for gift and income tax purposes. 6 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 • Defers until 1988 scheduled FB Opposes Early Tax Rollback increases in first year expensed ~., property. The present $5,000 limit would be-maintained through 1987. • Defers through 1988 a sched- uled increase from $125,000 to \~ :{ I $150,000 in the cost of used property eligible for investment tax credit. • Extends the 3% telephone ex- cise tax through 1987 and in- creases the tax on liquor. • Repeals the dividend reinvest- ment provision for public utili- ties. • Restricts the use of income averaging, and contains a varie- ty of accounting provisions that could adversely affect the use of partnerships and trusts. MFBPresident Elton Smith and Gov. James Blanchard discuss MFB's The bill does not freeze estate position regarding the early rollback of the Michigan income tax. tax rate reductions as the House bill does. A provision of the bill modi- The MFB board met March 21 to review the issue of a state in- fies the highway use tax to come tax rollback and the effect such a move would have on eliminate the tax on vehicles Michigan's agricultural economy. After careful consideration, under 55,000 Ibs. and reduces the following position statement was unanimously adopted: the rate on vehicles 55,000 Ibs. After serious consideration of Michigan's present fiscal situa- and over to $75 plus $21 for tion we oppose any effort to prematurely rollback the state in- each 1,000 Ibs. over 55,000. come tax. We believe that it is essential that any such proposal The maximum tax for vehicles should be considered only after the 1984-85 budget process has of 80,000 Ibs. and more would been completed and Michigan's continued recovery is assured. be reduced to $600 per year. Weare extremely concerned over the proposed inadequate Despite the favorable provi- agricultural budget. Michigan's agricultural economy has al- sion for the highway use tax, FB ready been harmed by the extreme cutbacks of the past four opposes both bills and con- years especially in the Department of Agriculture. Because of tinues to recommend a freeze such excessive cutbacks Michigan's agriculture and consumers and fix policy, instead of tax in- are vulnerable to serious consequences resulting from inade- creases, for federal spending quate food inspection, animal health prevention programs, plant disease controls, protection of our forests, research and and deficit reduction. laboratory programs, Michigan State University agricultural research, and maintaining the accreditation of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Science, to name only a few. Agriculture is Michigan's second largest and most stable seg- ment of the economy. It generates a large proportion of the Jobs in our state when combined with the entire food industry. It must not be allowed to decline due to further unwise and short- sighted budget restrictions. The Michigan Farm Bureau after much study strongly supported the necessary 1983 income tax increase provided that it contained Income Tax Rollback - S.B. a phase out program by law. Michigan's economic condition was 660, as introduced, would have such that there was no other responsible alternative. Weare rolled the income tax back from pleased with the progress that has been made to date. the present 6.1% to 4.6% on Now is the time to repair the damage that has been done to April 1 of this year. This would agriculture and various other state functions. Now is the time to have also eliminated .25% to complete the budget process with careful study of all programs. payoff Michigan's debts. Sen. Now is the time for true fiscal responsibility. Michigan's recovery must continue. It must not be Jeopardized. (continued on page 28) RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 7 National Legislators Hear Farmers' Views A Report from MFB's Outstanding Young Farm Woman By Laurie Isley strategy for tomorrow's break- gressmen had not arrived when fast with our U.S. representa- breakfast was served and I was Tuesday, April 3 tives. concerned they wouldn't attend, Left Detroit at 8:50 a.m. I've but was assured by experienced Wednesday, April 4- legislative leaders that they always thought airports were exciting, especially when I'm The day began at 7:45 a.m. as were usually late. the one who is traveling. Jim we boarded buses to the Capitol We were soon joined by Walt and I were a bit anxious about Hill Club for breakfast with our Sanders, Rep. John Dingell's leaving our daughter Alysa for congressmen. Many of the con- the first time, but we were ex- cited about this trip, too. Our first activity in Washing- ton, D.C., was a get-acquainted luncheon where we met legisla- '1' , tive leaders from other coun- ties. Following a brief orienta- tion and introductions, we were given a break until 2:30. Jim and I walked to the Air and Space Museum, only one block from our hotel. There we saw everything from kites and hot air balloons to spaceships and rockets. Our hour-and-a- half break went quickly. The next session was a gener- al briefing with representatives from the AFBF office. We were introduced to John Datt, direc- tor of the Washington office, and Mary Kay Thatcher, assis- tant director of national affairs. I was once again impressed with the quality of the Farm Bureau staff. John and Mary Kay were well-informed and up- to-date about the issues and realistic about what we can ac- complish. We were advised to focus on a few key issues and to know our facts. The issues to be dis- cussed were: the federal budget and deficit spending, the 1985 farm bill, health insurance cost deductions, heavy truck use tax, and immigration reform. Following this briefing, the Washington isn't so formidable. Our V.S. representative, John Dingell, legislative leaders met to plan was glad to pose with Jim and me on the steps of the capitol building. 8 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 agricultural aide. We were a bit gressmen and letting them the local, state and national disappointed because we'd know that an inequity exists. levels. He stressed the need for hoped that the congressman Rep. Dingell will also consider farmers to get involved NOWin would be there. We spoke with our recommendations on the the formation of the 1985 farm Walt about some of our con- immigration reform bill. bill. cerns and he seemed quite re- Following the breakfast, a few Leo Mayer, associate adminis- ceptive. We were surprised and of us decided to visit Con- trator of the Foreign Ag Service, pleased when about halfway gressman Sander Levin from spoke to us about increasing through the breakfast, Con- the Detroit area because there exports and eliminating trade gressman Dingell arrived. What were no FB members from his barriers, as well as the problem an opportunity to get our views district in our group. We were of a growing protectionist across! fortunate to find him available movement in the U.S. But expressing our views to to meet with us. Peter Meyers, chief of the Soil the congressm'an was a bit of a Levin has an urban district Conservation Service, talked challenge as he seemed some- but seemed to be concerned about the growing problem of what more concerned about the about our situation and needs. soil erosion and farmers' inabili- defense budget. However, by He met with us for 35 minutes ty to see the problem on their the conclusion of the breakfast, and said he will look into the land and take steps to solve it. we felt we had made some pro- cost of the health insurance Using no-till and/ or minimum gress. He had listened to our deduction legislation. tillage practices was stressed ideils and, hopefully, will vote The afternoon began with a and more research was recom- accordingly in the future. news briefing at the