Farm News,THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUII.AU

VOL. 58, NO.2 FEBRUARY, 1979

ea s. rest

Roger and Unda Bloll rece've congratulat'ons follow'ng announcemen' of 'he'r .electlon as "OutstandIng YoungFarmers" at 'heAmerican Farm Bureau Federat'on annual meeflng 'n M'am' Beach, R~rlda. ,

'.Michigan .Young Farmers Win Titles

Steve Gazdag Named Michigan Jaycees Top Farmer

Roger Bloss is AFBF "Outstanding Young ~armer"Michigan Farm Bureau's Federation's 60th annual 16, along with young farm The young dairy farmer,

representative in the national meeting in Miami Beach, couples from Illinois and who farms in partnership"Outstanding Young Far- Florida. Roger and Linda North Dakota. The three with his father, presentlymers and Ranchers" com- Bloss of Swartz Creek couples were picked from a . milks 140registered Holsteinspetition took top honors at the received national recognition field of 35 applicants from as and raises all his herdAmerican Farm Bureau during ceremonies January many states. r e p Iace men t s .fro m

SIeve Gazdag of Kalamazoo ha. been selected by 'heMIchIgan Jaycees a. ,he "OutstandIng Young Farmer" for'979. He will represen' MIchIgan 'n 'he nat'ona! con'est 'nVermon' 'n February. Steve Is .hown here a. a con'estan' 'n'he Discussion Mee' held at 'he MIchIgan Farm Bureau annualmee"ng last November.

In the meantime, back inMichigan, Steven Gazdag ofKalamazoo, who serves onthe state Young FarmerCommittee, was named"Outst~nding Young Farm-er" by the Jaycees. Gaz-dag, who operates a 1,000-acre cash crop farm, willrepresent Michigan in theJaycees' national contest inBurlington, VermontFebruary 23-26.

Nominees for the MichiganJaycees' Outstanding YoungFarmer title are judged onthe financial progress of thefanning operation, soil andwater .conservation, and theindividual's communityservice. The program issupported by the FarmBureau Insurance Group.

The national contest issponsored by John Deere.

Gazdag has been active inthe Kalamazoo County FarmBureau as member-to-member citrus sale chair-man, Local Affairs Com-mittee chairman, YoungFarmer Committee memberand serves on the countyboard of directors. He alsoserves on his church deaconboard, is a member of theComstock Township PlanningCommission and is a 4-Hleader.

The young farmer's plansfor the future include ex-panding his small hogoperation to around 50 sowsand feed out some of hisfeeder pigs, while main-taining 800 to 1,000 acres illcash crops.

registered young cattle. He isa m~mber of the MichiganAnimal Breeders Cooperativeand also serves as an officerfor Central Genetics, anorganization which he helpedorganize for the purpose ofdeveloping high potentialbulls into outstanding sires.

Bloss has served aschairman of the GeneseeCounty Farm Bureau PolicyDevelopment Committee, asa delegate to the state annualmeetiilg, and attended theMichigan Farm Bureaulegislative seminar inWashington, D~C. He is amember of the Jaycees, theChamber of Commerce andserves on the Ag AdvisoryCommittee for the SwartzCreek Community Schools.

The national title providedthe young Michigan farmcouple with some unusualexperiences -- an interviewwith a Libyan journalist, aswell as long-distance callsfrom the news media backhome and personalcongratulations from AFBFPresident Allan Grant

(Continued on Page 7)

PAGE 2 FARM NEWS FEBRUARY, 1979

Farm Barl{aininl{ Lel{islation: It "Fits"

From the Desk of the President

Delegates at both theMichigan Farm Bureau andAmerican Farm BureauFederation annual meetingslisted enactment of nationalagricultural bargaininglegislation as a top priorityacti vity for theirorganization. They believedstrongly that it was essentialto the improvement of netfarm incomes.

When such legislation wasintroduced last year, it hadthe broad support of not onlyFarm Bureau, but also theGrange, Farmers Union, theNational Council of FarmerCooperatives and numerouscommodity groups andbargaining associations.

With priority status givento the effort by the nation'slargest farm organizationand with the cooperation ofother major agriculturalgroups, passage of suchlegislation would seem a

"sure thing." Such assump-tion, however, could createdangerous apathy -- and weshould be aware of some ofthe challenges we face so wecan be prepared to meet themknowledgeably and ef-fectively.

Here in Michigan, we -arefortunate to have _ the ex-perience of operating understate agricultural marketingand bargaining legislation;we know it is workable and isa feasible approach to givingfarmers equity of bargainingpower. However, to date, ourstate legislation has beenlimited to producers of fruitsand vegetables, leaving somesegments' of Michiganagriculture without adequateunderstanding of how ana tional farm bargaining actwould benefit them. We needto work for their un-derstanding and support.

There are also some farm-ers to whom the word"bargaining" is synonymouswith labor unions and that'senough to "turn them off."We have the challenge' ofexplaining to them that farmbargaining does not threatenour pri va te enterprise

system; it makes it workbetter! Parties sitting downtogether, negotiating pricesand terms of trade, con-sidering supply and demandand market factors, "fits"very well into the competitiveenterprise system.

Farm bargaininglegislation not only fits ourneeds as farmers, it also fitsour philosophy as FarmBureau members. It is self-help legislation which wouldallow farmers to enhancetheir incomes through themarketplace. This is farpreferable to some of theproposals being consideredthat would make" us depen-dent upon the government!Pat Groggins, publisher ofthe WESTERN LIVESTOCKREPORTER, presented avery articulate argumentagainst government in;tervention in the agricult~alindustry in a recent editorial:

"When someone tells you orindicates - to you -that thegovernment can take bettercare of you than you can --you should plant one right onthe end of. their nose. For usas a free enterpris~ society toattempt to have a 'controlled'agriculture where we are

guaranteed an amount orguaranteed a profit isfoolhardy. This will nothappen; .. and it shouldn'tbecause behind this so-calledguarantee, which can onlycome from government,comes food control or controlof that business. Then, it is nolonger a free enterprise and,by the way -- the profits arenever very good then.

"To attempt to assurepeople in the cow business orin the vegetable business or inthe grain business aguaranteed profit every yearis foolhardy ... That's notwhat America is about...".

There's another group wemust not forget when we aregathering support" fornational farm bai'~aining --the co~~rs. '"'Their im-mediate\ .;. reaction tolegislation which willenhance farm incomes. maybe fear of increased foodprices. We must explain to"them how very little impact asmall increase in raw farmproducts has on the price theypay -- that it is labor, taxes,energy and transportationthat has the biggest effect onprices --- not the raw farmproduct.

We must tell them that theywill benefit fronn farmbargaining legislation'through a stable supply' offood -- that, sinnply, lowprices discourage production,profitable prices encourageproduction. Agriculturalbargaining legislation willgive the industry stability_which, in turn, will surelybenefit consumers.

Last, but not least, we nnustcontact our congressnnen,once this legisl~tion is in-troduced again, and urgethem" to support andaggressively work towardenactment of the bill. Theywill be getting pressures frommany sides. They will bepressured into "doingsomething" for the farnner.They will be pressured bytaxpayers . and theAdministration to hold theline on spending. Explain tot!lese congressmen that bysupporting agriculturalbargaining legislation, they'llbe doing something to helpthe farmer help himself -- andit won't cost the taxpC!yersanYJhing.

That's a combination that'"shard to beat!

Elton R. Smith

FarlD Bureau: The Leade~ Builder

MICHIGAN FARM NEWS

J

DONNA..--.

ticulate press is the dictator'snightmare; i.t is ~ freepeople's salvation. I hope thatConnmunity Group willconsider 'that tr~th. I hope,too, that they realize foreveryone reporter whoseems dedicated to so-calledsensationalism, there arethousands of other hard-working, -dedic~ted jour-nalists whose goals are toright wrongs and make theircommunities better places tolive.

If that's "killing ourcountry," then I am one ofthose "too nnany newsreporters" who would cleanspittoons rather than work ina controlled press.

example, one group recentlywrote: "We should find someway to limit the press on the'amount of news they .canpublish, like shortage of fuel.1and hannburger taking a bigraise in price and many,:many, more. The press is.killing our country t90 Imany news reporters ".

I was shocked! What they 1are suggesting is a controlledpress!. American journalism is

based on the public's right toknow. The misuse of politicalpower, crime .in the citystreets and in the ruralconnmunities, upswings anddownturns in the economy --could be classed as. "badnews" -- but these thingsaffect people's daily lives andthey have a right to know sothey can do something con--structive about them. And --we should remember this -- incountries where the press iscontrolled, most of the newsis good -- but the way of livingis not.

An alert, inquiring, ar-

. $168$120$128$115$109$108

with Farm Bureau's dues. Ifthe list of benefits youalready have won't convincea farmer that joining FarmBureau is a real bargain,perhaps a look at' this sam-pling will help:Doctors $515Typesetters $486Printing Press Operators $479Optometrists $475Electricians $462Ironworkers $417Plunnbers $404Roofers $336Carpenters $315Auto Workers $200Local Governnnent

WorkersLetter CarriersRailway WorkersRetail ClerksCity Bus DriversBakers

I'm also a hard-noseddefender of the CommunityGroup program, but I also getriled" by some of -the"suggestions" that comefrom the groups. Forr--------------------------------------..' MOVING? I

Planning to move? Let us know eight weeks in advance so youwon't miss a single issue of the MICHIGAN FARM NEWS. Attachold label and print new address in space provided. Mail to MICHI-GAN FARM NEWS, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909.Name _

Address _

City State Zip Code _County of Membership _-~~----~-~--------~-----~~~~-~~-~~~~~~~~

Eisenmann, Blissfield, R.l; District 3,Andrew Jackson, Howell, R.l; District4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R.l;District 5, William Spike, Owosso. R.3;District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City, R.3;Distirct 7, Robert Rider, Hart, R.l;District 8, Larry DeVuyst, Ithaca, R-4;District 9, Donald Nugent, Frankfort, R-1; District 10, Richard Wieland,Ellsworth, R-l; District 11, FranklinSchwiderson, Dafter.

DIRECTORS AT LARGE: WalterFrahm, Frankenmuth; MichaelPridgeon, Montgomery; Robert Rottier,Newaygo.

WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs.Andrew Jackson. Howell. R.4.

FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS:David Conklin, Corunna.

POSTMASTER: In using form 3579,mail to: Michigan Farm News, 7373West Saginaw Highway, Lansing,Michigan A8909.

organization's mostbeneficial functions -- not onlyto the individuals who takeadvantage of Farm Bureau'smultitude of leadershipdevelopment opportunities -but to the communities orstate or nation they serve.

It's a member benefit thatshouldn't be left off the listduring the membershipcampaign. Have you noticedthat once a member has usedthe organization to build hisor her leader~hipcapabilities, you seldom haveto remind them to pay theirdues?

Speaking of membership ...the Farm Bureau in Penn-sylvania recently comparedthe annual dues of otheroccupation-related organi-za tions (unions andprofession organizations)

The MiChigan FARM NEWS ispublished monthly, on the first day, bythe Michigan Farm Bureau InformationDivision. Publication and Editorialoffices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway.Lansing. MiChigan ~. Post OfficeBox 30960. Telephone, Lansing (517) 323-7000. Extension 508.Subscription price,80 cents per year. Publication No.

, 345040.Established January 13. 1923. Second.

class postage paid at Lansing, Mi. and atadditional mailing offices.EDITORIAL: Donna Wilber, Editor;Marcia Ditchie, Connie Lawson,Associate Editors.

OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau;President, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R.1; Vice President, Jack Laurie, CnsCity; Administrative Director, RobertBraden, Lansing; Treasurer and ChiefFinancial Officer, Max D. Dean;Secretary, William S. Wilkinson.

DIRECTORS: District " ArthurBailev, Schoolcraft; District 2, Loweil

Even this hard-noseddefender of the press getsriled occasionally bymembers of her profession.For example, there are a few'media people who treat thediscovery of a Farm Bureauassociation in the life of aperson in the public eye as anexpose.

That's happened recentlyand I've been tempted to sendthem a note explaining asimple fact of life: almost anyperson who reaches aleadership position inagriculture will have a FarmBureau background. It's socommon that it would bemore newsworthy to find anagricultural leader who didNOT have some FarmBureau background!

Farm Bureau buildsleaders; it's one of the

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE' 3

MSU President Harden Honored by AG Conference

Address _

Fanning iseverybody's bread

& butler.

agriculturally - orientedgroups (including MichiganFarm Bureau). It serves as asounding board and advisoryass9ciation, especially inregard to the ExtensionService, AgriculturalExperiment Station, and theCollege of Agriculture andNatural Resources atMichigan State University.

•

'1

" ....

Look ahead this WinterThough growing season is over and the land is atrest. the cold winter months can be the mostproductive on your farm.

Use them for planning, for setting goals for thefuture, and the return on your winter months maysurprise you.

Top managers plan ahead. They decide,sometimes with the aid of a lender or other advisor.how things should happen. They shape eventsrather than letting events-shape them.

Goals will help you shape events. Make yourgoals realistic. Make them for the short run andthe long run. Some will be large and some will besmall. Make them specific and measurable, soyou'll know when you've met them.

Look ahead this winter by setting goals for youryear ahead. Need someone to talk to abotl t goalsetting? Try us; we're good listeners. Chances arethat we can help when it comes to your financialgoals and a line of credi t to meet them.

Michigan Production Credit AssociationsAlma I Bay City I Grand Rapids I S.E. Michigan (Adrian) IKalamazoo I Lansing I Sandusky I Traverse City

Rep. Everitt Lincoln was the winner of the Iood baslcetcontributed by the Michigan Farm Bureau during the legislativedoor prize drawing at the Michigan Agriculture Conferencebanquet.

Farm Bureau, was won byRep. Everitt Lincoln o.fAlbion.

The Michigan AgriculturalConference legislative dinneris an annual affair, coincidingwith the opening of theLegislature and features"loot bags" of Michiganagricultural products. TheMAC is a federation of

the foodand fibre our citizens.need," said Merriman. Hesaid Harden's ability to workwith the governor and theLegislature to gain funds foragricultural research hasbeen especially appreciatedby the farming community.

In accepting the award, Dr.Harden said, "I accept this inthe knowledge that I had "thegreatest teacher ever atMichigan State University -John Hannah -- and I sharewith him what it represents."

Governor William G.Milliken introduced the newdirector of the MichiganDepartment of Agriculture,Dean Pridgeon, who wasrecently appointed to succeedretiring B. Dale Ball.Governor Milliken calledPridgeon "a farmer in thedeepest sense of the word"and lauded him for his"distinguished' service" onthe Department of NaturalResources Commission --"where his knowledge,sensitivity, and breadth ofview earned" the respect ofall."

"I think the appointment ofDean Pridgeon as director ofthe department signals thestrengthening of the _part-

- nership between those en- .trusted with preserving theenvironment and thosecharged with using it in aproductive way for thebenefir of all society - thefarmers," he said.

The governor als'odiscussed his proposal for a.'Food Fair" to run con-currently. with the MichiganState Fair on the statefairgrounds. It "wouldpromote "Grown inMichigan" produce and could

_be expanded to include a-tra veling food fair to promoteour agricultural productsthroughout the United Statesand in foreign countries, heexplained.

Dan Baker of Texas,professional speaker andformer minister, spoke on"Real People in a RealBusiness." Baker remindedthe large audience thatalthough America hasproblems today, life is stillbasically good and so arepeople - because "God don'tmake no junk!"

Wrapping up the eveningwas the - drawing forlegislative door prizes.Winners of 6o-pound bags ofsugar, courtesy of Farmersand Manufacturers BeetSugar Association, wereSenator Edward C. Pierce ofAnn Arbor and Rep. RobertWelborn of Kalamazoo.Winners of choice steaks,

-courtesy of the MichiganAgriculture Conference, wereRep. Drew Allbritten, GrandRapids; Rep. LucilleMcCollough,Wayne; SenatorRobert Young, Saginaw, andRep. Raymond Kehres,Monroe. The food basket,

- -. contributed. by Michigan

t

In presenting the award,Frank Merriman, pastpresident of the MAC andformer MSU trustee, saidfarmers are pleased that Dr.Harden has "been able toregain a sense of direction forMichigan State University"and expressed the hope that-the board would appoint asuccessor who would "buildon the foundation he hasbuilt."

"Michigan State Universityis the only university those ofus in agriculture can look tofor assistance in producing

B. Dale BallTribute' Set

Note: Make checks for tickets or gift contributionpayable to Michigan Agricultural Conference............ - ...

MFBLegislative Counsel Robert E. Smith (right) chats wHhMDA Director Dean Pridgeon (standing) and MIchiganAgriculture Commission Roberl ChaHin following presentation01 the r 919 M/chlg"an Farm Bureau policies belore the Com.mission on January roo

Wecannot attend, but enclose a contribution for his gift.

Name-_.....:.-_---------------City Zip Code _

. ,

The agricultural industry will pay tribute to B. DaleBall, recently-retired director of the Michigan Depart-ment of Agriculture, on March 15 at Kellogg Center,Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Farmers and agricultural leaders from throughout thestate and nation are expected to be on hand to pay tributeto Ball for his many years of service to MichiganagrictPture. Alimited amount of tickets are available forthe event at a charge of$10per person, which will includedinner and a contribution toward a gift. A hQSpitalityhour, with cash bar, will begin at 6 p.m. and dinnerserved at 7 p.m., followed by a brief program.

Use the form below to make your reservations. Makechecks payable to the Michigan Agricultural Conference.Reservations will be taken on a "first come-first serve"basis. Reservations must be received by March 1.

