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3

G-reenhouses aregreenhouse industry in soGarden Fantasy -,-. owneRochowiak.

With a little help from Michigagreenhouse operators, tiger Iiliebloomed in March to brightenmid-winter days.

About the Cover

Rural Living is Published Monthly: on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Infor-mation and Public Relations Division. except during July and August when a combined issue is published onJuly 15. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post OfficeBox 30960 (zip 48909): phone 517-323-7000. extension 510.

Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members inMichigan. $5.00 per year non. members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 asMichigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dee. 1. 1981. Third-class postagepaid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices.

Editorial: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: MarciaDitchie. Associate Editor: Kimberly Marshell. Associate Editor and Production Manager.

Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President. Jack Laurie. Cass City: Vice President. Wayne Wood.Marlette: Administrative Director. Robert Braden: Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Tom Parker:Secretary. William S. Wilkinson.

Directors: District 1. Marlin Outman, Constantine: District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall: District 3.James Sayre. Belleville: District 4. Charleen Thompson. Freeport: District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlotte: District 6.Jack Laurie. Cass City: District 7. Larry Snider. Hart: District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland: District 9. RobertGregory. Traverse City: District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch: District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-large: David Conklin. Corunna: Wayne Wood. Marlette: Richard Leach. Saginaw. Farm Bureau Women:Diane Horning, Manchester. Young Farmers: Ed Cagney. Scotts.

President's MessageLegislative R,eviewCountry Almanac .Rural Exchange ..

11

VOL .. 64 NO.4

6:20 a.m. Sat.12:55 p.m. Tues.

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AIR TIME

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STATION

WATZ. Alpena

WABJ. Adrian

WPAG. Ann Arbor

WLEW. Bad Axe

WHFB. Benton Harbor

WBRN. Big Rapids

WKYO. CaroWTVB. Coldwater

WDOW. DowagiacWZXM. Gaylord

WPLB. Greenville

WCSR. Hillsdale

WHTC. Holland

WKZO. Kalamazoo

WKLA. Ludington

WSMA. Marine City

WDMJ. Marquette

WCEN. Mt. Pleasant

WOAP. OwossoWSGW. SaginawWMKC, St. Ignace

WMLM. St. LouisWMIC, Sandusky

WKJC. Tawas City

WTCM. Traverse City

WBMB, West Branch

'Contact the station for day and time of airing

Tune in to the"Farm Bureau

Review"

Hear the latest information onFarm Bureau organizationalactivities and events on theweekly 5-minute "FarmBureau Review" radio showaired. on these stations:

A new Michigan Farm Bureauinformation service to enhancethe activities of county FarmBureaus and CommunityAction Groups.

Contact your local station. Let themknow you appreciate their airing ofthe "Farm Bureau Review"!

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ONYOUR ORGANIZATION.

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING

, , .',".' ' , .' 'Leg1s1at1ve Rev1ew

FB Tells Congress: Stay with the '85 Far1ll Bill

In preparation for the 1987 MFB Washington Legisl~tive Seminar, MFB Legislative Leadersand Assistant Leaders attended an issues briefing conducted by members of the PublicAffairs Division staff at FB Center, March 18,

, '

•' , AFBF Boa,~d Reaffirms Support

for '85 Farm Bill --:- The AFBFboard of directors took action at itsMarch meeting to, urge Congress tostay with the, current farm bill andresist efforts to make changes. Theboard also urged the secretary ofagriculture to ,adjust the 1987 loanrate for crop soybeans as much as hedeems possibletokeep the com~od-ity competitive in the world market.Through the FB proposal, soybeanproducers would receive supplemen-tal paymentS in the form of PIK orgeneric certificates for the differencebetween $5.02 and the newly estab-lished loan rate.

•' Dairy Policy Hea~ngs - The

National Commission on DairyPOlicy, has scheduled the s,econd in aseries of public regional meetings onApril 6 at Hudson, Wisconsin.

The Commission is charged withdeveloping recommendations toCongress and the secretary of agri-culture with special emphasis on hownew technology will affect the familyfarm structure of the dairy industry.The Commission is seeking testimonyconcerning the current milk price sup-port program, possible alternativeprograms, and how new technologywill affect the future structure of thedairy' industry. Oral testimony will belimited to 10 minutes, but the Com-mission will accept written testimony.

MFB President Jack Laurie serveson the 18-member commission.

•Field Sanitation Standard,-Labor Secretary Brock has an-

nounced a preliminary decision to is-sue.a federal field sanitation stan-dard, perhaps as early as April 21.

4

He said a federal standard wouldlikely be required because an insuffi-cient number of states have re-sponded toa 1985 request to adopteffective state, field sanitation regula-tions . .only 14 states had approvedstandarqs equivalent to the secre-tary's 1985 guidelines. 0

Lansing

•' Mic~lgan Field Sanitation Stan-

dards - Michigan's Occupa-tional Health Standards C9mmissionis prepared to release the fifth draftof field ,sanitation rules for public,hearings. However, the Commissionmust complete an economic' impactstatement prior to p'ublic hearings,which are likely to be scheduled dur-ing April and May.

The proposed Michigan standardsdiffer from federal standards in fourareas:

-The Michigan standard applies toany operation employing one or

more perso'ns; the federal standardexempts employers with fewer th~m11. employees., - Broader definitions in the Mich-igan standard would, for example,include livestock operations. Thefederal standard excludes livestockfeeding. '

-.The federal standard is more per-formance oriented and has fewerspecifics. For example, the Michiganstandard would specify availabledrinking water of not more than 60degrees; drinking water in the federalstandards must be "reasonably co~I.", -Finally, the Michigan regulation

includes requirements of informationposting and training relative to pes-ticides and available medical assis-tance; posting is not part of the fed-eral requirement.

The agricultural community shouldbe aware that any stal1dard which re-quires the employer to furnish drink-ing water is subject to 'the MichiganSafe Drinking Water Act. This re-quires not only tested water, but(continued on next page)

RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1987

water from properly constructedwells. FB requested and received awritten interpretation which indicatedthat under the law such a providerwould be considered a "waterhauler," but that no enforcementwould take place. The Commissionhas taken steps to urge legislationwhich will exempt farmers from the"water hauler" licensing require-.ments.

•Agricultural Labor CampRules - MFB is represented on

an ad hoc committee to review andrevise ag labor camp rules. The com-mittee has met four or five times andin spirited exchanges has not yetcompleted the preliminary review ofthe rules. MFB is currently research-ing the feasibility of conducting asurvey on the issues of field sanita-tion standards and the labor camprules.

•Agricultural Odors - Legal ac-tion against the Air Pollution

Control Commission (APCC) hasbeen initiated in Ingham County Cir-cuit Court as authorized by the MFB .Board of Directors. The litigation at-tempts to reverse an APCC rulingwhich denies the Tobe Strong hogoperation in Kalamazoo County astatutory exemption from the def-inition of air pollution. Variousagricultural groups have joined thelitigation in name and/ or financially.It is not known when the case will beheard in Circuit Court. Meanwhilethe various task force groups con-tinue to meet. These groups werecreated by the Department of Agri-culture to develop recommendationson agricultural environmental prob-lems. ,

•Ethanol - Several recentevents indicate changing atti-

tudes about ethanol use as a gasolineextender and octane enhancer.

Vice President George Bush hasrecently announced his strong sup-port for the use of alcohol fuels suchas ethanol made from corn and othercrops. In a Detroit News article, VicePresident Bush said that ethanolfrom farm products could be a goodshare of the solution to the farm.surplus. He pointed out that there

(continued on page 22)

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING

Farmer Action toBack FB Poli~iesStrengthensInfluence forAgriculture

It'sjust a small book, small enough to tuck in your suit pocket orpurse. But small though it may be, it carries a lot of weight at thestate capitol.

It's the MFB policy book and the reason legislators pay attention to itscontents is because they know it reflects the grassroots thinking of theirfarmer constituents. They know that no other organization invests asmuch time, effort and resources to gain member input in the policydevelopment process that Farm Bureau does.

The ?ow~rfullittle book is a "road map" for MFB's lobbyists, providingthem dIrectIon each work day as they interact with the people whomake decisions that will have an impact on the state's agricultural in-dustry. When the highly-respected FB lobbyists speak, the decision-makers listen.

But it's farmer-voters, not lobbyists, who put the legislators in office.That's why their personal contacts are vital to FB's policy executionprocess. The farmer-members who take the words in the policy bookthey helped to write and turn them into action give the organization itsclout in the legislative arena. That's what the Lansing Legislative Sem-inars are all about.

Each year during February and March, hundreds of FB membersleave their farms to come to the state capital for the series of seminars.They start their day with a briefing session by MFB's legislative staff oncurrent issues of concern to agriculture. Over lunch they visit with theirlegislators and share, more effectively than anyone else could, just howa particular piece of legislation would affect their farming operation ..After lunch, they visit legislators' offices, attend committee hearings orwatch the legislative body in session .

While the format has remained much the same over the many years~hat MFB has been sponsoring the Lansing Legislative Seminars, theIssues do change. This year, immigration reform, labor and insurancelegislation, wildlife crop damage, environmental concerns, and alcoholfuel, were key issues. (See Lansing Review for status report.)

, In addition to the opportunity to share Farm Bureau policy with theirlegislators, seminar participants learn how to be effective "lobbyists" notjust once a year, but whenever the need arises for member action on anissue. They learn how a bill becomes law, how to present effective tes-timony at a hearing, how to write letters to legislators that will have animpact, and how to make the telephone grid successful.