National mended. His aide will study the health Press Club, where several re- All three of the USDAspeak- insurance deduction bill and porters asked us questions ers took time to answer ques- see if Dingell will be a co- about our mission in Washing- tions from our group, showing sponsor. The bill would allow ton. their desire to serve the inter- farmers and other self-em- Following the news briefing, ests and concerns of farmers. ployed persons to take 500/0 of we went to the USDAwhere Following the USDAbriefing, I what they pay in health in- 'Secretary of Agriculture John accompanied several members surance premiums as a tax de- Block and two others spoke to of the MFB board and women's duction. FB has been working the group. It was so exciting to committee to a special meeting on this legislation for the past have Secretary Block speak to with White House liaisons. The several years, but there's been our group when he has so many security at the Old Executive Of- more progress on it in the past other demands on his time. His fice Building was very tight. We few months because farmers philosophy is much like FB's, had to show our driver's Ii- have been talking to their con- probably because he has been influenced by FB involvement at Accompanying members of the MFBboard and women's committee to a special meeting with White Douse personnel was informative and impressive. We were told that the room we met in had been used by Richard Nixon as his executive office. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 9 issue, but is waiting to see the was asked very well. Graykowski cost of the legislation before he told us he didn't think the new becomes a co-sponsor of the farm bill would have what he bill. We told him if cost was his called "the radical and funda- major concern, that could be mental changes that Farm Bu- resolved by taxing those whose reau wants" and that com- employers pay for their health promises were going to have to care coverage - not a likely be made to satisfy all the solution to the inequity that ex- various commodity groups. ists, especially in an election We were disappointed that he year. didn't seem to understand that He also attempted to explain FB represents millions of farm his support of the domestic families from all commodity content bill, but not to the com- groups and that our policy is plete satisfaction of our group. designed by these farmers to Following Levin's presentation represent all of the diverse and and question and answer competitive aspects of Ameri- period, I was able to speak with can agriculture. him personally and present him That afternoon we had an ap- Several seminar participants with the current issue of Rural pointment with Congressman visited briefly with Sen. Carl Living magazine for his Dingell. We arrived about five Levin following our Thursday reference. Hopefully, he will minutes early to find that he breakfast meeting to discuss our remember our concerns as he had gone to the House floor for targeted polley Issues. develops policy. a vote. We finally caught up The views of Sen. Riegle seem with him on the capitol steps to be quite similar to those of with several other members censes and have our bags ex- Sen. Levin. Riegle's aide, John from his district. We talked amined. It was a heady feeling Graykowski, was humorous and about grain handling bankrupt- to be walking in this beautiful quite sincere and handled the cies and the sugar bill before he building where presidents have several difficult questions he had to leave for a meeting. walked. We were told that the room we met in was used by Richard Nixon as his executive office. The White House liaisons were Burleigh Leonard, special assis- tant to the president for policy development, and Mary Ann Malloy, assistant director of public liaison. Leonard, too, stressed the need for farmer in- put into the new farm bill and spoke of the "listening ses- sions" planned in Chicago and California for this purpose. We stressed our desire for a market-oriented farm policy and they agreed to carry our thoughts to the cabinet. Thursday, April 5 Today began with a group breakfast at the hotel with Sen. Carl Levin and Sen. Don Riegle's agricultural aide. Levin spoke about decreasing An Informal discussion between farm Bureau legislative leaders, other the deficit, the problems in the farm constituents and Congressman Dlngell took place on the steps of defense system and his efforts the capitol building. We talked about grain handling bankruptcies and the sugar bill before he had to leave for a meeting. to solve these and other issues. He said he agreed with us on the health insurance deduction 10 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1.984 Memorial. This monument was especially impressive, the kind that sends chills up your spine. Such eloquent words that man wrote - if only our government could be that direct today. Our last stop was the Wash- ington Monument, another tribute to an admirable man. After enjoying the tremendous view, we headed for the airport and Michigan. This has truly been a remark- able experience. Jim and I were impressed by the grandeur and history that surrounds this city and also the history in the making we observed as we spoke with people in govern- ment. We were discouraged by how slowly changes that we feel are right are made, and by our Jim and I were impressed by the grandeur politicians' preoccupation with re-election rather than serving and history that surrounds this city and the people or working for the also the ~istory in the making we observed common good. All in all, however, we realized as we spoke with people in government. that we have a responsibility to make our views known to these individuals and that they are willing to listen. We have a voice in this Farm Bureau organization that helps us speak collectively and this representation adds credibility to our viewpoints. I appreciate having the oppor- tunity to be a part of this semi- nar and hope I can attend again sometime as a county legislative leader. Participation in the Washington Legislative Seminar was the award received by Laurie Isley for winning the MFB Outstand- ing Young Farm Woman contest Friday, April 6 participants was that it was a in December 1983. She and her well-executed program that ac- husband, James, operate a grain Following a group breakfast complished its goals. and tomato farm near Palmyra where AFBF President Robert Since we didn't have to leave in Lenawee County. Isley was Delano was a special guest, we for the airport until noon, we winner of the Young Farmer had a critique session. Sugges- used our few remaining hours Discussion Meet contest in tions about the Washington to do some sightseeing. Our 1982. Legislative Seminar were made and good points emphasized. first stop was the Lincoln The general feeling of all the RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 11 Yes! Campaign Packs New Promotional Punch for Michigan Farm Products By Connie Turbin The logo for the new cam- by our neighbors, and most im- paign is a barn outline contain- portant, because those pur- "My role, my message and my ing the word Yes! along side a chases will provide our neigh- mission are really rather simple: Michigan map. Promotion plans bors with jobs." to tell all who will listen that developed by the Michigan De- from cherries to cars, from partment of Agriculture and 10 Michigan Week Kick-Off recreation to real estate, Michigan commodity groups in Blanchard's promotional ac- Michigan is the home of prod- cooperation with the Michigan tivities include several recent ucts ... and services aplenty." Department of Commerce will appearances at breakfast meet- That was the "all Michigan" encourage the use of the logo ings in Grand Rapids and message