Send to:Michigan Agricultural Conference921N. WashingtonLansing, Michigan 48903 -

Please reserve __ tickets for the TRffiUTE TO B.DALE BALL dinner for:

Dr, Edgar Harden,president of Michigan StateUniversity, was honoredJanuary 10 by the MichiganAgricultural Conference forhis distinguished service toagriculture and the people ofMichigan. The MSUpresidentreceived a standing ovation

-from the nearly 1,000 farm-ers, agricultural leaders,agri-business representativesand legislators attending the31st Michigan AgriculturalConference legislative dinnerat Kellogg Center, EastLansing.

PAGE 4 FARM NEWS FEBRUARY, 1979

Gateways to World. MarketsFBS Joins Farmers Export Company

By Paula MohrForeign marketing doors will be opening for

Michigan-produced grains with Farm BureauServices, Inc. announcing membership inFarmers Export Company (FEC), a rapidlyexpanding marketing cooperative located inOverland Park, Kansas. The announcement wasmade by Elton R. Smith, president of FarmBureau Services, Inc., and James A. Layton,president and chief executive officer of FEC.

In addition, the FEC has recently finisbednegotiations for their first East Coast grainterminal in Philadelphia, equipped with ocean-export facilities. The export company also hasterminals located in Alma, Louisiana andGalveston, Texas. The three terminals will pushtotal annual shipping capacity to 550 millionbushels.

For Michigan grain exporters, this integrationinto world markets will increase grain sales,encourage competitive farm price~ and increasefarm investment values, said Donn Kunz,manager of the Grain Department of MichiganElevator Exchange, a division of Farm BureauServices, Inc.

When farm producers first began marketing

their produce nation-wide, they soon learned themiddlemen who transported and sold their goodswere interested in personal profits, and not inseeking true crop values. This spurred farmersto band together, forming cooperatives. Butwhen foreign exporting markets opened, similarobstacles were encountered: only big cor-porations operated facilities for overseas trade.Indi vidual cooperatives lacked financialstrength to compete with these corporate giants.This time, cooperatives united and pooled theirresources, and in 1966, the Farmers ExportCompany was born, opening doors for directproducer grain exports ....

This brings Michigan grain producers into thepicture.

"The Michigan Elevator Exchange is alwaystrying to find better markets-and prices for grainproducers," Kunz said. "By consolidating withother states, it is. possible to peI).etrate anddirectly export grain to world markets." Withfacilities offered coast to coast, world buyers willbe able to purchase the quantity and quality ofgrain desired, he pointed out.

The FEC realized the importance of an ef-

ficient East Coast ocean-loading facility for theMidwestern states of Michigan and Ohio andagreed to arrange for the three-million bushelterminal, which is currently being renovated, hesaid.

The major U.S. agricultural marketingcooperative includes two other new members,Landmark of Ohio and Ohio Farmers GrainCorporation. The twelve-member co-opforecasts bulk grain shipments to the newPennsylvania terminal to originate from Ohioand Michigan.

Other member-s include Far-Mar-:Co.,.Inc. ofKansas, .Farmers Grain Dealers Associated ofIowa, Farmers Union Grain TerminalAssociation of Minnesota, Illinois Grain Cor-poration, Indiana Farm Bureau CooperativeAssociation, Inc., Kansas City TerminalElevator Company, Mississippi FederatedCooperatives, St. Louis (Missouri) Grain Cor-poration and Missouri Farmers Association.

Elton R. Smith and Edward R. Powell, vicepresident of Michigan Elevator ExchangeDivision, Farm Bureau Services, were appointedFEe board directors.

The Farmer. Exporl Company has completed negotIatIon. for thl. East Coast termInal In PhIladelphIa. Most graIn .hlpment._to thistermInal will orIgInate from ,!"chlgan and OhIo•.

Expansion o.f Mid-States Adds Market Power

.. .... , •• II •

president of 'MichiganElevator Exchange, adivision of Farm BureauServices. Boat loadings for1978were 109, setting a newrecord. Total .export sales,exceeding $250million in 1978,also set new records.. The current expansionplans call for 32 additionalstorage tanks, bringing totalcapacity to nine millionbushels; one additional boat-landing facility; six high-speed truck unloading dumpsand improved railroad carhauling. It is expected thatgrain trucks can be unloadedin less than four minutes. Thetarget date for completion is-fall of 1979.

Mid-States shipped morethan 22 million bushels ofsoybeans last year, making itthe largest exporter of thatcommodity on the GreatLakes. The elevatoroperation also shipped morethan five million bushels ofwheat and 25 million bushelsof corn.

Fall of '79 Tar~etDate for Completion

Adding to the marketingpower of Michigan grainproducers will be expansionof'Mid-States Grain Terminalat Toledo, Ohio.

Already the largest grain-loading facility on theMaumee River at the Port ofToledo, the terminal is ownedjointly by Farm BureauServices, Inc., Landmark ofOhio, Ohio Farmers GrainCooperative and IndianaFarm Bureau CooperativeAssociation.

The expansion calls fornearly doubling its storagecapacity and will allow fortwo boats to loadsimultaneously instead of theone it can currently handle.

This will be the fifth ex-pansion of the terminal sinceits acquisitien in 1959, thesame time as the opening ofthe S1. Lawrence Seaway. 'These constant expansionshave been warranted bygrain movement increasesover the years, explainedEdward R. Powell, vice

The outline show. the expansIon planned for MId-State. TermInal In Toledo, OhIo. WIth the ex-pan.lon, two ~ats will be able to load ,/multaneously, storage capacHy .,..,11be doubled, and graIntruck. will be unloaded In Ie.. than four minute •• The facility Is owned by Farm Bureau ServIces, "c.,LCI!l~crck01O"!~.._Ohlof~._ GraIn c..o!'P!r:ot've.C!'!~ !n.d!anf!fa~"1~Bu,..auCooperatIve AssociatIon .

FE BRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 5

Open to Michigan' FarlDers-Latest Market Penetration Allows Co-opsto Make Competition--Not Just Meet it

r

Total capacity at tit. Sag'naw '.rmlnal I. 2'1. ""810ft "., ...... and Ita. a sIt'p load-out capac'ty 0'25,000 hush." p.r ho.ur.Dr.dg'ng 'n tit. ""p 'ood~uf area was completeel last fall.

-Total storage capacity at tit. Ottawa Lair. t.rmlnal', 6 mlll'on hu.h.I. wltlt th. recent completion 0'

two silos. The facility can Itandl. a 100-carunl, 'rain, ""'ng 10cars per Itour.

lb. Mary•• "'. t.rm'nal II anoth.r part 0' th. Mlcltl,an EI.vator belton,. facllltl •• wftldl •• r.. 'h.stat. '. ,rain produc.r ••

_Membership by Farm serving over 100 countryBureau. Services, Inc. in the elevators in Michigan.Farmers Export Company is Despite this continuing,the latest in a continuing aggressi ve expansionseries of efforts by farmer program, MEE still faced thecooperatives to penetrate problem of having to sell itsvarious levels of the grain grain to five internationalmarketing system. grain companies - whose

There was a time when the major interest was not a goodonly place farmers could sell. return for farmers. So, far-their grain was to local, mers, through MEE, decidedprivately-owned elevators. to tackle the next penetrationThere was no. expanded through consolidation. Twomarketing system and co-opsin Ohio,one in Indiana,therefore, farmers had to and Michigan Elevatortake what they could get for Exchange, purchased thetheir product. So they pooled Mid-States Terminal attheir capital and built or Toledo, providing directbought their own facilities. access to world markets viaSoon there were farmer- the St. Lawrence Seaway.owned grain elevators in This facility brought MEE'snearly every county.. total storage capacity to 17.5

As the years went by, million bushels, enabling it toearnings were plowed back become Michigan's largestinto better services and -handIer of grain and beans.facilities and the net worth of Still faced with the inabilitythe local co-op grew. The to compete with the majorfarmer whopatronized his co- international grain com-op ended up with his money. panies which have veryback in a shared ownership wealthy backing, farm~rworth many times his cooperatives took yet anotheroriginal investment. step toward penetration of

Despi te these local world markets - formation ofcooperatives' efforts to keep a Farmers Export Compa~y,abreast of farmers' needs, oW'.1ed by .12 majorthe farmer modernized faster a~rIcultural re~lOnal ~~psthan the country elevators, :W-Ith oc~.n-loadmg faCIlItiesdemanding services and In. LouIsI~na, Texas andfacilities the locals could not Phll8:delphla..supply fast enough. Michigan !h~s latest step gIvesElevator Exchange had ~Ichlgan farmers an en~yentered the picture by this m~othe world m.arkets WhI~htime, acting as the farmers' ~Ill e.nhance theIr ownershIp,marketing agent. MEE gIve mcr~sed value back toim pro v ed m a rketi n g farmers In the form .oftechniques, found new buyers patronage refunds., or. m-and gathet:ed enough capital vestment of earmng~ I~toto expand its marketing clout. even greater penetratIon. of

world markets - all of whichGrain termin.als at Ottawa serves to elevate farm prices.

Lake,. SagInaw .and Most important, it putsMarysvI~le, and the Qwncy farmer cooperatives in theFlour MIll became a part of position of MAKING com-MEE's marketing system, petition -- not just meeting it.

Expande~. Market SysteDlTopic at "Open Line'"Gasohol Also.on A~enda

Farm Bureau Services' expanded grain marketing"muscle" will be reviewed during a series of "OpenLine" meetings in February, according to ExecutiveVice President Donald R. Armstrong.

Meetings are scheduled for February 13 at McGuire'sin Cadillac, February 20 at Countryside Inn, east ofBattle Creek, and February 23 at Zehnders, Franken-muth. Coffee and rolls will be served at 9:00 a.m., witheach meeting starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. A com-plimentary "farmers' luncheon" will be served at noon~nd adjournment is set for 3:30 p.m.

Also on the agenda will be a discussion on energy andthe economics of gasohol, presented by Professor BillStout of Michigan State University's AgriculturalEngineering Department.

All Farm Bureau members are invited to attend the"Open Line" meetings in their area. (See advertisementin this issue.)

PAGE 6- FARM NEWS FE BRUARY, 1979

Michigan •IS Well.Represented

Convpnlion C~nter

election 'and he has someoutstanding political debts topay, particularly to organizedlabor," he advised ..

In a brief outline of politicaledhcation and com-munications activities for theyear ahead, Grant urged thewomen to work with otherfarm and non-farm groups tooppose national health in-surance, and to share thefarmers' viewpoint regardingnutrition programs, worldhunger and the inflationaryimpact of uncheckedgovernment spending.

A total of 229 votiQgdelegates attended the AFBFWomen's -Conference inMiami Beach. Representingthe Michigan Farm BureauWomen were Mrs. VivianLott, Ingham County; Mrs.Claudine Jackson,Livingston; Mrs. Faye Adam,Sanilac; Mrs. Olis Hudson,Livingston, and Mrs. KayWagner, NorthwestMichigan..•.

Agricultural MarketingAssociation), marketing(non-AAMA), policydevelopment and nationalaffairs. Silver stars were wonfor commodity activities,women's program, in-formation, local affairs andpolitical education ..

The 11 stars put Michiganfourth in the nation, rankedbehind New Mexico, NorthDakota and Illinois. TheGolden Eagle award forexceptional service toproducing. farmers, whichMichigan has wonfor the pastseveral years, was not a partof the awards program thisyear.

Nearly 500Michigan FarmBureau members were inMiami Beach for the ac-tivities.

Michi~an Farlll BureauHooored for Pro~rallls

The Michigan FarmBureau was recognized asone of the top states in thena tion in programachievements during anawards program at theAmerican Farm BureauFederation annua~meeting inMiami Beach. The awardswere presented during anintermission of the 1979premiere performance ofRingling Brothers andBarnum and Bailey Circus,shown exclusively for FarmBureau on January 16.

Michigan Farm BureauPresident Elton R. Smithaccepted the organization'ssix gold stars and five silverstars. Gold stars werereceived for membership,young farmer activities,marketing (American

Mrs. Vivian loti (rlg~t) accepts a Silver Star for the MichiganFarm Bureau's women's program. Mrs.. loft, chairman of theMFB Women's Comm/ffee, and four other women from thestate comm/ffee represented Michigan at the Women's Con-ference.American Farm Bureau

Federation President AllanGrant plainly outlined thechallenges to agriculture andthe U.S. economy in hisremarks before the FarmBureau Women's delegatesand members on January 16at the AFBF Women'sConference in Miami Beach.

Grant warned " ... theconcerns we face are suchthings as the continuallyrising national' debt, thecheapening of our dollarthrough deficit financing,growing consumer and en-vironmentalist pressures andthe future apportionment ofCongress."

He also told the women that1979would be a crucial yearfor the Carter administration,farmers and ranchers and theFarm Bureau. Carter isbeginning to learn to workwith the Congress, Grantsaid. "He (Carter) is gettingset forI tile 1980presi.d~nttal

Grant Tells FB Women'79 Will be Crucial Year

leadership must come fromlocal county Farm Bureaus."

He said the a state FarmBur.eau must work at thestate level; the AmericanFarm Bureau must work atthe national level; and the

. county Farm Bureau mustbecome more active at thelocal lev~l of government.

"Farmers and rancherscan no longer sit by withoutinputting into local govern-

. mental affairs," Armstrongsaid.

Ken Cheatham, director oflocal governmental affairsfor AFBF, told the conferenceparticipants that becomingmore active in local govern-ment is a good way for acounty Farm Bureau toprovide more direct servicefor members at the countylevel.

"Can you sell a FarmBureau membership based onwhat your county is now.doing?" Cheatham asked.

"Farm Bureau is opposedto the centralization of thefederal government but forthe last decade, we in FarmBureau have been guilty ofbecoming more centralized.We must return emphasis tothe county level. We mustidentify our county FarmBureau as a problem solvingorganization at that level ofgovernment," Cheathamsaid.

Ron Nelson, who headsMichigan Farm Bureau'sLocal Affairs program, tookpart in a panel discussion on"Successful Programs andHow They Work," andreported on Michigan'ssuccessful Rural CrimePrevention program.

annual meeting of theAmerican Farm BureauFederation in Miami Beach.

"Farm Bureau membersare concerned about the needfor more involvement in localgovernmental affairs. Wemust get our message acrossto local governments,"Armstrong said. '.'And the

Leads

WELCOME AMER\CAN FARM.BUREAU FEDERATION

-JA N '-5. IIRINGLING IRO CI Reus

J A N 16-26 NOH ALL

RonNelson of MIchiganFarm Bureau's Public AHalrs Divisionserved on a panel on local aHa/rs. Michigan Farm Bureau'srural crime prevention program was of Interest to membersfrom other states.

MFB'S Rural. CrilllePro~ralll Reviewed

Nearly 500 Michigan Farm Bureau members were In Miami Beach, Rorlda, lor the American FarmBureau Federation annual meeting. A premiere performance of Ringling Brothers and Barnum andBailey Circus was shown exclusively lor FarmBureau members at the awards program.

The president of the KansasFarm Bureau, John JuniorArmstrong, urged countyFarm Bureau leaders to get"vocal on-the local" and havemore impact on localgovernmental affairs.Armstrong presided over thelocal governmental affairsconference held at the- 66th

FB LeQders Urged:"Get Vocal on the Local"

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 7

at American Farm Bureau Annual

Peter Edick in National Talk Meet

Peter Edick of Eaton County represented Michigan In the American Farm Bureau Federation's national Discussion Meet. Edick won state honors during the MFB annual meeting In Grand Rapids last November.

Blosses are Winners (Continued from Page 1)

Announcement of their award came as a "complete surprise" to the Blosses, who looked upon their trip to Miami Beach as an op­portunity to talk with other farmers from throughout the nation and to see their organization in action at the national level.

Before the afterglow of sudden fame had faded, the young farm couple was already making plans to go home and continue their farming business. "After all," they said, "our goal was not winning a national title. Our goal was a good farming operation." And a successful farming operation that c o m m a n d s n a t i o n a l

RONALD REAGAN

recognition needs the at­tention of those who made it successful.

Candidates for the "Out­standing Young Farmers and Ranchers" title are judged on farm management abilities and the amount of progress made in the farm operation from the point at which the individual started farming. Consideration is also given to the applicants' demonstrated leadership abilities, both in Farm Bureau and in his local community.

The couples sharing the title with the Blosses are Steven and Pamela Went-worth of Orena, Illinois, and David and Karen Hagert of Emerado, North Dakota.

ART HOLST

"Get Involved"

"It's that little difference that can make a big dif­ference in your Safemark program,' said Art Hoist during the 1979 Safemark Conference held in con­junction with the 60th annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Hoist, who is well-known as a National Football League referee, said, "We paint a line across the football field and we call it the goal line; get­ting there is another thing, and when you get there you have to have the right material."

Hoist challenged the crowd to get involved, to be a problem solver and to speak the same language as the person with whom they are communicating.

During the Safemark Conference, Leo Waggoner, administrative director of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation told the group that the real success of the Safemark program is the quality of goods and com­petitive prices Safemark offers. He also said the Safemark program can en­courage a person to join or rejoin the organization.

44 Government is Not Answer it Ronald Reagan addressed

the general session of the American Farm Bureau Federation's 60th annual meeting and called restoration of the balance between the levels of government one of the great issues of our time.

The former California governor said it is time for Washington to turn back to the state and local govern­ments "the programs which it has usurped and which it is inadequate to administer."

He cited massive federal welfare programs as an example, then warned that federal aid to education has now turned into federal control of education.