Why is the involvement of members in MFB's legislative efforts impor-tant? Robert E. Smith, MFB's senior legislative counsel, sums it up verysimply: "Because we need them!" 0

5

President's Message

Will u.S. Agriculture MakeHistory ... or Repeat It?

Not only is Michigan's Sesquicentennial Year a celebration of ourstatehood, it is, in many ways, a year-long history lesson. Indeed, recentevents demand that we focus our attention on the lessons of history.

The idea that a return to the "ever-normal granary" of the 1930s, whichis a part of'the Harkin proposal to "Save the Family Farm," does not standup well when viewed from a historical perspective.

Henry Wallace's ever-normal granary idea was not much different fromthe federal farmer-held grain reserve we have right now. The 1934drought gave the political base for the idea. The 1973-74 "food shortage"gave rise to the farmer-held reserve. The idea at both times was to storegrains during abundance and release them during scarcity.

Wallace set several guidelines for his granary idea. Impressed by criticswho warned that such a granary would be "easy to fill but impossible toempty," he hoped to avoid building up stocks in such a way as to con-tinually depress prices and damage the farmer. He was also fearful thatgiven the large increases in wheat acreages in 1936 and 1937, govern-ment could not effectively control the wheat economv.

For a time it seemed the plan would work. The Commodity Credit Cor-poration was helped by an upward trend in the general price level and thesevere droughts of 1934 and 1936 resulted in substantially reduced stocksfrom the depression peaks. The period of 1933-37 saw demand for cottonincrease and corn and wheat stocks reduced by drought.

By late 1937, it became apparent that the CCC had been skating onthin ice. Despite government restrictions on acreage - a mistake whichthe Harkin plan would repeat today - high yields in 1937 pushed cotton,corn, and wheat production well above average. A general industrial reces-sion later in 1937 reduced demand. Only the wartime demand finally bailedout the failing system.

What is the history lesson of the ever-normal granary? It won't work.Critics of the idea were correct then and they are now: "Granaries areeasy to fill and impossible to empty." We need only to look at our recenthistory to see that opportunities to empty the farmer-held reserve in thedrought years of 1980 and 1983 were missed in favor of political expediencyto hold up prices.

Through'the 1985 Farm Bill, U. S. agriculture has taken a historically im-portant step. It is the first serious step that has been taken in many yearstoward returning agriculture to the market place and long term economicviability. We have quite a way to go, but we must not falter. Rather thanfall back on the failed political notions of the past, I urge you to help asU.S. agriculture writes a new chapter in the history books - one in whichfarmers are rewarded for hard work and entrepreneurial risk with profitsfrom the marketplace.

rJJlf~.Jack Laurie. PresidentMichigan Farm Bureau

6

President Laurie chaired theMarch 4 progress report andplanning meeting of the EltonR. Smith Endowed Chair Cam-paign Cabinet.

County leaders in District IVwelcomed President Laurie totheir district membership cam-paign planning meeting in Com-stock Park, March 6.

During March, President Laurieparticipated in these ag/ com-modity association meetings:Michigan Ag Conference, State-wide Commodity Conference,Michigan Live Stock ExchangeAnnual Meeting, MichiganHorse Council Expo, MichiganMilk Producers' Annual Meet-ing, Agriculture and NaturalResources Week, and the Mich-igan Vocational AgricultureTeachers Luncheon.

President Laurie led county FBLegislative Leaders on the or-ganization,s annual WashingtonLegislative Seminar, March31-April 3.

RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987

Greenhouses are on THE GROW.By Kimberly Marshell

Nestled in Wayne County'stwo million square feet ofgreenhouses are 80 thou-

sand square feet that Walt and JoyceRochowiak call Garden Fantasy.

The main crop at Garden Fantasyis bedding plants, 99 percent ofwhich are grown in the greenhouseby using a seeding machine that pro-duces "plugs." The remaining onepercent are purchased as transplants.Also produced are holiday crops forChristmas, Easter, Mother's Day, etc.

Walt has been in business for 22years, 15 years in retail. Joyce, hiswife, has been his partner for 20 ofthose years. An active Farm Bureaufamily, Walt is currently WayneCounty FB President.

In March, the Rochowiaks weregearing up for Easter sales. GardenFantasy had 2,000 lilies on ha'nd forthe holiday. This year Garden Fan- 'tasy also had tiger lilies on sale forthe month of March, with 150 plantsblooming per week.

"The tiger lilies were sold as wintercheer-me-ups," Walt said. "Theywere a good selling item. Peoplereally responded well."

Brightly colored tiger lilies from GardenFantasy cured the winter blahs for many.

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING

Aside from the lilies, the beddingplant season was moving into fullswing. The Rochowiaks have a seed-ing machine, producing "plugs"which are used to get their beddingplants off to a good start. A plug is asmall, square-shaped section of soilthat contains a well-established seed-ling. The plugs are easily removedfrom their plastic tray and quicklytransplanted into a tray containinglarger holes known as "cell packs."

Walt Rochowiak demonstrates how easily aplug can be removed from its tray fortransplanting.

Greenhouse Industry Trends -Pl~g Growing

Plug growing is developing into anew dimension in the greenhouse in-dustry, mainly because of the ex-pense of purchasing a seeding ma-chine, $5-8 thousand, Walt said.

"Production of plugs begins duringDecember," Walt said. "The smallgrowers can purchase plugs duringMarch, saving money by not havingto heat their buildings for those threemonths."

The practice of purchasing theplugs also eliminates the chances ofhaving a poor germination problemin individual flats.

Plugs are grown in a plastic flat ofusually 406, 512 or 648 plug holes.The holes are first filled with a finelyground soil mix. Seeds are emptiedinto the machine.

A vacuum arm picks up the almostmicroscopic seeds and drops them-into the soil. This process is repeatedfor each row. It takes 1 minute and40 seconds for Rochowiak's machineto run one flat through. Newer ma-chines can run a flat in 40 seconds.

The flats are then placed in en-vironmentally controlled incubators,kept at 85 degrees Fahrenheit andmisted regularly. Depending on theseed, flats produce well-established

. seedlings in four to six weeks, whichare then transplanted into the cellpacks.

The Greenhouse Industry"The greenhouse industry is doing

excellent now," Walt said. "Weatherhas a lot to do with sales. A wet,cold spring causes sales to drop,while a nice warm spring will helpsell the bedding plants. Beddingplants are annuals planted in thespring after danger of frost haspassed. They include petunias,marigolds, snapdragons and vege-tables. People like to beautify theiryards and start their gardens with liveplants."

Wayne County agriculture is be-coming very specialized. Its horti-cultural industry is rated third in thenation, growing $14 million annuallyin flower products. Other agriculturalindustry includes sod growers, U-pickoperations and ornamental tree farms.

"Wayne County is within the topsix Michigan counties as far as dollarproduction," Walt said, "mainly be-cause one acre of greenhouse turnsover, a much larger profit than oneacre of traditional farm crops. Be-cause of the profit potential there isalways the chance the problem ofoverproduction can occur, like lastDecember with the surplus of poin-settias.

"Greenhouses have a great in-dustry potential, but it needs goodmanagement. It is an important in-dustry to maintain," Walt added.

7

The Role of Farm Bureau

The importance of the agriculturalindustry to Wayne County was re-cently proven to Wayne Co. Com-missioner Edward McNamara, whowas proposing to cut the WayneCounty Cooperative Extension Ser-vice budget by $430,000.

With help from MFB, Walt put to-gether a letter to the commissionerexplaining the role of agriculture andthe CES in Wayne County.

"Most people don't think of WayneCounty as an agricultural area. How-ever, there are 439 farms with38,000 acres in agriculture. Each ofthese farms pays an average of$7,000 in taxes annually, purchase$16 million worth of equipment and

machinery, and pay the 775 peoplethey employ $1. 9 million in salaries,"Walt's letter stated.

"This important industry dependsupon the expertise of CooperativeExtension Service personnel for edu-cation, guidance and technical ad-vice. Not only is this of vital impor- .tance to Wayne County's agricultureand horticulture, the natural re-sources, consumer and social ser-vices they provide are equally impor-tant to the rest of our citizens," con-cluded the letter ..

The letter was followed up by apostcard campaign involving FB

. members in Wayne and surroundingcounties and by other interested peo-

. pie. The efforts of the campaign re-sulted in the budget remaining thesame with two secretarial positions

8

cut and some loss of space as theHealth Department will now bemoved into the building.

"Michigan Farm Bureau is like BigBrother, always ready to help withany problem we've had. They'vebeen a big help on several occa-sions," Walt said.

While MFB monitors issues at thestate level, it is very important forfarm operators to watch the develop-ment of local issues. When issuesarise which could affect area agri-culture, the county board of directorsshould be contacted.

Wayne County growers' concernover the possible loss of their CESis a good example of how, oncealerted, MFB can work with countiesto help solve local problems. 0

Walt spreads finely ground soil into a plugtray {above} and runs it through theseeding machine {below}. Most of theEaster lilies had a few weeks to go beforeblooming, but some, like this one (left),couldn't wait.

RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987

High Achievement~ Ma~kBraden's Farm Bureau Career

By Connie Turbin

n the weeks before Robert "Bob"Braden's retirement on March31, fluorescent lighting glowed

almost nightly in the administrativeoffices of Farm Bureau Center as theretiring MFB administrative directorsorted through the papers, reports,and ~emorabilia of 25 years' with 'thestate's largest, most powe'rful farmorganization.