from the state's first in product packaging and label- Detroit where the campaign to lady in her remarks to represen- ing, Michigan food product pro- increase consumer awareness tatives of the state Legislature, motions in retail food markets, of Michigan produced and proc- state agencies, associations and restaurant menu features essed foods was outlined for the and Michigan State University spotlighting the "Best from target groups; attendance at attending an Agriculture Day Michigan Farms." the March 20 MFBWomen's breakfast sponsored by the "It is my goal ... that this Agriculture Day breakfast; and Michigan Farm Bureau Women, logo will soon appear on every product promotion activities in March 20, in the state's capital product that is made, manufac- the nation's capital. city. tured, grown or produced in A food industries tour of And true to her word, Paula Michigan," Blanchard says. "We Michigan processing facilities Blanchard is a leading spokes- want people to buy these prod- and supermarkets is planned person for the "Say Yes to the ucts because they are good. We during Michigan Week, May Best From Michigan Farms" want everyone to realize that 19-26. Blanchard's Michigan campaign to increase Michigan almost anything they might Week appearances will kick-off food product recognition and need or want is made some- the "Say Yes to the Best from sales of Michigan agricultural where in our great state. Michigan Farms" promotion products among processors, "We want people to buy Michi- and Michigan food product wholesalers, retailers, restaura- gan products because they are identification campaign. teurs, and ultimately, the made by our neighbors, grown Michigan consumer. 12 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 Look for the Michigan Logo To help Michigan consumers ISay Yes!1 to Michigan Asparagus more readily select Michigan produced and processed food Although you may get an ar- products, attractive point of gument from the maple syrup purchase displays are being producers, it is generally agreed distributed for use in retail food that fresh Michigan asparagus chains and a convenient "Look provides the first delicious taste for the Michigan Logo" shop- of Michigan's farm best. But be- ping list identifies food prod- ing the "first" spring crop each ucts produced and processed in year presents the asparagus Michigan. Over 500 products grower with the challenge of are listed in the brochure com- fluctuating spring temperatures piled by the Michigan Depart- that can affect the growth and ment of Agriculture Marketing quality of the tender crop. Division. "There is an old saying that if the peony shoots are showing above the ground, the aspara- gus shoots will have the same amount of growth above the root crown," says Rob Wendzel, II production manager for Greg Orchards and Produce of Ber- rien County. The Wendzels are one of the Farm Bureau families who are supplying fresh, hydro- cooled asparagus for the Michi- gan Agricultural Cooperative In addition, the logo will be Marketing Association's May "Say Yesl" logos are being featured in an advertising cam- Asparagus Sale. placed on a wide variety of paign using video presenta- Wendzel reports that, so far packages including milk cartons, tions, newspaper ads and this year, even Mother Nature cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and feature articles. even asparagus soup developed appears to be backing the "Say by Dobies, Inc. of Lansing and Blanchard explains that a Yes to the Best From Michigan Kalamazoo. consumer survey conducted Farms" campaign. last year prompted expansion "This spring looks promising," of the successful Say Yes cam- he says, "because it has stayed sion. Michigan asparagus is paign to include agricultural cool and has kept a lot of fruit picked by hand, he points out, product recognition. trees and perennial crops dor- not mechanically cut off below "Participating businesses are mant; asparagus is no excep- the ground. realizing the benefits of what tion." That's good because "Hand snapping the spear we discovered in (the survey) unseasonably warm weather means the plant's fibrous tissue last year. The survey indicated can spell trouble for the is left behind and the consumer that 51 % of Michigan con- asparagus crop. Rapid growth gets 100% usable, tender sumers had a great deal of dif- due to warm temperatures spears," In addition, post har- ficulty identifying Michigan means stems will be fibrous and vest handling of the product products. The good news is that "woody." A spring frost after a makes a quality difference. The 76% of those people indicated period of crown growth will asparagus distributed through they would purchase products damage the early asparagus the MACMA Direct Marketing made and grown in Michigan if Division is hydrocooled and shoots. they could identify them. "Our Michigan climate is a ready for fresh market ship- "In addition, 96% of the per- plus for the asparagus crop, but ment. sons surveyed indicated they consumers 'Say Yes' to Michi- The packaging for this fancy believe purchasing Michigan gan asparagus because there is grade asparagus will reflect agricultural products creates an important difference in the Michigan farmers' pride in their jobs and ... they would pur- Michigan crop," says Bob Ep- product with the new "Say Yes chase those products to sup- pelheimer, manager of the to the Best From Michigan port the Michigan labor force," MACMADirect Marketing Divi- Farms" logo. Blanchard says. RURAL LIVING, MAY 1984 1.3 FRONT 8L CENTER Topics for the 1984 Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet competition have been selected by the national committee. The four topic questions are: What is the value of an FB membership; what strategy should farmers and ranchers use to seek consumer confidence in the products we produce and to defend them in the market place; where should today's agricultural research funds be directed; and what features should be included in the 1985 farm program legislation? A complete listing of the topics with suggested areas for discussion is available by contacting the Young Farmer Committee chairperson in your county. A 1984-85 program of work for the MFBWomen has been approved by the MFB board. Four activity areas were identified for continued work by county women's committees: leader- ship, image, structure and communications. Three program priorities were selected for special emphasis. These priority projects are safe and healthy families, public understanding for agriculture and legislative and political involvement. Information and planning sessions will be conducted by MFB Women's Committee district representatives throughout the state. AFBFis backing legislation that would reorganize the Farmers Dome Administra- tion according to its farm administration and rural development functions. The proposed legislation deals with an often repeated criticism that the agency has so many programs under its wing, it can no longer adequately serve farmers. The bill would impose another significant change: the Agriculture Department would have its name changed to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. AFBF opposes that change. The U.S. Supreme Court heard the pro and con arguments regarding Michigan's Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act (P.A. 344) on March 19 and it is expected that the justices will announce their ruling in late June or early July. The case was brought before the nation's top judicial court by the Michigan Canners and Freezers Association to appeal the unanimous decision of the Michigan Supreme Court that the law was constitutional. Educational modules on the 1985 farm bill are being offered to Community Action Groups. The modules contain a short cassette tape, summary