He told the 7,500 Farm Bureau members that "government is not the an­swer. It is the problem." He said the bureaucracy, which he characterized as "per­manent employees of the government , " actual ly makes more decisions about our daily lives than our elected representatives.

Reagan said government "now costs the average family more than food, housing and clothing all put together," and he pointed out that various governmental

RONALD REAGAN bodies take 44 cents out of every dollar earned by Americans . . . which pro­rates out to $9,600 for every family in the country.

"Inflation," he said, "has one cause, and it isn't prices and wages. It is caused by government spending more than government takes, in."

ALAN GRANT

Condemns National Health Care Plans

ALAN GRANT American Farm Bureau

President Allan Grant con­demned nationalized health care plans, called for con­stitutionally imposed spend­ing limitations and urged deregulation of the tran­sportation industry in his address before the 60th an­nual AFBF meeting in Miami Beach January 14.

"The theory that the people of this country suffer from a tremendous gap in health care which only the govern­ment can bridge is a political fraud," Grant said.

"The opportunity for waste and outright fraud within a national system of com­pulsory health care would surely produce scandals to make those of Medicaid and Medicare seem mild by comparison," he said.

In calling for spending limitations, Grant labeled them "a force to be reckoned

with and an idea whose time has come."

Grant suggested that the best way to accomplish spending limitation goals would be by an amendment to the U.S. Constitution "limiting the spending authority of Congress to a realistic percentage of the gross national product."

The amendment should be initiated by Congress, ratified by the states and contain a clear-cut commitment for the orderly reduction of the national debt, he added.

Charging that railroad, airline, bus and trucking industries have been severely damaged by excessive, long­time regulation, Grant said, "The best thing that could happen to the entire trans­portation industry would be to allow competition back in by turning the government out."

ROBERT STRAUSS DELEGATES SAY

Reports on Trade Talk The administration's trade

package was described as "a real step forward, instead of backward, and no closing of markets or erection of more trade barriers," by Robert Strauss, the President's special representative for trade negotiations, who addressed delegates at the AFBF annual meeting.

Ambassador Strauss said we stand at a time of "unusual peril and unusual prospect for improvement of our international trading system." He warned that "pressures to close borders here as well as abroad have never been so strong."

"No on Flexible Parity9'

Delegates to the 60th an­nual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation re­jected the idea of "flexible parity" by an overwhelming vote on January 18.

At a session that ran late into the night, a delegate pro­posed replacing the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 with a plan of flexible government supports tied to production controls.

After 90 minutes of debate, the proposal was turned down be a lop-sided count of 189-4$.. ...

PAGE 8 FARM NEWS FE BRUARY, 1979

Host Fanillies Neededfor Scandanavians

Farmer CooperativeGrowth Threatened

ij'lrough livestock marketingagencies, local cooperativeExtension offices, and byrequest from the MichiganDepartment of Agricultureand the Michigan BeefIndustry Commission.

Ballots will be available inlate February and earlyMarch. They must be mailedto the Michigan Departmentof Agriculture by March 15,1979.

activity is done-three times ayear. But it pays off: "Studiesshow that visual aids havegreat immediate impact onconsumers. They're verysuccessful with getting theidea across," 'she said.

Hankey. received herBachelor of Science degree inCommunity Services andHuman Ecology and Mastersin Adult Education andComm unica tions fromMichigan State University.She has worked for theMichigan 4-H YouthPrograms, Cooperative

-Extension Service, for threeyears prior to coming to theBeef Industry Commission in1976..

law that a referendum be heldafter the first five fullcalendar years of operation,to assure producer support.

Any individual who sold"cattle in the 1978 calendaryear and'in turn, paid anMBIC assessment, can vote.

Ir

RETHA HANKEY

"Beef consumption is in-creasing in institutional andhotel areas," sh~ said, "and Iwould like to expand furtherinto institutional

. man~gement."In conjunction with the

American Dairy Association,the Beef Commission iscurrently involved withpromoting dairy and beefproducts in supermarkets.Advertising materials. suchas colorful beef posters,mobiles and free recipes arebeing "displayed in grocerystores.

Hankey said a lot ofrevenue is spent in super-markets since promotional

DALE A. DEAN'SAuctions Unlimited (R)

Selling Holstein Dairy CattleFarm Machinery and Farm Real Estate

For Top Dollar at AuctionAnywhere in MichiganPhone 517-279-9748Coldwater, Michigan

For 32 years Dale has provenhe knows the way to do It better! !Phone or write for free appraisal

orList your farm with Dean's P.C. Dale A. Dean, President

Ballots I will be madeThe council was created in available by mail to Michigan

1972 at the request of beef beef and dairy producers.producers. It is required by They will also be available

Michigan beef producerswill be given the opportunity-to vote on whether theMichigan Beef IndustryCommission (MBIC) shouldcontinue to operatepromotional, informationaland research activities for itsproducers.

Retha Hank~y AppointedBeef Commission V. P.

Beef Producers ReferendurnSet

The Michigan BeefJndustry Commission hasannounced the appointmentof Miss Retha Hankey ofLansing as executive vicepresident of its nine-membercouncil. Hankey, the firstwoman to head a Michigancommodity organization,succeeds Richard Posthumusof Lowell, who has served asexecutive vice presidentsince the commission wascreated in 1972.

Posthumus has been ap-pointed by the MinorityLeader ofthe Michigan Houseof Representatives, WilljamBryant, Jr., to be the directorofProgram Development andLegislative Research for theHouse Republicans.

Hankey, who served asConsumer Informationspecialist for the commission,will co"ntinue her role inconsumer' services until anew specialist is appointed,while also undertaking ad-ministrative and legislativeduties.

With her strongbackground in consumereducation, and establishedcontacts in the area, Hankeysaid she is looking forward tothe challenges her newposition will bring in beefpromotion.

She said the commissionwill continue to build apositive program in theconsumer information areaby Feaching consumersthrough print and broadcastmedia. The commissionbases its information on well-founded, documentedresearch, said Hankey.

Strong promotional ac-tivities will also continue inretail areas, she said, addingshe would like to increasebeef promotion in food ser-vice areas.

age 16and 17, will arrive inthe U.S. in late August, 1979,attend the local high school,and return home in late June,1980.The students, all fluentin English, have beenscreened by their schoolrepresentatives in Scan-dinavia and have pocketmoney and medical in-surance.

Persons or families in-terested in either of theseprograms should contactBeth Beeker, 1136N. MillerRd., Saginaw, Michigan48603. Telephone ,(517) 781-0323. Letters should containthe writer's phone number.

3) Concerning agriculturalmarketing orders, theSecretary of Agricultureshould be required to selectthe alternative that is theleast anti-competitive. At thepresent, the secretary can setmarketing orders withouthaving to consider thecompetitive factors.

For Michigan farmer:s,limiting cooperative mergerswould affect efficiency andadvancements within theagricultural industry, -saidLA Cheney, executivesecretary of the MichiganAssociation of FarmerCooperatives.

"We've had a large numberof cooperatives joiningtogether to improve theoperation and efficiency ofbusiness, and to improvemethods and techniqueswhich serve farmers," hesaid. All Michigan farmerswould be affected ifcooperative expansion wereregulated, he added.

The USDA estimates thatfive out of six of the nation'sfarmers are members of oneor more agriculturalcoopera ti ves. Approxi=-mately, 4,500 farmercooperatives serving morethan 3.5 million farmermemberships arerepresented in the NCFC.

As Cheney and Kenneth D.Naden, NCFC president,point out, the commission iscomprised of few cooperativesupports and few understandthe uniqueness of agriculturalprodu~tion and marketing.

But Chairman Foley saidcooperatives would not bedecimated by ill-consideredlegi~lation, and suggestedthat the Agriculture Com-mittee might try to gain somejurisdiction over thelegislation when it is in-troduced in the House. _

Foley added, however, thatthe urban members ofCongress wouldnot be easy toapproach on the issue.

"The story of the value ofcooperatives will have to betold at the grassroots levelthroughout the country," hesaid ..

By Paula MohrFarmers may be facing

legislation this year designedto limit, agriculturalcooperatives, predicts aHouse Agriculture Com-mittee chairman.

Thomas S. Foley, (D-Washington), addressing anannual National Council ofFarmers Cooperatives(NCFC) meeting recently,said the legislation will resultfrom recommendations of theNational Commission toReview Antitrust Laws andProcedures. The recom-mendations, sent to PresidentCarter in late January, calledfor modifications to theCapper-Volstead Act af-fecting cooperative mergersand cooperative marketingagencies in common.

The Capper-Volstead Act of1922permits farmers to jointogether to process, preparefor market, handle, andmarket the farm products ofthe members and patrons.

The 22-member com-mission. established by thePresident in December, 1977to review antitrust laws andprocedures, has specified thethree following recom-mendations:

1) Although organization ofagricultural cooperatives isfavored, criteria for judgingthe antitrust treatment, withregard to mergers, andmarketing agents in com-mon, should be the same as itis for other companies (thismeans limited cooperativemergers and limited salesvolume of cooperativemembers).

2) The office of the' UnitedStates Department ofAgriculture (USDA),which isresponsible for promotingcooperatives, should beseparate from the officeresponsible for enforcingantitrust violations. TheUSDA presently promotesand enforces its antitrustregulations. The commissionhas also requested that thestatement "undue priceenhancement," in the Cap-per-Volstead Act be definedmore clearly:

American host families arebeing sought for 500 Scan-dinavian high school studentsfrom Sweden, Norway,Denmark and Finland for the1979-80 school year, in aprogram sponsored by theAmerican ScandinavianStudent Exchange (ASSE).

The ASSE is also seekingAmerican students, age 16-18,who would like to spend ahigh school year with aScandinavian family orparticipate in a five-weekfamily stay in the summer of1979.

The Scandinavian students,

Crop Reportinl? Service Changes NameFEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 9

compiled data, with moreinformation interpretingcharts and graphs. We willminimize tabular materialsexcept in annual reports, "Fedewa explained.

"We will be going to theelectronic media for its timevalue, doing more radiobroadcasts to try to get in-formation to farmers faster,"he added.

name will be instantlyrecognized and used."

In addition to the namechange, MichiganAgricultural Reportingservice will be publishing aconsolidated statisticalrelease twice a month insteadof the average 12 single sheetreleases now issued.

"Our consolidatedstatistical releases will have

..Open Line Meeting Looksat Farming in '79

Be more productive; and get the most up-to-date in-formation on the 1979 growing and marketing seasons.

Join the Farm Bureau folks at the 1979 Open Linemeetings. The meetings are free with a complimentarylunch served. Spend the day learning useful informationthat could help you in the coming year Farm BureCiu'snew direct world-wide grain marketing the expan-sion of the Mid-State terminal in Toledo rising farmfuel cost and what's being done abo~t it and a lotmore.

Agricultural leaders ... Co-op pre'sidents, BoardMembers, leaders in farm supply and County FarmBureau members ... are encouraged to attend thesemeetings and pass along the information to their localfarm groups.

All Open Line sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to3:30 p.m. Come at 9:00 and enjoy coffee

and doughnuts. Find out what the1979 outlook is for you and your

farm ... from theFarm Bureau people.

\

in many reporting activities."Our primary concern is

that the title more accuratelyand completely describes theentire state and countyagricultural data base,"Fedewa said.

"However, the title hasbeen used since 1919 and cropreporting service has been inexistence for over 100years,so we don't expect the new

S M T W T F S1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 lO11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 1"9,20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28

economic activity, which is asignificant part of our totalagricultural data service,"explained Dr. Morrow.

Don Fedewa, statistician-in-charge of the reportingservice, reported. that, sincedevelopment in 1917 of theoriginal state-federalcooperative agreement' for areporting service, thedivision has become involved

Where 'Ibur Farm Comes First

FARM BUREAU SERVICES. INCFARMERS PETROLEUM

In CadillacFeb. 13 at McGuire'.s

FaRmr1BUreaU

In Battle CreekFeb. 20at Countryside Inn1-94Exit 104

'\

Dr. Hoefer.Appointed,

Michigan Crop Reportingservice.has changed its nameto Michigan AgriculturalReporting service,' effectiveJanuary 1, according to Dr.Ralph Morrow, MichiganDepartment ~f Agriculturedeputy director, Bureau ofAgricultural Development.

"The change was made tobetter associate the livestockindustry and to i,nclude

Gov. William G. Millikenhas announced the ap-pointment of Dr. Jacob A.Hoefer, assistant dean of twocolleges at Michigan StateUniversity (MSU), to theNatural Resources Com-mission. He replaces DeanPridgeon who resigned tobecome director of theDepartment of Agriculture.

Millikenalso announced thereappointments of E. M.(Matt) Laitala of Hancockand Charles G. Younglove ofTrenton to the commission.

Hoefer, 63,is assistant deanof the College of Agricultureand Natural 'Resources,assistant dean of the Collegeof Natural Science, associatedirector of the AgricultureExperimental Station,director of the KelloggBiological Station andprofessor of animalhusbandry.

The governor said, "Dr.Hoefer is ideally qualified toserve on .this commissionwhich has been taking onincreasingly complex en-vironmental responsibilities.He has an outstandingbackground in agriculturaland environmental research.He brings a new dimension aswell as a broad outlook andunder.standing of the in-terdependence of variousoutlooks of our environment.

"Having been born andreared on a farm, and being aleader in agriculturalresearch and education, he iswell-suited to help theDepartment of NaturalResources (DNR) relate to

. Michigan agriculture,"Milliken said.

"And as a leader in thedevelopment of many naturalscience and natural resourcesprograms, he will bring to thecommission a new per-spective on many aspects ofecology and environmentalprotection. ' ,

'-

P'AGE 10 FARM NEWS

MarketingOutlook

FEBRUARY, 1979

Ground Bee.f Popularity Grows Despite Price lncreas.eByJack Anderson

Economics contributedearlier in the rise' in groundbeef popularity. Recently,however, ground beef hascontinued to increase in priceand, during this same time, ithas continued to increase inpopularity. This trend is not

common with steaks androast. The patrons 'of threeleading hamburger chainsare consuming the equivalentof two million head-plus ofcattle each year and thatfigure is continuing to in-crease.

It is predicted that the

popularity of ground meatwill continue. Consumershave reacted positively tobuying proportionately moreof this nutritious and con-venient meat and there is noindication that we will see aturnaround in the amount ofground meat being consumedby the U.S. population. Per

capita consumption of ground comes increase, .per capitameat is definitely on the in- ground meat consumptioncrease, due in part to the trends .upward, with therapid growth of our food ~xception of the very highestservice industry, especially Income groups.the fast food outlets. _ It is estimated that 40 to 45

Approximately 14 percent percent of oUr beef supplyof the consumer's food budget reaches the consumer in ais spent on ground meat. In ground form, as either cookedaddition, as consumers' in- {Continued on Page 10

ANATOMY

OFAPRICE

COlnpetition

By: Dr. Paul KindingerDirector

Commodity Activities andResearch Division

Michigan Farm Bureau

The word competition connotes different things todifferent people. For some the word is associated with anathletic event; for someone else it may mean a salescontest, while for others it may be associated with-politics. Whatever the type of activity it brings to mind,the underlying concept is still the same. It basicallyrefers to the idea of outdoing someone who has the sameobjectives as you.

In sports it is one individual or team attempting insome way to prove its superiority, usually by scoringmore points. To a salesman it means putting more of hisproducts on the market, getting more dollars for hiscompany or in some way outdoing others handling thesame or similar products. In poliUcs, it is a matter ofconvincing people that you are the best candidate or thatyour position on an issue provides the best solution, thus,convincing people to vote in your favor. The person orpersons who put together the best team, the-best salespitch or the best campaign, win.

But what does competition mean in economics? Howdoes winning in an economic sense influence the wayprices are set? Are there any rules to the game? Theseare some of the questions that we will examine in ourdiscussion this time.

Competition, in an economic sense, is really no dif-ferent than competition in a general sense. C"ompetitionhelps the economy Allocatescare resources. The game isto offer the best product for the best price or offer thebest service, attract customers and collect dollar votes.The person who collects the greatest number of dollarvotes is then able to bid for additional scare resources.

The system is not perfect. Often there are flaws in itsoperation caused, perhaps, by a breakdown in com-munication, some unscrupulous dealings or some alienfactor interfering with the signals in the market place. Ina society classified by economists as "perfectly com-petitive," prices are established by the interaction oflarge numbers of buyers and sellers. No one of them is ina position to influence the market for a given productbecause products or commodities are assumed to be allalike (homogenious) and every participant in the marketfor that product-or commoqity has an equal amount ofknowledge about the market.

But where does this ideal situation exist? It doesn'texist in the "real" world. It serves only as a tool tomeasure reality against a sort of ideal or standard thatwould be nice to achieve. So what does happen in the,rreal" world? What sort of competition is really beingus~? .

Competition and ultimately prices are very closely tiedto the structure of our economy. Structure refersprimarily to the number and type of businessesproducing a given product. It is also important toexamine how many substitutes are available for theproduct in question. In a situation where only onecompany is manufacturing a product that is beingdemanded by the public and for which there are no closesubstitutes, the company has a great deal of influenceover output and price. We generally refer to this as amonopoly.

Similarly, where only a few producers are in businessand their product is very similar, economists often

classify this as an oligopoly. The names are not as im-portant as the problems creat~ by such situationswhether at t~e local, regional or national level.

One of tl:1eproblems created by oligopolies, andmonopolies in particular, without going ipto all thetechnical details, is that they generally restrict outputand/or raise prices. This obviously means that someconsumer demand goes unsatisfied. People who are notable to pay the higher prices cannot enjoy the .particularproduct or service despite the fact they would have beenable to buy it if the system were" 'perfectly competitive."

