Michigan Farm News

Vol. 70, No. 1 Farm Bureau Group Assesses Mexican Sugar Industry VERACRUZ, Mexico - La Concepcion sugar mill is tucked away in the hills of U.S. sugar producers are concerned that po­ Mexico's Veracruz province, an ancient na­ litical pressure on behalf of those other tional treasure revealed to only a few hand- sugar-exporting countries could further picked outsiders. Because the Mexican limit U.S. farmers' access to their own do­ government opened its sugar industry to mestic market. private investment four years ago, La Con­ cepcion breathes with renewed vigor this Laurie feels that marketing controls should sugarcane harvest season — a feat, consid­ be addressed by the U.S. sugar industry. ering some of its surrounding stonework was laid by 16th century Spanish explorers. "Mexico may actually offer the American sugar industry a great opportunity," Laurie U.S. sugar producers and industry officials, said. "We need to be in position, whether it's led by the American Farm Bureau Federa­ now through the NAFTA-implementing tion, recently explored Mexico's main legislation or the next farm bill, to be able sugar-producing region. MFB President to satisfy an increased demand if it comes Jack Laurie, who led the study tour, MFB along. I'm not sure we are in that position Director Dick Leach of Saginaw County, right now. We don't want to find ourselves Clay Maxwell of Gladwin County, and Wil­ with a market waiting for our sugar and we liam Lauer of Gratiot County participated can't supply it because we have marketing in the trade mission.The visitors studied the controls in place." Mexican sugar industry to gauge that nation's ability to impact U.S. sugar pro­ Given its limited acreage, milling capacity ducers under the proposed North American and deficient infrastructure, Laurie said he's Free Trade Agreement. not convinced Mexico will ever import enough sugar into the United States to harm During the trade mission, participants witnessed Mexican sugarcane harvest, both mechan­U.S. producers. However, he said, NAFTA "The sugar production in that valley is about ically, as above, and by hand, and toured several sugarcane processing facilities. as primitive as you can get," said Laurie. provisions that allow Mexico full access to "The average size of a sugarcane field in sweetener (HFCS), displacing sugar cur­ and I believe the bottlers are concerned the U.S. market for its entire exportable that area is about two acres. The ground is rently used for that purpose and pushing about consumer reaction, and are conse­ surplus do have the potential to negatively interspersed with coffee and bananas. It's Mexico closer to self-sufficiency. In the quently a bit reluctant to put that in their affect our domestic production. very remote. The humidity is high and sugar 1992-93 marketing year, Mexico is ex­ plans. " can't be stored. But, since privatization of pected to produce close to 3.6 million met­ "Having total access to the American sugar the mill four years ago, they have made it a ric tons, while it will consume more than 4.5 Also weighing into Mexico's sugar self- market could transform Mexico from a very efficient small processor of sugar. I million metric tons. sufficiency question is its rapidly expand­ sugar-trading partner into a sugar trading think, given that, La Concepcion mill will ing population. Mexico already has the competitor within the U.S. domestic mar­ be around for quite a while." Sugar and soft drinks currently are synony­ highest sugar consumption in the world at ket," he said. mous in Mexican society. Between 1.3 mil­ 102 pounds per person, and 50 percent of The U.S. delegation visited officials at the lion and 1.5 million metric tons of Mexican its 85 million people are under age 18. Changes in NAFTA's sugar provisions, U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, as well as sugar are consumed in the form of soft however, should only be sought if they can Mexican government and sugar industry drinks. Due to the lack of purified water, "The potential is certainly there for an ex­ be made without affecting other commodi­ officials. They also toured a modern Coca- soft drinks are Mexico's thirst-quencher of treme population explosion," Laurie said. ties, Laurie believes. Cola bottling facility and stopped at six choice. Soft drinks also provide a high per­ "We heard projections that the population sugar mills in Veracruz, including La Con­ centage of daily caloric intake to Mexicans would double within the next 15 years." "The overall agreement already has been cepcion. living under the shortfalls of their nation's initialed," he said. "By no means should we developing economy. U.S. producers have NAFTA-related con­ enter a situation where we are pitting one One concern of the American producers cerns about marketing control aspects of commodity against another, but that does revolves around NAFTA provisions that "I think U.S. investors will determine the U.S. sugar program, which could im­ not mean that changes cannot be explored would allow Mexico to export its entire whether the transition is made (from sugar pede their ability to compete against Mex­ within the confines of the sugar provisions," surplus of sugar to the United States if it to HFCS)," Laurie said. "Mexican consum­ ico or other competitors given full access he said. achieves surplus status for two consecutive ers like the sweeter taste offered by sugar to the U.S. domestic market. years.

An issue related to Mexico's sugar self-suf­ ficiency is the possibility of its soft drink Michigan's New Dairy Super Pool Official industry converting to high fructose corn Michigan dairy industry representatives met in Lansing recently at the Michigan Farm Bureau Center to formally sign the new Super Pool agreement. At right (l-r) Wayne Haverdink of Indepen­ dent Cooperative Milk Producers Asso­ ciation, Elwood Kirkpatrick of Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Gary Schmeising of the National Farmers Organization, sign the agreement.

Michigan Farm Bureau worked dili­ gently over the last 10 months, holding in excess of 20 meetings with the entire dairy industry to get the super pool re­ established. With the signing, all of Michigan's dairy farmers will receive a share of the over-order premium on all milk produced and marketed in Michi­ gan. This unique arrangement of farm­ ers, processors and cooperatives work­ ing together will enhance the dairy farmer's income. For more super pool details, turn to page 10.

Michigan Hay Sellers Directory - Page 13 Michigan Corn Information Exchange List - Page 15I Michigan Farm News . -. January 15, 1993 In Brief ... Farm Bureau: Espy Good Choice for Ag Secretary MFB Asks USDA's Help on Disaster Assistance Rep. Mike Espy of Mississippi, President-Elect Bill Clinton's choice for the next U.S. Michigan Farm Bureau has asked the USDA to allow grade standards to be included in the Secretary of Agriculture, is good, according to MFB President Jack Laurie. Espy has a eJigibility requirements used to qualify state corn producers for disaster assistance. MFB record of being responsive to the farmers in his home district and Laurie believes he will President Jack Laurie explained to USDA Secretary Edward Madigan in a letter that under be a good advocate for agriculture across the country. the current disaster program, eligibility criteria do not include grade or quality factors, but instead rely solely on the quantity of bushels harvested. "During his six years in Congress, he has stood up for agriculture against excessive environmental restriction," Laurie said. "He has attended GAlT negotiations in Geneva, "Due to the 'average' yields being harvested this year, most producers do not qualify for discussed the NAFT A agreement in Mexico and traveled to various foreign countries to the current disaster program on a yield basis, even though they have a product with minimal learn and provide support for American agriculture." or no market value," Laurie said. While serving on the Agriculture Committee for the past six years, Espy has introduced Laurie noted that the extremely cool and wet growing season during the summer of 1992 several pieces of legislation, including measures to cut red tape in the USDA national did not provide adequate degree days to allow the com crop to fully develop. "Given this appeals process and outreach programs for limited resource farmers. he also has been active scenario, producers are looking for help in coping with the economic impact of the on a variety of fronts including crop insurance, disaster assistance, support of alternative situation," he said. crops, trade, and wetlands.

"If grade standards are used to determine eligibility, producers who are suffering devasta- "During the 102nd Congress, Espy voted with Farm Bureau on such important issues as

ting economic losses due to the extremely poor quality of their corn could qualify for extending fast-track authority, wetlands, and the balanced budget amendment, II said Laurie. assistance. The assistance available under the program would provide at least some relief "We believe he will continue to communicate the importance of agriculture in the consid- as producers attempt to complete last year's harvest," Laurie concluded. eration of any pertinent issue." Mumby Re-Elected USB Treasurer Michigan Corn Marketing Referendum Passes

Barry Mumby of Fulton, Michigan, was re-elected treasurer of the United Soybean Board Michigan com growers have approved a referendum to establish the Corn Marketing (USB) during a recent meeting in S1.Louis, Mo. Mumby was also reappointed as chairman Program of Michigan. The program is designed to enhance the economic position of of the Budget and Finance Committee. Michigan corn growers, by stimulating growth and expansion of the corn industry in Michigan through market development, promotion and research. The USB is comprised of 63 soybean farmers nominated by their state and then appointed by the USDA Secretary to manage the investment of checkoff funds through programs that The program calls for an assessment rate of one (1) cent per bushel for each bushel of corn create, expand, and protect markets for soybeans, both domestic and international. sold during the marketing year, except sweet corn, seed corn, popcorn, and corn grown for silage.

Nugent Named New Saginaw Valley The assessment will be collected from affected Michigan producers at the first point-of- sale, beginning March 1, 1993 and ending Feb. 28,1998. Thereafter, pursuant to 1965 P.A. Regional Representative 232, Sec. 21, the marketing program shall be resubmitted to a referendum of producers Tom Nugent has been appointed as the new during each fifth year of operation. Saginaw Valley regional representative. Nugent, an MSU graduate with a dual major Of 774 ballots cast by corn producers, 67 were disqualified for the following reasons: 29 in agricultural communications and agri- were duplicates, 25 had a late postmark, seven had incomplete information, four were cultural economics, was previously em- unsigned, and two had signatures that were determined invalid following verification. Of ployed as a territory sales manager for the remaining 707 ballots, 403 producers voted yes (57 percent) representing 11,595,714.2 CIBA-Geigy Seed Division in Northeastern bushels of com (55 percent) and 304 producers voted. no (43 percent) representing Illinois, working on market development, 9,462,629 bushels of com (45 percent). distribution services and agronomic sup- port for customers. For the program to be adopted, more than 50 percent of the votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total corn production voted, had to approve the proposal. The Corn No stranger to Farm Bureau, Nugent, who Marketing Program of Michigan will be administered by a committee of nine corn growers grew upon a family dairy farm near Lowell, appointed by Governor John Engler. Michigan, also served as. an intern for the Michigan Farm Bureau, working on the U.s. Farmland Values to Rise Slowly with Inflation Michigan Farm News for six months. U.S. farmland values are expected to rise slowly the next several years, roughly parallelling He also interned in the Field Services Divi- with the rate of inflation, said a senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank. Alan sion, for the Holstein Association of Amer- Barkema of the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City says he expects a flat rate of return ica, conducting herd farm visits to promote on farmland the next few years, according to Knight Ridder News. programs and services, performing linear evaluations and sale selections. Speaking to American Bankers Association members at the 1992 National Agricultural Bankers Conference, Barkema said farmland values are expected to continue to key on real interest rates - interest rates adjusted for inflation. Nugent also earned numerous awards while attending MSU, including being listed as one of MSU's 1992 Top 25 Outstanding Se~iors, and the MSU Co~lege of ~griculture and Barkema would not indicate whether the Federal Reserve Bank intended to lower rates Natural Resources Outstanding Leadership Award. He was also mvol~ed 10 ~ number of activities including the MSU Dairy Judging Team, Stude~t Senat~, Vice preslden! o~ the further. Interest rates were lowered the past several months to try to jump-start the U.S. Mid-West Regional Dairy Sciences Association, and Vice president of the Michigan economy. But in his speech, Barkema hinted he did not expect real interest rates to fall anytime soon. Association of FFA.

As a regional representative, Nugent will assist w~t~ county Farm .B,urea~ leadership Barkema said it was hard to see any substantial change from present farmland values across development and training programs as well as SU,l>ervlsmgco~nty admmlstratlv~ staff and the Midwest. But in the event of a surge in U.S. commodity prices from some unforeseen coordinating member service programs. The Sagmaw Valley mcludes the counties of Bay, world demand, farmland values probably would rise, he said. Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw. Another potential cause of rising farmland values would be measures by the administration of President-Elect Bill Clinton to make real interest rates drop while income growth would rise, prompting higher farmland values,

~arkema said ther~'s also a downside probability ~o farmland values. If ongoing interna- tIOnal trade talks fatl and the U.S, government contmues to underwrite large subsidies with GoupRrChBSlng U.S. tax dollars, there probably would be a significant drop in demand for farm commodi- _= ties, which could bring higher interest rates, lower incomes and declining farm values. 1992-93 EARLY WINTER STEEL SALE The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members, by Michigan Farm High Quality Steel Replacement Parts Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and Dependable Performance additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MJ 48909-8460.

Group Purchasing SAVINGS! Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Turbin' Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. ' - Sale Ends February 20- Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: Di~trict 1 Quality. Dependability. Savings Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing, Manchester" District 4 To~ G~th"rie, De~ton; District 5, Ma~k Smut~, ~harlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, La~ry Snider: Hart; Dlstnct 8, ~Ic.hard Leach, Saginaw; Dlstnct 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Contact Your County Office for Local Vendor Information or Branch; Dlstnct 11, Robert Wah~hoff, Barag~. At-Large: Do~glas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Ja.n Vosburg, Climax. PromotIon and Educatron, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Ctdll-800.292.2680 ~xt. 2015 Kurt Inman, SturgIs. Michigan Farm News