materials and informa- tion and a knowledge reinforcement quiz. The areas covered include: how loan rates affect sup- ply and demand and our agricultural exports, the consequences of government support pro- grams, and the rising cost of government farm programs. Nearly 250 groups have ordered the three-part economic mini-course. Information on the 1984 Young People's Citizenship Seminar has been distributed to county FBs. The annual event will be held June 11-15 at Albion College. Over 230 high school juniors and seniors representing every county FB are expected to attend the seminar which will emphasize the need to be informed and involved in the decisions that affect their lives, com- munities, state and nation. Interested students should contact the county FB secretary. County FB membership workers are continuing to work on the 1984 membership campaign. As of April 11, ten counties had achieved their 1984 targets, with seven counties over goal. A concerted effort by all county membership workers, though, will be necessary for MFB to achieve its 17th consecutive year of growth. Community Action Group members are being offered several incentives for get- ting involved in membership campaigns. Under the program, which runs from April 1 through Aug. 31, each group that signs a minimum of three new, regular members will receive a boneless ham or all-Michigan gift pack, compliments of MACMA.In addition, group members will receive a 10% discount on all MACMAChristmas sale products. That same Christmas sale discount is offered to the new FB members signed by the group. Membership application forms are available from county secretaries. Rita M. Reid of Vulcan has been appointed to the state Agriculture Commission for a term expiring Dee. 31, 1987. She succeeds John Kronemeyer of Pickford, whose term expired Dee. 31, 1983. Reid manages a 400-acre farm in Menominee County and is chairperson of the Menominee County Parks and Recreation Commission and is a member of the county ASCS committee. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. 14 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 RURAL EXCHANGE customed to consuming perfect food, EDB restrictions could cause some problems. Ameri- cans do not like to find "little black things" in their cereal, or wormy apples at the produce counter. While having access to the highest quality food, they pay for it with a smaller percen- tage of their wages than any other nation. The fact remains that Michi- gan Department of Agriculture inspectors have tested 42 sam- ples of grain from storage ele- vators, mixes and ready-to-eat products from retail stores col- (continued on page 2.3) FAKMETTE RURAL RASCALS - Keeping a hold on these real rascals can be a problem for Pat Bennett and her daughter, Sarah (left), and Anne Wess- ling and her daughter, Stephanie. See page 22 to learn how these families got involved in raising sheep. ~DB ~xcitement tal Protection Agency, William Ruckelshaus. And just like a Nothing puts a bigger strain child with much to lose, he is on a mother's nervous system causing excitement by attempt- than a loud crash from upstairs ing to dispel it. and the sudden appearance of a The excitement is over ethy- child beginning his narrative lene dibromide - EDB. Original- with, "Now, Mom, don't get ex- ly developed as a gasoline addi- cited." tive, it has been used in pesti- Who's excited? This time it is cides for the last decade. In a \I. the director of the Environmen- nation which has become ac- "Wipe that smile off your face." FARMERS OF THE WEEK The Farmer of the Week program, co- 1976 and 1980, and he will tryout for sion, is vice president of the Calhoun sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance the 1984 Summer Olympics team, County Soil Conservation District. is a Group and the Michigan Farm Radio representing the U.S. kayaking team. Pine Grove Mennonite Church member Network, honors farmers for their con- and serves as Sunday School superin- March 12 - James Yoder, 29, tributions to the community and the ag tendent. and is a Calhoun County FB milks 50 cows on his 500-acre dairy industry. Four farmers were honored in member. farm near Comins. He is president of March 1984: the Montmorency County FB, treasurer March 26 - David Neyer, 4 L of Mt. of the Soil Conservation District. Pleasant. operates a I ,OOO-acredairy March 5 - Bruce Barton, 26, of chairperson of the county ASCSCom- and beef farm with several family Homer, operates a 2,000-acre hog farm mittee and president of the local DHIA. members. Neyer is a member of the with his family. He is active in the local fair board, the Isabella County FB, March 19 - Sanford Christophel, Michigan Pork Producers Assn. Barton and Livestock Producers and Dairy 47, a dairy farmer from Battle Creek, was national champion in canoe and Boosters: actively involved in 4-H work: farms 600 acres and milks 100 cows in kayak racing for many years, was a a member of Sacred Heart Parish; form- partnership with two brothers. He member of the U.S. Olympic team in er county commissioner; and past mem- serves on the local planning commis- ber of the ASCSCommittee. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 15 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR UOMEMAKERS Badger !'Iortbland equipment for sn~~p. CatS Curtis. Registered Suf- Corrledale Sheep breeding stock. Blue Pecansl Quart eacb halves, pieces, sale: lagoon agitators and tanks, roller folks and Registered Southdowns. Help- ribbon fleeces. Phone 313-429-7874. meal. 3 quart sampler. $12.95. Postpaid. mills, ear corn mills, bale choppers. etc. Ing small flock owners and 4-H'ers our (3-12t-8p) Canecreek Farm, Dept. MF, Cookeville, Also, we rent manure tanks and agita- special Interest. 204 N. Williams. TN 38502. (7-12t-l6p-ts) tors. Plummer Supply. 616-792-2215. Stockbridge. Mich. 517-851-704.3 - Let us put you In tbe winner clrcle - (.3-.3t-27p) 517-851-8017. (7-12t-22p) Outstanding 4-H /!( FFA club lambs, also Cabbage Patcb-Llke Dolisl Make your registered Suffolk. Hampshire and own I Complete instructions, patterns. neavy duty 55 gallon plastlc drums. Paint norses - Weanllngs, yearlings, Southdown breeding stock. Sandra, Birth certificate. $2.50. Hamlltons. Box many uses. "Spray tanks. solar. etc:' bred mares. Lawerance Baumunk. Big Susan /!( MiChael Jr. Fleming, Almont. 652-131, New Ulm, Minn. 56073. Black or blue. Used one time $10. Rapids. Mich. 616-796-2.346. Mich. Phone 313-798-3775. (4-2t-30p) (5-20p-ts) Wanted: Platform scales. 15.380 S. (9-lOt-12p) Hemlock Road, Chesaning. 517-845-3914. Quality Registered Angus breeding Coldwater DlIIplcklesl - Can In mln- (5-25p) Duroc and Yorksblre Boars. Ready for stock, reasonably priced. Delivery avail- utesl No hot brine. Delicious. crisp. Fac- service. Delivery available. Mark Palm- able. Bordner Angus farms, Sturgis, tory secretsl Recipe $1.00. Hamlltons, 27 ft•• 32 ft. and .0 ft. aluminum reuter, Vassar. Phone 517-82.3-3745. Mich. 616-651-8353 evenings. (3-6t-16p) Box 652-131. New Ulm, Minn. 56073. semi-trailers for storage. some fully (.3-5t-13p-ts) (5-20-ts) Insulated. most stili roadable. located at Springing Holstein nelfers. Phone Beaverton, Mich. Prices start at $850. fast growing Cornlsb Cross. Over 20 Byron Waddell, Charlotte, 517-543-3415. Contact John Burdick at 517-4.35-7580. varieties popular and fancy chicks. Ban- (4-2t-8p) NURSERY STOCK (5-2t-27p) tams, ducks, goslings, turkeys, guineas, Pharoah Quail. Pictured Brochure - Milk. breeding and sbow goats - Tree Source. Quality bybrld poplar Chain Saw Flies - Swedish made quali- 25(. Cackle Hatchery, Box 529JJ, Registered and grade LaManchas with stock for: commercial energy planta- ty. Only $9.88 per dozen postpaid. 