Other problems associated with these alternativemarket structures and competitive forms includerestricted entry into the industry, rivalry based onfactors other than price or product quality, imperfectconsumer information, etc. Each of these conditions,directly or indirectly, has an impact on the prices wepay. Likewise, when the people who purchase productsor services possess these powers (as oligopsonists or-monopsonists), this.will affect the prices received by theseller. Thus, competition and structural imbalances playan important role in determining the levels of supply,demand and ultimately the price for the product beingbought or sold.

In an industry characterized by only a limited numberof producers, producing virtually the same product,competition may be severely restricted. In fact, com-petition may be limited almost entirely to advertising orsales efforts because the companies fear the loss ofrevenue that might result from price competition. Ourdiscussion of elasticity plays a big role in deter-mining what type of competition will or can take pl~ce inthese different competitive situations. Quite often inindustries where only a few firms exist, they are able toassess the moves of their competitors with surprisingaccuracy.

In the food distribution chain, competition can beviewed from several vantage points. Competition at theproduction level is often quite different from that whichtakes place at the wholesale or retail levels. One of theimp~nding issues in the future will be related to theamount of competition among and between varioussegments of the food chain. The public and elected of-ficials have taken an increasing interest in the amount ofcompetition and the price discovery process inagriculture.

Agriculture, in some instances, has enjoyed afavorable position regarding the legal rules designed toprotect the competitive nature -of the Americaneconomy. Special legislation allowing cooperatives to becreated and 'flourish in now under close scrutiny.Similarly, some segments of the food chain haverepeatedly attracted the attention of the Federal TradeCommission and Justice Department by their actionsrelating to "fair" competition as defined by suchlegislation as the Sherman Anti-trust Act, the ClaytonAct, etc.

In our. next discussion of the "Anatomy of a Price -Part VI," we will take a closer look at some of the "non-market" factors that seem to play an increasingly im-portant role in determining prices.

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 11

Cattlenlen Get Views on Consumer Attitudes

February 1, 1979Elton R. Smith

President

February 1, 1979ELTON R. SMITH

President

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGCOMMUNITY SERVICE INSURANCE COMPANY

The annual meeting of the stockholders of Community ServiceInsurance Company of Michigan, a corporation, will.be held atits Home Office, 7373 West Saginaw, Lansing, Michigan, onWednesday, February 28, 1979, beginning at 1:30 p.m., for thefollowing purposes:

1. To receive reports from officers and management.2. To elect directors.3. To consider such other matters as may properly come

before the meeting.Attest:W.S. WILKINSONSecretary

Policyholders may obtain a copy of the Annual Report from anyCounty Farm Bureau Office or from the Home Office at Lan-sing.

BARBARA KEATING

Policyholders may obtain a copy of the Annual Report from anyCounty Farm Bureau Office or from the Home Office at Lan-sing,

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGFARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

OF MICHIGANThe annual meeting of the policyholders of. Farm BureauMutual Insurance Company. of Mfchi~an, a corporation, will beheld at its Home Office, 7373West Saginaw, Lansing, Michiganon Wednesday, February 28,1979, beginning at 1:30 p.m., for thefollowing purposes:

1. To receive reports from officers and management.2. To elect directors.3. To consider such other matters as may properly corne

before the meeting.Attest: February 1,1979W.S. WILKINSON Elton SmithSecretary PresidentPolicyholders may obtain a copy of the Annual Report from anyCounty Farm Bureau Office or from the Home Office at Lan-sing.

-

1919Elton R. Smith

President

.NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGFARM BUREAU LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OFMICHIGANThe annual meeting of the stockholders of Farm Bureau Life'Insurance Company of Michigan, a corporation, will be held atits Home Office, 7373 West Saginaw, Lansing, Michigan, onTuesday February Ti, 1979,beginning at 1:30 p.m., and for thefollowing purposes:

1. To receive reports from officers and management.2. To elect directors.3. To consider such other matters as may properly come

before the meeting.Attest:W.S. WILKINSONSecretary

is B~ Business

National Paranoia

the combined efforts of all theindustry, we can work towardwhat the consumer isdemanding, knowing what iswanted is fundamental togood marketing. No suc-cessful big producer forconsumer market todayproduces anything until hehas researched the marketand learned what is neededand wanted.Jack H. AndersonCommodity SpecialistCommodity Activities andResearch Division

Consumers and cattlemencan at least agree on oneissue: good nutrition, saidCharles E. Ball, executive vicepresident of the Texas CattleFeeder's Association, at theMichigan Cattlemen's Asso-ciation Thirteenth AnnualConvention and Trade ShowJanuary-19 at Long's Conven-tion in Lansing.

But from there, issues onbeef prices, food additives andmeat's nutritional value divide

- the two groups."Consumer movements

with their regulations andgovernment interventions arealarming the meat industry,"said Ball.

He proposed working withconsumer groups on nutri-tional research and educationprograms to inform the publicabout the nutritional values ofbeef.

"We must be objective andaggressive in giving infor-mation to the consumer," headded.

"We learned what a minor-ity can accomplish when westick together against opposi-tion," he said, in reference tohis own state's organization,and urged Michigan cattlemento vote for the Michigan BeefIndustry Commission in theupcoming March referendum.

National paranoia is big'business, Barbara Keating, _president of Consumer Alert,told the beef producers andpointed out that $500 is paidannually per person for con-sumer-oriented regulationsenacted by Congress.

The consumer advocateurged the reversal-of growinggovernment intervention andregulations ..

" In 1977 alone, Congressenacted 223 laws to protect usagainst ourselves,' I Keatingsaid. "It makes yo~ wonderhow we've come this far."

,'Consumers want to seetheir choices expanded, notedicted. by government," shesaid, and emphasized theneed for further consumereducation groups.

..t'

l

CHARLES BALL

Ground Bee.f Popularsteers or heifers andchanging the genetic typebeing fed through feedlotsituations.

This all adds up to onething: the need to makechanges. Basically, it in,:dicates that producers andfeeders -- individually andthrough their organizations --need to develop close workingrelationships with packersand all others in the meatchain so the problems andneeds of the industry can beunderstood b~_ all. ~_Through

, \ \ 't\

Mllee Hayenga, Operations Manager of the MichiganAgricultural Services Association (MASA), manned an In-formation booth at the Michigan Cattlemen's Associationconvention to tell the' crowds about MASA's new programs.

. John Koster, Ottawa County, signs up for a drawing, the winnerof which will receive a year's membership In MASA's In-formation program.,

<Continued from Page 10)sausage or ground beef, soldby retailers or by the foodservice industry.IMPLICATIONS TO BEEFPRODUCERS

The trend towards greaterusage of ground meat in-dicates that we should betaking a lookat some possiblenew directions in terms ofproduction and marketingpractice. These might includethe feeding of greaternwnbers of l!!!li~rather than

FARM NEWS FEBRUARY, 1979

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 13

Governor Deli~ers State 0.( the State•

CAPITOL REPORTFEBRtJARY, 1979

Lansing

said that basic educationmust be emphasized and thateducators must be ac-countable for their work.-Hesuggested that the statewideassessment program beexpanded to. the 10th grade.

He recommended that allelementary and secondaryteachers prove their com-petence in reading instructionand that a ProfessionalPractices Council should becreated to consider proposalsfor certification. Hesuggested earmarking part ofthe school aid budget forprofessional developmentprograms for teachers andadministrators. He alsosuggested" financial .in-centives for local schooldistricts to consolidate. Hequeted H:G. Wells by sayingthat "civilization is a racebetween education and

_ catastrophy. "• TAXATION- He said that

he would not ask for anyincrease in taxes nor wouldhe ask for any lowering oftaxes, however, it is possibleto make the tax system moreequitable.' The state surplusthis year will exceed $60million. He-will again urgepassage of a proposal topermit local school districtvoters the option to switch aportion of their local schoolsupport from the property taxto the income tax. Whenrecommended last year, theproposal required tha tproperty taxes be cut by .22mils if' a 2 percent local .in- ;come tax is voted. He furtherrecommended. thatresidential property- taxpayers be permitted to maketax payments in six monthlyinstallments and that thenumber of assessing di~trictsshould be reduced. He alsourged that the numerous

.recommendations' of the TaskForce on Property TaxRevision study of two yearsago be considered andcarried out. He furtherrecommended that govern-ment pensions be taxed thesame as private pensions as amatter, of equality. He saidthat 01J'to.of-state truckersshould be taxed on thenumber of miles drivenwithin Michigan the same asin many other states, and thatrefunds and credits be givento Michigan companiesengaged in interstate haulingfor mileage traveled outsidethe state. He mentioned theBudget Stabilization Fundthat was created a year ortwo ago and the importanceofhaving money on hand for a"rainy da,Y/: ... .,J&\ • .-

strawberries, dry ediblebeans, various kinds of seedsand livestock. He stronglysupported the upgrading ofthe Chatham ResearchStation funded from MSU'sCapital Outlay Priority Listfor 1979 and the continuedgrowth of agriculture as away of helping the UpperPeninsula economy.

• EDUCATION- He said itis a waste when a collegestudent must take remedialcourses in basic skillsbecause they were notadequately - taught andlearned in the first twelveyears of school. It is also awast~ when 25percent of ourstudents drop out of schooland that test scores show thatstudents do not know thefundamental skills and are ineffect mental drop o_uts.He

Robert E. Smith

FARM NEWS

Cushin~berry to Head

House AG Conunittee

research on current orpotential toxic substancesand that the new expandedfood profection laboratorythat he requested in 1978is inthe pr.ocess of doingpreliminary work that willlead to the construction of thelaboratory.

One recommendation thatis not likely to find favor withmost farmers is the requestfor legislation to allow thegovernor to directly appointthe director of the Depart-ment of Agriculture who ispresently appointed by a bi-partisan commission. -

Goverhor Milliken pointedout the great potential forexpansion of agriculture inthe Upper Peninsula withnearly 600,000acres of farm-land and the potential forraising crops such as

Other Democra tic members on the House A,gricultureCommittee are Reps. Dodak, Alley, Dongville and Trim.Republicans are Reps. Hoffman, K~nnedy, Nick Smith andVan Singel.

The Senate Committee onAgriculture and Consumer Affairshas not yet been appointed. As in previous years, the chairmanis expected to be from the metropoUtan area, Smith predi.e.ted.

George Cushingberry, Jr. (D-Detroit), newiy appointedchairman of the HouseAgriculture Committee, is the youngestman in history ever to be elected to the House of Represen-tatives. He is serving his 3rd term ..

His education includes gradua ting from Cass TechnicalHigh School and attending Wayne State University. He haswon innumerable awards ranging from a Caaet Lt. Colonel inthe Junior ROTC Program to the Outstanding Young Man ofthe Year Award by the Jaycees. He is a party leader and hasservecron several other Housecommittees.including Taxation.

"We have found him to be fair, reasonable and extremelycapable," said .Robert E. Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau'ssenior legislative counsel.

PAGE 14

On January 10, 1979 is req~esting the DepartmentMichigan's Legisla ture of Agriculture together withconvened for the 80th session.. the Department of Nat-The Legislature continues to ural Resources andbe controlled by the Management and Budget toDemocrats. In the House of evaluate the current stateRepresentatives there are 70 programs that are designedDemocrats and 40 tr rreserve agricultural land.Republicans; fifty-six votes He suggested the possibilityare needed to pass a bill. In of allowing the state to obtainth~ Senate there are 24 developmental rights forDemocrats and 14 threatened agricultural land.Republicans; . twenty votes He also discussed sewageare needed to pass a bill. and sludge, pointing out thatBecause of this majority it is time to educate ourselvesRepublicans will have their to the fact that this materialrepresentation on the most can be recycled into th~ soil.important committees cut. Unfortunately much of the.For example the House sludge is contaminated withAppropriations Committee heavy metals that could(the most powerful) will have poison the soil for many uses.13 Democrats and five However, in/many cases suchRepublicans, the Taxation contamination is not aCommittee, 11 Democrats problem. He suggested theand six Republicans, the Department of AgricultureJudiciary, nine Democrats should expand its_studyof theand five Republicans. use of sludge along with

STATE OF THE STATE - comprehensive monitoring ofGovernor Milliken delivered food and soils to determinehis 11th annual State of the guidelines for using thisState address on Thursday, nutrient rich material.January 11.The total address Anot her imp 0 r tan tis in a 76page booklet in small agricultural problem is theprint with over 150 recom- devastation that the gypsymendatlons either for moth infestation continues tolegislation, study or depart- work on our forest, touristmental action. He pointed out .industry and residentialthat this year, due to the property. Michigan's -timberConstitutional Amendment resources threatened by thepassed by the people in moth are valued at at leastNovember, the Legislature $420.million with another $60must work within limitations million in pulp woodon taxes and on spending. He resources. It is also a threatsaid that the state is nowin an to the $4 billion tourist in-"age of limits" but it need not dustry. He said Michiganbe an "age without hope." He must adopt control measuressaid that Michigan is against this pest with therecognized nationally for necessary funding.many achievements in- Another area is theeluding an equitable tax promotion of agriculturalstructure with the nation's products. He believes that thelargest property tax rebate State Fair affords a uniquesystem; environmental opportunity to display theclean-up; educational finance variety of agriculturalchanges, revenue sharing products produced. bywith local government, etc., Michigan farmers to. thebut that much remains to be urban public and that a Fooddone. He said that it was his Fair should run concurrentlyohservation that the "flow of with the State Fair topower in recent years has promote "Grown inbeen to the states and away Michigan."from the federal govern- He said that agriculture'sment." The address was in 16 International Trade Divisionbroad categories including: has been effective in helping

• AGRICULTURE - He Michigan exporters tocalled it a key industry in the market Michigan grownstate; it provides jobs and products in foreign countries.

I products and is uniquely Michigan agricultural ex-stable and enduring. He said ports have increased $106that each farm is special. million in the past three yearsHowever, technology and to a total of over $400 million aincreasing urban pressure year. In order to continueare forcing rapid changes in proper marketing, however,rural areas. His major something must be done tor e com men d a t ion son eliminate the deterioration ofagriculture included farm- rail lines and abandonment ofland preservation. He track serving rural com-pointed out that land is a munities as this isolatesfundamental resource for farmers from markets.which there is no substitute Toxic substances areand yet thousands of acres of ano: 'ler area for which theland are lost each year and Department of Agriculture iscannot be recovered. He said responsible. He pointed outwe must protect and preserve that the new toxic substanceour best farmland and that he laboratory is responsible for

FEBRUARY, 1979

State of the StateFARM NEWS PAGE lS

(Continued from Page 14)

What's Happenin~?.WORKERS COMPENS-ATION - The governor sai~the workers compensationproblems must be solved thisyear; Michigan's law is one ofthe least equitable in thenation. Injured workerbenefits are far below moststates while premium costson employers are far aboveother states. He said thatthere are more than 70,000claims a year at a cost ofmore than $800 million. Healso recognized the problemof "voluntary quits" in theunemployment insuranceprogram.

.• CONSERVATION - Thegovernor urged the approvalof overall land use legislationfor -Michigan. He said it has

been seven years since thislegislation was firstproposed. During that timemore than 200,000acres ofprime agricultural land hasbeen lost and 45,000acres ofirreplacable wetlands havebeen lost.

He also promoted' thecreation of a MichiganDepartment of Energypointing out that energysupplies will be adequate thiswinter in Michigan, however,

. it is recognized that futureshortages must be dealt with.

Among the recom-mendations on healthproblems was one to helpsupply medical doctors andother professionals to ruralareas through a MichiganHealth Service Corp.

February 5

February 1

February 8

February 9'

February 13

February 13

~February 14- IS

Southeast MASA Reglona' Meeting

West MASA Reglona' Meeflng

~glnaw Valley MASA Reglona'Meeflng

Thumb MASA Reglona' Meeting

MASA Meeting - Van Buren, Cars,Ka'amazoo and St. Joseph Counties

Open line Meeting

Presidents' Conference

Ho"day Inn,Ann Arbor

Hospitality Inn,Grand Rapids

Best Western •Bay City

WI'dwood Farms,Cars City

Van Buren Co. FarmBureau Bldg., Paw Paw

McGu/res,Cadillac-

A'bert Pick MotorHote', East lansing

Key Farmer Co.ncerns on

MASA Meetin~ A~endaRural crime, minimum wage, workers compensation --

some of the major concerns of today's farmers - will beamong the topics discussed at a series of regionalmeetings sponsored by'the Michigan Agricultural Ser-vices Association (MASA).

At each meeting, which starts with 9:15 a.m.registration, "Rural Crime and Legal Rights" will bediscussed by Ron Nelson, who heads the LOCalAffairsprogram for Michigan Farm. Bureau. "Safety on theFarm" will be the topic of safety experts and the stateminimum wage will be discussed by representatives ofthe Department of Labor. Representatives of the Bureauof Workers Compensation will be on hand to presentinformation on this topic of concern.

MASA'snew programs will be outlined by OperationsManager Mike Hayenga. According tq Hayenga, "MASAdesires to expand its membership so it can become amore viable organization in many areas of agriculturalregulations that affect everyone --whether they use laboror not."

Any.MASA_memberwho has paid his or her dues for1979can earn a "free lUnch" by bringing a non-memberto the meeting and the non-member signs up in the MASAprogram that day.

Check the "What's Happening" column for dates andlocation of the meeting in your area. Reservations maybe made by writing or calling MASA, P.O. Box 30960,Lansi.ng 48909(phone) 323-7000,-Ext. 553.