"I don't expect any great mentionin the history of the organization," hesaid. "I dori't think I'm that kind ofperson. I subscribe to the belief thatthere'is no limit to what can be ac-complished if you don't care whogets the credit. I feel that I have beena -pretty good promoter for Farm Bu-reau and agriculture." ' '

"Pretty good" is a characteristicunderstatement of the personal lead-ership that Bob Bracien has given tothe Farm Bureau organiza'tion sincei961 when he stepped in' to leadMFB's fledgling affiliate, MichiganAgricultural Cooperative MarketingAssociation. '

"That was one of the biggest ac-complishments of my career - toget the MACMA program' going andmake it function on two cylinders,"he said, comparing the power of theearly marketing cooperative to thetwo-cylinder tractor he drove in1949. "Getting growers' to hang to-

, gether when they really didn't haveany true bargaining power with proc-essors was 'pretty tough. At times itwas a lonely task for the marketingcommittee"and me. But once we hada marketing and bargaining actpassed (P.A. 344), we were able tomake majo'i strides, both in financingthe organization and in obtainingrealistic prices for' growers."

He recalls' with pride how thebroad support' of the entire Farm Bu-r'eau organization made passage of

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING

P .A. 344 possible. Dairy, livestockand crop farmers loyally supportedfruit and vegetable growers in theirfight for this bargaining legislation."When it came down to the timewhen the Legislature was seriously ,tonsidering the marketing and bin-gaining bill, I bet that Farm Bureauturned out the biggest crowd 'to everpack the' House gallery. I don't meanjust fruit and vegetable growers. 'Knowing that this legislation didn't af-fect them personally, Farm Bureaumembers were there just to supporttheir fellow farmers and FarmBureau."

When the legislation successfullypassed, Bob had already moved onto a new challenge as the adminis-trative director of the Michigan FarmBureau. But he carried with him aphilosophy of grassroots farmerleadership. "Early on I came to ap-preciate that Farm Bureau was rec-ognized by its members as 'their or-ganization.' It has been a majorobjective of mine to maintain thises'prit de corps within our organiza-tion.

On the road or on the phone from the FBCenter "Bull Pen, " Braden played a keyrole in securing bargaining power forMichigan growers.

Robert E. Braden

"It has been a challenge, too. Itbecam'e pretty easy for individualfarmers as they grew larger to alsogrow more independent. There is thedanger that you get so big that you'don't think you need your fellowfarmers to support you. But a look atthe challenges in agriculture rightnow gives a much different picture.The environmental arena is a classicexample of why we must have agrassroots organization working forall of agriculture."

As administrative director, Bob hasmarshalled the organization's staffand county leadership to the priorityof rejuvenating the organization'smost basic unit for member involve-ment - the Community ActionGroup program. '''I'd like to see 50%of our members in CAGs, meetingeach month and talking about FarmBureau issues." .

That's a goal he will have to watchdevelop from the sidelines, he ad-mits, but in his Farm Bureau careerhe has been a' central figure in manyof the organization's outstandingachievements.(continued on next page)

9

MFB Board Selects NewAdministrative Director

Bob ranks the statewide member-ship growth from 58,000 memberf?lmilies in the early 60s to today's99,000 among his proudest accomplishments. Since 1982 when theorganization reached its all timemembership high of 72,362 memberfamilies, the membership record hasbeen broken in each subsequentyear. "I think Farm Bureau has beensuccessful because we have provenour ability to provide services for ourmembers - and keep up with thetimes."

Throughout his administration,MFB recorded a distinguished recordof national program achievement,earning 93 AFBF gold star awardsfor everything from membership tomarketing. In 1986, MFB achievedrecognition as the top state Farm Bu-reau in the nation when it wasawarded 13 gold stars.

"The fact is that we (MFB) havepractically 'owned' the Young Farmeraward since the Young Farmer andRancher program was begun. Thecontribution of our outstandingYoung Farmer program to our MFBgrowth is evident. It continues to bethe organization's source of new, dy-namic leadership."

A lifelong commitment to agricul-ture and to the statewide organiza-tion that could "make it happen" forfarmers attracted Bob Braden to theMichigan Farm Bureau 25 years ago.

"I've always been associated withagriculture - always had the desireto serve the industry and be a part ofit. Originally, my goal was to farm.That's where I was headed when Iwent to agricultural college as amighty green 17 -year-old. If some-one had laid out this career in agri-culture as a vo-ag teacher, extensionagent, ASCS administrator, and fi-nally in Farm Bureau, I would havesaid 'Oh my, no.' But along the way,I could see good things that I wasdoing and that I was making a contri-bution to agriculture. I decided tostay with that."

Michigan agriculture, in general,and Farm Bureau, in particular, havebenefitted because of his decision.Now, his well-earned retirement willallow him the time to travel with hiswife, Doris, who has patientlywarmed up countless cold suppers,and the leisure of an occasional after-noon "just fishin" with grandsons andold friends. D

10

Meeting in a special boardsession called on March 20,members of the Michigan

Farm Bureau Board of Directors se-lected Charles L. Burkett as the newadministrative director of the state'slargest general farm organization.

In announcing the appointment,MFB President Jack Laurie citedBurkett's 30 year career with theFarm Bureau family and as directorof the Field Operations Division forthe past 19 years. "Chuck not onlyhas a strong knowledge of Farm Bu-reau policies and programs,' but has

Charles 1. Burkett

proven his leadership and organ-izational abilities over the years,"

.Laurie said. "He is well positioned totake Farm Bureau enthusiastically in-to the future."

Among Burkett's achievements are19 years of ,continued membershipgrowth, nearly doubling statewidememberships, and expanded mem-ber service programs. He has alsodirected the corps of regional repre-sentatives; who are responsible forcoordinating and assisting in the: im-plementation of Farm Bureau pro-grams in the county organizations.

"I have felt pride in Farm Bureau'sability to be an effective and reliabletool to be used by farm people fortheir own benefit and the good of theentire agricultural ind ustry," Burkettsaid. "I have great confidence in ourorganizational structure that bringsout the best in volunteer leaders andthe professional staff to implementFarm Bureau policies and programs."

According to Burkett, the traditionsof organizational excellence are amust at every level of Farm Bureau."We have the reputation as the'leader builder' for agriculture and asan organization that is out in front onthe issues. These are the traditions ofour past and our priorities for thefuture."

Staying "out in front" on the issuesmeans identifying problems andmoving aggressively to seek solu-tions, he said. "In agriculture today,we face the challenge of improvingprofitability for farmers and defendingproduction agriculture in the environ-mental arena. Farm Bureau is an or-ganit;ation that works for its mem-bers. I plan to hold that course," hesaid.

As administrative director, Burkettwill be a member of the Administra-tive Board' and be responsible fordeveloping and implementing pro-grams approved by the MFB Boardof Directors through the Field Opera-tions, Public Affairs and Informationand Public Relations divisions. D

RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987

"Family Farm Act"A Change. for the Worse

By Donna Wilber

Farmers should be looking aheadto what kind of farm policytheir industry needs in 1990, ,

AFBF economist Ross Korves toldparticipants in MFB's statewide com-modity conference in Lansing onMarch 12. That could happen, hesaid, if only Congress would allowthe 1985 farm bill to run its course.

But since "crisis drives politics,politics drive policy, and Congressresponds to crisis," efforts are under-way to change the direction of thefarm act that's just beginning towork. Congressional response to"crisis" doesn't have to make sense,which the recently-introduced "Fam-ily Farm Act" certainly does not,Korves said ..

Wayne and Faye Adam, Sanilac County,discuss the impact of the "Family FarmAct."

The warmed-over version of l~styear's Harkin-Gephardt "Save theFamily Farm" bill was introduced inthe House by Rep. Gephardt, whohas announced his presidential as-pirations, and in the Senate by Ma-jority Leader Robert Byrd. Originalauthor Harkin is now a co-sponsor.Two Michigan Congressmen, JohnConyers and William Ford, areamong the co-sponsors ...Others inMichigan's congressional delegationhave assured MFB that their nameswill not be added to the list.

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING

The major difference between theoriginal Harkin-Gephardt proposaland the "Family Farm Act" is an ag-ricultural export cartel. Otherwise, it'sstill the same cali for a government-managed agriculture with mandatoryproduction controls. It assumes, ac-cording to Korves, that farmers"aren't smart enough to manage theirown affairs."

That assumption, plus acreage cut-backs of 25 % below projected levelsfor the '85 farm law, which in turnhas implications of billions of dollarsless gross sales for agribusiness,raises the ire of farmers like DickLeach, Saginaw County cash cropfarmer who serves on the MFB .board.

"Mandatory controls, in my esti-mation, would literally shut down theagricultural industry. This bill wouldnot only affect us, as farmers, itwould kill many of our rural com-munities," he said.

Leach and his wife, Sharon, havethree sons. Their futures, should theydecide to remain in farming, would

. be clouded by the "Family -Farm Act"quota provisions. The chance -foryoung farmers to enter the businessdiminishes as the value of allotmentsand/ or. quotas becomes higher thanthe value of the commodities pro-duced. His sons could become thevictims of the same financial pres-sures exper.ienced by those the"Family Farm Act" proponents aretrying to "save."

"It would take away the incentiveto grow; to be on your own, to befree to plant what you want and tomeet the challenges of whatever ittakes to be successful in farming. Ijust can't buy -it!" Leach said.

"This proposal is a real threat toagriculture. That's why farmers needFarm Bureau to closely monitor the

- mood of Congress and keep a fingeron what's happening. When theneed for organized action arises,Farm Bureau will be the one to blowthe whistle."

Opposition to the "Family FarmAct" will be a top priority of. legis-lative leaders when they fly to thenation's capital March 31-April 3 forMFB's 27th annual Washington Leg-islative Seminar. Leach believes thatpriority is "definitely right."