5/.32" Lebanon, MO 65536. (l-8t-28b-ts) grand champion and star-milking back- tions, home heating. fast growing shade or 7/.32". Send check or money order grounds. Mostly young stock but a few trees, wind breaks. Consulting and Stanton Hardware, 102 N. Mill. Box .366, Rare. fancy, exotlc and old fashioned established does. Also a few Alpines and custom tree planting services. 303 S. Stanton, Mich. 48888. (5-4t-28b) bantams. chicks, ducklings, turkeys, Saanrens. Windswept Farm. 6770 S. Veronica Ct., St. Joseph, Mich. 49085. guineas, geese. Pictured brochure free. Edon Rd.. Reading, Mich. 49274. 517- Phone 616-983-7551. (12-7t-33p-ts) Wanted: Seven foot International no Country Hatchery, Wewoka, Oklahoma 283-2921. (5-2t-37p) mower. Pitman-less type. A Wyrembelskl. 74884. (l-6t-20p-ts) Posen. Mich. 517-766-802.3. (5-15p) Berry Plants - Raspberries. strawber- ries. blueberries, currants, gooseberries, others. Free catalog. Maklelskl Berry Nursery, 7130 Platt Road. Dept. RL, Yp- MISCELLANEOUS silanti, MI 48197. Phone 313-4"~4-3673. CLASSIFIED AD POLICY (4-6t-22p) Unattached? Pen Pals !'Iatlonwlde. Members pay lO~ per word for non-commercial ads and 15~ per Country Lovin' Singles. Details free. Box Gardeners - Grow asparagus In your own garden. 50 plants for $12.50, word for ads which promote a commercial business other than 593RL, Appleton, Wisconsin 54912. shipping included. Send check or money ( 1-5t-14p-ts) agriculture. All other advertisers pay 20~ per word for one inser- order to DeRuiter Farms. Route 1. Hart. tion and 15lt per word for two or more consecutive insertions. Satellite antenna dealers needed - Mich. 49420. (5-25p) The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month pre- no experience required - buy direct ceding publication and the publisher has the right to reject any from distributor - bypass middlemen - wholesale $599. - retail $1.195. Call REAL ESTATE advertising copy submitted. All ads must be pre-paid and may day or night: 303-636-0663 or write: be pre-paid up to one year in advance. Please indicate if you are a Antennas, Box 16035. Colorado Springs. 60 acre fruit farm. apples, peaches, Farm Bureau member. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to Colorado 80935. (5-4t-31 b-ts) tart cherries. Full set of buildings and re-insert the ad on a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. two bedroom home. Phone 616-637-5009, Auctioneer Vaughn "Joe" Lewis. Send ads to Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mleh. 3310 Paragon Road, Tipton, Mich. evenings. (5-2t-21 p) 48909. No ads will be taken over the phone. 49287. Phone 517-431-2571. Purebred Smokey Mountain Riverside home livestock, farm machinery, estate. and for rent dally In Townsend, Tennessee. antique auctions. (2-1 at-18p) Pictures on request. Carl Morgan, 409 Lambert Lane. Maryville. Tenn. 37801. Watkins Products. quality since 1868. Name Phone 1-615-982-1667. (4-3t-23p-ts) Dealers wanted: make 25% or more. Customers wanted. For free catalog and 100 acres wltb rustlc 5.000 sq. ft. sale-flyer, write: 2140 Utley Rd.. Flint. MI bome. Good tree farm. over 30,000 Address 48504 or phone: 313-395-2085. pines planted. Write P.O. Box 33 I. Mill- (3-3t'29p) ington, Mich. 48746. (5-3t-22p) DFarm Bureau member DNon-member Why die without a will? Two legal "Will Approximately 39 acres on paved Forms" and easy instructions. Only Run the following ad in the issue(s): county road. Three bedroom house, $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- central gas heat. fireplace. Two-car Company. Box 1054-MF. Pryor, OK garage and barn. Good soli. approx- 74362. (3-6t-22p-ts) Imately 20 tillable acres. sugarbush. Also have two parcels on Black Lake Extra Income - Addressing labels. available. Many potentials. 60 additional Easler than addressing envelopes. Free acres In same township. Second growth details. Send two stamps: LISTS. Box timber, creek running through. Ideal 9OO28-RR. East Point. GA 30364. hunting property. Phone 517-733-8201. (3-3t-20p-ts) (5-2t-55p) MACMA May Asparagus Sale Order Deadline: May 14 Delivery: Beginning May 23 See pages 30-31 for details and order form. Words Insertions Total Due _ RURAL LIVING, MA Y 19841 Spring Puts Bolland Residents in a Festival Mood By Therese Nichols "The streets are dirty and they need to be cleaned," the town crier yells. This traditional pronouncement will set 1,300 Dutch-clad dancers in motion and open the 54th annual Holland Tulip Festival, May 16-19. The dancers wear colorful handmade outfits, and each must pass inspection before marching in the parade. Some 600 students from area high schools will dance along with 700 alumni. Eigl1t miles of tulips frame the quaint Holland lanes along which the dancers clippety-clop in their wooden shoes. The col- orful tulips also lead visitors to city gardens in full bloom and to Windmill Island. The 200-year- old "De Zwaan" on the island was the last windmill to leave The Netherlands. Wooden shoe factories where visitors can watch craftsman carve the traditional shoes also attract many people during the Tulip Festival. These are just a few of the events that draw over a half- million people to Holland every year. According to Judy Zylman, president of the Tulip Time Board, tradition is what keeps the tourists coming back. "We change little things, but the concept of the festival hasn't changed, and I think it's impor- tant that it doesn't. It is a festival built on customs; if you Young people In Holland, Michigan, celebrate old traditions of The start changing thOSethings you Netherlands with colorful costumes and ethnic foods at the Holland no longer have the basis upon Tulip Festival, May 16-19. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 17 which the festival was built." A Festival Spirit Planning for the Tulip Festival in the Community begins as soon as the preceding Involvement throughout the festival is over. The Tulip Time community also contributes to Board has 14 members, and the success of the project. each has a specific responsibil- Since the Tulip Festival was ity for the festival. Zylman is in started over 50 years ago, many charge of publicity and promo- non-Dutch people have moved tion. into Holland. The enthusiasm "We have people who come generated by the Dutch people from California, Mexico, Florida, who have been involved with New York and many other Tulip Time for many years has states," she says. "We have spread to the new residents, tours come back every year Zylman says. They also have a bringing different people. lot of enthusiasm and are will- "These people come to have a ing to help with festival respon- good time and are treated well sibilities. while they are here. We get lots Dutch or not, this city of of letters after the festival from 30,000 people works together visitors saying they have had a to help accommodate the half- great time. It makes us feel million tourists who visit the really good," Zylman says. four-day festival. Holland festival dancers in their A highlight of this year's "People in Holland open their colorful costumes must pass in- festivities will be performances homes," Zylman says. "They spection before marching in the by singers and dancers from parade. Over 1,300 dutch clad clear out their bedrooms and the Lawrence Welk Show. dancers take part in the Tulip people can stay for a reason- Festival parade each year. able price." Many of the Dutch families add a special touch by grow about 150 different "baking Dutch cookies for their varieties of tulips and are the guests," she says. "This adds a only tulip producers in Michi- home town flavor to the festi- gan." val, and the Holland people' en- The gardens were started in joy it." 1950 when Vernin Veldheer Hotels and motels in the area planted 200 bulbs behind his take advance reservations for garage. His gardens and the the