ITOL January 15, 1993 o o :rJ Z m :rJ

1992 Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Accomplishments Sometimes it seems that national and state D Enactment of legislation authorizing D Funding for Michigan State D Development and implementation of issues are so large in scope that you feel FmHA operating loans and down pay- University's Extension Service, Agri- Right-To-Farm practices to strengthen powerless to influence any outcome. As a ment loans to beginning farmers. cultural Experimental Stations and the the Right-To-Farm Act. member of Farm Bureau, you have a voice College of Veterinary Medicine. in how issues are addressed through your o Enactment of legislation in response D Prevented the implementation of bur- involvement with your county Farm Bureau to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in D Revision to the Michigan Inheritance densome heat stress rules for agricul- policy development process. the Adams Fruit Co. case. The legisla- Tax to provide partial exemption for tural workers. tion provides that Worker's Compen- farmers and qualifying businesses and The grassroots approach to policy develop- sation benefits shall be the exclusive increase personal exemptions for D Successfully stopped legislation that ment is the reason why Farm Bureau is one remedy for bodily injury or death of a close relatives from $10,000 to would have increased health care of the most influential and respected orga- worker. $50,000 over a two year period. costs by expanding the chiropractic nizations in the world and no matter how and optometric scope of practice. overwhelming an issue may seem, you have D Successfully stopping the passage of D Farm Bureau successfully offered the ability to influence the outcome because federal legislation that would have au- amendments to biodiversity legisla- If you have any questions about these 1992 you are a Farm Bureau member. thorized the Legal Services Corpora- tion. These amendments ensured that accomplishments. please feel free to con- tion to exceed their present charter the legislation created a study commit- tact your MFB Legislative Counsels, Each day decisions are made in Lansing and and become involved in such activi- tee only and was non-regulatory. phone: (517) 323- 7000. Washington, D.C., that affect your liveli- ties as using tax dollars to lobby legis- Farm Bureau also called for economic hood and the wellbeing of your family. Dur- lators on various issues, including is- and agricultural impacts to be in- National Issues ing the 1991-92 legislative session, 3,459 sues associated with legal aid for mi- cluded in the study. The Joint House bills were introduced by members of the grant labor. and Senate Study Committee will in- AI Almy. Director. Public Affairs Div. Michigan Legislature. clude a member of the Agriculture All National Issues, Extension 2040 State Legislative Committee. During the past year, Farm Bureau has been State Issues steadfast in its dedication to defend the Accomplishments Include: D Passage of legislation that limits local Howard Kelly. Legislative Counsel rights and economic interests of its mem- D Passage of legislation that improves wetland regulations. Local units of Labor, Health and Safety Issues bers in both the federal and state legislative the ground meat standards. government are required to use the Extension 2044 and regulatory arenas. Using Farm Bureau same definition of a wetland as the policy as a directive on how issues should D A seasonal commercial driver's li- state Wetlands Protection Act and can- Ron Nelson, Legislative Counsel be addressed, several accomplishments oc- cense waiver for agribusiness. not require a permit for activities that Production Ag., Taxation, Appropriations curred in the past year. do not require a permit under the state Extension 2043 D Passage of legislation that adopts the act, such as the production and har- National Legislative Federal Pseudorabies Control Pro- vesting of agricultural products. Vicki Pontz, Legislative Counsel gram to eradicate pseudorabies in Natural Resources and Education Accomplishments Include: Michigan. D The state legislature appropriated a Extension 2046 o Enactment of the Animal Enterprise portion of the funding to begin im- Protection Act imposing federal penal- D Continuation of the block permit pro- plementation of the M.S.U. Animal Darcy Cypher, Legislative Counsel ties for criminal acts involving dam- gram to help reduce crop damage Revitalization Project. Transportation and Insurance age to facilities housing animals, such from deer. Extension 2048 as agricultural research facilities or o Exemption for private pesticide 'appli- farms. D Exemption for farmers from bulk stor- cators from posting and notification age regulations of pesticides and fertil- requirements for agricultural pesticide D Inclusion of fireblight losses in disas- izers for on-farm use. applications. ter assistance legislation. o Rejection of a petition from Hungary seeking duty-free status for up to 100,000 tons of Goya cheese. SIMPLY THE BEST. o Reversal of an EPA decision which re- Here's why the Great Plains no-till system leads the Industry ••• stricted the use of ethanol in the refor- mulated gasoline program. • Exclusive Center Pivot design SPREAD THE WORD ... Even /."------"\1 JOhnny, ,;' GaI 0':'r;. :~k.;~ His Seed from ... LIBERTY Don't miss our new 1993 catalog of unusual items: • Exclusive seed chute • Miniature Vegetables • Highly accessible and optional Seed-Lok Wheel • Ornamental Wheat .12~ 14~ 15' and 20' coulters and openers • New Cutting Flowers sizes available • Giant Pumpkins • "All American Selections" • Heirloom Varieties A Solid Stand 3.Point Drill with a Center Pivot Hitch ... • Cancer Fighting Vegetables • Bulk Seed Starting Kits Simply the best no-till system. • Vegiforms • And Over 1.000 Flower & Vegetable Seeds Jim Warczinsky Buchanan Milan North Branch SEND FOR FREE CATALOG Manufacturer'8 Rep. LaPorte Co. Farm Bureau Co-op Schettenhelm's Inc. Dick Coulter, Inc. (517) 682-4523 (616) 695-6823 (313) 439-1829 (313) 688-3082 t1t .L1BERTY SEED COMPANY lEa AN INDEPENDENT AMERICAN CO BOX 806N-J - N. PHILA. OHIO 44663 Ann Arbor Frankenmuth Mount Pleasant Zeeland PHONE (216)364-1611 FAX (216)364-6415 Charles F. Braun Weiss Equipment, Inc. TIlmann Hardward, Inc. Modem Power Equipment, Inc. (313) 663-2717 (51!> 652-6151 (511) 644-5161 (616) 772-6410 Michigan Farm News

January 15, 1993

30-Day Outlook - Expect Below Normal Temps & Normal Precipitation A Southwesterly jetstream pattern continued over Michigan for much of December, leading to above normal temperatures Michigan Weather Summary statewide (2-5 degrees above the 30-year normals). In contrast $. to November, precipitation was generally normal to below 12/1/92 Temperature Precipitation I normal except for southern and western portions of the Lower to 12/31/92 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Peninsula and northern Upper Peninsula where above normal Mean Normal linch.) linch) totals were recorded. Alpena 28.6 +4.4 1.25 2.06 ~ Bad Axe 29.6 + 2.7 1.12 1.93 The National Weather Service outlook for January calls for Detroit 33.3 +5.2 2.09 2.31 somewhat of a change with below normal temperatures and Escanaba 25.8 +2.8 1.86 2.11 2.31 ~ near normal precipitation expected. Flint 31.8 +4.4 2.04 Grand Rapids 30.5 + 3.2 3.27 2.71 3.30 2.11 In the longer term, temperatures are expected to average near Houghton 22.2 + 1.9 : Houghton lake 27.3 + 3.5 1.91 2.06 normal for the January through March period, with precipita- ~ ~ Jackson 30.2 + 2.3 N.A. 2.11 tion totals remaining below the long term normals. lansing 30.8 + 3.7 2.16 2.11 Marquette 21.7 + 4.0 2.45 2.11 Normal highs during January range from the low 20s in the Muskegon 31.0 +2.4 2.48 2.49 ~ ~ Upper Peninsula to the mid-20s in northern interior lower Pellston 28.0 + 5.2 1.93 2.15 Michigan to the low 30s in the extreme south. Lows are much Saginaw 30.7 + 4.0 1.43 1.93 more dependent on proximity to the lakes and range from near Sault Ste. Marie 24.3 + 4.2 2.94 2.11 o in the interior western Upper Peninsula to the single digits South Bend 32.1 + 3.1 3.69 2.71 ~ in the interior Lower Peninsula to the middle teens in the south Traverse City 28.5 + 1.8 2.17 2.15 and along lakeshore areas. Vestaburg 29.6 + 2.8 1.75 2.11 Precipitation normally varies from more than 2.5 inches in northern upper and western lower Michigan due to lake effect Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU snowfall, while eastern Michigan should expect] .5 inches. Lowest Dry Bean Yield Since 1986 Michigan dry bean growers experienced Planted acreage of all dry beans was esti- down 46 percent from last year. Production adverse, conditions during the 1992 grow- mated at 335,000 acres, down nine percent of all other dry beans totaled over 1.2 mil- lion cwt., down 33 percent from] 991. Michigan and Major Commodity Area ing season. This resulted in the lowest yield from last year. Navy bean plantings ac- Extended Weather Outlook since 1986, when 800 pounds per acre were counted for 235,000 acres, while all other T - Temp. 1/15 1/31 1/15 3/31 harvested. classes totaled 100,000 acres. Nationally, dry bean production is esti- P - Precip. T PT ~ mated at 22.1 million cwt., down 35 per- Michigan B N N B The cool, wet summer hampered the devel- Harvested acreage of all dry beans was cent from last year and 32 percent below W. Corn Belt B B N BIN opment of this year's crop, thus lowering estimated at 310,000 acres, down ]5 per- two years ago. Area for harvest dropped 22 E. Corn Belt B BIN N B yields. The first two weeks of October were cent from 1991. Navy beans and all other percent to 1.5 million acres this year, while Wint. Wheat Belt N N N N considered ideal for harvesting dry beans, bean harvested acreages were 2]5,000 and yields returned to a more usual average of Spr. Wheat Belt N N A N 1,474 pounds per acre after record highs Pac. NW Wheat N NIB A NIB according to the Federal/State Michigan 95,000 acres respectively. Navy bean pro- Delta B B B NIB Agricultural Statistics Service. The crop is duction totaled nearly 2.7 million cwt., last year. Southeast B B B N estimated to total 3,875,000 hundred San Joaquin A N A N weight (cwt.), down 43 percent from the Record Michigan Potato Yield ]991 bumper crop of 6,753,000 cwt. A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- Michigan's fall potato production was esti- tics Service. Planted acreage increased by mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- Yields for all dry beans averaged 1,250 mated at 10.8 million hundredweight" 2,000 acres from 1991 and has been esti- No Precip. Source: National Weather Office pounds per acre, down 600 pounds from the (cwt.), an increase of 22 percent from last mated at 37,000 acres. 1991 record yield of ],850 pounds per acre. year. Growing conditions were excellent this year because of cool temperatures and Fall potato stocks on Dec. 1 were placed at adequate rainfall. 6.5 million cwt., 18 percent above stocks on

hand a year ago. Stocks by type: 73 percent I Serving Michigan Fall potato yields averaged a record 300 whites, 26 percent russets, and ] percent ' cwt. per acre, up 40 cwt. from a year ago reds. This year's Dec. ] stocks on hand Farm Families is and 15 cwt. above the previous record set represent 60 percent of production com- in 1984. The higher production was har- pared to 62 percent for the 1991 crop. Our Only Business vested from 36,000 acres, according to the Stocks include potatoes stored by both pro- Federal/State Michigan Agricultural Statis- cessors and growers. Since its beginning in 1971, Michigan Farm Radio Network's only objective has been to serve Michigan's farm families. This dedication to serve agricul- ture is shared by 29 local radio stations in Michigan. Through these sta- tions, Michigan Farm Radio Network provides the latest in market analysis, weather and news to Farm Bureau members daily on the following stations: Roots to Profitability. Station City Frequency Morning Farm Noon Farm WABJ Adrian 1490 5:45 am 12:15 pm WATZ Alpena 1450 5:30 am 12:15 pm WPZA Ann Arbor 1050 6:15 am 12:05 pm \ I \\ WLEW Bad Axe 1340 6:30 am 12:50 pm WHFB Benton Harbor 1060 • 12:30 pm WKYO Caro 1360 6:15 am 12:45 pm WTVB Coldwater 1590 5:45 am .** WDOW Dowagiac 1440 6:15 am 12:15 pm Increase Wheat Yields WACY Fenton 1160 6:15 am 12:15 pm Spring is the time to treat wheat with ACA WGHN Grand Haven 1370/92.1 5:45 am 12:15 pm to gain your advantage. ACA can be used WPLB Greenville 1380 6:15 am 12:45 pm as a spring dormancy break application with WBCH Hastings 1220 6:15 am 12:30 pm your topdressing fertilizer to boost your yields. WCSR Hillsdale 1340 6:45 am 12:45 pm WHTC Holland 1450 12:15 pm 1992 Yields WKZO Kalamazoo 590 •• 12:15 pm ACA-treated wheat had an average increase WJIM Lansing 1250 5:05 am 12:15 pm of 10.76 bu/acre with the highest yield WWGZ Lapeer 1530 • 12:15 pm increase at 22.22 bu/acre. On farm yield increases in 1992 varied from 5.16 to WNBY Newberry 92.5 12:15 pm 22.22 bu/acre. The four-year average yield WOAP Owosso 1080 6:15 am 12:30 pm increase wheat growers have seen using WHAK Rogers City 960 7:10 am 12:15 pm ACA has been 8.53 bu/acre. WSJ St. Johns 1580 6:15 am 12:15 pm WMLM St. Louis 1540 6:06 am 12:20 pm See the Benefits of ACA WSGW Saginaw 790 5:55 am 12:15 pm Better root systems Increased Profits WMIC Sandusky 660 6:15 am 12:45 pm Heathier Plants Increased Yields WKZC Scottville 95.9 5:45 am 12:30 pm Easier Harvesting Proven Performance WCSY South Haven 940 12:15 pm To see the difference apply ACA with WKJC Tawas City 104.7 12:45 pm anhydrous, liquid 28% N, Liquid Starter, WLKM Three Rivers 1510195.96:15 am 12:15 pm impregnated on dry or sprayed. WTCM Traverse City 580 5:55 am 12:40 pm Contact Your Local * Station signs on at different times during the year. Morning fann times change with Clean Crop Dealer sign-on times. or call 1-800 ...292 ...2701 ** Station airs various farm reports between 5:50 and 6:20 pm. *** Station airs various farm reports between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. for additional information Some stations carry additional market reports throughout the market day. on the ACA Advantage! Michigan Farm News

January 15, 1993

Winter in Michigan Means Meetings in Agriculture lEI Michigan Grazing Conference Will Explain Thumb Tri-County Corn Program Planned