February 15

February 16

Fftbruary 20

February 23

February 23

February 21

f.ebr~ary 28

March '.2

March 1.9

March 14

Aprl' 2.5

Northwest MASA Reglona' Meeting

Northwest MASA Reglona' Meeting

Open LIne Meeflng

District 10 Women's Councl'Meeting

Open line Meeting

District 2 Women's Councl'Meeting

District 4 Women's CouncilMeeting

Spring Commodity AdvisoryCommlHees Conference

Young Farmer leaders' Conference

MASA Annua' Meeflng

Washington legls'atlve Seminarand Heritage Tour

Sail Inn,- Benzonia

Holiday Inn,Traverse Oty

Countryside Inn,East of Bott'e Creek

Shoppengadon -Hote',Grayling .

.Zehnders,Frankenmuth

Hillsda'e Co. FarmBureau CHlce, Hlllsda'e

Bonanza Restaurant,28th SI., Grand Rapids

Hllfon Inn, Lansing

Valley P'aza Ramada Inn,MJd'and

Hospitality Inn,Grand Rapids

Washington, D.C.

Elller~ency Loans Available to FarIners

We Can Dismantle"and Deliver For Extra Charge

We Will Sell Separately Or AllOr Will Trade For Equipment

A C'.DI.tel, NIW COIC''1t il 1•• llq ..clliles! TIlt llUZi. 2.1.1 TIlOY.Bllle & .t'11, a .... rf.U, lletter I'It. tilltr, it'l lIsta ••• 1Ierfll ,_pest slr.Uer-clI.".r' Ittll'll pllf whl. I......... "r Iarp IfI_all. Iitta fu.ltnl, fertile"n_lIIst 1Ii1.'"St UI, t...... Ie•• nl far lMitl nil .I*,f.lks. Y.I Iii" it .~ JUST ONE HAND! fircOllllete .taili. IlriclS •• II.seasol SlftIIS.seld c• .,.. MI.. for 'ree llooklet. TIOY.lllTR.t. Tilllr-lner C_lIIlten. 1D2.d5l & ttIIAn .• Tra,. Me. Y,,1112110.

TltOT•• ILT8 let. Till ...... ., C..,.sten 1mt.94421M 1to IMISt .• ttllin .• rrwy, •. T. 12110 I'Ius. slINIItII ..... WHdtrfwI ster} .f Tltoy.1liLTS .... TiNen illCldilll lricn .. OFf.SlI.1SO•. UYI.CS _ ill ettect fer • 1i.1t" tl ... 1

I(Pluse Print Clu.lyl 1

=~s. 1Min 11Address -------. -- 1

City Stile -- ZIP _ 1l~~~~u~~~.~ ~~~_~

gov~rnment. Applications forphysical losses areauthorized until September26, 1979, and for productionlosses witil December 31,1979.

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS(28) Explosive Proof Buildings

(1) Wllter Storaga rank. 125.000 Gals. On Tower, 130' High, Norton Elevated r;tnk, Built In1959

EDWARD G. REID IRON & METALBox 51, Rte. 1, U.S. 2, Dafter, MI49724 906-632-8055....... ., .., ., .. , " '. , ..

like New, 60 x 22, 12' Ceiling,:, Sleel Frame wllh Fabrit;ated SPCtlons In Walls M::!de ofCPIllPnl. Explosive Proof Fixtures, Uphls, Heal Reglst'3rS, Exhaust Fans, 2 Melal SideDnors. Circulating Heat rein and 2 Pc:. Front Door with E<lch Buildinq. 1he~e BulhlinQs CemBe Altered.You Dismanlle ano Remove 54.500 Ea.

(II Oldy. 33 x 70. Met<ll wilh Steel Frame Taken Down, Reildy For Shlpm'3nt .. 55,500(II Bldg 33 x 100. Metal with StclJl Frame .Taken Down, Reildy fnr Shipment. 57.200(1) Bldg. 70 x 38, Melal with SJI'el r-rame. (2) 12 x 14 Overhead Doors On BllI;k and OlliceSpitC:'? In Front Complete with ll!Jhts & Fixtures. This Blgel. Is Not Dismllntled .. 55.600

mercial sources.Applications for emergency

loan assistance are filed inthe FmHA County Office.Check the local telephonedirectory listing under U.S.

MARQUETTE - Excessiverainfall 8/15 - 9-30-78

MUSKEGON - Excessiverainfall 6/25- 26178. Excessiverainfall 8/15- 9-30-78.Freeze 6-14-78. BERRIEN -Freeze 5/1- 5-3-

78CHIPPEWA - Excessive

rainfall 8/15 - 9-30-78Farmers Home

Administration EmergencyLoans are available to' helpfarmers to re-establishfarming operations, and payoperating expenses. Loansbased on actual losses arerepayable in their entiretywith three percent interest ifincurred before October 1,1978,and five percent interestif incurred after October 1,.1978. Additional loans areavailable at higher rates forrestoration of farmproduction. All loan ap-plicants must be unable to getsufficient credit from C01l1_1)1

GLADWIN- Drought 6/1- 8-15-78.Excessive rainfall 8/16-9-30-78

HURON- Drought 6/1 - 9-15-. 78 .

ALCONA- Drought 6/1 - 9-15-78

OSCODA- Drought 6/1 - 9-15-78

JACKSON- Drought 6/1- 9-15-78

OTTAWA Excessiverainfall 8/15 - 9-3(}'78

- Farmers In 10 Michigancounties may apply foremergency loans thtough theFarmers HomeAdministration to coverlosses caused by adverseweather. Robert L. Mitchell,state director, announcedtoday that loan applicationsmay .be received in theFarmers HomeAdministration CountyOffices for the followingcounties:'

PAGE 16

A Day in the Life

of a Regional Representative

FARM NEWS FEBRUARY, 1979

"A~riculture has AlwaysBeen Their Lifeblood" --Kevin Kirk

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCIA DITCHIE

/

audience has always been aconcern, and St. ClairCounty's Carol and DickLauwers have been bridgingthat gap. During 1978 theLauwers recorded a monthlytape that was aired over radioon Detroit's WJR "Point ofView." Stated Carol, "We aregetting an agricultural point

(Continued on Pag~ 21)

-Bemle BIshopand Diane Wood, Sanilac County Informationchairman, discuss several Information pro/ect. the countyhopes to carryout during the ,ear.

Kevin KIrk, SoIemarlc Operations manager and formerThumb regional represe,.,atlve, dlscuue. Safemark price.~Hh Huron County Secre'ary Cathy nn.ey.

leglonal lepresentatlve Bernie BIshop, Ie", tallc. aboutpolicy development with- Elwood Klrkpatrlclc, Huron Countypresident and District 6 representative on the state PolicyDevelopment Committee.

in the county. But, what I feela true reason for FarmBureau, is commodity pricingand last year we had a countyresolution for Farm Bureauto study ways of benefitingthe farmer price-wise."

In addition to working withfellow farmers who havesimilar interests andproblems, --reachingthe urban

remodeled and paid for withno borrowed funds."

Another of the successstories in the region has beenthe District 6 Women'sRallies. (District 6_includesall of the counties in theregion plus Macomb County.)Faye Adam, District 6Women's chairman and firstvice chairman of the StateWomen's Committee, ex-plained why their rallies havebeen so successful in recentyears and why more than 400women attended the 1978Spring Rally. "We used tohave a spring and fall rally'with small attendance, so theDistrict Council decided tohave just one rally a year and.wechose Spring and focusedour intention on involvementand I a better quali typrogram."

Plans for the 1979 SpringRally began last October andFaye explains theirprocedure. "Plans for ourApril Spring Rally started inOctober and we' meet ap-proximately once a month,with at least two officers fromeach county and the districtofficers comprising tnecommittee. We encouragetwo different people from thecounties to be on this com-mittee each year and we tryto' get two different ageranges in order to stimulateinterest. Wehave a challengeeach year from now on to tryto improve our rally from theprevious year," stated Faye.

Membership in FarmBureau not only fulfills aspecific interest, but alsoprovides a unity for farmersas Lorry Domagalski, St.Clair County, relates: "Istarted in Farm Bureaubecause I liked the political'education angle, but thenonce I became involved, Ifound out that wasn't the onlything they had. I feel thatyou're a lot stronger if you'reunited with people that havethe same interests you haveand the same problems anpthis is where Farm Bureauhelps a lot," stated Lorry.

Farm Bureau's policydevelopment process hasproved to be a mechanismthrough which farmers havefound the unity they need inhelping to solve many of theirproblems. Elwood Kirk-patrick, Huron Countypresident and District 6representative on the 1978state Policy DevelopmentCommittee, talked about theprocess.

"I'm impressed with theprocess," he said. "I think it'sthe only way it can work in afarm organization. We hadquite a campaign last year inHuron County to get goodcounty resolutions of interestand concern to the members

Thumb's success in pastyears has been mainly due tothe number of people in-volved. They are unique ininvolving many people intheir activities and they go atit with the idea that it's afamily participation, andthat's where we go back toFarm Bureau being a familyorganization. "

From his experiencesworking in the region, Kirkexpressed his impressions ofthe people, "The people arevery friendly and easy towor~ with. In .the Thumb,farmers are very happy withwhat they're doing. I reallyenjoyed working with theThumb Region."

Oneof the success stories inthe region was the specialfive dollar dues assessmenton the membership in SanHacCounty for renovation of thecounty office. Membershipdues in the county were,therefore, $40 for 1978, thehighest in the state in history,and the county still achi~ved1978membership goal:

Wayne Wood, SanilacCounty president, explainedwhy the county decided on thespecial dues assessment."The county board ofdirectoJ:s had discussed formany years the possibility ofremodeling the county officeand prior to the 1977countyannual meeting haddiscussed several ways tofinance it. They decided thebest way would be with a fivedollar dues assessment forone year only. At the countyannual meeting thisresolution was presented andpassed by the members of thecounty and was assessed onthe membership for 1978.Wenow have the building

'We are getting an agricultural point acro•• to man, morepeople than we realize," stated Carol lauwers, St. Oalr County,who with her husband Oleic, records a monthl, tape on WJIradio's "Point of Vlew."

Li~e all of Michigan, theThumb Region is the af-termath of the Ice Age fromthe southward movement ofglaciers nearly one millionyears a'go. As a resUlt, todaythe Thumb is part of thefourth richest farming area inthe world.

Agriculture in the regioncenters around dairy, withSanilac County hailed as thenumber one dairy county inthe state. Other prominentcommodities are beef andgrain.

The region, which alsoincludes the counties ofHuron, Tuscola, Lapeer andSt. Clair, claims the largestnumber of Farm Bureaumembers.

The Thumb area is dif-ferent than much of Michiganin that there are not manymajor cities in the region.Agriculture is the majorindustry and everything ishinged on its success. KevinKirk, who served as regionalrepresentative for two and ahalf years before transferringto the state office last Sep-tember, talked about how thesuccess of agriculture in theThumb is attributed to. thepositive attitude the people inthe region have for theiroccupation.

"They just seem to have agood positive attitudebecause agriculture hasalways been their lifeblood.You see a lot of family farmtradition in the Thumb -generation after generationremaining in agriculture.They're geared to the soil."

Farm Bureau plays a keyrole in the lives of the peopleand Kirk explained whyFarm Bureau activities havebeen so successful. "The

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 17

"Operation Cleansweep" Scheduled Jor April 14 - Ma.y 14"This year, if all farmers,

sportsmen, hikers andcampers make a consciouseffort to pick up litter, it willmake a significant dent in thecleanup. of the state," saidRick Jameson, OperationCreansweep director. Hepointed out that the StateHighway Department spent$1.8 million for cleaning 9,000miles of Michigan highwaysin 1978. "And that's not in-cluding country and cityroadsides," he added.

"Michigan is recognized asa leader in environmentallegislation and outdoorrecreational opportunities,"he concluded. "People reallydo care about the en-vironment and like to havethat kind of reputation."

For more information,contact Operation Clean-sweep, P .0. Box 30235,Lansing, MI 48909. (517) 371-1041.

-MASA Legal FundAids 1-69 Group

Farmers and members of the "Concerned Citizensabout 1-69" group received financial support through theMichigan Agricultural Services Association (MASA) intheir legal battle.Jo block construction of the 1-69corridorthrough prime agricultural land in Eaton County. Bydecision of the MASA Legal Defense. Fund advisorycommittee at the December 1978 meeting, a check for$100 was presented to MASA members Allen Caugheyand David Dankenbring on January 2,1979. Both men areactive members of the Eaton County citizens' groupwhich has brought suit against the Michigan Departmentof Natural Resources, the Michigan Natural ResourcesCommission, the Department of State Highwaysand Transportation and the Michigan Highway Com-mission. Caugpey is also named ~s a plaintiff in the suit.

Caughey and his farm neighbors contend that thecontracts they have signed as participants in P .A. 116 -the Farmland and Open Space Act - precludes the statedepartments in question from acquiring the lands forother than agricultural use.

"Our arguments regarding the P .A. 116 contracts~ represent only one facet of the suit," says Caughey, "but

an important one. Clearly a penalty is levied against thefarmer who removes his land from the program, but nopenalty has been established for the state."

According to John Riley, chairman of the MASA LegalDefense Fund Advisory Committee, "We chose to sup-port Mr. Caughey's position because we felt that theaction of the Highway Department and the Departmentof Natural Resources and their commissions jeopardizedthe protections which had been presumed when farmerssigned the P.A. 116 contract. If, in fact, the state canbreak the program contract with impunity, then par-ticipating Michigan farmers are offered no real long-standing protection of their agricultural lands."

siderations. Volunteers wouldalso work with local govern-ments to pinpoint areasespecially in need of cleanupand to ensure that thenumerous groups do notduplicate each others efforts.

The County Road Com-mission and the NationalGuard have volunteeredservices where possible, to

.transport the collected litterto recycling facilities, Nelsonsaid.

Recycling the refuse is alarge part of the cleans weepconcept, said Nelson, adding,"It's a good way to promoteconservation and en-vironmental awareness."Monies collected from therecycled goods will helpdefray the $70,000 cost ofOperation Cleansweep. Or, ifgroups transport and recycletheir own litter, they can keepthe funds, said Nelson.

1 I , It',L, ,I 1 ~

"We would like to en-courage Farm Bureaumembers to work as com-munity groups and clean uptheir own property, " said RonNelson, Michigan FarmBurea u representa ti ve.Farmers have always beenresponsible for keeping theirown fields and yards litter-free, since inconsiderateindividuals sometimes usefields ana ditches as "con-venient" dumping grounds,said Nelson.

"Operation Cleansweep is agood opportunity fo'r farmersto continue such aestheticpractices, " he said.

If community groups wouldlike to become a part ofOperation Cleansweep, anorganizer kit is available. Thekit contains tips on how toorganize litter pickup points,coordinate publicity andpromote safety con-

Redeemable at participating Farm Bureau Services I ~ ~Farmers Petroleum Stores. ~ ~

II . Wells lamont #912 work gloves are made of durable Irl- ~/ I blend flannel for 50 percent more wear then cotton gloves. ~ A-

~

RoomY, full cut with green knit wrist for snug fit. ~To Dealer: Return this coupon to Farm Bureau Services in ~

,. Lansing by March 23, 1979. Your account will be credited .....~ c .. for 25 cents for each coupon received. ~ ~