"Livestock farmers cannot af-ford to lose consumers becauseof cost." - Wayne Adam

For Wayne Adam, a livestockfarmer from Sanilac County, the pro-posed mandatory production controlspose different, but equally important,concerns.

"The present margin in cattlefeeding is not that good, but this billwould impose controls on farmersthat would really be detrimental tothe industry," he said. "Feeder cattleprices would be higher due partly toa 1.5 to 2 million cow reduction ofthe dairy herd, and inputs for live-stock would be higher because of

. limited crop acres."Korves estimated that the cost of

feeding livestock would double underthe "Family Farm Act" ..~nd that meatconsumption would decrease up to30%.

"Beef prices are now nearing theretail level where consumers start toshow resistance," Adam said. "Live-stock farmers cannot afford to loseconsumers because of cost. The con-trols under this bill would mean thatsome livestock producers would turnto other enterprises with cheaper in-puts. "

That's exactly why, Korves said,that growers of non-program crops,such as fruits and vegetables, oughtto be concerned, too. As farmersturn to alternatives within Michigan'sdiversified agriculture and idled cropland is planted in more specializedcrops, overproduction and the"need" for government programswould be likely.(continued on page 16)

11

Country Almanac

Aprll

April 2

April 2

April 4

April 4

April 4

Safemark Open House,Stechschulte Gas & Oil. Inc.,Owosso.Safemark Open House, S & KFarm & Yard, Owosso.Safemark Open House, GeraldKeinath's, Deckerville.Hereford Association AnnualMeeting and Banquet, 7:00 p.m.,Brauns on Alpine, Grand Rapids.Michigan Simmental AssociationSpring Show and Sale, Mason.

April 9

April 11-May 3April 19April 24-26

April 25-26

April 26

April 26-May 3

Safemark Open House, Hub Tire,St. Johns.Easter Flower Show, Belle Isle,Detroit.Easter Sunday.Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival,Shepherd.Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival,Vermontville.Blessing of the Blossoms, St.Joseph High School Auditorium,St. Joseph.Blossomtime Festival, BentonHarbor/St. Joseph.

May 3-9May 6

May 9

May 9-10

May 13-16

May 14

May 16-23May 17

Mushroom Festival, Mesick.MACMA Spring Sale (fresh aspar-agus) order deadline.Morel Mushroom Festival, .Lewiston.National Mushroom Hunting Cham-pionship, Boyne City.Holland Tulip Time Festival,Holland.Michigan Association of FarmerCooperatives Legal Tax & Account-ing Seminar, Radisson Hotel, Lan-sing.Michigan Week.Flower Day I, Eastern Market,Detroit.

June 11-13

June 14

June 22-26

July 4

July 5-11

July 15-19

July 21-23

National Asparagus Festival,Shelby/Hart.Flower Day II, Eastern Market,Detroit.Young People's CitizenshipSeminar, Olivet College, Olivet.International Cherry Pit SpittingChampionship, Tree-Mendus FruitFarm, Eau Claire.National Cherry Festival, TraverseCity ..

National Blueberry Festival, SouthHaven.Ag Expo, MSU.

To ~pply for your Farm Bureau Money KeyTMVISA@complete the application on the reverseside, then mail in the postage paid envelope in-cluded in this magazine.

You've asked us for a special Farm Bureaucredit card-. in response, we've put together,!' atruly exciting program. This program is a. Speclgl 1

offer only available to Farm Bureau meJIlq~rs.With this card, you'll have the exclusive opportu ...,nity to show your involvement with the MichigahFarm Bureau, and you'll receive the unique fea~tures that make this card more than just anotherline of credit.

So don't delay~omplete your applicationtoday and start enjoYing the advantages of yourFarm Bureau VISA card.

fi?1?1~~,1/ ~ Administrative Director

• $100,000 Common Carrier Travel &Accident Insurance

• Exclusive OfferAvailable only to Farm Bureau memberswith current membership

I

.I'F~eeFirst Year Annual Membership FeeSecond Year only $12.00

.iCredit Card ChecksCopsolidate your credit cards or use for revolving credit purchases

,i':. Cash Advance 24 ...hours a dayIAlmost 3000 Automatic Teller Machines in Michigan alone

, .'Car Rental Diseounts at Avis@,Hertz@Corporation, apd National Car Rental@

• PrepaYment Option ''Allows you to skip up to 3 consecutive payments

Farm Bureau First of CitibankCredit Card Comparison Money Key VISA@ America VISA@ Discover VISA@

Annual Membership Fee $12 $20 None at this time $20I"

Annual Percentage Rate 18% 18% 19.8% 19.8%

Ii' 3%*, minimum 4%*, minimum 3.33%*, minimum $20 (under $720),Minimum Monthly Payment of$10 of$10 of $20 2.77%* (over $720)

Prepayment Option Yes No Yes No

$.95 2% of advance,Cash Advance Fees No No per transaction min. $2, max. $10

*Amount of outstanding balance (Competitive comparison b~sed on survey completed February, 1987.)

FaRm~ TM @Bureau Money Key VISA ApplicationIndependence One" Bank, NA, Rapid City, SD (Please enter your Farm Bureau Membership No.)

About You, The Applicant Please print your name exactly as you Membership Numberwish it to appear on your credit card(s).FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME DATE O{ BIRTH I

SOC. SEC. NO.I I

STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 NO. OF DEPENDENTS AREA CODE/PHONE NO.( ) -

LENGTH AT PRESENT ADDRESSI:UYING OR OWN B IMO. PAYMENT INAME AND ADDRESS OF LANDLORD OR MORTGAGE HOLDER(YRS.) (MOS.) RENTLIVE WITH RELATIVE o $

PREVIOUS ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 YRS. MOS.

PRESENT EMPLOYER STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 YRS. MOS.

POSITIONI~O. GROSS INCOME I,AREA CODE/PHONE NO.

OTHER MO. INCOME ExceptAlimony,ChildSupportorMaintenance (See * Below)AMI ISOURCE( ) $

PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BY'(OR UNIVERSITY IFRECENT GRADUATE) CITY STATE POSITION (OR DEGREE) HOW LONG (OR YA. GRAD.)

NAME AND ADDRESS OF NEAREST RELATIVE NOT LIVING WITH YOU CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 IRELATIONSHIPAPPLICANT'S CITIZENSHIP INAME AND LOCATION OF Y~UR BANK CHECKING ACCI NO.

ISAVINGS ACCI NO.OUSA o OTHERAbout}oint Applicant (if any)FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME

STREET ADDRESS

PRESENT EMPLOYER STREET ADDRESS

CITY

CITY

SOC. SEC. NO.

ZIPCODE +4

STATE

IAREA CODE/PHONE NO.( )

ZIP CODE +4

RELATIONSHIP TO APP.

YRS. MOS.

$ (PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BY (OR UNIVERSITY IFRECENT GRADUATE) CITY

POSITION MO. GROSS INCOME AREA CODE/PHONE NO.

STATE

OTHER MO. INCOME ExceptAlimony,ChildSupportorMaintenance (See * Below)AMI SOURCE$POSITION (OR DEGREE) HOW LONG (OR YA. GRAD.)

Pleaselistalldebtspresentlyowing includingalimony,childsupportormaintenance payments which you areobligatedtomake.(OPEN &CLOSED) Attachadditionalsheetsilnecessary,and indicateany 01your accountslistedunder anothername. IInone,pleaseindicate

JOINT APPLICANT'S CITIZENSHIPo USA o OTHERCredit References

NAME AND LOCATION OF YOUR BANK CHECKING ACCI NO.

NAME OF CREDITOR OR INDIVIDUAL CITY STATE ACCOUNT NO. MO. PAYMENT BALANCE

NUMBER OF OTHER CREDIT CARD APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY PENDING

*Additional InformationMONTHLY ALIMONY$

You arenotrequiredtodiscloseincome from alimony,childsupportormaintenance payments.However, ilyou arerelyingon income lrom alimony,childsupportormaintenanceas a basislorrepayment 01thisobligation,pleasecomplete below.

MONTHLY CHILD SUPPORT MONTHLY MAINTENANCE$ $

(W jointaccount, read singular pronouns in the plural.)When I receive my credit card, I agree and understand !hat I am rontrad\.rnIly liable according to the applicable Money Key VISA wstomer agreement as ~ may be amended from tine to tine, and W 1his is a jointapplication we agreesud1 liability is jointand 5e'ieraI. I understand that upon approval of my application,and as a c::oncrltion of membership in the Money Key VISA plan, I may be chaIged a norHefundable ann.Jal membership fee for each plan in whichI am granted ~. I agree that the membership fee may be charged to my account, as provided for in the Money Key VISA wstomer agreement. 'ltlu haY8 1he righ!to take any action(s)you feel necessary to detennine thecreditworthiness of any party signing below. By signing below, I ronfinn !hat 1he information given to you on 1his application is true. I understand that a personal identification number (P.I.N.) will be mailed to me approximately seven(7) days after I receive my card.

DRIVER'S LICENSE NO. AND STATE OF ISSUE

DRIVER'S LICENSE NO. AND STATE OF ISSUE

RELATIONSHIP

RELATIONSHIP

DATE

DATE

XSIGNATURE

NOTE: BOTH SIGNATURES REOUIRED FOR A JOINT ACCOUNT

XPLEASE PRINTBANK USE ONLY

APPLICANT'SSIGNATURE XJOINT APPLICANT'SSIG~ATURE XSIGNATURE(S) OF OTHER PERSON(S) PERMITTED TO USE ACCOUNTX XPLEASE PRINT SIGNATURE

APP. NO. IAPP. TYPE V M B S1 S2 II UACDSIA RE 1M AC AA DL PP BK SRCII EMPLOYEE NUMBER:MP VP VE CC EE HO XX NT CR BKLMT AFF -----GBl GB2 DATE INIT LOll (LAST 6 DIGITS)BANK NO.VISA NO.