Why Managed Grazing Pays Off The Colony House. near Cass City. will be agers to prepare a better seedbed in high W hen granddad put the cows out to pas- 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of dry matter over the sight for a corn production meeting residue situations. ture, he was anticipating today's buzz- continuous grazing. scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 21, 1993. The words about maximizing potential returns program, co-sponsored by the Huron and The cost for this program is $10 per person. on resource inputs. Speakers will include farmers from Wiscon- Sanilac County Corn Growers Associations This will include a lunch and several bulle- sin and Michigan and agronomists and Ex- and MSU Extension of Huron. Sanilac and tins and publications related to the topics The merits of putting cattle on pasture will tension agents from MSU, the University of Tuscola counties. will begin at 10 a.m. and being presented. Plan now to attend this be detailed March 17-18 during the 1993 Kentucky, Ohio State University and the adjourn at 3 p.m. very informative meeting. Registration Michigan Grazing Conference at the Holi- University of Wisconsin. forms are a,'ailable at the Sanilac, Huron day Inn in Mt. Pleasant. Roger Swartzendruber. Extension agricul- and Tuscola Extension offices, or call Recent research conducted on 15 dairy tural agent, and Beth Doran. Extension Huron County at (517) 269-9949. The conference fee, excluding lodging and farms in New York show savings of more livestock agent, will review corn utilization meals, is $35 if paid before March I and $40 than $200 per head per year on four farms, problems ind concerns as they relate to after March I. The spouse fee is $20 if paid more than $100 per head per year on five feeding dairy and livestock. 1993 Michigan Winter before March I and $40 after March I. farms, and between $42 and $99 per head Potato and Field Seed per year on six farms, for an average savings A variety of fertilization-related topics, in- Sponsored by the Michigan State Univer- of $153 per head per year. cluding nitrate-ammonium soil testing, Conference Scheduled sity Extension Service, the program begins . mineralization rates, fertilizer appl ication at 1:30 p.m. the first day and concludes at More information can be obtained by on reduced tillage and soil phosphorus The 1993 Michigan Winter Potato and Field II :30 a.m. the second day. calling Richard Leep at (616) 671-2412 or movement, will be reviewed by Maury Seed Conferenc~ is scheduled Feb. 3 and 4. Ben Bartlett at (906) 228-4830. For a con- Vitosh, MSU Crop and Soil Sciences De- 1993 at the Sheraton Hotel in Lansing. This The program will focus on the economic, ference brochure and registration form, partment. meeting will include the annual membership time-saving and environmental benefits of write to Grazing Conference, Kellogg Bio- meetings for the following: rational grazing, which can increase the logical Station, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Doug Landis, MSU entomologist, will dis- Michigan Crop Improvement Association amount of forage harvested per acre by Hickory Corners, MI 49060. cuss herbicide - insecticide relationships - Wednesday. Feb. 3. I p.m. and how they might affect corn production. l\'lichigan Foundation Seed Association Landis will also review the results from a - Thursday, Feb. 4. 8:30 a.m. MSU Offering Dairy Short Course statewide corn root\\lorm survey that many l\'lichigan Potato Industr)' Commission Thumb area growers. participated in. - Thursday, Feb.4. 8:30 a.m. Kellogg Biological Station's dairy facility will be the location of a six-day Michigan State University Dairy Short Course. This will be a great opportunity for participants to learn more The results of 1992 corn rootworm research In addition to an exhibit area, the conference about nutrition, reproduction, herd health, milking systems, and producing quality milk. conducted in Huron County will be pre- also includes presentations by: Dr. James sented along with the proper procedures for Kelly. MSU - Dry Beans; Dr. Brain Diers. The specific dates and class topics are: scouting for rootworms. The program wiII MSU - Soybeans; Dr. Larry Copeland, MSU Jan. 20-21 - Dairy Management and Selection be completed with presentations by Tim - Canola Update: and Dr. Richard Ward. MSU Feb. 10-11 - Milking Systems and Milk Quality Harrigan, MSU tillage specialist, and Jeff - Wheat. For more conference details, con- March 9-10 - Dairy Nutrition and Feeding Management Wherley, Yetter Manufacturing Co. They tact the Michigan Crop Improvement As- The short course costs $600 and includes all meals, lodging, and instructional material. For will review spring tillage options following sociation office at (517) 355-7438. more information, contact the Institute of Ag Tech, MSU, at (517) 355-0190. a wet fall and how to utilize residue man- Family Farm Succe$sion Planni!Jg Agricultural Labor Workshops March 23-24 Michigan farmers can attend one of four The workshop scheduled on the second Seminars March 9 and 10 national agricultural labor workshops. day, "Basic Agricultural Labor Law for mize estate taxes with the use of an estate being sponsored by the American Farm Employers," will present an indepth review Are you ready to turn the reins of your plan. Other program items include: Bureau and the National Council of Agri- of the farm employers' compliance respon- fanning operation over to a younger part- - Determining where your fann is going cultural Employers, March 23 and 24 in sibilities under the following laws: ner, a son or daughter perhaps? If so, you're - Considering business options such as Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza sure to have a number of questions, con- partnerships and corporations Hotel, according to MFB Labor Specialist - The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) cerns, and thoughts on how best to approach - Planning for retirement Howard Kelly. - The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural this inevitable task, with the least disruption - Learning how to use wills and trusts to Worker Protection Act (MSPA) to the family and the farm operations. your advantage According to Kelly, the seminar is arranged - OSHA and EPA Farmworker Protection - How P.A. 116 can affect your estate so that farmers can elect to attend either one Standards Michigan Farm Bureau's Promotion and - Dealing with Inheritance Tax or two workshops. The first workshop, - The Americans With Disabilities Act Education Department and the Young "Employment Documentation and Anti- Farmer Department are co-sponsoring one Among the speakers is respected farm attor- Discrimination Provisions of the Immigra- "This workshop is designed for agricultural day workshops, March 9 in Grand Rapids ney Glen V. Borre, president ofthe law firm tion Reform and Control Act," will cover employers and will focus on the practical and March lOin Flint, called "Family Farm Borre, Peterson, Fowler and Reens, P.C., in the 1-9 Form and the correct procedures for issues of how to comply with regulations in Succession," to help that transition from Grand Rapids. Borre has over 30 years ex- employing and documenting workers the agricultural employment. setting," said one generation to the next, according to perience working with farm families in under the newly revised Immigration Re- Kelly. "The workshop will be presented by MFB Young Farmer Department Manager Michigan on taxes and estate planning for a form and Control Act (lRCA) enacted in two nationally recognized agricultural Ernie Birchmeier. secure financial future. 1990 and the Employer Handbook pub- labor experts, attorney Monte 8. Lake and lished in 1991. consultant Dr. James S. Holt. The two pre- "Making a successful business and emo- The seminars nm from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 senters combine more than 30 years of ex- tional transition between generations is p.m. each day, and require registration and "Penalties for immigration-related employ- perience dealing with the practical prob- what the Family Farm Succession program a $25 fee to cover lunch and materials. For ment discrimination have been substan- lems of labor law compliance by agricul- is all about," said Birchmeier. "Participants more information, contact the MFB Young tially increased and INS employment doc- tural employers." will learn how to establish and smoothly Farmer Dept. at 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3234. umentation compliance actions targeted at dissolve a partnership or corporation, and agricultural employers have become more According to Kelly, the first workshop, in- how to plan for an orderly transition on the To register for either of the two seminars, frequent," explained Kelly. "All agricul- cluding lunch and materials, is free of farm without creating hard feelings within fill out the coupon below. Indicate which tural employers need to become more fa- charge but advance registration is required. the family." location you will be attending and enclose miliar with the changes to IRCA and how A $30 registration fee is required for the a check payable to MFB in the amount of to correctly determine workers' identity second workshop and will cover the cost of In addition, says Birchmeier, participants $25 per person attending. Registration and employment authorization while lunch and materials, and must be included will learn how to avoid probate and mini- deadline is Feb. 25, 1993. avoiding discrimination." with the registration form below. r------~ r------, Family Farm Succession Seminars Agricultural Labor Workshop Registration I will attend the Family Farm Succession on: (please check the appropriate box) Grand Rapids, March 23 and 24 o March 9 in Grand Rapids or D March lOin Flint Please check the appropriate box. Names of people who will attend:, _ o Workshop 1- Employment Documentation and Anti-Discrimination Provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, March 23.

D Workshop 2 - Basic Agricultural Labor Law, March 24 ($30 fee required) Name: _ Address: _ Address: _ City: , MI Zip: _ City: ,MI Zip: _ Enclose $25 per person attending, and make check payable to Michigan Farm Bureau. Clip and mail this coupon and check to: Telephone Number:. _ Single. Double Smoking Non Smoking please indicate rooming preference if needed Michigan Farm Bureau clo Young Farmer Dept. Please send registration (and payment of $30 per person if attending workshop 2)to: P.O. Box 30960 - Lansing, MI 48090-8460 McGuiness & Williams 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Suite 1200 - Washington, DC 10005 - (202) 789-8600 L J L I Michigan Farm News

January 15, 1993

•• ••••••••••••••• r • •••••••••••• ~.rl1 • ...... ~~ •••• ,J'l ••• SOYBEANS • ' J.:::;.. •••• . ~ . Market Outlook Soybean exports are also running very well. •••••••• Exports year-to-date are running 50 million E~RM •••••••• Dr.Jim Hilker,Dept. of Agricultural bushels ahead of last year. As can be seen Economics, MSU below in Table 3, the USDA is expecting BUSINESS Seasonal Commodity exports to be 55 million bushels higher this CORN year than last year. They can reach the Price Trends estimate of 740 million bushels, up 10 mil- lion from the previolls estimate for 1992- OUTLOOK If there's one strong point in the corn sector 93, by averaging a little less than 10 million this season, it's the strong disappearance a week from now through August, about the lot of pressure on u.s. soybean exports after figures up to this point. The December Wheat ? same rate as last year. They have been run- April. Consider selling soys on rallies un- USDA SupplylDemand Balance Sheet Re- ning 10-32 million per week over the last less you have already sold over half of port (Table 1) increased expected exports Corn BT? couple of months. your 1992 crop. To sell more than half 50 million bushels, 4 percent, for the 1992- really depends on your risk position. At 93 year. Soybeans BT? The South American crop conditions look this point, it appears that there would relatively good. This, along with a projected have to be a weather scare to get signifi- On Jan. 12, the USDA will release the increase in Brazilian acreage, could mean a cant increases in soybean prices. "final" 1992 com production number, Dec. Hogs -1 1 com stocks, and updated supply/demand estimates. These estimates will take into Cattle -I CATTLE account both the new production numbers • and the December Stocks Report, which The USDA Dec. 1, 7-State Monthly Cattle- On the demand side, things continue to look will give us the first idea of feed use for the Index: i = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; on-Feed Report released Dec. 18 was near strong. Exports are doing well up to this 1992-93 marketing year. These will be dis- TP= Topping; BT= Bottoming; ? = Unsure expectations. Cattle on feed was up 5 per- point and are expected to get better; Japan cussed in the next issue. cent compared to last year. This is an indi- increasing their exports is a strong possibil- cation that slaughter numbers should pick ity if their economy doesn't get in the way. one being the strong competition from ex- Year-to-date U.S. com exports are running up in the first quarter, compared to the Domestic demand also continues getting cess feed wheat in Australia and Canada. 100 million bushels ahead of last year at the fourth quarter of 1992. Beef production was stronger than previously expected. How- same time. The USDA is only estimating down 1-2 percent last fall and the expecta- ever, it's doubtful that increases in demand The feed estimate for com is also subject to exports will increase 66 million this year as tions are that cattle slaughter could be 4-7 can completely offset the expected in- change due to the generally lower test seen in the table below. Exports will only percent higher in the first quarter of 1993 creases in supply. weights. The feed value is lower and, there- need to average 22.5 million bushels per than the first quarter of 1992. fore, more of it will need to be fed to get week through Aug. 31 to meet the 1,650 Consider some forward pricing for the the same weight gain. million estimate. Recently, exports have This could put pressure on cattle prices. At first quarter if you can't afford the pos- been running between 25 and 50 million the same time, due to poor conversion rates, sibility of a crash. Option prices are not There is some question of getting the ani- bushels per week. higher break-evens are needed. This may looking too bad. mals to eat enough extra feed to keep up also slow up the flow of ready cattle. We should have no trouble meeting the average daily gains. There are reports of estimate. Whether or not we exceed it de- poor conversion. pends on many factors, with one important HOGS WHEAT The long awaited USDA Quarterly Hogs 120-179 were also up 4 percent. The 60- and Pigs Report, released Dec. 30, was not I 119 weight class was up 3 percent and the The USDA also increased the 1992-93 U.S. bushels, 20 percent of use, which is histor- much different than expectations. Dec. I pigs under 60 pounds were up 5 percent, wheat export estimate 25 million bushels ically tight. inventory of all hogs and pigs was reported compared to December 1991. This means due to the stronger than expected exports as 4 percent above last year. Kept for breed- a lot of pigs through spring - can the excel- up to this point, over half way through the At this point, conditions in the primary ing was listed as 2 percent above last De- lent demand we've been seeing keep up? June 1, 1992- May 31, 1993 wheat market- wheat growing areas of the U.S. look rea- cember, which means the hog subsector is ing year. sonably good. It would appear, given zero still in the expansion phase despite lower December-February farrowing intentions set-aside, that it would take a subpar wheat prices. Low com prices are surely an im- are projected to be up 3 percent and March- Exports will have to average 25 million per crop next year to lower ending stocks any portant factor in the continued expansion. May farrowing intentions are expected to week from here on out to reach the 1,300 more in the next marketing year. Winter be up 1 percent. Given these numbers, million bushel estimate;this would be wheat seedings will be announced by the Hogs and pigs kept for market were 104 futures prices seem to be on the high side about the same rate as last year. This puts USDA on Jan. 12. percent of last year. Hogs over 180 pounds of what range fundamentals would proj- projected ending stocks under 500 million were up 4 percent, but most of those would ect through next fall. Consider getting be gone by now. Those weighing between some downside price protection.

Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Supply/Demand Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For Balance Sheet For CORN WHEAT SOYBEANS USDA USDA USDA Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 1990-91 91-92 92-93 Corn Acreage (MillionAcres) Wheat Acreage (MillionAcres) Soybean Acreage (MillionAcres) Acres Set-Aside and Acres Set-Aside and Acres Planted 57.8 59.1 Diverted 6.3 4.7 3.5 Diverted 3.2 10.0 3.5 59.1 Acres Harvested 56.5 58.0 Acres Planted 74.2 76.0 79.3 Acres Planted 77.3 69.9 72.3 58.1 Bu.lHarvested Acre 34.1 34.3 37.3 Acres Harvested 67.0 68.8 72.2 Acres Harvested 69.4 58.1 63.1 Bu.lA.Harvested 118.5 108.6 129.3 Bu.lA.Harvested 39.5 34.1 39.0 Stocks (MillionBushels) Beg. Stocks 239 Stocks (MillionBushels) Stocks (MillionBushels) 329 278 Production 1926 Beg. Stocks 1345 1521 1100 Beg. Stocks 536 866 472 1987 2167 Imports 2 Production 7934 7474 9329 Production 2736 1981 2459 3 2 2167 2319 20 3 37 38 50 TotalSupply 2447 Imports 3 Imports Use: Total Supply 9282 9016 10,432 Total Supply 3309 2885 2981 1187 Use: Use: Crushings 1254 1265 Exports 557 Feed 4669 4897 5200 Food 796 785 835 685 740 Seed, Feed and Food/Seed 1367 1434 1485 Seed 90 94 98 Residuals 94 Total Domestic 6036 6331 6685 Feed 489 259 250 102 102 Total Use 1838 2040 Exports 1725 1584 1650 Total Domestic 1375 1137 1183 2107 Ending Stocks 329 Total Use n61 7915 8335 Exports 1068 1275 1300 278 340 Ending Stocks, Ending Stocks 1521 1100 2097 Total Use 2444 2413 2483 Percent of Use 17.9% Ending Stocks Ending Stocks 866 472 498 13.6% 16.1% Percent of Use 19.6% 13.9% 25.2% Ending Stocks Regular Loan Rate $4.50 $5.02 $5.02 Regular Loan Rate $1.57 $1.62 $1.72 Percent of Use 35.4% 19.6% 20.1% Regular Loan Rate $1.95 $2.04 $2.21 U.S.Season Average $5.20- U.S.Season Average $1.85- Farm Price.S/Bu. $5.74 S5.60 $5.60 Farm Price.S/Bu. S2.28 S2.37 $2.25 U.S. Season Average $3.05- Source: USDA &Hilker Source: USDA &Hilker Farm Price. $/Bu. S2.61 S3.00 S3.45 Source: USDA & Hilker Michigan Farm News -- January 15, 1993 B Understanding Taxes and Farm Labor Requirements State Workers' State Unemployment Myron P. Kelsey and Allen Shapley Federal Income Tax Withholding Department of Agricultural Economics Disability Compensation Law Insurance Law Michigan State University Who Must Comply Who Must Comply D You must withhold federal income tax Federal Social Security Law on any worker's wages subject to So- D All employers who regularly employ D Any farmer employing ten or more cial Security tax (FICA). Who Must Comply? three or more employees for 35 hours workers in each of 20 weeks during or more per week for 13 weeks or the current or preceding calendar Background Publications D Any farmer employing labor, includ- longer, during the preceding 52 weeks. year, or having a cash payroll of ing the spouse, but excluding children $20,000 or more in any calendar quar- D IRS Publication 51, "Agricultural under 18 of the employer. A Workers' Compensation Insurance ter of the current or preceding calen- Employer's Tax Guide" (Circular A) policy, by endorsement, may exclude dar year. and possibly IRS Publication 15, What the Employer Must Do coverage for anyone or more named "Employer's Tax Guide" (Circular E) partners, or the spouse, a child or a What the Employer Must Do if Circular A does not have withhold- D For 1993, you must withhold 7.65 per- parent in the employer's family. ing tables. cent on the first $57,600 of each D You must provide unemployment in- employee's cash wages and 1.45 per- A member of a corporation (which surance coverage for your employees. o SS-4, "Application for Employer ID." cent on all additional wages up to has not more than 10 stockholders) The state of Michigan (MESC) is the $135,000. You must pay an equal who is also an officer and stockholder insurance carrier. It is your responsi- D SS-5, "Application for Social Security amount from the farm income. who owns at least 10 percent of the bility to report eligibility. Card." stock may, with the consent of the cor- D If your total annual payroll exceeds poration, elect to be excluded from D You must submit to the state quarterly D W-4, "Employee's Withholding Al- $2,500, you must withhold on all em- the law. a Quarterly Contribution Report lowance Certificate." ployees, except your own children (MESC-I020) and a List of Employ- under 18. What the Employer Must Do ees Report (MESC-I 0 17). D Guide to Social Security for Farmers, Growers and Crew Leaders (Social Se- o If your total annual payroll is $2,500 D You must provide workers' disability What the Worker Must Do curity Administration, SSA Publica- or less, you need not withhold on em- compensation insurance for all em- tion No. 05-10025). ployees who earn less than $150. ployees who come under the law. D To obtain unemployment benefits after being laid off, you must apply at For Additional Information D Starting Jan. 1, 1993, IRS is institut- What the Worker Must Do a local MESC office. To qualify, you The farmer: ing a new system for payroll deposits must have worked at least 20 weeks U.S. Department of Treasury where deposits must be made either D You must report any work-related in- for covered employers during the past Bureau of Internal Revenue "monthly" or "semi-weekly". An jury or illness to the employer or your 52 weeks and made at least $100.50 Southwind Office Park I employer's status will be determined supervisor at the time it happens, if in each of those weeks. You must pro- by IRS and depositers will be notified possible. vide the names and addresses of cov- after the first of the year on when they ered employers for which you worked 921 W. Homes should make deposits. If the employer does not have for the past 52 weeks, plus the periods Lansing, MI 48933 workers' disability compensation in- worked and wages earned. Phone: 1-800-829-1040 The criteria is if you had $50,000 or surance coverage, you may report the or a local Internal Revenue Service office. less in payroll tax liability in the prior injury or illness to the Michigan For Additional Information: year (July 1, 1992-June 30, 1993), you Workers' Disability Compensation Contact the nearest Michigan Employment Bureau to determine eligibility. Security Commission (MESC) office: Em- must make deposits monthly. If pay- State Income Tax Withholding roll exceeded $50,000, deposits will ployer Audit Section for employers, Benefit be semi-monthly. An eligible worker who suffers a Section for workers. -. work-related injury or illness will D Not required until the Legislature up- D Use Federal Tax Deposit Form 511. have all medical costs covered and re- Payment of Wages in Kind dates the Michigan tax law to conform You must prepare a W-2 form show- ceive a wage while disabled. to the 1989 Federal Amendment. ing wages paid and tax withheld for The popular farm press has pushed hard the However, Treasury has made it diffi- each employee by Jan. 31. By Jan. 31, D If your employer must comply with idea of paying employees with farm prod- cult for those who do not comply. you must file Form 943 with IRS, Cin- MSPA law, you may have the right to ucts rather than cash wages to avoid Social cinnati, OH, and by Feb. 29, file copy sue for damages above and beyond Security for both the employer and em- For Michigan Income Tax Withholding A of all W-2's issued plus Form W-3 those paid under this law. ployee. Guide and Application for Registration with the Social Security Administra- (Form C-3400) contact: tion, Wilkes-Barre Data Operations For Additional Information: The fair market value (FMV) ofthe product Michigan Department of Treasury Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18769. Bureau of Workers' Disability transferred is recorded as farm sales for the Treasury Building and Compensation employer and wages in box 10 of the Lansing, MI 48922 What the Worker Must Do Michigan Department of Labor employee's W-2. The FMV is not included Phone: (517) 373-0888 7150 Harris Drive in box 12 which is wages subject to Social D To qualify for regular employment, P.O. Box 30016 Security. every U.S. citizen needs a Social Secu- Lansing, MI 48909 Lucas Fluid Power , rity number/card. The FMV declared on the W-2 is reported in the income of the employee and becomes D To obtain a Social Security card or to Phone: (517) 322-1195 (the farmer) his basis in the product when sold at a gain Hydrostatic Repair Center collect retirement, disability or death (517) 373-3490 (the worker) or loss on Schedule D. The employee at benefits, you must contact a local So- Or a local insurance agent (the farmer). some point must have control and owner- ~ cial Security office. ship of the product. , , : •. *'~ I , ~ Table Egg Market Situation ~ .~"O." ' Complete Repair Facilities underway. The cumulative egg-type chick ter occurring in February. Monthly prices Allan Rahn and Henry Larzelere during the second quarter--Easter Sunday is Exchange Units In Stock hatch through November of 1992 was Authorized Repair Center For: MSU Dept. Ag Econ down 7 percent from the previous year and on April II in I993--are likely to weaken has been lower in every month but May. into the mid 60 cent range early in the Eaton~/Char-Lynn~ Table egg prices in December displayed period, but then seasonally recover and av- their typical seasonal weakness as the end Wholesale table egg prices during the first erage close to 70 cents per dozen over the CALL TODAY (313 525-4570 of the year approached and finished the quarter of the year are expected to average entire quarter. year in a 71-74 cents per dozen trading in the low 70' s, with the lows for the quar- range (New York, Grade A, large white, in cartons, to volume retailers). The price spread from year ago levels, however, wid- ened over the month from 3 to 5 cents under. Feed costs per dozen eggs during Check our prices! December were 1-2 cents lower than a year ago as the lower corn more than offset the slightly higher soybean meal prices. tlBlack Embossed IIClear Embossed IIIRT 76 Green IIPerforated Table egg production continues to exceed year ago levels. The Agricultural Statistics IIPhotodegradable IIAgryl P17,P10, P30, P50 Service estimated that production in No- vember was up 2 percent. The number of Mechanical Transplanter Co. table egg layers on Dec. 1 totaled 237.7 million (I percent more than a year ago) 1150 S. Central Ave. with the number of eggs being produced Holland, MI 49423 per layer also I percent greater than 1991.

MINI WAREHOUSE Phone: 616-396-8738 The 13 percent reduction in the egg-type SALE S11.298 20 x 120 I'IITH 2~ UNITS COMPLETE I'IITH Fax: 616-396-3619 chick hatch in November and 3 percent PARTlTlOtlS 8 X 7 DOORS ArID HARDWARE fewer eggs in incubators on Dec. I indicate that actions to reduce the flock size are still Michigan Farm News

January 15,1993

Recognize Any of These 11 Common Safety Violations on Your Farm? A safety consultant reports that these are this: The job's not done until the shield is 7. Blocked fire extinguishers. the 11 most common hazards he observes back on. To do their job, fire extinguishers must be x when visiting farms in Michigan: unobstructed and in plain sight. Be sure to 4. Unguarded pinch points on ma­ place them where they are quickly and eas­ 1. Poor housekeeping. chinery. ily accessible - and keep them in good Neat, clean, well-maintained farm property Pinch points result when two objects move operating condition. looks better and makes for more pleasant together, with at least one of them moving and efficient working conditions. Even in a circle—common in belt-and-chain 8. Locked or blocked fire exits. more important, good housekeeping re­ drives, feed roles, and gear drives. Most Fire escape exits in buildings must be kept duces the risk of falls, fire, and electrical pinch points are shielded on farm ma­ unlocked and unobstructed for safety. shocks. Help protect yourself by keeping chinery, and the shields must be kept in your property clean and in good repair. place. 9. Storage platforms without guard­ rail and toeboard. From Farm Bureau Insurance 2. Unguarded, unprotected grinders. 5. Lack of rollover protective struc­ Guardrails and toeboards are needed to pre­ To prevent injury from flying particles, a tures (ROPS). vent falls from elevated storage areas. grinder needs shielding for the wheel-and In Michigan, about 40 percent of the agri­ a tool rest. The operator needs safety culture-related deaths each year are the re­ 10. Welding tanks unsecured by glasses, goggles, or a face shield. If the sult of tractor upsets. Safety experts esti­ chain or rope. grinding operation will produce a lot of mate that the use of ROPS on all tractors in If left unsecured, welding tanks can topple, dust, the operator should wear a dust mask the state would reduce tractor deaths here Agricultural or filter respirator. damaging the valve and unleashing im­ by a third. mense destructive power. Census Underway 3. Unshielded PTOs. 6. Unguarded table saws. 11. Unprotected manure pits. 1 he 1992 Census of Agriculture report PTO shields protect against sudden and Table saws need blade guards for safe op­ To guard against a tragic accident, be sure often fatal entanglements-but only if left in form, mailed to more than 2 million agricul­ eration - and operators need proper protec­ your manure pits or lagoons are fenced and tural operations nationwide on Dec. 2, place. Whenever and wherever you per­ tive eyewear. posted with warning signs. form repairs on farm equipment, remember 1992, will once again be measuring the activities of the nation's farmers and ranch­ ers.

The agriculture census has been conducted 23 times since 1840. Excluding 1974 and TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DENTAL CARE COSTS 1978, the census was conducted every 10 years until 1920 and every five years since 1925.

The census is the only source of uniform comprehensive information about agricul­ tural production, inventories, sales and ex­ penditures and other items for each county and state. The data collected will be pub­ lished in state reports for each of the 3,100 counties with agricultural operations.

Gaylord Worden, the Census Bureau's Ag­ riculture Division chief, stressed that the law requiring a census of agriculture also forbids revealing information about indi­ viduals. "We publish only county, state and national statistical totals, and only sworn Census Bureau employees see the com­ pleted forms," Worden explained.

Information reported in the agriculture cen­ sus is used by farm organizations, legisla­ tors, local, state, and federal agencies and universities in a number of ways, including: LJ Farm organizations use agricultural census data to help shape future farm programs and policies.

U Congress uses census data to help de­ sign farm programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.

D Agribusinesses use the data to identify sales territories and to determine the most effective locations for retail out­ lets.

• USDA's Animal and Plant Health In­ Member dental insurance is the affordable way to assure that you and your family spection Service uses the data to plan receive the dental care services you require — even when sudden and costly needs arise. operations during emergency out­ breaks of disease or infestations. Measure the rates against your annual dental care bills and consider the advantage! LJ USDA's Economic Research Service Single $18 per month • Couple $32 per month uses census data to prepare estimates * Member/Child $32 per month • Family $41 per month of farm income, cost of production es­ timates, and to assess patterns or • MICHIGAN trends in resource use and manage­ ft FARM BUREAU ment. TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A BROCHURE/APPLICATION . PLEASE FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW D State and local governments use the OR CALL DIRECT 1-800-292-2680 EXT- 3237. data to analyze and develop policies on land use, water use for irrigation, Please Print rural development, and farmland as­ sessments. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Name Membership Services J Universities use the data in teaching P.O. Box 30960 Address and research on rural trends, adjust­ Lansing, Ml 48909 ments and policies. £&_ State ZIP Completed forms should be mailed back by Phone Feb. 1. 1993, in the postage paid envelopes provided. Those not engaged in agricultural County activities in 1992 who received a report form should return the form noting that fact. MFN Michigan Farm News

II. January 15, 1993 Michigan Farm Stress: Facing The Current Cash Crop Situation Dr. Anne Soderman, Associate What's happened is an acute event that is less workable solutions, and developing Professor, MSU Cooperative Extension affecting some farmers in very negative physical or emotional problems. ways: some are experiencing denial - they by simply looking at our attitudes and be- havior when we're under the gun. Farming in Michigan and across the coun- don't even want to look at the fields ...and So, what to do: One of the first things is to try is evolving rapidly from a largely phys- definitely don't want to talk about it. take a look at how we react. It's mostly By accepting things that are beyond our ical occupation into one that is requiring physical, with intestinal problems, head- more and more mental activity. While it still Some are feeling alone, unable to deal with control and not striking out to blame our- aches, or respiratory problems? Do we tend selves or others, we may actually rid our- requires heavy work ...and long hours, it the situation or experiencing right-out de- toward emotional reactions - develop anx- increasingly involves critical timing, cru- spair, frustration, and anger. Others are selves of much of the unnecessary anger iety or depression ...becoming immobilized and frustration we feel. cial problem solving and constant worry. worrying about what it means in terms of or denying there is a problem until it be- future livestock and dairy feed, and the comes even more unmanageable? Do we The next step is to do some problem solv- Michigan farmers are becoming executors economic pressure is severe. involve other people - by withdrawing of huge sums of money, and many are car- ing. First of all, we need to define the prob- lem and to look objectively and realisti- rying large debt loads. The economic uncer- Those who manage stress will do a more effective job of tainties oftoday's marketplace make farm- cally, broadly, and then specifically at what ing a pretty risky business. Putting that to- dealing with the problem. The opposite is also true... it means. gether with the weather that farmers have We've learned enough about the ways peo- from them or unfairly dumping our anger Step two is to gather facts, information, and experienced this past summer and pIe react to stress to say that it's critical for and frustration on them? opinions. This may take some additional fall ...soggy fields ...wet corn that's difficult farmers to understand what it can do to to market...it' s not only a risky business, it's time and making the effort to contact oth- them physically and mentally ...and that Riding the storm out successfully, no mat- ers. definitely what we call a high-stress occu- they need to look for positive ways of man- ter what the outcome, will call for recog- pation. aging it in the face of these recent events. nizing these feelings and evaluating Step three requires you to search out all whether or not we're making the best use possible ways of solving the problem and Stress is a word we hear often ...and a con- The severity of this situation will be deter- of our resources. These can include any- brainstorm for solutions. More often than dition we've all experienced. There are oc- mined by individual farmers. Those who thing that can help us better deal with what not, it helps to involve other people in this cupations, though, that tend to be more manage stress will do a more effective job we're experiencing - information sources, process. You know the old story - two highly stressful than others, and farming is of dealing with the problem. The opposite financial strategies, friends, spiritual val- heads are better than one. one of them. In fact, it's considered the third is also true. Those who do a less effective ues, and maybe even our own creativity. most stressful occupation. We certainly job of managing stress increase the likeli- Continued on page 12, see have proof of that lately with the Michigan hood of magnifying the problem, finding Sometimes, we're the source of some of our crop situation. own stress and much of it can be removed "Coping With Stress