~ Olle ..expires March 17, 1979. limit one coupon per family. ~

~~~~.~~~~~~~~ FaRm~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BUreaU

ment and -it will be-printedunder the grant anddistributed to both the publicand law - enforcementageqcies.

Michigan Farm Bureau hasbeen actively seeking accessto federal grant monies as are~ult of a recommendation-made by the 1975State StudyCommittee and passed byvoting delega tes a t theSpecial Delegate Session heldin June of 1975.

.Ron Nelson, Ie", MFa local Affairs sp.clallst, pre•• nts acopy of the federal grant outlining provisions of the RuralCrime Prevention grant to MFa Admlnlstratlv. Dlr.Ctor RobertE. Braden.

·'This cleanup is the perfectopportunity. for those whosupported the bottle bill in1976to pitch in so we can seeimmediate results from thebottle bill," he said.

A state-wide coordinatingcommittee has been planningsince July for OperationCleansweep. Members of thecommittee include Mrs.William Milliken, andrepresentatives from'Michigan Farm Bureau,United Auto Workers, 4-HYouth Programs, Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts, Jaycees,Michigan EnvironmentalEducation Association,County Road Association ofMichigan and the MichiganNational Guard . .-

Promotion materials, trashbags and organizational ~itswill be provided by OperationCleansweep for participatinggroups.

MFB Receives Federal Grantfor Rural. Crime PreventionFor the first time in history,

Michigan Farm Bureau has -received access to .federalgrant monies. Cooperatingwith the Michigan Office ofCriminal Justice Programs, aone-year grant for $46,800wasmade last fall under theproject name of Rural CrimePrevention.

Under federal stipulations lfor this particular grant, 1.Michigan Farm Bureau couldnot directly receive thenionie~ due to its non-governmental and non-profitstatus. Therefore, theMichigan ProsecutingAttorneys Association askedfor the dollars and will serveas the implementing agencyand the Michigan State Policewill serve as the ad-ministrators. However, FarmBureau along with the Ron Nelson, MFB LocalMichigan State Police are the Affairs specialist who will beonly two agencies authorized working with the Michiganto spend the grant money. State Police on the grant, two

Three phases of operation new categories have alreadyare covered under the grant been added to the reportThe f~st phase includes the form: one for farm equip-marking of pr~perty. and ment, which covers tractorssome grant momes Will be -and wagons, and one for farmused .for the. purchase of tools, covering electric drillsmar~lng equipment and and welders. Referring to thesupplIes .. new form, Nelson stated,

The ~econd phase mcludes "This will give us a mucheduc.atIon of both the general better idea, statistically, as topublIc and Farm Bur~u what's happening on farmsmembers as well. as law and we can then develop aenforcement agencies .on ~e program to be morepr~bl~ms of rura! cryme m responsive to .those type ofMlc~ga~ and ~1l1 Include needs. "gettI!lg InformatIon to ~e The grant also makespublIc on what the p~oblem IS available money for researchan~ what the solutIo.ns are. on developing a good systemThl.s .phase also .proVld~ for for marking livestock.tral~lr;tg of polIce .offlcers, Several projects haves~clflcally on agricultural already been implementedCrime a~d very gener~lly on under the grant-in addition torural cru1.le. the revised report form'.

The ~Ird phase of the According to Nelson, 250prograIJ.lls gear~d t~w';lrd the marking kits and suppliesup-grading of statistics on have been ordered that willrural crime. Originally th~re be sent to all county Farmwere 12. property categories Bureaus and FF A chapters inon ~ohce. report forms the state. In addition, acovermg baSically any type of manual is being substantiallya~icultural eqUipment. that up-graded that shows how~I~t. be ~~o!~?,~c~ording to an9~ ~l\ere .. to plark. eqtJiJt

By Paula MohrMichigan's "bottle bill"

might make people thinktw~e before feeding road-sides with returnable beerand soft drink bottles. Butwhat about those throwawaycontainers and cans alreadydevaluing .the countryside?

Don't worry. Theorganization responsible forthe "bottle bill," theMichigan - United Con-servation Clubs, is schedulingApril ~4-May 14 to be"OperatIon Cleanswe.ep," thestate's largest litter clean-up.

According to MUCCexecutive director, ThomasL. Washington, Michiganresidents and tourists will nothave to wait hundreds andmillions of years for steel and

~aluminum cans and glassbottles to disappear fromroadsides, parks andwaterways.

PAGE 18 FARM NEWS FEBRUARY, 1979

I would like more informaton about saving tax dollars withFarm Bureau's FARM RECORDS PROGRAM.

Of course you do ! Your goalshould be: "Pay what lowe,but pay NO MORE!!"

That goal can be attained bypracticing good, sound taxmanagement on a year-roundbasis. Good farm records arepart of good tax management.

accident resulted, the wagonturned over, and several ofthe riders were injured.

The farmer was held liablefor the accident and the costsresulting from all the injurieswere far higher than thelimits in his basic Farm-owners policy. Because hecarried FarmownersUmbrella Liability, however,he was fully covered for theexcess costs.

Or another example: Ayoungster visiting a neigh-boring farm may be seriouslyinjured by a piece ofmachinery due to the farm-er's negligence. The resultingliability could total hundredsof thousands of dollars.dollars.

The nature of the farmingopera tion often leaves thefarmer vulnerable to possibleliability situations. Simplyhauling farm equipmentdown a road at night, may

,open the farmer to liability if,through his negligence, anaccident with an auto shouldoccur.. For more information on

Farmowners UmbrellaLiability protection, see yourFarm Bureau Insuranceagent.

FaRm~BUreaU

provision that will meet theneed for low cost coverage inthese cases. Currently, theseconverted vehicles must becharged the same rates asother motor vehicles, despitetheir specialized use.

The provision, which will beavailable in late spring, willbe offered as an option on thefarmer's auto insurancepolicy and will provide therequired coverage for just asmall additional fee.

Also in response toquestions raised at the annualmeeting, Farm BureauInsurance Group remindsfarmers of the FarmownersUmbrella Liability policyavailable to them.

This policy provides higherlimits than basic policies(such as Farmowners andauto) and offers protectionfor' liability exposures notnormally covered by thebasic policies.

Besides filling gaps inprotection, FarmownersUmbrella Liability extendsbasic' coverages to $1 million,or even higher if requested.

In a recent case, an FBIGinsured was driving a tractorpulling a haywagon filledwith people on a hayride. An

FBIG to Offer Coverageon Agricultural Machinery

AVAll...ABLE IN LATE SPRING

FARM RECORDS PROGRAMMichigan Farm BureauP.O. Box 30960Lansing, Michigan 48909

That's where the FARMBUREAU RECORDS PRO-GRAM can help! If you areinterested in learning moreabout this Farm Bureau ser-vice, use the coupon below or.call (517) 323-7000, Extension547. .SEND TO:

Name

Address

Do You Pay Too MuchINCOME TAX???

"Recordkeeping systemsare important for anyproduction or marketingmanagement decision," saidDr. Kindinger. "The ability toevaluate a particular en-terprise, or cost of producinga particular item, can meanthe difference between a'profit and a loss -- or stayingin business or not. II

Road vehicles convertedinto agricultural machinerycan present a costly problemfor many farmers, FarmBureau delegatesacknowledged at the 1978annual meeting.

Under Michigan insurancelaws, such vehicles must becovered by No-Fault autoinsurance, even though they

Farmers should shop are seldom used on roads andaround for a recordkeeping need not be registered withsystem that best suits their the Secretary ofState. Simplyown particular needs and because they were originallyobjectives, advises Dr. designed for road use makesKindinger. "Some are easier such c'onverted vehiclesto code, some have more susceptible to the No-Faultmanagement information, law, according to statesome are geared almost statutes. "-entirely toward tax. Typical of the vehicles incalculations. No one system question are trucks that haveis perfect," he said. "That's been converted into forklifts., . ,why It s Important that the cherry shakers and otherproducer examine several agricultural.equipment.systems and then match them Pointing to the limitedto what he wants to ac- usage of these convertedcomplish." vehicles, Farm Bureau

delegates at the 1978 annualmeeting requested that FarmBureau Insurance Groupdevelop a program to providethe necessary insurancecoverage at a low cost.

In response, FBIG hasbegun work on thedevelopment of a policy

Another reason it's wise toshop around, says Kindinger,is that it gives the opportunityto compare costs. "Onesystem may offer more en-tries as part of the base price,while others charge for everyentry," he explained.

Good Farm Records

Important at Tax TimeThe Internal Revenue

Service has a variety ofmaterials and servicesavailable to assist farmers inunderstanding and meetingtheir federal tax respon-sibilities. For example, the"Farmer's Tax Guide" (IRSPublication 225) is availablefrom any IRS office, free ofcharge.

Written especially forfarmers, it explains how thetax laws apply to farmingsituations and gives exam-ples and illustrations of howdifferent items should bereported. There are samplesof records and filled-in formsfarmers normally use, as wellas a tax calendar. listingimportant deadlines.

Two informational filmsproduced by the IRS also maybe of interest to farmers."Hey, We're In Business"depicts the tax respon-sibilities of a couple starting asmall business of their own.This film may be especiallyuseful because it shows whata businessperson such as afarmer should do if unable tomeet a tax deadline. Theanswer, of course, is not toignore the deadline, becausepartial-payment plans andother arrangements can beworked out with the IRS. Asecond IRS film, "TheAmerican Way of Taxing,"discusses the tax systemfrom a historical perspective.Both color films are 'Zl1/2minutes in length and areavailable from local IRSoffices.

Farmers who hope to turnover the family business totheir children will be pleasedto knowthat IRS also includesa Farm Supplement with itsregular Understanding TaxesTeaching Program, sent freeto secondary schoolsnationwide.

Farm life may be filledwith tax responsibilities, butwith some help from IRS thefarmer need not work alone.

The IRS reminds farmersthey MUSTkeep good recordsif they are going to fulfill theirlegal requirement of filingcomplete and accuratereturns. While the law doesnot prescribe any particularmethod of recordkeeping, thesystem should contain all theinformation needed toestablish income, deductions,credits and all the other itemsshown on a tax return.Typical records would in-clude cash receipts and ex-penses, depreciationamounts, inventorystatements and records ofwages paid ~oemployees.

As important as goodrecords are at tax time, thereare many other reasons whyfarmers should have an ef-ficient recordkeeping system,according to Dr. Paul Kin-.dinger, Michigan FarmBureau agriculturaleconomist.

/

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 19

Cheboy~an First A~ain

MFB Nears GoalMichwan Cider Popular a.1AFBF Annual

Delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting In Miami Beach, Rorlda, dranleover 3S0 gallons 01 Michigan cider, donated and distributed by MACMAIS Direct Marleeflng Division.Shown promoting the Michigan product are BIll Craig, Michigan Farm Bureau regional representative,and Jerry Campbell, MACMA lIeld man.

For the second consecutiveyear. Cheboygan County FarmBureau is the first county toreport membership goal, report-ing 1979 quota on January 5. Inaddition. Kalkaska reported goalon January 15 and Iosco onJanuary 17.

Membership chairmen for thefirst three counties to report goaland their member categories are -Cheboygan. Stan and Anna MarieStempky (351-650 members);Kalkaska. Foster McCool (1-350members); and Iosco. Mr. & Mrs.Lyle Robinson (1-350 members).By being the first counties in theirrespective membership cate-gories. each of the three countiesis a member of the prestigious.. Fabulous Fifteen."

The 1978-79 membership cam-paign began on September 1,1978 and as of January 19Michigan Farm Bureau was at90.01% of goal.

Michigan Farm Bureau will beattempting to attain membership

goal for the twelfth consecutiveyear during the 1979 campai~n.

AFBF OverThree Million

A Farm Bureau mem-bership record of 3,076,867member families has beenreported by Richard W.Owens, chief administratorand secretary of the world'slargest farm organization.The 1978 increase of 181,510families is the second largestin Farm Bureau history. Thelargest gain was 219,098families in 1977. This is thethird consecutive year thatthe organization has gainedmore than 170,000 membersin a single membership year.It also marks the eighthconsecutive year thatmembership has increased inexcess of 100,000 members,and is the 18th consecutiveyear of Farm Bureau growth.

Silverdome Tractor Pull Set .for March 10

FBIG -Offers Valuable AnilDal Policyhave their policies endorsedto include protection againstthe peril of theft (excludingstraying and mysteriousdisappearance) .

providing close seating to thestars; all seats are reserved.Ticket prices for the show are$6, $8 and $10, and may beobtained at J .L. Hudsonstores and the PontiacStadium Box Office.

Further details on both thetractor pull and countrymusic show will be in theMarch issue of MICHIGANF ARl\l NEWS.

more member participation,we should organize moregroups in different localitiesand meet in members'homes," explained Mrs.Gertrude Engelhardt Gaeth,group secretary. "This set upmore officers and moremembers became active.Getting these new groupsstarted was a good stepahead."

The celebration was held atthe home of Mr. and Mrs.George Gaeth of Sebewaing.

A Huron County FarmBureau Community Group,which strives each month for100 percent attendance,recently celebrated their 40thanniversary. The West SideGroup, organized in 1938,was-originally known as WestHuron. The group met at aLegion hall to accommodateits over 100 members, manyof whom had to drive longdistances for their monthlymeetings.

"It was then decided that,to .enable more activity and

Members of the West Side Community Farm Bureau Group• recent'y 90' logetller .10 celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Huron Community GroupCelebrates 40th Anniversary

tickets and the tractor pullmay be obtained by calling(313) 335-3900 or writing theAmerican Tractor PullersAssociation, 1200 Feather-stone Road, Pontiac,Michigan 48057.

Saturday evening, March24 will feature the secondSilverdome Country MusicShow. The performance willb~gin at 8 p.m. Mini-domesea ting will be utilized

According to Farm BureauInsurance Group resear-chers, Michigan has longbeen in need of such a policyto specifically cover prizeand valuable animals fortheir full worth. Michigan, forexample, is one of the leadingstates in the nation in thenumber of horses beingraised there.

also extends to death bynecessary destruction, as incases of the animal becomingcrippled or maime(I.

Called the Animal Mor-tality Policy Program, thispolicy is one of the few of itskind available anywhere inthe nation. Its features in-clude protection for yourprize and valuable animalsanywhere in the U.S. orCanada, even while they arebeing transported orexhibited under the owner'scare.

And a - provision coveringtheft is extended withoutcharge to members of 4-H Contact your local FarmClubs and Future Farmers of Bureau Insurance agent forAmerica (FFA) Chapters in more information on thisMichigan. At no additional protection plan for yourcost, chapter members may.. valuable-animals .

1 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Hudson stores and thePontiac Silverdome. Pontiac Stadium Box Office.

Tickets will be sold at J.L. Information regarding

An insurance 'policy tocover valuable animals,developed by Farm JJureauInsurance Group withassistance from MichiganState University's School ofVeterinary Medicine, is nowwidely available from FarmBureau Insurance agentsthroughout the state.

Veterinarians at MSUassisted in much of theresearch and worked closelywith FBIG in the develop-ment of the policy.

The specialized policycovers valuable horses,cattle, sheep, goats, swineand dogs in case of deathfrom natural causes, illness,disease or accident, includingfir~. aod ligblning. COllerage.

The Fourth AnnualSilverdome Tractor Pull willbe held Saturday, March 10at

..,

PAGE 20

\.o

l

FARM NEWS

SU{i{inawCounty Woman Named

1979 ~Mich~an Apple Queen

Held' BIntzof Freeland was nam.d Michigan Appl. Qu.enfor 1979 at the recent Mlch'gan Horllcultural Sodety con.ventlon In Grand Rapids. The new queen, daught.r of Mr. andMrs. John 81ntz,Saginaw County Farm Bureau-members, Is asophomore at_Michigan State Unlvers'ty's Colleg. ofAgriculture and Natural Resources. During 1979, she will