Origin Code 202

Rural Exchange.

MSU Honors 1987Distinguished ServiceRecipients

Elwood Kirkpatrick

of their campaign. "It helped to havea breakfast for the membership teamwhere they heard a little pep talkfrom the regional representative andthe membership chairperson," hesaid. "The chairperson was reallyfired ujJ to do the job right!" .

Another county FB in the mem-bership spotlight is Alpena. CountyPresident Bud Wegmeyer and hismembership crew wrote 68 newmembers through the first week ofMarch. Fifty-four were regular farmermemberships. Alpena County has .reached both membership goal andtarget.

"It was a matter of taking the wordout to the prospects, like a little bit ofevangelism," said Wegmeyer. Healso credits the team approach forthe success. "Two of us went out to-gether 95 percent of the time," hesaid. "It just seemed like a more re-laxed atmosphere when there were apair of us." D

FARMETTEBy Andrea HofmeisterTuscola County

"We. were playing in the barn withDaddy and he told us to come inand help you with the springcleaning. "

•Elwood Kirkpatrick, a HuronCounty Farm Bureau member,

received the 1987 Distinguished Ser-vice to Agriculture Award from theMichigan State University College ofAgriculture and Natural Resources,March 26.

Award recipients were nominatedfor the honor and selected on theevidence of success and leadership incommunity activities and affairs.

The award was presented duringthe President's Luncheon by JamesH. Anderson, Dean, College ofANR, during ANR Week at MSU.

Other recipients were Jon Haindlof Schoolcraft County and Jordan B.Tatter of Berrien County. 0

Northeast CountiesFire Up MembershipCampaigns

•The Montmorency County FBwas the first in the state to

reach membership goal and farmermember target. County PresidentJohn Noffze credits their success to a"go get 'em" attitude from the start

APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING

MFB Women's Committee members who delivered specially designed grabber jars toMichigan legislators, March 18 to promote Agriculture Week, didn't expect to bringtogether two branches of government. House Agriculture chairperson Thomas Hickner(left) stopped Appeals Court Judge Myron Wahls to share the Michigan-grown and proc-essed snacks that filled the jars and to explain the purpose of Agriculture Day activities.

15

Your Local Safemark

Comi~g Soon!

Comm~dity Conference(continued from page 11)

Permit~to-Farm I Right-to-FarmConference participants were up-

dated on the' controversial "Permit-to-Farm/Right-to-Farm" issue byMFB legislative counsel Ron Nelson."Permit-to-Farm is'dead; Righf-to-Farm is in total confusion," he re-ported.

The permit-to-farm issue arose lastyear when citizens challenged live-stock operations, especially hog op-erations, because of the odors in-volved. A task force made up of rep-resentativesof various state depart-ments and agencies recomm"ended apermit-to-farm system including somecontrolov"er local zoning and landuse planning. MFB and other agricul-tural groups 'strongly, opposed thereport and it was dropped.

Following withdrawal of the report,three study committees were formed- information/education, wastemanagement, arid legislatIon. MFB isrepresented on the committees whichare in the process of developing rec-ommendations to strengthen andclarify the Right-fo-Farm law, Nelsonsaid. Recommendations currently in-clude local' mediation and arbitration(called for in policy adopted by "voting delegates at the MFB annualmeeting last December) and provi-sion for expansion or change in farmoperations. " .. A recommendation is also' being

developed' to' provide direction' forlagoon storage arid waste water ap-plication permits currently requiredby law regardless of the siZe of 'thefarm. The current recommendationwould require a permit if the farmhas over 1,000 animal units ..

Farms with less than 1,000 animalunits would be exempt from permit ifcertain waste management practicesare followed and the' operation hasno record of complaints. "

Nelson stressed tha't the recom-mendations are preliminary and aresubject to further review and revisionbefore public comment. He urgedthe farmers to closely monitor localzoning proposals that may be devel-oped in their communities which arenot" in the best interest of commercialagriculture. 0

Open House

is

Watch for the announcement, "

of the Safemark Open Housein your area. Check out$afemark's top qualityp~od~cts ... at affordableprices.

THE SAFEMARK MARGIN: QUALITY • SERViCE • DEPENDA~ILlTY • ECONOMY

Farm Bureau membership mak~s the difference!Safemark products ar~' sold only to Farm Bureau members.

16 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1987

Michigan AgIndustry Look~Into its Future

Opinion: Board PolicyHandbooks are Necessary

(Editor's Note: This article is the seventh in an eight part series on co-operatives, based on surveys and research conducted by Dr. WilliamBlack and Dr. Ronald Knutson of the Texas A&M University Systemand distributed by the American Institute of Cooperation.)

Typically, no single coo]:?erative board member is familiar with all theexisting policies that have been perpetuated or enacted. During their re-cent study, Drs. Black and Knutson attended a. meeting of approxi-mately 150 board members from throughout the United States. Theresearchers asked for a show of hands from directors who knew all thepolicies of their cooperative. One hand appeared. When asked how theinformation had been acquired, the director replied, "I just recentlytransferred all policies of the cooperative into a board policy bQok."

In the absence of a board policy handbook, board members rely onthe memory of veteran board members, cooperative managers, orresearch into past reports and minutes of board meetings to ascertainexisting policy. The result can mean delays or inconsistencies in deci-sion-making.

A board policy handbook is also an invaluable source document fornew cooperative board members. To be valuable to new and existingcooperative directors, it should be updated frequently. Furthermore,there must be a policy performance review annually. Boards mustevaluate decisions made and programs implemented.

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j-ill/-- (, .. ~~ .' ~,,#: 'i, PINK MIST("('.y , ( ~ ,r' SMOKE TREE

- II~. ;, .) , "~

~~\~ I~", l- ~) .... $2 00~ f " .. \~.~~~.....~~q ~~ .• ea.'.l' ..,~,~ '~y, (2 for $3.75) (3 for $4,95)'. \.(L I \,..;' '-~) ~ j} In June, when most other trees;\....(,~:~'l.v ~~. ' ... 'J.' y ~. have q.uit blo.oming, the beauti-

,-' _. '-" J . ful "Pmk Mist" Smoke Treesf. \...~\ _ ~ . :t' _ ~_ (~otinu.s coggygria) b~rst fo~thl.~W~d- ~ .. With big clusters of light pmk

~ ~ ~ panicles resembling big cloudsI '- \ ~/'" -.::: ~ of smoke so dense you can't see

,.. ~~ (II -. ., through them. The tree resem-.,.~\.., ~'-1 bles one large cloud of smoke-, .. like a pink cloud resting on a tree

trunk. And then in the fall thetree is ablaze in a beautiful arrayof red scarlet and orange foliage.Grows to about 15 feet. Especi-ally lovely when three are plant-ed together. You receive choice,hand selected 11/2 to 3' trees. Freeplanting guide included with

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healthy, and first class in every. NAME - ;way. The WARRANTY IS VOID: ADDRESS •UNLESS THE ORIGINAL 'SHIP-. CITY ;PING LABEL IS RETURNED .• STATE. ZIP __ I

-------------------------- 1

The 1987 Governor's Confer-ence on the Future of Mich-igan Agriculture, Feb. 25-26,

in Lansing drew Michigan legislatorsand representatives from every sectorof the food and agricultural industry.The two days of workshops and gen-eral sessions addressed the confer-ence theme, "Opportunities, Alterna-tives, and Innovations."

A keynote address by futurist JoelBarker, president of Infinity Limited,Inc., opened the conference with adiscussion of future economic trends

. and methods. of dealing with the rad-ical changes expected in the foodand agricultural industry.

Participants also had the opportu-nity to attend three workshops or fo-cus group sessions during the confer-ence. Workshop topics covered fi-nancial options and cash flow strate-gies for 1987, the implications of taxreform for farms and food-relatedbusinesses, merchandising and diver-sification to match consumer trends,the importance of quality to profit-ability and competitive advantage, in-novations in packaging and productdevelopment; supply managementand contracting, the future of bio-technology, effects of the '86weather disaster, and agriculturaltourism.

Focus groups met to share viewsand ideas about promoting and ad-vertising Michigan's food and agricul-ture industry. Group topics includedconsumer awareness, Michigan in-dustry awareness, processing aware-ness and international awareness.

Other highlights of the openingday session were a Michigan winetasting reception, sponsored by theMichigan Grape and Wine IndustryCouncil, and the Governor's Ban-quet featuring Michigan food prod-ucts. The banquet program includedan address by Gov. James Blanchardand remarks by Michigan State Uni-versity President John DiBiaggio. 0

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 17

Grassroots Perspective

The Challenger Community Action Group

''You Said It" CAG Hosts Vo-Ag Honors Banquet

Discussion Topic

Emphasis on Community Action .Groups

•The Challenger Community Action Group of Alpena County sa-luted 18 students of the Alpena High School vocational agricul-

ture program at a banquet held Tuesday, Feb. 24.Vocational agriculture instructor and FFA advisor Bill Bartow of Alpena

praised the students for their accomplishments in school and at home.Bartow has been instrumental in building the 4-H and FFA programs forstudents in the county.