YOUR MICHIGAN NORTHRUP KING SEED DEALERS City Dealer Phone No. Alicia Can Agra Berger & Co. 517-770-4130 Alma McClintic Farms 517-463-1140 Alto Alto Farm Services 616-868-6030 Ann Arbor Strieter Bros. 313-995-2497 Bancroft Gerald Cole 517-634-5212 Belding Jerry Gallagher 616-761-3243 Birch Run Can Agra Berger & Co. 517-624-9321 Breckenridge B&WCo-Op 517-842-3104 Carson City Harvey Milling Company 517-584-3466 Conklin Arends Farm Service 616-899-2136 Constantine Ron Weston 616-435-8219 Corunna Clyde McLosky 517-743-3633 Dimondale John Oakley 517 -646-0629 DOffDorr Farm Products 616-681-9570 Dowagiac Harold Grabemeyer 616-782-8744 Dowagiac Joe Van Tuyle 616-782-8275 Homer Tri-County Agra Services 517-542-3196 Lake Odessa Mark Erickson 616-374-8538 Litchfield Blondes Farm Supply 517-542-2996 Merrill Can Agra Berger & Co. 517 -643-7293 Middleton M.A.C. 517-236-7263 This superior hybrid can produce top yields. Monroe Calvin Smith 313-269-2710 Exceptional standability means easier harvesting. New Lothrop Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc. 313-638-5868 It has excellent drought tolerance, adapting to New Lothrop Bob Hajek 313-638-5281 a wide range of harvest densities. Adapted to Owosso Anderson Fertilizer Services, Inc. 517-723-5205 reduced tillage to help you get the most from Portland Frank Trierweiler 517-587-6540 every acre. Northrup King N4242. Reading Dick Heffelfinger 517-283-2444 Richmond Farmers Elevator 313-727-3025 Rockford Ron Porter 616-874-8196 N4242 Saginaw Seamon Farms 517-777-2054 Silverwood John Ferkowicz 517-761-7217 Sunfield Mueller Bean Co. 517-566-8031 517-741-3204 Union City David LaBar CPO Vestaburg Can Agra Berger & Co. 517-268-5300 Zeeland Zeeland Farm Services 616-772-9042 NORTHRUP KING Michigan Farm News

January 15, 1993 1m Michigan's New Dairy Super Pool Structure and Operation operation of each pool. The parties partici- ing plants which can Mall)' questiolls surroulld the new super pool's pating in the first pool are listed to the left assure that the fluid and structure and operatioll. MMPA General Man- of the circle entitled "Pool A." manufacturing market ager Walt Wosje offers this explanation. ill a needs are met. eanFoods reprim of an article appearing in the Jallaur)' The Class I premium is projected to be lansing Dairy Quality Dairy Michigan Milk Messenger. $I/cwt. and the premium on Class II is The balance of the ~ Class I premium and Dean Foods expected to be $.40/cwt. Each party will be lansing Dairy With a recent formal signing at the Michi- obligated to pay into the pool at these rates the entire Class II pre- Quality Dairy gan Farm Bureau Center, Michigan's new on all their Class I and Class II sales. mium will be totaled MMPA Super Pool was put into action. This capped and divided by all milk ICMPA an 8-month effort by the state's dairy indus- Twenty cents of the Class I premium will production, with the NFO try to reach an agreement that would satisfy be credited directly to each non co-op exception of milk that's all involved, and share the premiums on member on their Class I sales, and will not used in hard cheese milk sold for Class I sales (liquid use) with be pooled with the cooperatives. production. all producers in Michigan. Ten cents of the Class I premium dollar will The blend premium There was not much dispute in arriving at be directed to a sub-pool called a "Market from Pool A will be the amount of the premium on Class I and Balancing Fund. " The funds in this account credited to each non co- Class II milk, according to Michigan Milk will be distributed each month to the Inde- op plant based on their Producers Association General Manager pendent Cooperati ve Milk Producers Asso- producer milk receipts. Walt Wosje. However, the method of divid- ciation (lCMPA) and the Michigan Milk The balance of the ing the pool funds to each participant was a Producers Association (MMPA). funds in Pool A will be major area of discussion and negotiation. directed to Pool B, in The purpose of this fund is to partially which only the cooper- The final solution to distributing super pool offset the extra cost of balancing the fluid atives participate. funds involved the creation of two major market and handling milk that is in excess MPA of what the fluid market needs. ICMPA and An additional contribu- ICMPA pools and a small sub pool. The diagram ~ FO gives visual description of the structure and MMPA owned plants are the only balanc- tion of$.05/cwt. will be

made into Pool B, on milk used to produce hard cheese in a co-op owned plant. Another $.15/cwt. will be contributed on Class III sales to other processing plants not owned by cooperatives.

Can Our Annuity Each cooperative will be credited with $.IO/cwt. on the volume of milk sold for Class I use. The balance of Class I, Class II, and Class III premiums will be totaled and divided by total milk, including milk used Save Your for cheese, and a blend premium computed and paid to each cooperative on all milk handled.

The reacti vation of the Super Pool wi II help to offset the declining M-W price. The total Retirement? blend price received by dairy produGers will decline over the next few months, but the drop won't be as severe, with the super pool In his autobiograph)T, Groucho Marx premiums. It's expected that the new super pool will generate in excess of $20 million tells how an annuity helped him at a crucial on an annual basis to be spread over all the milk marketed under the Federal Order 40 point in his career. The annuit)T,he said, Market. gave him such a feeling of security that he was able to pursue his career with a lighter heart and more confidence. YOU Michigan Beef An annuity from FB Annuity Company Producers Sought for may not save your career, but it can save MSU's M-IRM Program your retirement. Our IRA annuity A l,?w-~ost management system developed guarantees you a lifetime retirement at MIchIgan State University should mean more profit for Michigan's beef producers. income - a check every month for as long The Michigan Integrated Resource Manage- BET ment (M-IRM) program will enable beef as you live. producers to analyze the strengths and Consider the tax savings, too. You may weaknesses of their beef operations. qualify to deduct up to $2,000 in deposits M-IRM, patterned after similar programs in other states, was developed in the MSU de- each year from your federal income tax. partments of Animal Science and Agricul- tural Economics. Ben Bartlett MSU Exten- And your interest earnings are tax deferred, sion livestock agent in the Upper Peninsula. protected from taxes until you take your YOUR ~nd Harlan Ri~chie, Ext~nsion beef special- Ist at MSU wIll be servmg as coorcindtors money out. for the program.

An IRA from FB Annuity Company "This is an UI~complicated, user-friendly program that wIll enable producers to track currently earns the production and profitability of their busi- II ness from year to year," Bartlett explained liFE "It will also enable a producer to compar~ how they're doing with other producers 6.40% ~cross the state and, more than likely, obtain Effective Annual Yield Ideas for herd management." And guaranteed to never fall below 4% The program, designed to help producers take some of the guesswork out of herd You can't replace the secure feeling of an IRA. II: performance, will cost $25 per year to cover the cost of ~orksheets, data analysis and Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. ~upport servIces from MSU Extension, and FARM BUREAU ISop~n for en~ollment only during January. The mformatl?n provided by producers in MAKING YOUR FUTURE INSURANCE the program wIll be held in strict confidence. FARM BUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE MORE PREDICTABLE FARM BUREAU GENERAL • FB ANNUITY Continued on page 11 See "MSU M-IRM Program" •

Michigan Farm News -. January 15, 1993 New County Farm Bureau Presidents Attend Conference IIIUSDA Develops Proposed Office Closure List

USDA is considering closing or merging Another 12 of Michigan's 67 SCS offices as many as 1,200 field offices, according to are considered vulnerable with nine slated a list of proposed closures released to Con- for closure. Those 9 counties proposed for gress, Jan. 8, by USDA Secretary Madigan. closing include: According to Michigan ASCS State Direc- Antrim Cheboygan tor, David Conklin, the proposed closures Dickinson Houghton are an attempt to improve service and, at the Iron Leelanau same time, reduce operating costs. Ogemaw Schoolcraft Wexford The list, compiled jointly by USDA and the White House's Office of Management and Plans are still very preliminary, and pro- Budget, will receive further review and posed closings could take as long as five study by the state ASCS director and com- years to actually occur, since most will be mittees. scheduled as building leases expire and/or retirements take place. "What they've done in Washington, D.C. is Sixteen newly elected county Farm Bureau presidents were at tfle Michigan Farm Bureau say 'we've got to consolidate our offices to Conklin did say that efforts are already Center for a two-day conference recently, honing their leadership skills as they assume the cut expenses without sacrificing services to underway to close the Kalkaska ASCS of- presidency of their respective counties. Program topics included: Running Effective Meet- the farmer clientele'," explained Conklin. fice and combine with the Grand Traverse ings; Organizational Structure and Operation; Board Member Responsibilities; County Farm "During this whole process, Secretary Mad- office as part of personnel retirement and Bureau Finance; Membership Benefits, and a tour of the MFB Center. New county Farm igan has always maintained that the pro- an office consolidation plan. Offices for Bureau Presidents pictured include: Front Row (left - right) Chuck Burkett, MFB Administra- ducer is the number one concern. We feel Emmet and Charlevoix Counties will be tive Director; Jack Jeppesen, Montcalm; Dan Wenger, Barry; Sherri Geib, Hillsdale; Gary we can provide better service out of one consolidated with offices headquartered Wilcox, Ingham; Don Terwillegar, Midland; John VanderMolen, MFB Field Operations office than we can out of two." out of Charlevoix. An SCS sub-office in Division Director. Second Row (left - right), Marvin Rubingh, Antrim; Mark Vollmar, Tuscola; Roscommon is also slated for closure in a Scott Bontekoe, Livingston; Neil Strong, Isabella; David Armbruster, Huron. Back Row (left All USDA offices were scored on the basis consolidation move to the Lake City office. to right) Tony Raney, Oakland; Larry Gingrich, Osceola; Dennis Heffron, Kent; Ralph Brock, of overhead costs, number of farmers eeL. Menominee. Missing from photo, Duane Dysinger, Shiawassee County. served, and the size of the region served. Agencies with offices at stake include the Soil Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration, and the Agricultural Stabi- lization Conservation Service. Panal11a Canal Cruise Georgeto1Nn H0l118 Tour February 6-16,1993 <. ~ril 23-26, 1993 The 1,200 offices at stake were chosen from Nothing can compare with the majesty of the Panama Join us for the weekend as we stroll the historic an estimated 11,000 total field offices. The Canal. Join us on our lO-day cruise on the Royal neighborhoods of Georgetown and visit several homes General Accounting Office estimates that Princess and watch this 45,000 ton ship as it is r8ised and experience the beauty and grandeur of these stately consolidation could save an estimated $90 million of the USDA's $62 billion budget. and lowered 85 feet using no other power than the force mansions. Spectacular decorating and colorful gar- of gravity. ITna~ne cruising to one sun~encheaport dens await us on each walking tour, to be followed by According to the USDA, 23 of the 1,200 after another. Acapulco for the cliff divers. C~na tea and cookies. Our package includes roWldtrip field offices are located in Michigan. An- for South America. St. Maarten for Webeaches. Costa airfare, transfers, accommodations at the beautiful other 34 federal farm offices in Michigan are considered "high risk." Rica for the scenery. San Juan for the ~ry. and European styled Georgetown Inn, 7 meals, a city tour of Washington, D.C., and a visit to the National The department listed 22 of Michigan's 65 Our cruise package includes a 200/0 discount on all Gallery. Members: $674. Non-members: $694. ASCS offices as vulnerable and recom- cabins, all meals and entertaimnent, air. traJis~rtation; mended that 14 of them be closed. Those 14 counties proposed for closure include: group cocktail party, bOttleof cham~e, 8nd pr:epaid shipboard gratuities. Cabins ~ as low as'.$2,322. Alger Antrim the Clare Dickinson Emmet Kalkaska FARM BUREAU Leelanau Mackinac Manistee Muskegon AustraliiflNe\ftl. Z.I~nd · Oakland Oceana TRAVEL SERIES Roscommon Wexford March 2-22, ~993 . Fann~Bureau members are welcome to jom our.tour to the "nand Down Under," where it WiJI be late swnmer, "MSU M-IRM Program" ins.tead*of wiider, when we get Were. Our 21-day J!'!>'r""'1 l. ~. • continued from page 10 Mckage to Australili ana bodi the North-South isl8nds Scandinavian Capitels or' New.Ualmid is htghUghted by visits to the Great and Russian Grandeur "In the past, producers may have adopted a new management practice, but never really Barrier Reef & Cainis, Sydney and the Sydney Opera .June 15-29, 1993 knew if a change in their operation's prof- House, Melbourne, Christchurch, Ml. Cook National Our 13-day cruise upon the new luxurious Crown itability was the result of an improved mar- Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound Rotorura, and Odyssey is highlighted by visits to six great European ket, or the result of the changed practice," Auckland. Our flight to Australia will include an capitals - Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Bartlett said. "Now producers have a sys- will Amsterdam, and London, plus St. Petersburg, Russia. tem available capable of tracking what is overnight stop in HOllolulu and we stop in Figi for actually occurring on their farm." 3 days upon our return to the United States. Our Farm Bureau travelers also have the opportunity for a one-night land excursion to Moscow. The M-IRM program is comparable to the Our tour package includes rOWldtrip air transporta- National Cattlemen's Association Stan- tion, deluxe motorcoach transportation, all transfers, Our cruise includes airfare, transfers, all meals and dardized Performance Analysis (SPA) pro- gram, but it's easier to fill out and empha- deluxe and first class hotel accoDlDlodations, full entertainment, cocktail party, bottle of wine, as well as sizes feed production. sightseeing, 28 meals and a professional guide through- prepaid gratuities to cruise staff. An optional two-night out the tour. Experience the "Land Down Under" plus "London Showtime" package before or after the cruise "Preliminary results from four test M-IRM Hawaii and Figi all for $4,999 per person. is also available. Cabins begin at $4,036 per person. herds showed that calf weaning weights were similar, but feed costs varied by 100 percent," Bartlett said. "Because we have long winter feeding periods, taking a good look at feed production and consumption is Brochure Request Form a major portion of this program." Please send, without obligation, the detailed information for the tours indicated below Bartlett says that he'd like to see all of o o o o o o o o Michigan's beef cattle herds enrolled in the Panama Australia Georgetown Scandinavian England, Ireland European Heritage Copenhagen Plus program, regardless of size. "M-IRM is as Canal Cruise New Zealand Home Tour Capitals & Scotland & Wales Adventure Tour of America much for the person who has a few hobby Russian Grandeur cows as it is for the producer who has 100 to 300 cows," he said. "We think M-IRM (Please Print) (Please Mail to) can help almost any herd toward improved profitability. " Name Member Trllt'el Services P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, Ml 48909 More information about the M-IRM r or call program enrollment and subsequent re- 1-800-292-2680 gional training session can be obtained ext. 3067 by calling Bartlett at (906) 228-4830 or Ritchie at (517) 355-8409. , Michigan Farm News