following year but are book- business have been growing ed to capacity by July, Zylman ever since. Veldheer, along with says. West Michigan beaches his son, James, and Olson are and campgrounds also fill up co-owners of the gardens. The over the four days. partnership produces and distri- butes two-and-a-half-m iIlion Dardy Blooms bulbs a year. Dandled With Care In the spring, colorful blooms of tulip, daffodil and hyacinth Not all of the action at the in the gardens surround visitors Tulip Festival centers around the city of Holland. Tourists can with bright beauty and appeal- ing scents. There are Dutch visit Veldheer's Gardens just four miles north of the city. windmills creaking above the With one of the largest commer- flower beds and a canal running cially-grown selections of tulips through the gardens - all in in the world, the gardens give the tr~dition of The Nether- lands. visitors the chance to see how "In the beginning of June we the hardy blooms get their hire high school and college start. Dutch or not, the residents of "We have 80 acres total and students to help us harvest, this west Michigan community 18 of those acres are tulips," separate and grade our bulbs," get involved in festival respon- says Eric Olson, one of three Olson says. The bulbs are heat sibilities and traditions of the treated at 80° F for two to three Dutch families who settled In Ot- owners of the gardens. "We tawa County. 18 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 days in their warehouse. Then As wholesalers, Veldheer's are bought from us or not. We from June to October, the bulbs ships to Colorado, Missouri, In- get calls from garden centers are stored at 65° F to reduce diana and other states, but that bought bulbs from The the humidity level. They are mainly their wholesale business Netherlands but can't answer planted again in the fall. It is within Michigan. customers' questions." takes five years to get a top The biggest competition is According to Olson, most size tulip bulb ready to go on from The Netherlands. "A farm- varieties on the market are the market, Olson says. er in The Netherlands may only good ones for home gardens. After the bulbs are dug up, grow one variety and the tulips When buying bulbs he recom- bedding plants highlight the are harvested mechanically by mends that you look for a good summer gardens. This year one person who does the whole solid bulb, free of diseases. Veldeer's will feature dahlias. village. As a result, they have "Don't worry if the outside "We plant samples in our less cost and can sell their tissue is scarred," he says, "it gardens so people get some bulbs cheaper," Olson says. won't hurt the flower." idea of what they can do at "The Netherlands send bulbs to There are 3,000 to 4,000 tulip home," he says. The plantings the United States in the fall. varieties on the market. "It are designed with a little help Ours are ready in July, so the takes about 15 years to get a from everyone involved with the competition is not heavy until new tulip on the market, be- gardens, Olson says. "We try to then." cause of research and having think of what people can do at Veldheer's gets a competitive enough stock to sell them. their house and plan for that." edge by offering personal ser- "Apricot Beauty is a new Veldheer's sells tulips and vice throughout the year. "We variety people ask for because other bulbs by catalog. Visitors are getting a lot of calls from of its unusual color," Olson can also order their selections people now who didn't plant says. Other old-time favorites from the gift shop at the gar- their bulbs yet and want to include Apeldoorn which is red dens. The bulbs are shipped know what to do," Olson says. and Golden Apeldoorn which is three to four times a year in "We are happy to answer all yellow. bulk loads. questions, whether the bulbs Veldheer's has five full-time employees and over 40 employ- ees during the busy season. In the future, Veldheer's plans to increase service to custom- ers and continue to keep the wholesale business growing. "We want to add more special- ties to the gardens to attract people all summer long, not just during Tulip Time. This year for our visitors during Tulip Time, we plan to have a barbecue," Olson says. From the city of Holland with its dancers, wooden shoes, windmills and lively entertain- ment to Veldheer's Tulip Gar- dens, the main attraction is the tulips, and their spectacular beauty continues to draw crowds. Therese Nichols is a senior at MSU majoring in agriculture communications. She recently worked as an intern in the MFB Information and Public Rela- Tulips planted in a "windmill" pattern and costumed youngsters give tions Division. visitors a triple dutch treat. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 19 Thank God I'm a Country Boy! By Marcia Ditchie ture teaching assistant in of storage developed, such as Alpena before serving as a the controlled atmosphere stor- "You can take the boy out of regional representative for age cherry and apple producers the country, but you can't take Michigan Farm Bureau. use, to make domestic lamb the country out of the boy" is a Farming, though, was still available year-round. In addi- familiar phrase to many people paramount in his mind, and tion, lamb needs to be adver- who have experienced the after working for MFB for three tised and promoted as a spe- unique lifestyle that agriculture years, he returned to full-time cialty product because we serve provides. For some country farming. a select clientele." folks it may be several years 'Td been on the farm most of Bob and his wife, Mary Kaye, before the mystique of the my life and really liked it and have five children, three girls country lures them back to the my folks always wanted to turn and two boys. The girls, Sarah, farm. For others the time is it over to me some day," Bob Missy and Beth, are the oldest much shorter. said. "When my mother died in and they help with the work on Such is the case for two 1976 and my father decided to the farm, especially during farmers in Alpena County who retire, I purchased the flock and lambing season. They are active spent time away from the coun- part of the farm from him:' with club lambs in 4-H. Mary try for different reasons, but Today, Bob operates a 220- Kaye also helps during lambing who are now full-time farmers acre farm. He has a flock of 100 season and keeps the farm rec- in northeast Michigan. sheep, 35 to 40 sows and raises ords. "She would like to be hay, corn and beans. "I don't more involved, but our two have plans for expansion right boys, Jonathon and Timothy, now because I want to do a bet- are four and one-and-a-half ter job with the commodities I years old so they take a lot of have," he said. her time." One of the things Bob would A long-time supporter of Farm like to do is to help raise and Bureau and community activi- stabilize the market price of ties, Beb has been on the Alpe- sheep which has been down for na County FB board, serving as about three years. its president from 1977-79, "I have some ideas on how to worked on county FB member- change that situation, though it ship campaigns and is involved will take a lot of work," he said. in local government, school and "I would like to see some form church activities. Alpena County Farm Bureau member Bob Lee is the third generation to operate the family farm near Ossineke. A native of Alpena County, Bob Lee is the third generation to operate the family farm near Ossineke which was established .. - by his grandfather after work- ing on the Great Lakes. \ I .