- appear In many parades, b.g'nn/ng with the Apple Blossomparade'n Berr'en County'n May, and next fall, she will travelto Gettysburg, Pennsylvan'a, to represent Mlch'gan for the tlfleof u.s. Apple Queen.

Fore~n Students Tour Lott ,Farm

Mlch'gan Farm Bureau 'Women's cha'rman Vlv'an Loft .xpla'ns the fam"y dairyfarm operat'on near Mason to students parllelpat/ng 'n th. "Adventure. In WorldUnderitand'ng" program. Eighteen of the students from fo....,gn countrl.s haJ.pent the morning vl.ltlng Farm Bureau Center prior to the farm vl.lf.

FEBRUARY,. 1979

Former SU{i{inawCounty

Presidents Recol{nized

The Sag'naw County Farm Bureau rec.ntly gave spedalrecognition to 'ts former county presidents. Those recogn,zedwentJleft to right): Rudy Re'nbold, Ivan Sparks, Bob Fulton, EJHebeler, Harvey Gosen, Howard Ebenhoeh, Harvey Leuen.berger, Clifton Compton, Elmer Rusch anJ Harold Engel.

-Clarence Kinp Appoi,!,'tedFPC Transportation Supervisor

Oarence. K'ng was appointed Transporlat/on Sup.rvlsor forFarmers Petroleum Coop.ratlv., eHeeflve January 2. Th.announcement was made by WIlliam Rockey, J'reefor of theEnergy and Hardware Department, who stat.d, "Oarenc. 'sexpertise and operat'ng experience In the Farm.rs P.trol.umand Farm Bureau families make. him well quallfl.d to directth,s 'mportant phase of the FPC whol.sal. operations."

FBS AmonR Exhibitors

at Cattlemen's Meetinp

Farm Bureau Service., iJc. was among the .xh/bHors at the MIchigan Cat.t'emen'. Assodat/on annual convenflon anJ traJe show held at Long'. ConventionCent.r, lans'ng, on January 11.19.20. Herb Garman, Mrs. Garman, and Manny

... ZeI'u. manned th•• xh,bIt.

t.

Re~ional Cabinet Meetinf!s

-Held Throup;hout State•

_ .....

Frank McCaI'a, Inghom County, mak•• a stat.m.nt at the South.ast Cabln.tm.efl"l for Farm Bureau 'eaJers In Ann Arf»or.Th. 'ead.r. d'Ku .. eJ ,.,.'atlv.IISP_' .. fflrm JJ.ur'f1u fln(JflCft ."J oI.er If.m•••••.•••

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 21

Rel?;ionalFeature

(Continued from Page 16)across to many more peoplethan we realize."

Helping to provide thecohesiveness in the region isBernie Bishop, who replacedKevin Kirk as regionalrepresentative. Sharing hisimpressions of the region thusfar, Bernie stated, "I reallylike the region. The peopleseem to be very professionalwhen they do something andthey're well prepared."

Oneof the programs Berniehas found of particular in-terest in the region is LocalAffairs. Members are takingpart in local decisions thatare being made, especiallywith county roads. "Thecounties are becoming moreaware of their responsibilitiesand goals," stated Bernie.

For the people in theThwnb, the pride in their wayof life and enthusiasm towardtheir organization is as richas the land from which theyearn their livelihood.

Tylan' (tylosin)Tylan' Sulfa

(tylosin/ sui famethazi ne)

Where ltJur Farm Comes First

FaRm~BUreaUFARM BUREAU SERVICES. fNC

last as long as you live inMichigan. Even when youretire, you can continue tohave similar coverage withBlue Cross and Blue ShieldComplementary Coveragewhich combines withMedicare to give you com-plete protection.

Perhaps you may havemore specific coverageneeds. Chances are theseneeds are also coveredbenefits. Discuss this withyour Farm Bureau secretaryduring the Blue Cross andBlue Shield open enroll~entperiod, March 1 to March 15.

H you are part of that 20percent of Farm Bureaumembers without Blue Crossand Blue Shield protection,why not reconsider and joinat this time. Being withouthealth care coverage can bean expensive mistake.

• Show you're proud to be part of the porkindustry. Get this special weathervanedesigned for and offered excl usively to hogmen by Elanco.

• 30 inches high. cast in sturdy black metal.Rust-proof and maintenance-free.

• Featuring "Arnold:' a modern meat-type hogwith a durable Swedish iron finish.

• Only $17.95 when you feed either Tylan! orTylanl Sulfa.

• A $32.00. retail value, you save over $14.00.

• See us now for Tylan or Tylan Sulfa andorder your Hogman's Weathervane. Buthurry. This offer ends April 30, 1979.

There's something special in the windjust for pork producers.

the

Only $17.95 with proof of purchase.

BC-BS Open EnrollmentSet .for March 1 15

Over 80 percent of FarmBureau members havetrusted in Blue Cross andBlue Shield coverage formany good reasons.

One of those reasons is thegroup protection and ratesavailable through FarmBureau membership. Whenyou purchase coverage as anindividual you can't get thesame type of extensiveprotection that you get withgroup coverage. MasterMedical, for instance, is notavailable to the individualsubscriber.

Another major advantageis that you can never becancelled because of healthconditions or age. Also, youdon't ha~e to have a physicalexamination to join. Yourcoverage with Blue Cross andBlue Shield of Michigan will

Week of Dec. 25 --Albert Hau,a 34-year-old beef farmer fromBad Axe In Huron County. H.current'y farms ov.r 600 acresand Is raising mor~ than J ,000head of beef cattle. Because 01Hass' modem and Inno"at/".beel operation, his farm Is thesub/ea 01 tours by be..f farmers.He Is a member of the Bad Ax.LIonsClub, board member of theHuron County ShelteredWorkshop, member of th.Michigan Beef Producers Counciland member of the HuronCounty Farm Bureau. Hass andhis wl'e, Doris, have threechildren ..••• #- _ , ..

Flynn Township Zoning Soard,and member and past president01 the Omard CommunityGroup.He and his wife, Janice, havetwo children.

Week of Dec. J J - GeraldBlatt, a 42-year-old dairy farmerfrom BrOwn CHy In SanilacCounty. A member of the countyFarm Bureau, Blatt farms 3 J 3acres and milks 70 cows. Heserves as chairman of theFinance and StewardshipCommlHee of the Omard UnitedMethodist Church and SundaySchool, serves on the board oftrustees of -the church, formerasst. Sunday School superin-tendent, former member of the

The Farmer of the WeekAward, sponsored by theMichigan Farm Radio Networkand Farm Bureau InsuranceGroup, recognizes Michiganfarmers lor their contributions tothe agriculture Industry and thecommunity. Recipients areselected lor the qualify 01 theirfarming operation and theircommunity Involvement.

The Farmer of the WeekAward winners for December .1978 were -

Farmers HonoredWeekly by FBIG,

1: -

Radio' Network

• Week 01 Dec. 18 -- LawrenceAnderson, who farms 270 acresand manages a herd 01 33 dairycows and 24 hellers nearEngadine In Mackinac County.Anderson, 44, serves on ~heSchool Board 01 Engadine

Week of Dec. 4 - Oayton Consolidated Schools, the churchLeaders, 53, a dairy farmer lrom council 01 Bethlehem LutheranHillsdale who farms 450 acres Church, and the local Soiland manages a herd that In- Conservation Soard. He alsoeludes 80 head 01 dairy ,coHle. serves on the local ASCSboard"He Is a member of the School ' the local board of the MichiganBoard of _Reading Community Artificial Breeders Association,Schools, a post he has held for and Is a member of the' countythe past J 5 years. He Is also a Farm Bureau. Anderson alsomember of the Hillsdale County setY'edsix years on the MichiganFarm Bureau, serves on the Farm Bureau Board. He and hisCambria Township ASCS wife, Shirley, ha"e threeComm/ffee, and Is a member 01 children.the .Trinlty Lutheran Church InHillsdale. Leaders and his wile,Mary, have II"e children.

rlllji'.!i'11' ••!i•••t!L:,.:j:J.lI:ll!~ ~ .~~

I ()I~CU~~I()~ I~ m

: by KEN WILES I: T()VIC Manager Member Relations iw ~* MI~~$k~:=,m~$$11:w&:~:;:~'::~m~ffi:::~1"~1~m;$;:j:;"::t;:;:lli~m~@&~$:1:~$~~~~:~w~~r::'::U~:~~~~~~~::~~:~::::::::::::~:~~:~lt.~~t:~:@~*:W*~~mm~'~m=:;:%:mM~~~M

"

PAGE 22

Highwaysand Bridges

Without exception, most citizens complainabout the rapid deterioration of Michigan's roadsystem, especially county and local roads andstreets. Counties have fallen behind in roadmaintenance and replacement because theyhave been victims of spiraling costs and, in someinstances, declining revenues.

While millions of dollars of federal funds cometo the state, only a small percentage is availablefor county roads.

Traffic VolumeSince 1974,traffic on county roads in Michigan

has steadily risen. Within the next ten years,- traffic is expected to increase at a rate of 5.4

percent each year.The traffic increase is expected because of

population growth, longer commuting distancesand the continued growth of industry in thesuburbs. However, this increase in traffic shouldresult in only a moderate increase in total fuelconsumption. This is because of wider use ofsmaller economy ca~s, engines which are morefuel-efficient and enforcement of the 55 mile perhour speed limit.

As a result, motor-fuel taxes are generatingproportionately less revenue for the mileagedriven than in the past, leaving the state andcounties short of highway revenue for roadrepair and maintenance. Increasing con-struction costs also are aggravating the problembecause tax dollars will not buy as much roadimprovement as in the past.

Safety Factors

It has been estimated that nearly 70 percent ofthe paved county roads are hazardous to drivebecause of ruts, bumps and broken pavement.Most of these roads and streets were built 40-50years ago for smaller vehicles, slower speedsand lighter traffic volume.

Most of the deteriorated county mileage inMichigan involves farm roads important to thestate's agricultural economy. Rough, ruttedpavement on farm-ta-market routes slows farmshipments and increases vehicle operating costs.Also, ruts, bumps and broken pavement damagefarm goods in transent, increase driving timeand cause excessive brake, steering andsuspension wear and damage. These factorsinflate farm-to-market shipping costs.Improving county farm roads could help reduceagricultural trucking costs.

Many of the same rural roads that are im-portant to the state's agricultural economy alsoare essential to tourist travel. Although narrow,winding roads are considered quaint and pic-turesque, tourists tend to travel the good roads.So upgrading county roads in tourist areas couldbe an incentive to increase tourist travel.

Brid~e SystemForty percent of the bridges in Michigan are

maintained by the Department of State High-ways and Transportation. Sixty percent of thetotal number of bridges are maintained by 83counties and 531 are maintained by incorporatedcities and villages.

A total of 27.9 percent of Michigan's t>ridgesare structurally deficient or functionally ob-solete, according to projections based on data inthe National Bridge Inventory conducted by theFederal,Highway Administration.

Michigan bridge deficiency is in the followingtwo categories:

a. "Major structural deficiency" by federalinspection standard: These bridges areinadequate to handle heavy trucks and busesthat ply connecting roads. Most structuraldeficient bridges in the state were built prior to1905 and were designed for less than 15 tonvehicles. Many are now posted for vehicle weightlimits of between five and ten tons, as a safetyprecaution.

FI\RM NEWS

b. "Functional obsolete" by federal stan-dards: These bridges are narrow clearances,poor deck surfaces and roadway approaches thatdo not provide easy, efficient passage of traffic.Most of these bridges are more than 40years old.

In addition to these seriously deficient bridges,many other bridges are considered "minorstructural deficient" by government engineeringstandards. These bridges can handle all trafficon connecting roads but need repairs to preventmajor structural deterioration such as painting,deck renewal and super structural work.

Brid~e SafetyTo guard against structural failure because of

vehicle load, federal and state regulationsrequire the rated structural strength of bridgesto be well above the maximum allowable vehicleweights on connecting roads. Bridges that havebecome weakened with age and use are postedfor reduced vehicle weight limits. There. isvirtually no danger of collapse providing theselimits are observed by drivers.

A far more prevalent safety hazard existswhere old, narrow bridges in the state provideinsufficient passing room for bulky vehicles suchas utility trucks, school buses and fire engines -contributing to the danger of collisions.

Other common safety hazards are 'steep andwinding roadway approaches, short sightdistances, uneven and broken roadway decksurface and lack of adequate lighting.

MaintenanceMost of the deficient bridges in Michigan were

designed and engineered for the lower trafficvolum"e and lighter vehicles in the 1930's. For-tunately, it is standard engineering practice inMichigan to build bridges with a generousmargin of excess structural strength as a safetyfactor ~Had the State Highway Commission andlocal road agencies not followed this far-sightedpolicy, many deficient bridges in Michiganwould have to be replaced or rebuilt ~uchsooner.

However, on many older bridges, this marginof excess structural strength has been reducedwith decades of heavy use and rapidly increasingtraffic. This fact is reflected in the progressivelowering of vehicle weighf limits as a safetyprecaution.

The lowering of vehicle load limits on manybridges and the closing of a few results in milesof extr,a driving, lost time and higher fuel con-sumption by road users. Those most affected

FEBRUARY, 1979

include local residents, farmers hauling theirgoods to market, trucks making local deliveries,tourists with bulky camping vehicles and schoolbus riders.

Outmoded bridges not only increase vehicleoperating costs, but also are more expensive tomaintain than structures which meet moderndesign and engineering standards ..

Transportation F:und!n~

For many years, Farm, Bureau policy hasstrongly supported "user taxe&," such asgasoline and weight taxes, to be used for the .construction and maintenance of highways.When originally passed, this concept removed atremendous burden from the property tax. Thereare few people today who do not feel that the costof highways shO,uld be borne by those who usethem and not by the -already overburdenedtaxpayer.

In more lucrative years, a township couldimprove a highway -by entering into anagreement with county highway departments ona 50-50share cost basis. -Now, due to increasingrevenues from the gas and weight tax, and theever increasing cost of building, maintaining andthe overhead of the County Highway Depart-ment, this share balance is no longer possible.

In-October, the Michigan Legislature passed a.transportation bill which changes thedistribution of road monies derived fromgasoline-diesel fuel tax and license plate fees.Now the Department of Transportation will get46.7 percent of the funds, the county road com-mission will get 34.3 percent and city and villageroad agencies will get 19 percent.

It has been 11years since an increase in dieselfuel taxes. It has been nine years since theweight (license tax) was increased. Five yearsago there was an increase in bac~gasoline taxes- this was followea immediately by the energyshortage and the 55 mile per hour speed limits.The level of income expected to maintain-high-ways was never fully realized.

EPA standards have been established as amile per gallon for cars. The fleet. averages forauto manufacturing companies this year is 19miles, and by 1985 is expected to be about 27miles per gallon. Also, the auto is now morecompact and weighs less due to more aluminumand plastic components. This results in lessrevenue from weight taxes. In the meantime thecost of road repairs, equipment and labor hasgone ever upward. As fuel economy increasesand ~utos continue to weigh less, we will pay lesseach succeeding year, not more.

FEBRUARY, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 23

FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACESPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: One free 25 word ad per month per mem-bership, additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or 512.50 count as one word NON-MEMBE R advertisers: 15cents per word one edition, two or more editions, 10cents per word. COpy

deadline: 13th of Month. Mail classified ads to: Michigan Farm News,P.O. Box 30960,Lansing, Mi.41909Publisher reserves right to reject any advertising copy submitted.

FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS REAL ESTATE

HAY LISTING

ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE - 200 bales 1stand 3,000 bales 2nd cutting. no rain, largequantity corn silage. Wayne Adam, Snover,MI A8472. Phone (313) 672-9681. (2'lt-25f)

FOR SALE: 5,000 bales good clean 1stcutting hay. Not rained on. Alfalfa, littleBrome grass. ~.OO a ton or $1.25 per bale.Phone (517) 967-8279, Remus. MI. (2.lt-25f)

FOR SALE: Around 3,000 bales of first andsecond cuttings alfalfa hay. Kevin Jacobs.Gregory, MI (517) 851-7A3A or (517) 851.8927. (2-lt-19t)

n/lichigan Farm Bureau is now makingavailable a Hay and Silage Listing Service.Buyers and sellers can list their needs andofferings in the classified section 01 theMichigan Farm News. The service is free toFarm Bureau members. If you have hay forsale or want to purchase hay, Simply mailyour request to: Hay and Silage Listing,Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 W. Saginaw~., Lansing, MI 48909. Your ad, 25 words