January 15, 1993

Short on Hay This Winter? Consider Replacing it With Corn in Your Ration! It's not an easy task, but Steve Loerch is example, alfalfahay would have to sellfor supplement, and two pounds of hay to main- "Coping With Stress," trying to convince beef producers they can a ridiculously low $40 per ton to justify tain the function of the cows rumen. learn something from the way hogs are fed. feeding hay, Loerch explains. continued from page 9 The heifers grew at an acceptable rate over Step four involves identifying the conse- His goal is replacing most of cows' winter Loerch's research at the Coshocton branch the winter and there was no negative effect quences. We need to take the most promis- hay diet with a limited amount of com. The of Ohio State's Ohio Agricultural Research on their conception, rates. This winter ing solutions we can come up with and Ohio State University animal scientist says and Development Center showed that feed- Loerch has adjusted the his feeding program identify what would happen with each one it'san idea that makes sense economically, ing replacement heifers a limited corn diet to meet the nutritionalrequirements of older of them ifwe moved in thatdirection to deal and nutritionally. will filltheir daily nutritional needs for 68 brood cows. with the problem. What are the pros and cents per day when corn is$2.40 per bushel. cons of each solution? Can we Iive with that "We're talking about following the swine Even by feeding a littlemore corn, the cost particular solution? model of limit-feeding breeding animals," Meeting the same needs with hay costs of maintaining a cow's weight, body condi- Loerch says. "It'ssomething we've ignored $1.03 per day when hay was $80 per ton. tion and reproductive abilityshould be con- Step 5 isto decide which solution gives the in the cattlebusiness because com was sup- With com costs down and hay prices the siderably less on the corn diet than on an results we need or want. ..which gives re- posed to be 'too good' for cows. We were same or higher, the cost difference iseven alfalfa diet,he says. sultsothers need or want. Which solution is worried it would cost too much to feed greater. most acceptable to ourself and others who cattle com and that they would lay on fat." The underlying goal for the profit-strapped also have some investment in the problem. In the past, hay was considered a cheap feed cattle industry is improving efficiency. But with the price of com expected to aver- because itwas grown on the farm. But with Loerch says producers have to maximize Finally, step 6 isto ACT!!! We need to start age just over $2 per bushel in 1993 - about corn prices so low, it'soften profitable to feeding efficiency by using the cheapest trying out the solution, with a definite, 50 percent less than hay per unit of energy sell most of the home-grown hay and buy sources of feed possible. planned procedure, timeline, and desig- - itmakes a lot of sense to feed itto cows corn, Loerch says. The trickisbalancing the nated person who's going to take responsi- and heifers. With com at $2 per bushel, for diet to make sure the cow gets enough feed He and other Ohio State University beef bility.We need to evaluate the plan as it to meet her nutritional needs without over- specialists are working on grazing pro- unfolds without second-guessing our- eating. grams thatuse grass or other forages to limit selves. Remember, more problems are un- the amount of time cattlemust receive sup- solved by no decision than by wrong deci- Central Michigan Loerch says the big difference with a high- plemental feed over winter months. When sions. com diet isthat cows often act like they're the forages run out, the cattleget a corn diet, __ .Tractor Parts stillhungry. And that will take some getting or the cheapest nutritional equivalent. In all of these decision-making steps, the used to for theirowners. Just because a cow __ Parts for tractors and local MSU's CES can be helpful. State and wants to eat doesn't mean itneeds to, ac- Similar feeding programs will also work for local agents are-..working very hard cur- self-propelled cording to Loerch. The key is keeping the sheep and dairy cattle,he says. In fact,some ==f--= combines rently to develop information and strategies =' ~ animal healthy and that means a balanced of Loerch' s research on feeding cattle is for helping farmers with this situation. We buy salvage diet. being done with sheep, because their gesta- :, =. daily, wrecked and tion period isshorter and he can get concep- The current crisisbeing faced by Michigan :.. '-E burned "This diet gives the cow the same amount tion and offspring data faster. farmers isnot an easy one. While we recog- =-1 - Bob Baumgras of calories as they might get from free- nize that farming isa way of lifethat brings 2713 North U.S .. 27 choice feeding of hay or com silage," he And there's an important side benefit to on unique stressors,we don't have to letthe S1. Johns, MI 48879 says. "The difference is that they don't eat feeding com instead of hay, Loerch says. negative aspects of poorly managed stress .. as much and the cost is less." Because com ismuch more digestible than add to the insult of a bad crop situation this (517) 224-6802 hay, feeding itmeans a substantial reduc- fall.Taking stress management seriously Loerch fed replacement heifers to gain 1.75 tion in manure output. That's a plus for 1-800-248-9263 (U.s. & eND) can help us deal with both the problem and pounds per day over the winter. The daily producers in these days of concern about the strain...putting us in much better shape diet consisted of 10 pounds of com, some manure disposal and water pollution fra'In to recover and go on. manure, he concluded. Your Michigan CARGILL Dealers DAIRY VERSION EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1992 Ann Briggs rerrltory Manager Jones Paul Conkright (616) 435-7124 WIlliamston 517-349-6969 Jones Reggie Olson (616) 244-8123 Ann Arbor A&K Seeds (313) 662-8993 Lawton Walter Mroczek (616) 423-8402 Brown ...... City Robert Howland (313) 688-2703 CORN SILAGE Mendon Rex Crotser (616) 496-7204 Capac Blumerich Farms (313) 395-4517 Paw Paw Bill Mihelich (616) 657-4351 Croswell ... Croswell Milling Co. (313) 679-3400 Quincy Don Bercaw (517) 278-2851 Menu Dexter Dexter Mill (313) 426-4621 Quincy .Jack Knirk (517) 659-4611 Leslie Dale Swiler (517) 589-8821 FOR MICHIGAN Ravenna John Bonthuis (616) 853-6167 Marlette Dale R. Wood (517) 635-3280 Sturgis Lowayne Yoder (616) 651-2111 Milan Studnicka Bros. (313) 451-8326 {ENERGY) MATURITY GRAIN YIELD FORAGE YIELD /INTAKE/ Constantine Glen E. Miller (616) 435-7774 :Ii Monroe Clyde Opferman (313) 269-2154 0/0 IN VITROWP "IoDM I ' DAY RANGE HYBRID AT 15.5"10 711% TONNAGE CRUDE DM IN VITRO FIBER Keith Clark :r.ezritory Manager MOISTURE MOISTURE PROTEIN NFC DIGESTIBILITY NDF DIGESTIBILITY I North Adams. D. Black's Equip. (517) 287-5704 Rockford (616) 866-1309 809 8 5 6 9 9 8 9 65 Okemos Cook Farms (517) 349-9502 Ashley Rick Beracy (517) 847-3591 5 60 Very Early 2127 7 5 8 9 7 8 Osseo SChmidt Farms (517) 567-8525 Bay City .. Helmreich Crop Servo (517) 684-9449 aD-90 2927 8 9 9 4 7 5 9 67 Parma Lauren Milligan (517) 531-4024 Buckley Frank Lipinski (616) 269-4040 ...... or (517) 531-4757 208280 8 8 1 8 7 8 7 51 Cedar Springs ...... Vernon Starr (616) 696-1858 Reading ..Reading Feed & Grain (517) 283-2156 3427 8 7 9 7 8 5 6 54 Fremont.. Ken Stroven (616) 924-3758 Saline Tom Hammond (313) 429-2836 5 9 44 Early 3477 2 8 8 7 5 Hale Dennis Nelkie (517) 728-3012 95.100 Saline .... IAD Finkbeiner Farms (313) 429-9777 3637 6 6 9 6 8 7 8 63 McBain ...... McBain Grain Co. (616) 825-2172 Stockbridge ...... Neal Conway (517) 565-3062 4137 7 5 6 9 9 6 7 57 McBain Quist Farms (616) 825-2614 Tecumseh Steven Bishop (517) 423-8186 4327 9 6 5 7 9 6 9 68 Merrill Donald Slodowski (517) 642-8406 Williamston John Hoskins (517) 655-1692 5327 8 5 8 9 8 9 60 Mt. Pleasant Tom Fox (517) 644-5127 Medium 9 Bob Morse Terrltory Manager 105-112 SX269 7 7 5 6 4 5 4 33 Kalamazoo (517) 373-5495 New Era Dan Lombard (616) 861-4430

6227 8 7 7 6 9 6 9 66 Albion Charles Frederick (517) 629-5083 Newaygo Bud Beeler (616) 652-7264 Bangor Greg Piper (616) 427-8804 Ovid Robert Wilcox (517) 834-2387 7697 8 9 2 9 8 9 6 46 Centreville Hillcrest Farms (616) 467-7805 Paris Dick Ford (616) 796-7939 7877 9 9 7 58 Med.Late 9 8 9 9 115-120 Ceresco William Densham (616) 979-3274 Pentwater Merton Cummins (616) 869-5246 8027 7 7 6 7 8 7 9 63 Charlotte Charles Bingham (517) 543-0807 Perrinton Gary Mininger (517) 236-5186 8127 7 6 9 8 9 8 7 57 Coldwater Ross & Rick Byers (517) 278-8690 Pewamo Larry Simon (517) 587-6968 Coopersville Langeland Farms (616) 857-8951 Posen Hardies & Sons (517) 379-3053 University conducted research supported by Cargill has built the data base for the Dowagiac Edward Guse (616) 782-7065 Saginaw Rodney Romain (517) 781-2744 RATING SCALE whole plant quality portion of this menu. Ouality profiles were developed by the use of In Vitro Rumen Fermentation technology. In Vitro True Digestibility was used to East Leroy Fuller Farms (616) 729-4443 Saranac David Walter (616) 642-9509 9 -8 Outstanding measure whole plant energy. In Vitro Cell Wall Digestibilitywas used to measure fiber 7 -6 Above Average digestibilityand correlated to dry matter Intake. 5 Average Fennville Clois Ray McCarty (616) 561-2369 Shepard Howard/Elmer Feltman (517) 828-6008 4 .3 BelowAverage 2 -1 Substandard Gobles John Schaendorf (616) 676-5288 Sheridan Richard Thibideau (517) 291-5745 Hastings Crest Hill Dairy (616) 367-4451 S1. Johns Rhonda Gingrich (517) 224-4606 Holland Don Boersen (616) 875-8076 Standish Standish Milling Co. (517) 846-6911 o CARGILL HYBRID SEEDS Holton Bob Bean (616) 821-0159 West Branch Jerry Lehman (517) 345-3906 Homer Dwight BueJJ (517) 568-3736