\ I ( Bob left his parents' sheep \ \ •. I I farm where he was born and Chuck Beegle believes his family's transition from city dwellers to raised to work as a feed sales- Alpena County farmers has already paid returns in a stronger family person in Wisconsin, then spent Ufe. "Our sons have developed some values on the farm that they a year as a vocational agricul- wouldn't have in Detroit, .. he said. 20 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 IIWe're Still Learningl ll "We purchased a small farm and have developed some values For Chuck Beegle, the memo- near Ossineke in February 1982 on the farm that they wouldn't ries of the days he spent work- and started with 200 head of have in Detroit, Chuck said. ing on a neighbor's sheep farm sheep," Chuck said, "but "We've seen a change in their as a boy eventually lured him because of our long-term goals, overall attitude since we moved back to the country after a that farm could not supply the up here." career in sales. space or the acreage we needed Chuck became involved in "My wife, Connie, and I were to expand." They are now lo- Farm Bureau when he joined a in the 'head-hunting' industry cated on a 300-acre farm near Community Action Group short- in Detroit, recruiting data proc- Herron, purchased last Septem- ly after moving to Alpena Coun- essing professionals," Chuck ber, that can accommodate ty and is now in his second year said. "We had both grown up in their long-term goal of 1,000 as county president. the country and were in the sheep. ''I've enjoyed the time I have work force we considered a rat spent as county president," he race. We were making a good said. "Our board has set some living, but we weren't enjoying goals this year for the county ourselves or living the life that Farm Bureau that I'm looking we enjoyed, so two years ago forward to. we decided to return to the "We want to continue our country. The only way we felt mall display so that it becomes we could do it successfully was a valuable part of our program. full-time farming." In addition, we are trying to Once they made that deci- establish some new Community sion, the Beegles spent many Action Groups and we would hours evaluating the advan- like to reorganize a Young tages and disadvantages of var- Farmer Committee to work as a ious commodities and looking good, viable p~Htof the county at farms in southern Michigan organization," he said. Keith lJt Kevin Beegle share the and the Upper Peninsula. They Northeast is More family's commitment to their eventually chose sheep and new life on the farm. They help Than Tourism bought a farm in southeastern with dally chores and lambing. Many people view northeast Alpena County. Michigan as a tourist area good This spring they have 400 only for fishing and hunting, ewes, 150 of which are register- but both Bob and Chuck see it ed Dorsets, Suffolks and Colum- as an area with good farmland bias. They are expecting 500 to and believe that the agricultural 600 lambs during their four- community has a responsibility month lambing season, which for changing that image. involves the whole family. "There is a substantial agri- Besides working with the ewes cultural community in the and lambs, Connie does all the county," Chuck said. "It is up record keeping for the farm and to us as farmers to promote our the flock. Their two sons, Keith, products and to let people know 15, and Kevin, 1], help with the that we are here and we're in daily farm work year-round in business to make a living as addition to helping during farmers. If we don't do it, lambing season. nobody else will." Chuck credits long hours of Though Bob and Chuck came study at home and assistance from different backgrounds, from the universities, Alpena they have proven that "you County Extension personnel can't take the country out of and some of the county's sheep the boy." Each spent time away farmers in helping him make from the country, but has re- the transition from "head- turned to the lifestyle they love. hunter" to farmer and says, And both hope that the agricul- "We're still learning!" tural tradition will be carried on For Connie Beegle the life of a farm wife was a welcome change Like the Lee children, the by the next generation. from her high pressure career In Beegles' two sons are involved data processing recruitment. in the county's 4-H program, RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 21 From Baby Lambs to Spinning Wheels By Cathy J. Kirvan the popular image of soft, fluffy three ounces - discouraged lambs frolicking in sunlit, green these two women from continu- "I guess it was our fascina- meadows is often just that - ing their special enterprise? Not tion with their personalities an image. As anyone who raises a chance! that first got us interested in sheep will tell you, the sun is "We're going to keep trying sheep," said Pat Bennett, a seldom shining and it's fre- for that 'perfect' wool breed of Newaygo County dairy farmer quently below freezing when the sheep," said Anne. who started raising sheep five lambs decide to be born. And years ago as a hobby. That hob- like most sheep farmers, they by has grown from two regis- give special care to the lambs tered Suffolks to 50 head in two that are born weak. flocks this spring. "If a lamb just barely has a "We thought we would go into heartbeat," Pat said, "I bring it selling breeding stock and mar- in the house, give it some dex- ket lambs for 4-H projects," she trose for a little extra energy, said. "Then I got a spinning then put it in the oven at 250 wheel and the Suffolk wool isn't degrees on a cookie sheet that's really too good for spinning, so covered with aluminum foil and that meant buying other types a towel, and crack the oven of sheep. Now I have two flocks door just a bit. - the registered Suffolk and a "1 check its body tempera- spinning flock. They're paying ture and when it's about 101 their own way although the degrees, I take it out. dairy herd supported them for a "By then they are starting to few years." respond by moving around. Pat makes money from the After you take them out, they're spinning flock by selling the usually still too weak to drink unspun fleece to other hand so I tube feed them until they spinners or spinning it into get their nursing reflexes. That yarn which she either sells or could take from four or five uses to knit. hours to two days. "I have a friend who is a Has playing substitute mom Anne Wessling (shown above at weaver, so sometimes I trade to baby lambs - getting up out one of her looms) and Pat Bennett the yarn for hand woven items," of a warm bed in the middle of (pictured at her spindle) keep ex- she said. the night to give them their panding their "hobby" and are Pat's friend, Anne Wessling, trying to breed the 'perfect' wool breed of sheep. has been weaving for over 20 years, but now she also raises sheep as a hobby. "Abou t 10 years ago I went into business weaving garments and selling them," she said. "Then it was just a natural pro- gression to go into the spin- ning. I never planned to raise sheep but two years ago I got one. Well, last summer I had ten and now I have 30. It's just so addictive." Pat and Anne are especially .'