or less, should include the amount andquality of hay or silage you want to buy orsell plus your name, address and phonenumber.

FOR SALE: 400 bales second cutting hay, norain. 3600 bales first cutting hay, no rain, bigbales, also 1 Ford tractor pulley, phone (517)736-8624, Alcona County. (2-lt'25f)

FIRST & SECOND CUTTING Alfalfa Hayfor sale, 30,000 bales, can deliver anywherein Mlchl,gan. E.H. Klaus. Deckerville, MI(313) 376'A126. (2-lt-21f)

WOULD LIKE TO RENT pasture or farm inLansing, DeWitt, St. Johns or any other area-close to DeWitt. Need to take from 20,30head. F~ter's Angus Farm, DeWitt, MI(517) 669.9960. (2-3t-31b)

HA Y FOR SALE: 8S(\'.) Wiretie bales. Timothy.Trefoil mix aou Timothy'ciovermix. Good quality t-ay Don Wallis.Rudyard. Michigan 497n'l 19"'\ 4786427. (2'It.22f)

HA Y FOR SALE: Over 10.000 bales ofTimothy & Trefoil Timothy 'TliX, no rain.Elmer Bowerman. RR 1. Bl"l( 10J. Sault SteMarie, MI, phone (906) 632 2O~a. (2-lt25f)

HA Y FOR SALE: 5.000 bales alfalfa,Timothy mixed (never wet). Charles Pet.tigrew, Dimondale, MI. Phone (517) 646-8958after 5 p.m. (2-3t.18t)

FOR SALE: 1.000 bales of f;rst cutting. 500bales of second cutting hay. Mixed alfalfa,Timothy & clover. Roy Moore. R No.1. Box36, Lawrence, MI. phone (616) 674-8578. (2-lt.25t)

FIRST AND second Cli fdlfa. 5.C~:bales. Corn silage. 500 tons st 'fed in cementsilo with unloader. Dell,,_, \ailable. LyleLeConier, Freeland, MI 1517 ?"-3527. (2-1t24f)

HAY FOR SALE: First cutting, mixed hay.well baled and no rain. 1500 bales. (616) 796-6948. Theodore Nyman, R No.4, Paris49338. (2.lt-21f)

WANTED- Beef, Horse, Hog, Fruit, SocI,Dairy Farms, prefer milk parlor setup, 120to 3.000 acres north of Port Huron, Lapeer,Owosso to Thumb areas. Write or call farmbroker at United Farm Agency,. 17604 M-2A,Caro, Mict). 48723, phone (517) 673,6888. (2'6t-25f16p)

PEACH FARM -- 35 acres in WatervlietTownship. First class site, north slope.Write: Solid M. Spread, HarHord'49057. ~r

phone Solid.M.Chateau (616) 424-3752.$152.000.00 firm. (3-ft.2Sf)

WANTED: ACREAGE 60-200 gOOd, level,tillable in Cass County. Have qualifiedbuyer. Call: Cheryl (616) 279,9516 LammonRealty, Inc. (2.lt.18p)

WANTED: GOOD HOME 4 or 5 bedroom on5 acres. Near Three Rivers, MI. Havequalified buyer. Call: Cheryl (616) 279-9516.Lammon Realty. Inc. (2-1t.2Ap)

I WI LL have about 1000 bales.;f first cuttinghay for sale about the first of June. Maydeliver? Jim Cox, 121 Weectlik Rd., Sawyer,MI49125. (2.lt-25t)

ALFALFA TIMOTHY m .. tlay tor sale, 1stand 2nd cutting. 2700 bales. Pugh Burkhart,13785 Solon Rd., Traverse (,\t1, MI 49684.

• phone (616) 946.5292. (2-1t-22f)

CROCKETT'S INDOOR GARDEN. TV'sgardener. Jim Croc~tt, brings "victory" tohouse plants. 150 beautiful colorillustrations, 32S pages. $10.95 postpaid.CAPABILITY'S BOOKS FOR GAR-DENERS, Box 11AJJ, Deer Park, WI S.4007.Send 30 cents postage for our completecatalog. (l'2t-36p)

FISH FOR POND STOCKING -- Hybrid SunFish. Catfish, also Rainbow Trout. Sprir.gValley Trout Farm. Dexter, Michigan.Phone (313) 426,4772. (5.ft-19f)

AIRMAIL DELIVERY •.. Sweet PotatoPlantsl12 - 53.59; 25 - SA.89postpaid I Airmailmeans quick starts, high yields. Delicious,Nutritious Potatoes.' 3..cA2 Michigan ship-ments last year. SOUTHERN FARMS, Box7910, Gleason, Tennessee 38229. (l.2t.JOp)

NURSERY STOCK

SEEDLINGS - 3 yr. old - Scotch Pine,Austrian Pine. Spruce and Douglas Fir fallor spring planting. Stan Stempky Nursery,Rt. 1. Cheboygan, Michigan. Phone (616)627-9061. (l0'8t-25t)

STRAWBERRY PLANTS .. Blueberries.Raspberries, Grapes, Blackberries,

Gooseberries, Currants. other fruit plantsand trees. Virus-free. Grower since 11137.Write for free catalog. DEAN FOSTERNURSERIES, Box FB-1A artford. Michigan49057. (9.ft-JOb)

TRAVEL AGRIGROUPS ABROAD. Visitapple, peach, pear, grape growers. Seeprocessing of procluce. Enjoy vacation.business tour in beautiful Alps. Switzerland,Italy, Austria, with St. Gothard Pass, Milan,

Verona, Venice, and quaint Innsbruck. 13days, departing July 7, 1979. Contact GordonSchlubatis, Route 3, Coldwater, MI 49036. (l.5t-25f-21p)

STRAWBERRY PLANTS -- Hardy, Nor-thern California Grown, no winter crowndamage. Guardian, Midway, Quinault,Raritan, Red Chief, Sequoia, Tioga, Vester.Competitively pric~ worldwide. Call orwrite today. (616) A29-3917. E.S. Enterprises,P.O. Box 198B, Stevensville, MI A9127~ Telex7294.47. (2-2t-39b)

FARM POST, Rustic rail fencing, cedarlumber, cedar log cabin timbers, shakes.Ivan Malnar, Wholesale Cedar Post Yar. RRNo.2, Rapid River, Michigan, 49878. Phone(906) 474-9172. (12- tf-2Sf)

EXPLOSIVES MADE EASILY, cheaplyfrom farm fertilizer, Blast dugouts, stumps,rocks. Instructions $2.25, DeFost, Box 995,Prince Albert, Sask., CANADA. S6V 2P3. (2.It.2Op)

AVOID THE MIDDLEMAN and save. Farmpost and rustic rail fencing. I van R. Malnar,Wholesale Cedar Post Yard. Route 3, t<dpldRiver, Michigan, 49878. Phone (906) 47.t.9172. (4-ft-25t)

DON'T DIE WITHOUT A WILL: Send todayfo, attorney's booklet "What everyoneshould know about wills". 4 will forms. $3.00.K. BOiieau, Kingston. MI48741. (2.ft.2Sf)

BOOK JUSTICE THROUGHRESTITUTION •• (Let criminals pay insteadof taxpayers) 54.25 pIUs 5.30 postage. fromR. Campbell, P.O. Box 44.4, Waterford,Michigan 48095. (6-tf-24f)

WE HAVE SEVERAL FARMS in Lenaweeand Hillsdale counties ranging in size from 5to 147 acres. Call for information. State WideReal Estate (517) 265.7560. (2-lt-25t)

FOR SALE: 237 acre farm. 160 tillable, ~timber, 3 bedroom remodeled house. 2Ox24attached garage, large tool shed, oood .to' )'60' dairy barn, 10x35 silo. Ideal set up fordairy or beef farming. Oceana Co., Hesperiaarea. Terms. Call (616185-1-7752 after March15th. Rudy Messner. Broker. (2.6t.25f9p)

490 ACRE FARM, irrigation setup. largechicken and hog facilities, J3.0:lO bU. storageand dryer, plus much more. Bruce Bosserd,

... -------------- __ • Bekher Realty. (616) 781-425eor781'~31. (2-It'2At) -

122 ACRE FARM, Jackson County. Goodbarn and 6 bedroom house. Live stream andgood deer area. Country living with an in.come! Call State Wide Real Estate ofOkemos (517) JA9'5100 or Dorn Diehl (517)623.6631. (2-1t'36p)

MICHIGANHEART

ASSOCIATION

OF INTERESTTO WOMENWHAT? ME

MAKE SAUSAGEWHY NOT?

I' '1 I' ~ • I ';1

gratefully acknowledges allMEMORIAL GIFTS

•200 MILL STREET

Lansing • Phone: 487 -6084

SAUSAGEMAKERS, GREAT! GERMANRECIPES. No nitratesl Frankfurthers,Summer, Bologna, Headcheese, Venison &Pork sausage!$1.oo Hamilton's, Box 652-131,New Ulm, Minn. 56073. (2-lt-20p)

CONSERVE WOOD up to 7" width PTOWoodchipper. Use with tractors 30 to 90 h.p.3-point transport. Weight approximately1000 Ibs. Excellent condition. Phone (313)688-3376. (2-lt-25t)

JUCA FIREPLACE Units to improve ef-ficiency of built-in fireplaces, plus two styleswood burning fireplaces. Harvey Hansen,Posen, MI (517) 379-4386. (2-lt-19f) -

MISCELLANEOUS

CUSTOM CUTTING & WRAPPING: ChoiceBeef & Pork. Drummond's Meat ProceSSingCo., 1 mile south of Apple Avenue, M-46, 1830Slocum Road. Ravenna. Phone (616) 853-6200. (7-ft-25t)

OLDER MENI Energy Formulas! S.A.S.E.Genie, Box 123A7 MFN, Las Vegas, Nevada89132. (2-lt-13b)

FOR SALE: Wild turkey, Fallow deer, WhiteTail deer and Black Bear. Game Haven.Wolverine, MI 49799. (2-tf-17f)

AUCTIONEER - Jim E;rsklne, Freeland,Michigan. Phone (517) 695-9182. Specializingin farm personal. household and antiques.

( 11-ft-tAt)

AFRICAN VIOLETS: Fresh cut leaves andstarter plants. Descriptive price list 35cents. Gails Violets, Rt. 4. St. Johns, MI48879. (5-tf-19f)

SCHOOL BELL from atop country schoolcomplete w . hangers . $250.00. RobertBarber, Allegan, MI 49010, phone (616) 673-3224. evenings. (2-1t-17t)

LAND CLE'ARING and Bulldozing. By toelour or by the jOb, Tom Tank, Eagle,Michigan 48822. Phone 517-626.6677. (5-ft-18f)

SEWING SUPPLIES, PEARL SNAPFASTENERS - 142 Colors and Styles. FreeCatalog. Bee Lee Company, Box 2OS58-MF,Dallas, Texas 75220. (l-121-19p)

LOG CABIN building instructions. 30A pages. . . illustrated!! 56.95 postpaid. Fireplacebuilding instructions. 124 pages ...illustrated!! 55.95 postpaid. Satisfactionguaranteed. Glenn Smith Enterprises, Box1513, DfU)t. F-81, Akron. Ohio 4A309. (1-21-29p)

'.""""I""""""""""'~"''''''''''''''''''''"

. CURING an ilfuslTaled 227 page book written by asausage maker for home use. over 100 recipesFREE supply catalog has book price. equipment.cures. casings ete Write R Kutas Co. Dept 63.1067 Grant. Buffalo. NY 14207 (2-4t-p)

FEEDER PIGS - Producedand sold by members of theMACMA Feeder Pig Division.Available biweekly in largeuniform lots, weighing 40-60#.Contact Bill Haas, 517-323-7000,Ext. 707. (2-lt-28b)

BORDER COLLIES, COLLIES &MINIATURE COLLIES: For farm work orpets. Puppies and stud service. Judy Baird,Rt. 1. Lowell, MI49331. Phone (616) 897-9~2. (5-ft-2Af)

REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS cows &heifers, heifers are all open and vaccinated.Cows bred to COlossal & Ranger bulls,heifers are 18 months to 2 years, possibteleasing of my older bull 'tll 1st of Mav.Foster's Angus Farm, DeWitt, MI (517) 669-9960. (2-31-A2b)

DOGS

REGISTERED ANGUS. Yearling Bulls &Heifers, club calves. Write or call NeonaFarm, Neal Feikema, Evart, Michigan49631. Phone (616) 734-2A79. (2-ft-19f)

LICENSED, DEPENDABLE, L1yESTOC ....HAULING, to Marlette. Cass City, andSandusky. Call Orvy Jelneck, (313) 395-7296,Capac, Michigan. (5-ft-17f)

FOR SALE: Registered polled HerefordBulls, Beau Mode breed, 1 year to 2 years Qfage. Paul DeLuca, Brighton, MI (313) 227-6630. (2-lt-21t)

STAMP'S DUROCS - Confinement raisedboars ready for service. Gilts in commercialgroups available year round. Guaranteed.Delivery available. V,lslt or call Tom Stamp,Decatur, MI (616) A23-7508. (2-lt-25f)

FOR SALE: YORKSHIRE & .sPOTTEDservlceage boars and open gilts topbloodlines tested at MSU test statIon. Allregistered stock. Richard CoolV 'h mile eastMulllk~, M-AJ. Phone (517) 6-49-8988. (11-ft.25f)

DUROC & LANDRACE BOARS & GILn.Also crossbred gilts. John Swearingen, ~.;Prattville Road, Pittsford. MI 49271. Phone(517) 567.8975. (3-tf-19f) FUNDRAISING ••• BIG PROFITSIII

Clubs, schools, churches, Individuals. No, investment. No selling. Free information.

QUARTER HORSES - Disposition for 4.H, DUDLEY COMPANY, Box 7911, Gleason,ability for cattle, conformation for show. Tennessee 38229. (l-2t-19p)Reasonable prices. Customer satisfaction apriority. Visitors welcome. Walton Farms.Rosebush. Phone517.4J)-.292S: (3-ft-24t)

PETERS POLLED SHORTHORNS havebeen sold and we want to thank the manybuyers and friends who have purchased ourcattle. Ray Peters, Elsie, MI. (12'31-25t)

FOR SALE: Landrace Boars and gilts, alsoDuroc Boars and Gilts. George Carpenterfamily, 6S45 Cogswell Rd., Romulus, III~I~174. Phone evenings (313) 721-0240. (9-ft.23f)

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN YEARLINGBULLS. One 16 mos. old by Gay Ideal fromdam with 19,608M - 4 percent. Her dam EX,2A,OOO M. Also some Amos & Mattsons.George RObb, Fowlerville, MI Phone (517)223-9462. (2-lf-25t)

PUREBRED YORKSHIRE BOARS ANDGI l TS for sale. Boars tested in on farm teststation. Robert Harper, R No. 1. VicksbUrg,MI 49097. Phone (616) 649-2803. (2.12t.22f)

r.ORRIEDALE SHEEP- Purebred Breedingstock for _sale. Paper optional. Waldo F.Dieterle, 7285 Textile Rd., Saline. Mich.48176. Phone (313) 429-7874. (l-tf-19t)

REGISTERED HAMPSHIRE BOARS &GILTS for sale. Validated herd. Dale Terry,Palmyra, Michigan. Phone (517) .263-5854. / (l0-ft-15t)

DAIRYMEN - PORK PRODUCERS --GOAT OWNERS: Ask about our breedingmanagement scheduling boards n DairyHerd Monitor, Pork-a'Jator, Goat-a-Iator •Call or write Ozland Enterprises, Rt. 3,Vlcksbl)rg, A9097, Phone 616-6-49-0706. (l-ft-25t)

PURE ARABIAN COLTS. Some of northernMichigan's best. The Lannens. Twl'l milesnorth of, Fife Lake on Hager Road. Phone(616) 369-2271. (l.ft-21f)

PUREBRED YORKSHIRE BOAR ANDGI L TS. Top quality breeding stock.Reasonable farm prices. Wallace Hylarides,Shady Lane Farms, Hudsonville, Phone 616-

669-S.wl. (l-12t-2Op)

MILKING SHORTHORNS • Young bul:'5,yearlings and calves for sale. Write or visitStanley M. Powell and Family, InglesideFarm. R.R. 2. Box 238, Ionia, Mich. 48846.

(6.ft-25t)

PUREB~ED YORKSHIRE BOARS andgilts for sale. Big useful pigs. RaymondGraham & Sons. 52A0 Jones R9ad, NorthBranch, MJ 48A61. Phone (313) 688-2165. (11-12t-23f)

GRAIN DRYING EQUIPMENT Clayton &Lambert, MFS, GSI, M'C equipment. Bucketelevators. Heinrich Grain Systems, Web.berville. Michigan 48892. Phone: (517) A68.3""2. (8-"-2Of)

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT; LockwoodCenter Pivots; Rainbow & Boss Traveler;Pumping Units; Gasoline, Diesel, Electric ..puct Aluminum Pipe -. Plummer Supply,Bradley & 131 Exit, Bradley 49311. (616) 792-2215. (4-ft-25t)

FOR 5ALE: 2 Giehl self unloading wagonsand chopper. Also 300 gal. Milk Cooler.Henry Carpenter, 6S4S Cogswell. Romulus.Mi. 48174. Phone (313) 721.0240. (9-ft.23f)

TIRE CHAINS - DEALERS COST: All sizesand kinds for farm and garden tractors,trucks, cars. Also logging, towing, bindersand accessories. New Hudson Power, 313-A37-1A4A •. (l-5t-25t)

FOR' SALE: Alternator: Ag-Tronic PTOdriven alternator, 12,000 watts. new $850.00.Phone (51.7) 8A3"6576,Mayville, MI 4874.4. (2-2t-16f)

FOR SALE: John Bean 2 row' potato har-vester, Meyer potato sprayer, 4S In-ternational A row potato plant,er. 16 ft. Kellybelt conveyer, Phone (517) 697-3..cA2.(2-lt-25t)

HARLEY ROCK PICKERS. Rock Win,drowers. Picks 1 to 16" dia. The World'sBest. Phone 313-376,4791. Earl F. Reinelt,4465 Reinelt. Deckerville, Mich. 48427. (5.ft.23p)

"Calf Buggy" Something new. Individual-pens for newborn calves. Write for pam-phlet. Alvin Frahm, 10320 Holland Road (M.46) Frankenmuth 48734. Phone517-6S2.66?2. (l2-tf-23t)

FOR SALE: Case Semi-Mounted 6.16" TripBottom Plow. Also, Brillion Crowfoot PlowPacker. Phone 616'696-9795, Cedar Springs,Michigan. (1-21-201)

FOR SALE: John Deere 1210 Grain Cart,Ford 850 tandem grain truck. Phone (616)637-.5689- South Haven. (l2-3t.16f)

WANTED: New Idea single row cornplcker.Phone 517-523-2803 evenIngs. Pittsford,MichIgan. (l-tf-llt)

FOR SALE: Stormor grain bins, Farm Fansdryers. G. T. Tox.o-wik dryers. StormorEzee.dry systems. Hamilton DistributingCompany. Hamilton, MI 49419. phone (616)751.5161. (3- ft.24f)

WANTED: Oliver 88 diesel tractor for parts.Also. hay baler in good condition. Contact R.Krzemil'\skl, R No.3, Portland, MI Phone(517) 647-6859. (2-lt-22f)

ROUND BALE FEEDERS for 1500 lb. roundbales. Heavy duty 1" square tubIng. Only599.95. RectangUlar feeders also available.Free literature. Dealerships available.STARR NATIONAL. 219 Main. Colchester,IL62326. (2'lt-29p)

HOME LITE 20 PERCENT OFF-on all sizespumps, multi-purpose saws, pro-chain saws,tampers and 2750 to 7500 Watts generators.New Hudson Power, 313-AJ7'1A4A. (l-5HAf)

NEW FORD TRACTOR MOTOR, 5000series, complete with gel'\erator and starter -- ready to run. (313) 229-2277, 778D Challis,Brighton .. (2-lf-18f)

FOR SALE - 1070 Case w-cab & heat, 12speed power shift, 18.Ax38 tires, dual remotehydraulics, excellent condition. 1570 Case w-cab, air' & heat, dual 2O.8x38 tires, powershift, radio, full set of front weights, dualremote hydraulics u "A real strongworkhorse." 21-1/2 ft. Case K-23 serieshydraulic fOlding Wing disk with 22" blades.Tractor Land Sale~, 7235 - 1st St., Eau Claire,MI A9111, (616) 6041-6911. (2'2t-62b)

PAX AND IDEAL, specializing in farrowingcrates, livestock feeders, gates andwaterers, parts and service from KevinJacobs, Gregory, MI (517) 851-743A or (517)851-8927. (2-ft-23t)

USED STORAGE TANKS, up to 20,000 gal.Call (616) 780-35JAor 780-2292. (2-2t-11t)

2500 GAL. Stainless Tank with insulatedjacket & carbon ste~1 shell. F.D.A. ap--proved. Call (616) 780-2292. (2-2t'15f)

FOR SALE: Potato Digger, $75.00, bulbtrays (500) (2'x2'x6"" wooden sides,galvanized wire bottoms. Could be uSed forplants, 69c each. Utica, MI phone (313) 781-9289. - (2-lt-2Af)

WANTED:.Corn head, A row wide or narrowfor C" gleaner. Ned Welder, Greenville,phone (616) 754-A735. (2-lt-16f)

FOR SALE: No. 16 Peterslme. incubator.excellent condition, Fivedeck ChickenBattery, medium sized ,leather westerntypesaddle. Phone (517) 683'2373, Robert King,Phillips R,oad, Kingston, Michigan 48741. (2-It-25t)

LANDLEVELER - Eversman Model 329$1500.00.12 ft. IH Disc. No. 4S $1500.00. GreenAcres Turf Farm, (517) 676'.2362, Mason, MI.

(2-lt'21f)

FARROWING STALLS - CompleteS10-4.75 1"tubular steel construction. Dealershipsavailable. Free Ifterature. STARRNA TlONAL, 219 Main, Colchester, IL62326. (2-1t.19p)

PAGE 24 FARM NEWS

---------~

FE BRUARY, 1979

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Estate Protector life insurance is purchased with level premiums. That means that your costs cannot beincreased by inflation. Also, guaranteed ~ash values and the build-up of dividends provide funds foremergencies or education. Cash values can also be used as an additional monthly income when you retire,allowing you to live in dignity and enjoy your golden years.

Begin yol" estate planning now. Call your professional Farm Bureau Life agent and ask about Estate Protector.

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