The following students received certificates of achievement: TamiAbram, Dawn Bartow, Christopher Cook, Laura Dziesinski, Bob Ed-monds, Brenda Fussey, Pat Glennie, Margie Hale, Matthew Howard,Brian Pleiness, Anne Schalkofski, Dawn Shumaker, Chad Skiera, GarySuszek, David Wallace, Mary Werth and Ronald Worth.

Keynote speaker for the program was Paul Wegmeyer, MFB regionalrepresentative for the North Region counties. He is a graduate of AlpenaHigh and'Michigan State University. He is also a former state FFA presi-dent.

Members of the Challenger group are: Bob and Marlene Banks, Billand Peggy Bartow, Mel and Judy Matchett, Ron and Shirley Torsch, Gilland Karen Van Wagoner, Charles and Dottie Wagner, and Fred andCarolynne Wegmeyer. 0

Here's how Community ActionGroup members responded afterdiscussion of the January topic,"Managing Stress":

-Community Action Group mem-bers responded affirmatively (89 %)when asked whether assistance isavailable in their communities to helpfarm families in distress; 11 % ofthose who responded said that com-munity resources were not available.

CAG members listed the ExtensionService and EMAT teams, clergy,crisis centers, county departments ofsocial services and mental health,friends, farmer groups and otherCAG members as sources of helpand support.

-When asked whether plans needto be made to create more supportsystems in the community whichwould help families adapt to ongoingagricultural changes, CAG memberswere about evenly split - 45 % Yes;55% No.

CAG members recommended thatfinancially or emotionally stressedfar:nilies could be reached throughtelevision advertisements, church andschool programs, local news media,and referrals by lending organiza-tions.

In May

Sesquicentennial Celebration

Rural Michigan is being asked toplay an active role in state andlocal Sesquicentennial celebra-tions. Michigan Farm Bureau hasbeen participating in ag-orientedevents and this topic will suggestsome ways that Community Ac-tion Groups can provide inputand ideas on the county level.

18

•With the exception of the policydevelopment process, no other

program within the Michigan FarmBureau has provided more membersan opportunity to become knowl-edgeably involved with issues oflocal, state and national concern thanthe Community Action Group pro-gram.

The roots of this member program 'date back to the mid 1930s. Late in1936, a group of county FB leadersgathered in Lansing to discuss waysto improve member involvementwithin the organization. They wishedto include more FB members incounty and state affairs. From thismeeting, the Community Action'Group program was founded. Thefirst Community Action Group, the"Michigan First," was formed in 1937in Van Buren County.

The idea of members meeting withother members to discuss local issuesbecame a popular new activity.

Throughout the state, farmer mem-bers began meeting in monthly dis-cussion groups. As a creative way topromote interest in the program, anew member service - health careinsurance - was initiated exclusivelyfor group members.

The program continued to gainpopularity, reaching a statewide highof 1,686 groups in 1958. However,involvement began declining in theearly 60s after membership in agroup was removed as a requirementto obtain health insurance. Currently,there are approximately 586 groups.

Many organizations would envyMFB's asset of having 586 localgroups meeting throughout the state.The FB Community Group program,however, is in need of revitalization.As the average age of group mem-bers grows older, the importance offorming new, younger groups be-comes more essential to the con-tinued effectiveness of the program.

(continued on next page)

RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987

Please rush me the full-color information brochure describing the FARMBUREAU CONTINENTAL tour to Holland, Germany, Austria, Liechenstein,Switzerland, France and Belgium.

NameAddressCity/ TownState Zip CodeMFB Membership #

Mail to: Farm Bureau Travel Service, 2421 Eastern Avenue,Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507.

Traditionally, Community ActionGroups meet to discuss local, state,and national issues. Some groupshave been extremely active in as-sisting the local policy developmentprocess, rural/urban programs, andcountywide education on agriculturalissues.

The success of the program oftenis a result of friendships which arestrengthened over the years. Thisbond of friendship can be a primaryreason the group stays together.Some groups have faithfully met forall of the 50 years this program hasbeen in existence.

However, as the number of Com-munity Groups decline, much recentspeculation has been given to theirappropriateness. Are Community Ac-tion Groups a viable method for in-creasing involvement of members? In1986, the county leadership ex- "pressed concern over the trend ofdeclining group numbers. In re-sponse, MFB mailed a number ofsurveys to Community ActionGroups, county FB board members,and to a random sampling of farmermembers.

As the results of the surveys werereviewed, it became clear that evenmembers who were not involvedwith Community Action Groups, didhave interest in meeting withneighbors in their community. Over64 % of respondents to this surveyindicated that "it was a good idea tomeet with neighbors on a monthlybasis to discuss local issues."

Currently, there are a number ofactivities planned to increase involve-"ment of Community Action Groups.MFB has appointed a special taskforce to assist in the revitalizationprocess. The most important elementwhich the task force will study is in-creasing the involvement of Com-munity Action Groups in county FBactivities.

With the Community Action Groupprogram serving as a vehicle formember inv'olvement, literally hun-dreds of FB leaders could surface.

Through a renewed emphasis withthe county FB, the Community Ac-tion Group program is on a come-back trail. The county FB boards of

(continued on page 22)

The FARM BUREAU CONTI-NENTAL TOUR, scheduled todepart July 11 and return July25, is a totally escorted Euro-pean travel vacation designedfor Michigan Farm Bureau mem-bers only. Convenient depar-tures are planned from,Lansingand Grand Rapids.

The FARM BUREAU TRA VELSERVICE has limited the size ofthis tour, so you'll share thememories of your summer inEurope with a small group offellow travelers.

Call one of our experiencedtravel consultants, Mary Beth orJoyce, using the Farm BureauTravel Service toll-free line, orclip the request form below toreceive the FARM BUREAUCONTINENTAL tour brochure.

Holland-Germany-Austria- Liechtenstein-

Switzerland - France-Belgium

July 11-July 25, 1987CaU toll-free:1-800-331 ..1729In Grand Rapids, call452 ..9556

FARM BUREAUTRAVEL SERVICEprovides personal-ized, money-savingtravel packages tovacation destinationsthroughout the world.Use your FARMBUREAU TRA VELSERVICE member-only benefit wheneveryou travel!

And be sure to findout more about ourDeep Discount Travelprogram offering sav-ings of up to 50%.Just ask for the DeepDiscount Desk whenyou call.

APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING 19

CARRIAGE BOLT ~Quantity per packagePrice per package COARSE THREAD PLATED

Spring Special from Hi-Grade LGTDIA 1.1/2 2.1/2 4 5 6

50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25

1/4 1.40 1.95 2.25 2.65 3.00 2.15 2.55 3.07

Deduct an additional 10 % off your order 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 25

for refill Grade 5 Hex Head Cap Screws, 5/16 2.40 2.95 3.55 4.27 2.59 3.31 4.03 4.75

Hex Nuts, Flatwashers, Lockwashers, 25 25 25 25 25 10 10 10

Carriage Bolts and all Farm Repair Kits! 3/8 1.95 2.25 2.75 3.00 3.72 1.92 2.35 2.76

10 10 10 10 10 10 10

1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84OFFER ISGOOD THROUGH 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

APRIL 30 ONLY. 1.80 2.16 2.47 2.83 3.48 4.08 4.75

FARM REPAIR KITS

~ FaRm Bureau MEMBERS ONLY

Pari No.

CP-1 Colt" Pinse- 1/lS".3/1S" dl•.Assorted lan.lhs

$6.50 ApprOI. 450 pes.

Cp-2 C-Cotler PinslIS ••5/16" dl•.

$6.50Approl. 125 pes.

HPC-1 ~Nltell PinClipsAuorted Sizes

$7.00 Approl. S5 pes.

HPC-P ~ =-=:'rti.~nmoil ..... 111ft .

$3.50 Appm. II IICI.

RP.1.2 IBI[)Spill III' ....1/16"-311" dll.Auorted ....1tIII

$9.00 AptlfDl. 400 pCI.

L.F

~ ~/

Locnullln IndFI.....~ ..... I

$6.00 Apprll ... IICIo_.Soebt Set Sc...

SS.l :ci ~~iJ~r.:~{I\6"

$9.60 ==--- ~ ha kl"Approl. 180 pcs.

Shllt lleUl ScrewsSMS-1 ..... ~8::0."12 IIlo~i4

dla. Au't. IItlIlIla$6.50 Approa. 275 pes.

WOOdScr...WS-1 ~ ~: :0."12 sdla~'

Auortedllllltlla$6.00 Approl. 275 pes.

IIACllIIIE ICIIWSMS-1 ~

willi ilia nuta 8-32,:~~'~.rl~~$6.50 Approl. 375 pcI.

MACHIIIE SClIlWSMS.2 ~ willi .... IlIb 10.24

.nd 114.20 d1a.$6.50 :;~~:'-Wo":c~'

tr 'RWI. FlnUl1SGF.l • Conbllns .11 tile

rtlu~.~.1~r:..'1ld$7.25 Approa. 75 IICI.

WC-1 ~..g i~,E~IMCIIlrI for 1NllIU1a,

$8.00 ="~5 IICI.

HNC-1 @Hf.ll IltITI CUSSlCOIne t111'11d.114-5/1 d1a.

$5.50 Appra. 125 IICI.

HNF.2 .- NO IIUTI (SA£)fine tInId.- 114-5/1 d1a.

$5.50 .... 125 IICI.

(f1lYL0ll LOCIl

LNC-1 ='''''''Ud .$7.00 ~ V4-5/1 ....

..... 125 IICI.

0 1lYL0ll LOCIlLNF-2 ::'~.$7.00 114-5/1 ....

__ • 125 IICIo

Icertify thai the goodl purchaMd Ire fotfirm u .. only Ind ell-empt from alii .....