( Michigan Farm News

II. January 15, 1993

Current Forage Supplies and Markets in Michigan

Survey compiled by Jerry Lindquist, Michigan Hay Directory Casey Glass. (313) 266-5043. Byron. 200 Omega Farms, (517) 468-3366, County Extension Director, Osceola ton. grass and alfalfa hay. first and second Williamston. MI. 50G pound round bales. County The following producers have hay avail- cutting, 50 Ibs./bale. Also has straw for sale. alfalfa/grass mix. large quantity available. able for sale in the state of Michigan. This Trucking is available. can do extra trucking Stored inside. No trucking available. Because of the great disparities in forage list was compiled by the Michigan Hay and too. Best time to call is late evenings. supplies across the state of Michigan, the Forage Council, MSU Extension Service Mike Pattullo, (517) 673-6834 Caro. MI. Michigan Hay and Forage Council, in coop- and Michigan Farm News. This hay has not Perry J. Haag, (517) 536-4404. Brooklyn. Square bales. alfalfa. second and third cut- eration with the MSU Extension Service, been inspected for quality nor quantity and 1,500-2.000 square bales, alfalfa. second ting. 65 Ibs./bale. 50 ton for sale. Will be conducted a forage supply survey in late thus no guarantee is assumed. To add or cutting (40 Ibs./bale). It has been tested. tested. Trucking is available. Best time to October of 1992. Sixteen county Extension delete hay, please call (616) 832-6139. Price is $2.50/bale. Best time to call is in the I call is after 5 p.m. agents and Michigan hay brokers were sur- morning 8 a.m. - 12 noon. veyed. Below are the compiled results of the Charles Anderson, (517) 644-3254, Mt. Fred Schell has, (517) 652-2326. Vassar. survey. Pleasant. All kinds and types (round and Gary Jahn, (313) 679-4835. Croswell. The MI. 700 square bales. second cutting alfalfa. square bales). Large quantity available. type of hay is alfalfa and alfalfa/orchard 45 Ibs./bale. 550 square bales, third CUlling Southeast Michigan. Cool spring weather, Some is tested. Trucking is available and grass. 4.000 square bales, first cutting, 50 alfalfa, 45 Ibs./bale. Hay has not been wet late summer and fall, hay yields were can be sold delivered. Best time to call is Ibs./bale. 2,500 square bales, second cut- tested. Trucking is not available. 90-105 percent of normal, much of third evenings. ting, 50 Ibs./bale. 1,000 square bales, third cutting was rained upon reducing quality; cutting, 50 Ibs./bale. 100 round bales. first Frank Sedler, (5 I7) 68 I-280 I. 51. Louis. good quality alfalfa selling at $105-115/ James Clare, (313) 854-2410, Temper- cutting, 950 Ibs./bale. 40 round bales, sec- MI. 2.000 square bales, alfalfa. second cut- ton, average hay at $75-90/ton; corn silage ance. 400 round bales, alfalfa, third cutting ond cutting, 950 Ibs./bale. Trucking is ting. 55 Ibs./bale. Asking $ I la/ton. Will yields about normal, silage selling for $18- balage, 1200-1800 Ibs./bale. Hay has been available. Best time to call is between 7 deliver for $2 per mile. 25/ton. tested; 22-24 percent protein. Trucking is p.m. and 9 p.m. not available, but can refer. Asking price - Karl Yoder, (517) 866-2348. Blanchard. Southwest Michigan. Cool spring and $95/ton on a wet basis. Best time to call is James Keegan, (313) 384-6620, Emmett. MI. 5,000 square bales, first cutting. alfalfa summer, wet fall, hay supply about normal evenings - answering service. 10,000 square bales, first cutting, 50-60 and touch of grass. 4.000 square bales. sec- with first cutting yield less, but second and Ibs./bale. 5,000 square bales, second cut- ond cutting, alfalfa and touch of grass. 2.000 third cuttings making up the difference, Steven P. Collins, (616) 695-2524, ting, 50-60 Ibs./bale. Type of hay is alfalfa square bales, third cutting. alfalfa and touch good alfalfa $80-100/ton, average hay Buchanon. 100 round bales, 1,000 and alfalfa mix for beef or dairy. Hay has of grass. 200 round bales. alfalfa and touch $65/ton, some demand for good quality al- Ibs./bale., 2,500 square bales, alfalfa and not been tested. Trucking is available. of grass. Average weight of square bales is falfa out of Wisconsin bringing higher grass, second cutting, 55-60 Ibs./bale. Best 60-80 Ibs./bale. Early cut. top quality. prices; corn silage yields about normal, si- time to call is between I p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Floyd Koerner, Jr., (517) 651-5540, stored inside. Trucking is available (700 lage prices $15-18/ton. Laingsburg. 500 round bales, first cutting, bale loads.) B.L. Cousino, Inc., (313) 848-6825, Erie. alfalfa/brome, 1,000-1,200 Ibs./bale. Central Michigan. Dry, cool spring re- 1,000 ton second cutting alfalfa, some wire, Trucking may be available. The best time Shawn C. Young, (10/22/92) (517) 428- duced first cutting yields, second-fourth some twine, 13-15 percent protein, $80- to call is in the evening or before 7 a.m. 4980, Port Hope. 1,000 square bales. first cuttings received some rain lowering qual- IOO/lOnplus freight. 1,000 ton heavy alfalfa cutting, alfalfa, 45-50 Ibs./bale. 1.000 ity, hay supply ranges 80-90 percent of nor- mix 10-15 percent protein, wire and twine, Natt Laboda, (313) 395-2321, Gale. Ap- square bales, second cutting, alfalfa. 45-50 mal, good quality alfalfa selling from $75- $75-100/ton plus freight. 500 ton mixed proximately 1,500 square bales, al- Ibs./bale. Trucking is not available. 85/ton, average hay $50-70/ton; corn silage hay, alfalfa/Timothy/brome, $80-100 ton falfalbrome, first and second cutting, 50-55 yields and supply were about normal across plus freight. 500 ton Timothy, $75/ton plus Ibs./bale. Best time to call is either 6-7 a.m. Trucking: Peter Merklinger. (616) 832- the region with prices averaging around freight. 2,000 ton feeding hay - mix of or after 7 p.m. 9484, Reed City. Can haul round and square $18/ton. Timothy and native grasses, $70/ton plus bales. freight. 100 ton clover, light straw, $70/ton Lewis A. Litwin, (313) 428-0017, Man- Northwest Michigan. Cool, dry spring was Rlus freight. chester. 9,000 square bales, alfalfa, second Taylor followed by a dry, cool summer, total hay cutting, 45 Ibs./bale. Trucking is available. supply is 50-65 percent of normal, good Ford Farms, (517) 683-220 I, Kingston, Asking price $2.25/bale. Best time to call is WATER STOVE quality alfalfa selling for $80-1 OO/ton,aver- MI. 200 square bales, first cutting, alfalfa. evenings, answering machine is available This is the safest. most effi- age quality hay $60-75/ton; corn silage cient wood heat system on 250 square bales, second cutting, alfalfa. during the day. the market today. yields down by 10-20 percent; however, 800 square bales, third cutting, alfalfa. Hay .• Set Outside because shelled corn didn't mature, more has not been tested, but can be. Trucking is Greg Mahoney, (517) 865-6045, St. ~ .• Non-Pressurized corn was chopped and corn silage supply is available. Best time to call is on weekends Charles. 200 round bales, alfalfa, first, sec- .'~ -. Provide 100% of house- up 125 percent of normal, corn silage prices or in the morning or evening. ond, and third cutting, 750 Ibs./bale. Hay hold heat and hot water $11-14/ton . has not been tested, but can be. Trucking is • Stainless Steel Elimi- Larry Gallaway, (313) 878-3568, Howell, available. Best time to call is after 7 p.m. nates Corrosion Northeast Michigan. Cool, dry spring and • UL Usted MI. 6,500 square bales, first cutting, 65 • Thermostatic Control summer, hay yields vary greatly, hay yields Ibs./bale. 1,200 square bales, second cut- John B. Novak, (906) 988-2516, Ewen. T&T Sales . 12 to 24 hr. Burn lime were 55-70 percent of normal, total hay ting, 65 Ibs./bale. Trucking is available. 3,000 square bales, first crop hay, Birdsfoot supply 75 percent of normal, good quality Trefoil, first crop hay, about 50 Ibs./bale. 2428 W. Saganing Road - Bentley, MI 48613 alfalfa hay selling for $75-1 OO/ton, average Raymond Gettel, (517) 867-4448, Twin- Hay has not been tested. Trucking is not (51 7) 846-01 00 Day or Evenings hay selling for $50-75/ton; corn silage ing, MI. Alfalfa hay, 50 Ibs./bale. Best time available. Asking price is $1.50/bale. Best yields 80-90 percent of normal, because of to call is after 8 p.m. time to call is between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. late maturing corn, most com was chopped for silage and the com silage supply is 110 percent to 130 percent of normal, com si- lage prices ranging from $12-18/ton. Save Up To50% On Home Heating Cost SEA,L DISCOUNTAVAILABLENOW Upper Peninsula. Poor growing season, deer crop damage was up, hay yields were And never have to buy fuel- 50-70 percent of normal, hay supply is 70- 75 percent of normal, no price quotes were wood, oil, gas, kerosene- received from the U.P.; corn silage yields in ever again. Your benefits with Hydro-Sil Menominee County were 90 percent of nor- • SloshHeatingCost- Upto 50% mal, but total corn silage supply was 120 Hydro-Sil is a unique zone heating • LifetimeWarranty. no servicecalls percent of normal. system that can save you hundreds • Safefor children& furniture of dollars in home heating costs. • Clean - no fumes- no smoke It can replace your electric heat. oil • U.L.Listed or gas furnace. Your kerosene heat- • Preassembled- ready to use LIFETIME WARRANTY ers and woodstoves. • No furnaces- ducts - chimney ORDER TODAY AND SAVE. TWO MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM Hydro-Silheating works like this:inside • Portable(llOV) orpermanent(220V) PORTABLE 110 VOLT- PERMANENT 220 VOLT the heater case is a sealed copper • WholeHouseHeatingorSingleRoom WIRELESS DRIVEWAY tube filled with a harmless silicone • Roomby RoomControl 220Volt Approx. Area our Discoun Quantity fluid that will never spill. leak, boil or Permanent ToHeat Price Please read what others are saying about Hy- ALARMS freeze. It's permanent. You'll never 6' 1500watts 250s . ft. 5219 dro-Sil and how it helps them Let's you know any time runout. Running through the liquid isa 5 1250watts 200s . ft 5199 hydroelectric element that, when • Bill M.• Professional Engineer: .1 saved hun- 4 lCXXlwatts 175s . ft. 5179 someone walks or drives into dreds of dollars on the installation cost com- the thermostat is turned on. quickly 3750watts 150s ft. 5169 pared to heat pump prices. plus I cut my fuel your place! warms the liquid. The silicone liquid 2 500watts 100s . ft. 5149 with its heat retention qualities con- costs by one-half: 8 2CXXlwatts 300s . ft 5239 tinues to heat after the Hydro ele- • Grant M., Accountant: .We replaced our oil • Easy Installation ment shuts off. savinQ vou monev furnace in our office building. and in the first vear Hydro-SilPortable Heaters(110Voll) Call or write for free brochures. The heat radiating from the tube is we saved 52 700 in oil and heating costs. Thiswas 6 1500watts 250s . ft 5189 directed into a gentle convection a 51% saving. plus we have no maintenance 4 lCXXlwatts 175sq ft 5179 Paxton Enterprises flow that delivers worm. comfortable costs,. 3 750watts 150sq. ft 5169 heat into the room. It'sjustthat simple. • Bob & Nancy B.: .With the Hydro-Sil heaters. we 4 Dual Watt 7f:IJ-15OOW 5199 48E 600N Theprinciple isthe some as hot water saved 5 1,119 in heating costs the first year. There S.C & N.C odd salestax s heating and provides the some com- is no maintenance to worry about and ~ 51500 shipping per heater s Fortville, IN 46040 fortable benefits. zone eveN room seoaratelv for our comfort and TotalAmount S Phone or FAX convenience .•

800-872-9866 or 317-326-2838 HYDRO-SIL NAME Order by Phone or Mail, Credit Card or Check • MasterCard-VISA PO BOX 662 ADDRESS