.. .I busy with the sheep in winter 'J... and early spring during lambing season. They can testify that 22 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 Kural Exchange (continued from page 15) BUY YOUR NEXT CAR AT 1% lected throughout the state. OVER FACTORY INVOICE The levels were all below EPA guidelines. Save hundreds of dollars on Also to be taken into consid- a new American car or truck! eration is the manner in which the EPAtests were conducted. Sav-On Cars is furnishing Farm Bureau members important Once again, rats were fed "ex- car-cost information which will'save you substantial time cessive amounts" of the sub- and money when shopping for your next car. stance and developed gastroin- testinal cancer. A report like Save-on Cars with Your Farm Bureau - HERE'S HOW: that hits the front page, and a • Select as many cars or trucks as you are seriously considering. Fill in the appropriate in- few months later, a tiny article formation on the coupon below. • Within one business day of receiving your request we will return to you a computer at the bottom of page ten re- printout personalized for the specific model(s} you have selected. This Car-Option veals that it is an anatomical Printout will show you the wholesale and retail cost for the base model and for each impossibility for a human being and every option available on that particular model. to consume comparable • You pick the options YOU want, at home, without being pressured. Then, at the bot- tom of your Car-Option Printout you will find a simple form to fill out which will help amounts. you calculate the final dealer invoice cost, including any mandatory charges. During the 1970s, it was in • Use this price to negotiate your best deal with your local dealer, OR, if we list a par- vogue to question the quality of ticipating factory-authorized dealer in your general area, you can buy the car from him at an average of just 1 % over dealer invoice. our food and fiber. Health food stores did a booming business, and only "natural" and "organic" Please send me a price and options printout for each model I isted below. food was fit to be eaten. Some Style scientists, eager to make a Model Year Make Model IMPORTANT name for themselves, came up Example with all kinds of studies. After LESABRE 4-DOOR 1984 BUICK LIMITED SEDAN all, the best way to get some- one's attention is to tell him something was just slipped into nd his drink. 2 car But the American public is rd getting weary of being manipu- 3 car lated, of hearing the warning PRICES: $9 for 1 car, $17 for 2 cars, $24 for 3 cars. cry of "woIL" It may work against the scientific realm in Please Print the long run. When they do Name come up with a serious discov- ery, no one will believe them. Addres~ Wendy Elsey, Decatur City State Zip Cass County Here is my: OCheck OMastercard or Visa Card # Expiration Date Farm Bureau Membership # (Editor's Note: According to MDA Mail with payment to: Sav-On Cars officials, use of EDB in Michigan 26711 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 336 is very limited. Only 1,500 lbs. Southfield, Michigan 48034 J of the chemical were used in ------------- 1 1983. Most product and grain samples tested by the MDA Say-On Cars is Another showed no trace of EDB or tested for beiow the federal EPA Farm Bureau Member Benefit guideline.) ~ ~ ~DtlZZIIII~~~w..~~~~~~~~~~~. lad'es sandals dre superbly comfortable """'"'"m.~ Foam,cuShloned In . 518.95 NOW • soles adJustable baCkstraps and 2 heels Order style Ga/aq SillS l!{ ~ ~. ,n While. Gold. Bone. Black. Silver. No.. only S 1895 pe< pr Save even more-2 pr 53500 Add S1 80 per pr post VISA Me AX send IiIl ~') l' p-- . ~" acc! • ana e.p date t;redot tard phone orders call 713650 V II .11 ~ 11 .... ,.. ,' .. - -, 0916 Refund ,f not dC~9hted ~v,,~ ~6U o. fAU • ,. 0".' S"r"~ar sh.w,. Dept. 358C. 1811 San Jacinto. Houston. TX 77002 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 2.3 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Options Trading: Fundamentals and Terminology Trading in agricultural op- Conversely, a call option exercise price. The strike price tions wiJl soon be available to grants the holder (buyer) the will be determined when the op- agricultural producers. This is right to take .a long (buying) tion is purchased. For example, the first really new marketing position in the futures market- a January soybean put option alternative available to farmers ing with the options writer with a $9 strike price can be ex- in many years. (seller) assuming the opposite ercised as any time prior to its This month's Agrinomic Up- short (selling) futures position. expiration date at the $9 strike date is the second of a three- Farmers will likely buy call price. part series to help Michigan options to fix the price of pro- farmers become more familiar duction inputs such as feed Option Premiums with options trading. This grains, soybean meal, feeder In return for the right to exer- month's topic wiJl deal with the pigs and feeder cattle. cise the option, the option fundamentals and terminology Note that puts and calls are buyer pays the option seller a of options trading. not opposite sides of the same negotiated price, called a Simply stated, an option is an transaction. They are two sepa- premium. The premium is the agreement between two parties, rate and distinct types of con- only contract term which will be which gives one party the right, tracts, with each having a buyer negotiated in the trading pits at but not the obligation, to buy and a seller. the commodity exchanges. All or sell an underlying futures The holder can exercise the other contract terms and condi- contract. Options are a unilater- option at any time prior to the tions, including the strike price, al obligation binding on the expiration date. The expiration will be established in advance seller only. The buyer may elect date will be established by the by the commodity exchange. to exercise the option, but may commodity exchanges. Most The premium price will be also decide to abandon it and likely, the option will expire a determined in an auction-like let it expire, or even sell it few days before the trading of manner through bids and offers before its expiration. the underlying futures contract made in the option trading pits. Options will be offered by expires. The price of the premium will commodity exchanges such as If the holder elects to exercise be comprised of two basic ele- the Chicago Board of Trade and the option, the transaction will the Chicago Mercantile Ex- be conducted at the strike or change. Each commodity ex- change will initially be able to write options on two commodi- ties. Futures contracts which Definitions of Options Terms are currently traded on these exchanges will serve as the Put Option: A contract which lying futures contract can be underlying security for options. gives the holder the right to sell bought or sold. an underlying futures contract. Expiration Date: The last day A New Language Call Option: A contract which that an option may be exercised There are two types of options gives the holder the right to buy into the underlying futures con- - puts and calls. an underlying futures contract. tract. A put option grants the Holder (Buyer): An individual Premium: The amount paid by holder (buyer) the right to take who buys an option. the holder to the writer for the a short (selling) position in the Writer (Seller): An individual purchase of an option. futures market with the options who sells an option. Intrinsic Value: That portion of writer (seller) assuming the op- the premium which equals the . Exercise: Election by the holder posite long (buying) futures amount of gross profit that to assume a position in the un- position. could be realized by exercising derlying futures contract with An agricultural producer the option. the seller assuming the opposite would buy put options to hedge position. In-the-money: An option which grain or livestock production has some intrinsic value. Exercise or Strike Price: The against price declines. fixed price at which the under- Out-of-the-money: An option which has no intrinsic value. 24 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1984 ments, its intrinsic value and its time value. The intrinsic value is the Soe=\~~~~~a~~;~~sh=t~n~:,e=t~~~ Solid Calon While Novy amount that an option would be backstrap 1'12" heels. Order style "Margie" in sizes: N 6112-12, Bone C.",.I T~De Rea worth if it were to be exercised M~ '::':n1~~~~:~~.ss~ob~'~:W$rlo $~~.~~: VISA/MC/AX send acet. # and expo date or call 713/ Bu