Sub Tot.1

Tu (If epPlicable)

TOTAL COST

Complete Addre.s City$_____

Item Size or Part • Quantity

2. __Size or Part •

Siele Zip CodeItem Quantity

3. ------Item Size or Part , Ouantity

Phone..Item Size or Part , Quantity

5 .Item Size or Part , Quantity

Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered.

HEXAGON BOLT~OARSE THREAD PLATED

Quantity per package t ()@GRADE # 5 Price per package

LGT Hex Lock FlatDIA 1.1/2 2.1/2 3-1/2 4 Nuts Washer Washer

40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150

1/4 1.16 1.32 1.43 1.49 1.43 1.71 1.21 1.38 1.64 1.60 .94 1.27

40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150

5/16 1.71 1.98 2.09 2.05 2.04 2.53 1.54 2.09 2.64 2.53 1.05 1.60

40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100

3/8 2.42 2.48 2.04 2.42 1.43 1.76 2.48 2.59 3.08 2.97 1.38 1.60

20 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 60 60 60

7116 1.82 1.16 1.43 1.71 1.98 2.26 2.59 2.64 2.37 3.08 1.27 1.60

10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50

1/2 1.21 1.71 1.87 2.26 2.59 2.92 2.64 2.42 2.59 2.64 1.54 2.37

5 5 5 5 5 4 25 25 25

5/8 1.27 1.49 1.76 2.04 2.31 2.59 2.59 3.03 3.03 1.43 2.37

'5 5 5 4 4 4 24 18 18

3/4 2.15 2.42 3.14 3.19 3.52 3.19 3.85 4.40 4.35 1.65 2.53

Send your order to:HI.QRADE NUT' BOLT COMPANY1490 Maplelawn, S.W.Wyoming, Michigan 49509 GRANO TOTAL

Telephone: (616) 538-9900 or 532.9000 Customer'aSlgneture Farm BurNu Memberahlp Number I______________________________ ~ _.J

-------------~--------------~-------I TO ORDER: Fill out the shipping information below and enter the total cost SHIPPING INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

I of each kind of hardware ordered on the appropriate line.RETURN the entire form with your check. Check must accompany order .Please make checks payable to: Hi.Grade Nut & Bolt Company. CompleteName

YOU MUST ORDER FULL PACKAGE QUANTITIES. FREIGHT PREPAID on orders of $50.00 or more.

Agrinomic Update

USDA Benefits Tied to Conservation Program

•' Sev~ral sections of the Food

Security Act 9f 1985 (the '85Far!TI Bill) make the goals of theUSDA farm and conservation pro-grams more consistent by tyingeligibility for USDA program benefitsto specific conservation provisions.These provisions ~ncourage the re- .duction of soil erosion and the reten-tion of wetlands. The provisions areknown as Conservati~n Reserve,Conservation. Compliance, Sod-buster, and Swampbuster.

Programs ~overed by the regula-tions are: USDA price and incomesupports, disaster payments, crop in-surance, FmHA. loans, CommodityCredit Corpqration storage pay-ments, farm storage facility loans andother programs under, ~hich pay-ments are made with respect to com-modities produced by the fanner.

The Conservation Reserve offersproducers help in retiring highlyerodible cropland through 10 yearrental contracts. In addition, theASCS will share up to half of thecost of establishing 'permanentgrasses, legumes, trees, windbreaksor wildlife plantings on such lands.

According to Robert Payne, ASCSc,?nservation program specialist, theUSDA identified 680,000 CRP eli-gible acres in Michigan with an initial

sign-up goal of 48,900 acres. In thesign-up which ended Feb. 27, Mich-igan farmers bid 67,012 acres for theCRP; 58,697 acres were accepted.The statewide average rental rate~as $59.54 per acre. During theFebruary sign-up, farmers.were giventhe option of contract start dates in1987 0T 1988, however; the $2 cornbase reduction bonus is limited to1987 contracts.

Officials anticipate that anothersign-up period will be announced inJuly or August for the 1988 pro-gram.

Conservation Compliance provi-sions encourage farmers to controierosion on existing cropland. To re-main eligible for certain USDA pro~gram benefits, farmers must developand be using a locally-approved con-servation plan for those highly erodi-ble fields by Jan. 1, 1990. The planmust be fully implemented by Jan. 1,1995.

Sodbuster provisions apply whenplanting annually tilled crops on ahighly erodible field that was notused for crop production during theperiod 1981-85. Use of such a highlyerodible field for crops must be car-ried out under a conservation systemapproved by the local conservation

district. Failure to do so ~eans in-.eiigibility for USDA program benefits.

Swampbuster provisions' applywhen naturally occurring wetlands.are converted to croplands. Althoughthere are some exceptions, USDAfarm program benefits are jeopar-dized unless produCtion of annuallytilled crops on newly convertedwetlands. is discontinued.

Farmers who apply for USDA pro-gram'benefits must certify that theywill not produce ~n agricultural com-modity on highly erodible land dur-ing the crop year in which benefitsare squght unless they do so underan approved conservation plan.Plans must include specific conserva-tion measures that will allow land tobe cropped without excessive ero-sion. ,

Anyone who is denied eligibility forUSDA program benefits under eitherthe highly erodible lands or wetlandsconservation provisions has the rightto appeal. Any appeal should bemade through the local agency officethat rendered the adverse determina-tion. Farmers who think they may befarming highly erodible land shouldcon.tact their local conservationdistrict office immediately. 0

~i s

Potato Industry Commission Actand P .A. 232 Litigation - In a deci-sion issued March 2, aU. S. DistrictCourt judge in Kalamazoo upheld ar-guments by the Michigan Potato In-dustry CO!TImission, defending itsright to collect commodity assess-meT}ts under provisions of the MPIC,Commission Act of 1970. This law issimilar to P.A. 232' (the Michigan'Agricultural Commodity MarketingAct). The Court found that MPIC ac- .

APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING

tivities as a commodity organization.engaged in generic advertising, pro-~otion, market development and re-search are neither precluded nor pre-empted by the federal AgriculturalFair Practices Act.

Similar argumen~s are set forth in'an appeals brief filed by the State ofMichigan to the U.S. SupremeCqurt. The question before the Courtis whether it will hear an appeal by aMichigan apple grower/processor,

arguing that mandatory crop assess-ments collected by the Michigan Ap-ple Committee and the majority ruleconcept 'are pre-empted by the fed-eral AFPA. rhe Michigan AttorneyGeneral's Office argues .that P .A.232 was an existing state law whenthe. federal act was enacted and isexempt by the language and intent ofthe federal act. 0

21

Discussion Topic(continued from page 19)

directors have been encouraged toassist Community Action Groups bydeveloping more local opportunitiesand activities for these grassrootsmembers.

Want to see your groupfeatured in Rural Living?Send information to:Rural Livi~g, P.O. Box30960, Lansing, MI.48909.MFB has been an information and

action-oriented organization, speak-ing out on behalf of farmers acrossthe state since 1919. The Commun-ity Acti'on Group program has servedas an important tool in that. effort for50 of those years. Now in its goldenanniversary year, the program is at acrossroads. County FB members areneeded to assist in rejuvenating whathas become an important part of theFB network o'f leadership building.FB members are asked to join in theeffort of starting new Community Ac-tion Groups.

As Paul Harvey said in his recentradio broadcast, "We don't needanother organization, our nationalready' has too many organizations.What we need is to breathe fire intothe belly of this most respected one(Farm Bureau)."

The 50th anniversary year of theCommunity Action Group program isa timely opportunity to provide newemphasis on this grassroots programthat means so much to the future ofour organization .

Discussion Questions- How can the Community Action

Group program attract moremembers?

- During the height of the programsuccess, health care coverage wasoffered exclusively to CommunityAction Group members. What typeof member benefits could be offeredto increase member interest in theprogram?

- How can Community ActionGroups be involved in all countyFarm Bureau activities? D

22

Legislative Review(continued from page 5)

are six billion bushels of corn instorage with no one to buy it. Thecurrent price support for corn aloneis $11 billion annually. He furtherstated that alcohol blended withgasoline is environmentally clean andlowers auto emissions of carbonmonoxide, hydrocarbons and also ni-trogen oxides which are a majorcause of acid rains.

He said that GM and Ford wel-come the use of ethanol blends intheir cars and that the balance oftrade would improve as oil importscould be lowered cutting our depen-dence on the OPEC nations.

The vice president said, "It's timeto put consideration of an ethanolstandard on a fast track ... Ethanol isan idea whose time has come."

Other developments include:-EPA approval of a DuPont "meth-

anol-ethanol'blend" consisting of 5 %methanol and at least 2.5% ethanol.The fuel blend is intended to reduceair pollution.

-The Colorado Air Pollution Com-mission is considering mandatingethanol use in gasoline because ofserious air pollution problems and toprevent EPA sanctions.

-Rep. Jondahl supports ethanoluse and has written Gov. Blanchardurging that the departments of Ag-riculture and Commerce find amethod to fund a program to en-courage ethanol production inMichigan.

-Sen. Cropsey is planning to in-troduce another ethanol bill this year.His bill in the 1986 session waspassed in the Senate 33-0, but didnot get out of the House TaxationCommittee.

-The Michigan Department ofCommerce Energy Division is hold-ing a meeting on ethanol and otheralternative sources of energy. FarmBureau is involved.

•Transportation - The Legisla-ture has extended the expira-

tion date for transportation fundingto June 1, 1987. This is the third ex-tension.

During the extension, the Legis-lature will review a House-Senate'fiscal study report prepared by a con-sulting firm. The report states in part:

-Current revenue estimates for allroads will lack $17.6 billion through1994; (State trunk line $2.8 billion;county primary $4.4 billion; countylocal $4.4 billion; city [major andlocal] $3.4 billion; and passenger/freight $2.6 billion.) This estimate

. assumes that all road and bridgeneeds are met by 1994.

- Priority needs are $10 billion ofthe total $17.6 billion.

- Increased state' and local revenu'eoptions include:

Eliminate fuel tax ceiling (2 centincrease to start, could rise accordingto a formula); reduce diesel discount;study truck taxation; use bonding;remove government vehicle fuel taxexemption; consider increasing com-prehensive transportation sales taxrevenue proportion; consider eco-nomic development fund.

- Local revenue recommendationsinclude:

Expand special assessments andestablish charter authorities and issuebonds to retire backlog. This wouldshift much of the cost to local rev-enues, probably property taxes,

Use property taxes and special as-sessments to increase non-user con-tributions. (Farm Bureau policy op-poses returning to the property taxfor roads. The policy supports "usertaxes" if'revenue increases areneeded.)

Authorize local development or im-pact fees; local fuel taxes and salestaxes.

- Revise current distribution for-mulas by giving more to the st~teand less to county and local roads.Presently, the state r~ceives 39.1 % ,counties 39.1 % and municipalities21.8%. Ten percent of the highwayrevenue is earmarked for compre-hensive transportation.

The road formula and other issueswill be very controversial. FB alsosupports a "Critical Road Use Fund"for some of the special problems inthe Upper Peninsula and NorthernMichigan agriculture and forest in-dustry. D

Lansing legislative topics arereviewed by Robert E. Smith, MFBsenior legislative counsel.

RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987

Farm Bureau Market Place

CLASSIFIED AD POLICY

• Farm Bureau members pay25 cents per word for allclassified advertisements.

• All other advertisers pay50 cents per word for one inser-tion and 45 cents per word fortwo or more consecutive inser-tions of the same ad.

• All advertisements are subject toa IS-word minimum charge. in-cluding member ads.

• Please indicate if you are a FarmBureau member.

.The deadline for ads is the firstMonday of the month precedingpublication.

• All ads must be pre-paid andmay be pre-paid up to one yearin advance.

• No ads will be taken over thephone.

MAIL YOUR ADWITH PAYMENT TO:

Rural LivingP.O. Box 30960Lansing, Mich. 48909

FOR HOMEMAKERS

GUARDIAN SERVICEGLASSLIDS! Hundredsof other cookware parts. Stevensons, Box3392RL, Orange, Calif. 92665. (2-4t-I5p-ts)

PECANS: Quart each halves, pieces, meal.Three-quart sampler, $9.95. Canecreek Farm,Cookeville, TN 38502-2727. (4-7t- I5p-ts)

REAL ESTATE

CONDO AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH. FLA.•FOR SALE OR RENT. Completely furnished.two bedrooms. two baths. ocean view from thefourth floor. Tastefully decorated. Phone517-669-8252. (4-21p)

WHATLEY REALTY INC.: Farms-Homes-Commercial. 4571 West US 223. Adrian. MI49221. Phone 517-263-7855 or 517-423-7411. Auctioneer. Realtor. Vaughn Jo Lewis.3310 Paragon Road. Tipton. M149287. Phone517-431-2571. (4-6t-27p)

BARNPAINTING: Professional. superior refer-ences. and reasonable rates. $150 spring dis-count. Phone 517-353-7447 or 517-483.9194. Call after 2 p.m. (4-16p-ts)

MISCELLANEOUS

LOOK WHAT YOU CAN DO. Stay at homeand make money too. Send a self-addressedstamped envelope to: Bugg. 928 Gill Avenue.Oxford, M148051. (4-26p)

BED AND BREAKFASTAT LUDINGTON onGood Creek. New: barn loft hide-away atcreek's edge. Grace ,and Robert 616-843-9768. (3-4t-20p)

OLD TIMEFIDDLEMUSIC- Twelve MichiganFiddlers or Twelve Canadian Fiddlers on a sixtyminute cassette $4.50 each. For list of otherFiddlers, send long S.A.S.E. to Fiddle Music.Kinde, Mich. 48445. (3-2t-31p)

EDUCATIONAL CASSETTES by certifiedteacher. self-contained, self-correcting, mini-lessons. For price list 'and description. "TheListening Learner," 500 North Road. Fenton,M148430. (4-25p)

ATTORNEY: Farm born and raised. Engagedin General Practice at Law. Experienced inmost areas of law and can bring needed exper-tise to most problems. Particular emphasis onestates and planning. financial problems, torts,land and bankruptcy. Particular knowledge ofagriculture. Available statewide. Call or writeThomas J. Budzynski. 25550 North RiverRoad. Mt. Clemens. MI. Phone 313-463-5253.

(4-7t-57p)

INCREDIBLE INFORMATION - Jeeps'Cars' 4x4's seized in drug raids for under$100.007 Call for facts today! Phone615-269-6701. extension 566. (3-2t-19p-ts)

MISCELLANEOUS

NEED COLLEGE MONEY? Billions availablenow! Scholarships. grants. loans. Guaranteeyou qualify for five financial sources. Most ap-plying receive over 20! Send $3.00 for bro-chure. instructions. questionnaire (REFUND-ABLEl. Nationwide Scholarship F.i!1ders,Box2257. Lynchburg. Va. 24501-0227.

(3-2t-37p-ts)

NURSERY STOCK

BERRY PLANTS - Raspberries, strawberries,blueberries. currants, gooseberries, others. Freecatalog. Makielski Berry Nursery. 7130 PlattRoad. Dept. RL, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48197.Phone 313-434-3673. (1l-12t-22p)

STRAWBERRY PLANTS ASPARAGUSCROWNS. Certified plants grown on fumigatedsand. Free brochure. Krohne Plant Farms, Rt.6, Box 586, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047.

(1O-12t-21p)

FOR SALE: HYBRID POPLAR 12 cents each.American Chestnut and other trees and shrubs.Coldstream Farm, 2030T Freesoil Road, Free-soil, Mich. 49411. Phone 616-464-5809.

(12-5t-20p)

GLADIOLUS BULBS - Free brochure. Sendself-addressed, stamped envelope to PoestGladiolus, Box 55, Department RL, Zeeland,Mich. 49464. Phone 616-772-6049. (2-2t-19p)

STRAWBERRY PLANTS - (Md. virus free)Earlinglow AllStar, Sparkle 25 - $5, 100 - $14,1,000 - $75. Add 15% shipping. 1& J Wolver-ton Nursery, 6197 Lake, Millington, M148746.Phone 517-871-2325. (4-2t-26p-ts)

HAY LISTING

HILLSDALEHAY, INC.: Brian Hasty, SalesManager, 106 S. County Line Road, Tekon-sha, Mich. 49092; home phone 517-765-2099.Litchfield sales phone 517-542-3438(Wednesdays only). All hay NIR tested.

(12-tfn)

HOWELLLIVESTOCKAUCTION: Billor LarrySheridan, P.O. Box 157, Howell, Mich.48843; officephone 517-548-3300. (12-tfn)

LIVESTOCK

MILKING SHORTHORNS: Young bulls, year-lings and calves for sale. Write or visit StanleyM. Powell and Family. Ingleside Farm, Rt. 2,3248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia, Mich. 48846.

(4-27p)

FREE: COLORFULPOULTRY CATALOG. Of-fering top 'quality chicks (Bantams-Exotics-Standards) at rock-bottom prices. Clinton Hat-chery, Box 548-MRL. Clinton, Mo. 64735.Phone 816-885-8500. (3-3t-24p-ts)

REGISTERED ANGUS BREEDING STOCK:For sale at all times. Bordner Angus Farms.68730 County Farm Road. Sturgis. MI49091.Phone 616-651-8353. (4-12t-20p)

FARM:EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE:J.D. 13 ft. grain head. Floating cut-ter bar. Newer style Hume reel with hyd.-Iift.$975.00. Phone 517-652-6612. (4-20p)

HOG EQUIPMENT - Del-Air heat ex-changers, Osborne feeders. K.G. Johnson far-rowing crates. Chore-Time feeding, Mix-Millsystems. Hamilton Distributing Co ..616-751-5161. (6-12t-22p-ts)

GRAIN DRYERS - Stormor Ezee-Dry. FarmFans Automatic, Used Dryers, PTO and Auto-matic. Hamilton Distributing Co., phone616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts)

TRACTOR REPAIR MANUALS - How to re-pair your tractor. Write today for free catalog.Russell Stevens. Route 1, Box 320, Coushatta,La. 71019. (2-4t.20p-ts)

HOG PRODUCERS - YOU CAN USE STARRPLASTIC FLUSHTRAYS for nursery pens andfarrowing stalls to eliminate daily manure handl-ing. Improve bacteria control. They can be usedin any type of building on any type of floor.Starr Farrowing Stalls with adjustable swing-upsides. Choice of waterers and sides. StarrNursery Pens, singles, side-by-side and stacked.Keep your pigs warm and dry. Free literatureand prices. Starr National, 219 Main Street,Colchester. III. 62326, toll free 1-800-233-5502 - in Illinois 1-800-854-6480. (4-80p-ts)

APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 23

Michigan Farm BureauRural Living MagazineP.O. Box 309607373 W. Saginaw Hwy.Lansing, Michigan 48909

Plarland WelkeM?yville, Lape@r County

3&'h'EARS

Leonat;e VeeserHarris, Mesominee County

25 YEARS

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A 10Grand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 380