CREDIT ORDERS ACCT • I:xp Date -- OR MAIL TO FT. MILL, SC 29715 1-800-627-9276 PHCJNE

• Michigan Farm News _ •• January 15, 1993 - Michigan Farm News Classifieds - ,------, 1~.lltIII1i81111i1 .'111 J.D. 6 ROW, row crop cultiva- QUAUTY ANGUS BREED- FOR MORE INFORMA 1l0N tor, rolling shields, vibrating ING STOCK Performance about Northrup King Products shanks. Used very little, tested, Bulls semen tested. or dealerships where avail- stored inside, mint, $1000 Free de liveI}' . Also Border able, please call the WINTER SPECIAL firm. 313-727-1060 evenings. Collie Stock Dogs. Call today. Northrup King District BORDNER ANGUS FARMS Sales Manager nearest you: UNCOLH WELDERS, weld- Sturgis, MI 616-651-8353. Dave Smith, Shepard ing supplies and Harris 517-828-6127. Cutting Torches available at Buy 2 Issues PRODUC1lON SALE Janu- Steve Leipprandt, Kentwood mone}f-saving discounts to ary 23rd, 12:00. Selling 80 616-956-7136 Farm Bureau members. The bred gilts, 40 open, 20 Boars. savings are even greater Broadview Farms 4100 Mark Klett, Howell Get 3rd Issue during the -Early Winter Sale- Stone School Ad, Ann Arbor 517-546-5874 Dec. 1 - 8. For more informa- 48108. Phone 313-971-1804. Lee Everett, Vermontville tion, contact your local Group Lunch at 11am. Exit 1-94 at 517-726-1322. Purchasing vendor, or call 1IT, South 1/2 mile, east 11/4 FREE 1-800-292-2680, ext., 2015. mile. MASSEY FERGUSON 2650: REGISTERED Polled Here- Low hours, 62hp. JD baJer, fords, breeding age bulls and 336. 3 bottom, 3 point MF plow. 7' dodbuster packer. heifers and bred heifers. MSU 11' International Harvester Performance tested. Rocky Disc. 616-794-3808. Banner bloodline. Robert CROP INSURANCE Irs time Deadline for next Issue Is January 22, 1993 Rye, Rogers City, Michigan. to start planning for your 1993 NO-TIll DRIlLS available 517-734-3005. aop insurance needs. If you for Great Plains Manufactur- have questions about aop ing in 7 ft. and 10ft. end wheel ROL.QYL CA TILE OILERS, insurance, call your author- models, 12 ft., 14 ft, 15 ft., 20 5 year guarantee, no pumps, ized Farm Bureau Insurance ft. and 27 ft., pull type non- mlr19ral oil with Permectin II. agent or contact Jim Gallagh- WSA Call 1-800-968-3129 • folding models, and 24 ft and Safe on all production lives- er in the Farm Bureau Insur- 30 ft folding models. You can tock and pets. Brewer Farms, ance home office, order 1993 models in Nov. Clare. 517-386-2773 517-323-7000, ext. 2741 .. to Place Your Classified Ad Today! 1992 at 1992 prices (except evenings. 24 ft. & 30 ft. fording) and take DENTAL INSURANCE Farm or use the coupon below and mail your classified ad to delivery in the spring of 1993. Bureau's newest member Contact Jim Warczinsky, Mfg. benefitl Fully insured indivi- Michigan Farm News Rep. at 517-682-4523. dual dental plan, utilize any dentist in the state or maxim- ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ize benefits by using one of Classified Advertising Manufacturer rated quality 1200 PPD dentists statewide. tillage parts at discount Cleanings, fillings, x-rays, etc. p.o. Box 340, 109 N. Lafayette prices. A full line of replace- FARMER NEEDS depend- covered at 100% after $5.00 ment wear parts for plows, able, non-smoking farm hand copay. Call your County Farm chisels and discs for all of in exchange for farm labor. Bureau office for more details! Greenville, MI 48838 your fall needs. For more Carpentry skills desirable. Information call your local Possible long term situation. GOLD FLAME CUSTOM Group Purchasing vendor, or Details 616-582-6294. diesel fuel. Michigan's finest Classified Ad Codes call 1-800-292-2680, ext. 2015. premium diesel fuel. Avail- ONLY SON ABDUCTED! able exclusively through 1. Farm Machinery 7. Auctions Farmer's Petroleum PARTS for Tractors and self- Lone farmer needs depend- able, non-smoking farm hand Cooperative Inco's Author- 2. Livestock Equipment 8. Building Materials propelled combines, will buy ized Dealer Network. Contact used and burned combines. in exchange for farm labor. 3. Farm Commodities 9. Real Estate Carpentry skills desirable. 1-800-292-2680, ext. 3307 for Contact Bob Bamgras, Centr- the location nearest you. al Michigan Tractor Parts, Possible long term situation. 4. Livestock 10. Seeds 2713 N. U.S. 27, Sl Johns, MI Details 616-582-6294. 5. Help/Position Wanted 48879, 517-224-6802 or GOLF.FARMING .... Your 11. Wanted to Buy 800-248-9263. sandy farm might be greener than you think. Imagine 6. Agricultural Services 12. General '.;.:.'.:.;I. :::::::::;.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::=:=:::=:=:;:::::::::;:::: PREMIUM QUALITY roller aeating your own profitable chain at factory-direct prices, golf course just like a profes- guaranteed to rast 30% longer 1111111I. sional. Call 517-291-3322. Name Phone ( than any other roller chain on the market with seamless MEMBERUNE VISA CARD BIRD FERTILIZER rollers. Contact your local Sponsored through First of Address SERVICES. 1100 N Irvina, Group Purchasing vendor, or America Bank, attractive Greenville. Fertilizer, chemi- call 1-800-292-2680, ext., 15.9% interest rate and no cals, seed, lime, feed. Soil City State Zip 2015. application costs or annual testing, truck spreading and fees. Available in both classic Classified Ad Code Requested Number of Issues SAVE ON QUAUTY rotting custom spraying. Call and scenic designs. Beat the parts for your combine and 616-754-3684 . high cost of other credit cards Desired Insertion Date(s): haybine winter restoration and show your pride in projects. Call your local . CUSTOM Manure Irrigation belonging to an organization Group Purchasing vendor, or by the hour or by the job. Also I that works for shared inter- cal 1-800-292-2680, ext., stir below barn pits, you can ests. Call your county Farm Metho~ of Payment , 2015. then haul it out or I will pump it Bureau office for an Check $ (payable to Michigan Farm News Classified) out. 616-792~2854. application. TWO JD 4300 4 row bast harvesters. One with rock MICHIGAN FARMERS Why MEMBER TRAVEL Visa Card Number Exp. Date springs, extended elevator, not choose the best insurance SERVICE Get the most out of new chain lug tires, 1/2- rink for your farm? Farm Bureau your travel budget! The Master Card Number Exp. Date bed. Field ready condition. Mutual introduced the first Member Travel Service is Call 517-686-0486. Farmowners Policy in the ready to save you money on nation in 1960. We were the air travel, hotel accomoda- Classified Rates first and we're still the best tions, tours, cruises, etc. Call IF YOUR AD with quality coverages, 1-800-292-2680 extension $8 for up to 24 words rostomized for your farm. Call 3067 today to begin planning WAS HERE it your Farm Bureau agent your winter vacation. 30 cents each additional word today. could be read POWER TWIST and adjust- Write your ad here, including phone number and area code NUMBER 1 in quality Grower able V-Belts at discount in 46,000 farm Service is the company to prices. For more information, turn to for that expert advice contact your Group Purchas- 2 3 4 on what products to choose ing local vendor, or call homes in and how to use them. 1-800-292-2680, ext., 2015. 15 6 7 8 Whether its insecticides, Michigan fungicides, herbicides or WIRELESS DRIVEWAY specialty production chemi- ALARMS. Lets you know any 9 10 11 12 cals, turn to Grower Service time someone walks or drives Corporation. Our name says it into your Flacel Easy installa- all. For more information tion. Calor write for free 13 14 15 16 contact James Church brochures: Paxton Enter- .itll 517-323-2125. The result: prises, 48E SOON, Fortville, IN You get the best yeildsl 17 18 19 20 46040. Call 800-872-9866 or REGISTERED Holstein 317-326-2838. Service age bulls from high 21 22 23 24 producing dams. Out of YOU CAN SAVE up to 50% 24,000 pound herd. on home heating cost and $800-$900. MBM Pasch never have to buy fuel, wood, 25 26 27 28 Farms. Call 517-644-3519. oil, gas, kerosene, ever I again .. replace your electric heat, old furnace. Available in 30 31 32 SULKIE PACING MARES for HOG FARM 84 tiled acres all I 29 sale. Bred and ready to start Portable 1100 or Permanent tillable with or without nice 2200. Safe, dean, 100% effi- you in racing business. Wdl home, or 40 aaes, barns, at regular ~nt, no maintenance, life- I~ ~ ~ ~ febreed 1/2 price. Parkhill loam londo loam I Jack Sanderson time warranty. 800-627-9276 soils. Mt Pleasant schools. or Hydro-Sil, PO Box 662, L ~ 616-924-3196. 517-433-5453 . Fort Mill, SC 29795. " Michigan Farm News -. January 15, 1993 - Michigan Corn Information Exchange - CORN SELLERS 50,000-60,000 bu. Call 517- acres. Call 517-375-2357 Paul Austin, Cass City, r------_ 842-3830 Larry Wineland, Dewitt, anytime. Trucking available. Sanilac County. Estm. 6,500 bu. Call 517-872-2249. Michigan Corn Information Clinton County. Estm. 76 Robert Hoffmaster, Hop- Bremer Brothers (Dale), acres. Trucking available. kins, Allegan County. Estm. Munger, Bay County. Estm. Dave Eltman, Pigeon, Call in p.m. 517-482-6556. 5,000 bu. Call 616-793- 10,000 bu. (dried; hi-quality Huron County. Estm. 18 Exchange Free Listing Coupon 7116 Vaughn Vondrasek, Bath, corn) Call 517-659-2497 in acres. Call 517-453-2507. the p.m. Trucking available. Clinton County. Estm. 300 Jeff Beebo, Alma, Gratiot Erwin Rytlewski, Auburn, Name: _ acres. Trucking available. County. Estm. 45,000 bu. Pete Rufenacht, Waldron Bay County. Estm. 90 acres. Call in a.m. 517-641-4584. Call 517-463-4656 Grain/Fuel, Waldron, Call 517-662-6746. County: _ Hillsdale County. Estm. Marion May, Quincy, Don Day, Ceresco, Calhoun Don Rickett, Carsonville, 700,000 bu. selling wet or Hillsdale County. Estm. 200 County. Estm. 7,000 bu. Sanilac County. Estm. City:, _ dry. Call 517-286-6201 dur- acres. Trucking available. (popcorn) Call 616-781- 12,000 bu. Call 313-657- ing working hours. Trucking Call in a.m. 517-869-2322 5097 9712. a.m. available. Phone:, _ Dean Linderman, Dexter, David VandenBunte, Mar- Dean Shrontz, Olivet, Cal- Washtenaw County. Estm. Roger Root, Cass City, tin, Allegan County. Estm. Quantity (in bushels): houn County. Estm. 400 5,000 bu. Call 313-426- Tuscola County. Estm. 250 C II 616 672 acres. Trucking available. 4042 10,000 bu. Call 517-872- 7266~cres. a -- Call in a.m. 616-781-2180. 3718 p.m. only. Trucking Fill out this coupon and mail it directly to: Peter Kern, St. Johns, Clin- available. Ralph Ruggles, White MSU Outreach Communications Edward Feuerstein, Beld- ton County. Estm. 10,000 Lake, Oakland County. ing, Ionia County. Estm. 100 bu. Call 517-224-3422 David Houghtaling, Estm. 100 acres. Call 313- c/o MCIE, Room 312 Ag Hall acres. Trucking available. Reese, Tuscola County. 8874992 East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 Call in a.m. 616-642-9798. Lynn Griffin, Charlotte, Estm. 350 acres. Call 517- - . Eaton County. Estm. 400 868-4219 or 659-2478 early Hawkins Homestead, You can also phone your listing in by calling: Jeff Bristle, Manchester, acres Call 517-543-1856 morning or late evening. Mason, Ingham County. Washtenaw County. Estm. P. John Parrent, Sandusky, Trucking available. Estm. 400 acres. Call 517- Michigan Farm News, 1-800-968-3129 20,000 bu. Call 313-428- 628-2050. or 7113. Sanilac County. Estm. Jim Kozunplik, Lennon, 50,000 bu. Call 313-648- Shiawassee County. Estm. John Hersh, Chesaning, Michigan State Univ., (517) 336-1555 Paul Thelen, Fowler, Clin- 3009 or 648-2151 - Ask for 80 acres. Call 517-621-3662 Shiawasse County. Estm. ton County. Estm. 3,000 bu. John or Randy. evenings. 3,000 bu. Call 517-845- Be prepared to provide the same information as re- Call 517-587-6874. 6238. Robert Friederich, Peters- Zeeb Farms, Bath, Clinton quested above when calling. No additional information Dewitt Grain Corp., DeWitt, burg, Monroe County. Estm. County. Estm. 35,000 bu. Alvin Bickle, Vassar, will be taken or used in the listing. Clinton County. Estm. Un- 50 acres Call 313-279-2539 Call 517-641-6419 or 641- Gratiot County. Estm. 20 limited. Will deliver and also 4277 in the a.m. Trucking acres. Call 517-652-2380 ------Dale Seyfred, Gal ien, Jack Gerber, Scottsville, McClintic Farms (Art), do grinding. Call 517-669- available. (After Jan. 1). 5950. Berrien County. Estm. Mason County. Estm. 4,000 Alma, Gratiot County. Estm. 45,000 bu. Call 616-545- Larry Meyer, St. Louis, Pat, Sheridan Farm Lim- - 6,000 bu. Call 616-843- 25,000 bu. Call 517-463- John Hamilton, Manches- 8358 (anytime) Trucking Isabella County. Estm. ited, Fairgrove, Tuscola 2773. 1140 anytime. Dryer avail- .ter, Washtenaw County. available. 10,000 - 15,000 bu. Call County. Estm. 40,000 bu . Harry Kline, Wacousta, able. Estm. 9,000 bu. Call 517- 517-681-2672 a. m or late Call 517-673-2984. Clinton County. Estm. 7,000 592-8444. Scott Baker, Jonesville, Richard Carpenter, Three Hillsdale County. Estm. p.m. Trucking available . .- Gene Wisenbergen, New - 8,000 bu. Call 517-626- Rivers, St. Joseph. Estm. Dave Kent, Alto, Kent 10,000 bu. Call 517-894- Nyle VanSickle, Bellevue, Lothrop, Saginaw County. 6477. 1,000 bu. Call 616-279- County. Estm. 3,500 bu. Call 2864 (anytime) Trucking Eaton County. Estm. 85 Estm. Large quantity. Call Gary Brownell, Ionia, Ionia 2364. 616-765-3073 or 616-765- available. acres. Call 616-763-3110 517 -845-3366. 3094. County. Estm. 50 acres. Call Jeff Knoblauch, Blissfield, Charles Brown, Beaverton, anytime. Steve Holsten, Birch Run, 517 -855-2030. Lenawee County. Estm. Allen Ackerman, Bad Axe, Gladwin County. Estm. 22 Elmer Gross, Montrose, Saginaw County. Estm. Doug Shannon, Fairgrove, 5,000 in field - 7,000 dried. Huron County. Estm. 25 acres Call "517-435-4834 Saginaw County. Estm. 2,000 - 3,000 bu. Call 517- Isabella County. Estm. Call 517-486-4627 a.m. acres. Call 517-428-4862 (early a.m. or evenings). 9,000 bu. Call 313-639- 652-9722. 40,000 bu. Call 517-693- Trucking available. (evenings) and 517-269- 6369. 9585 (days). Auburn Bean & Grain, Au- 2612 after 7 p.m. Trucking Tom Hess, Tuscola County. Garry Harper, Onstead, burn, Bay County. Estm. available. Estm. 6,000 bu. Call 517- Dennis Hefferon, Belding, Lenawee County. Estm. Harold Mennernix, Alto, 450,000 bu. Call 517-662- John Richey, Ottawa Lake, 823-7026. Kent County. Estm. 100,000 25,000 bu. Call 517-467- Kent County. Estm. 195 4423 either a.m. or p.m. Lenawee County. Estm. N'I L' k R M bu. Call 616-794-2527. 4758. acres. Call 616-868-6639. Trucking available. 45,000 bu. Call 517-486- el In, avenna, uske- 4147 anytime. Trucking gon County. Estm. 8,000 - Wartins Bros., Hemlock, Larry Butchen, Wheeler, Maxwell Seed Farm, Hope, Tom Bailey, Shepard, could be arranged. 10,000 bu. Call 616-889- Saginaw County. Estm. Gratiot County. Estm. 300 Midland County. Estm. Isabella County. Estm. 50 5530. 12,000 bu. Call 517-642- acres. Call 517-842-3189 1,200 acres. Trucking avail- acres. Call 517-828-5114 Hogle Truck Lines, Middle- Steve Short, Archbold 5849 or 642-8590. evenings. able - large volume (semi's after 6:00 p.m. Trucking ton, Gratiot County. Estm. Ohio. Estm. 4,000 bu. Call only). Call in a.m. Farm # could be arranged .. Jim Cosenblik, Lennon, Dodge City Coop (Mike), 4,000 bu. Call 517-236- 419-446-9493. Has truck for 517-689-3653; Dirk at 517- Genesee County. Estm. Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Jerry Jacobs, Birch Run, 7225 between 8 a.m and 5 lease. 689-3667; Scott at 517-689- p.m. Trucking available. 10,000 bu. Call 313-621- Estm. - large quantity. Call 4060; or Clay at 517-435- . Saginaw County. Estm. 3662. 414-887-7671. 9249. 30,000 bu. Call 517-624- Roger Bloss, Swartz DavidSkjaerlund, Lansing, 9496 in a.m. Trucking avail- Creek, Genesee County. Clinton County (FARM LO- Gary Krug, Bad Axe, Huron Don Borglc, Wayland, Al- able. CATED NORTH OF MT. County. Estm. 50,000 bu. TRUCKING Estm. 10,000 - 15,000 bu. PLEASANT, ISABELLA legan County Estm. 8,000 Call 517-269-9697. Larry Horton, Lansing, corn Call 313-635-3788 after 8 COUNTY) Estm. 18,000 bu. Vick Parker, Charlotte, bu. Call 616-792-2627 after Eaton County.Trucking Ser- 4:30p.m. located in Gratiot County. p.m. Trucking available. Call 517-626-6966 anytime. Clifford Besaw, New Estm. 10 acres. Call 517- Lothrup, Shiawassee vices (hopper trailers and Brad Goslin, Gagetown, Citizens Elevator, Ver- grain trains) and access to Bob Humpert, Fairgrove, 337-5085 Trucking avail- Tuscola County. Estm. '11 E C County. Estm. 18,000 bu. Tuscola County. Estm. 100 able. 40,000+ bu. Call 517-665- montvi e, aton ounty. (d ried) Call 313-638-7528 large HMC volume. Call acres. Call 517-693-6415 in . '1 Estm. 1,000 - 50,000 bu. (home) 695-4660 (office). anytime at 517-543-3761 Nile Clevenger, Stanton, 2549 T k a.m. Trucking available. p.m. rue Ing aval- Call 517-726-0514. Will also (office) or 616-967-1554 Montcalm County. Estm. 57 able (30 mile radius). haul. Jenuware Bros., Armada, (mObile). Gerald Resner, Pinconn- acres. Call 517-831-4274 Gary Harper, Onsted, G Id M' R Macomb County. Estm. ing, Bay County. Estm. 120 anytime. Lenawee County. Esmt. era artlnez, odney, 10,000 bu. Call 313-784- Scott Baker, Plain site acres. Call 517-879-4760 25,000 bu. Call 517-467- Mecosta County. Estm. 5956. Farms, Jonesville, Hillsdale David Wezensky, Mt. early a.m. or late p.m. Truck- 4758 after 6 p.m. Trucking 2,000 bu. Call 616-867- County. Call 517-894-2864 Pleasant, Isabella County. ing available. available. 3440 anytime. Ron Balder, Auburn, Bay anytime. Truck capacity: Estm. 4,000 bu. Call 517- County. Estm. 2 million bu. 900 - 1,200 bu. Neil French, Munger, Bay 773-7104 anytime. Trucking Richard Kessler, Jr., Gene Weisenberger, New Call 517-662-4423. County. Estm. 10,000 bu. available. Montague, Oceana County. Lothrup, Saginaw County. Terry Wright, Lake City, Call 517-755-0977 (work) or Estm. 100 acres. Can dry Gene Meijer, Shepard, Missaukee County. Call Hitchcock Brothers 517-659-2265 (home). Estm. 6,000+ bu. Call 616- and quick and easy loading. Isabella County. Estm. 150 616-839-4957 either early Trucking available. (Scotty), Williamston, In- 894-8876 after 8 p.m. No Call 517-845-3366 early acres. Call 517-828-6476. a.m. or late p.m. Truck ca- gham County. Estm. 30,000 trucking available. a.m. or evenings. Trucking Carrol R. Parr, Charlotte, pacity: 22 ton. John Welke, Mayville, bu. Call 517-655-3198 any- Gail Bennett, Caro, available. Eaton County. Estm. 50 - 60 Rocky Wright, Gaylord, Tuscola County. Estm. time. Trucking available. Tuscola County. Estm. D'ff' F (F ) 4,000 bu. Call 517-843- acres. Call 517-543-4709. Otsego County. Call 517- Ruggles Beef Farm, Kings- 40,000 bu. Call 517-673- 1 In arms rancis, 5320 in p.m. Trucking avail- Burt, Saginaw County. Willard Jurgess, Bad Axe, 732-1021 either early a.m. able. ton, Tuscola County. Estm. 6934 anytime. Trucking Estm. 50,000 bu. Dry but low or late p.m. Truck capacity: 15,000 bu. Call 517-683- Huron County. Estm. 50,000 available. test weight. Call 517-624- bu. (Dry, shelled.) Call 517- 22 ton. Bill Buckenmeyer, 2459. Trucking available. Chuck or John Adams, 9166 anytime. Trucking Swanton, OH Estm. 600 bu. 269-2305. Will deliver. Larry Cline, St. Louis, Albert Ruggles, Kingston, Jackson, Jackson County. available. Call 419-829-4717 anytime. Gratiot County. Call 517- Tuscola County. Estm. Irvin Wisinski, Parma, Bay Trucking available. Estm. 25,000+ bu. Call 517- Richard Belson, Pittsford, 681-5305 after 8 p.m. 50,000 bu." Call 517-683- 536-4625 or 536-4454 p.m. Hillsdale County. Estm. County. Estm. ? Call 517- 662-6746. Jeff Reed, Owosso, 2849 Trucking available. 10,000 bu. Call 517-383- Norm Mihills, Jones, Cass Shiawassee County. Estm. County. Call 616-244-5056 Lonnie Kester, Millington, John B. Hersch, Chesan- 2280 p.m. John Schaffner, Manches- up to 100 acres. Call 517- ter, Washtenaw County. or 646-5105. Tuscola County. Estm. ing, Shiawassee County. Terry Roggenbuck, (Rog- 723-5205 in the a.m. Truck- 25,000 bu. Call 517-871- Estm. 3,000+ bu. Call 517- genbuck Farms Inc.)Harbor Estm. 700 bu. Call 313-475- Citizens Elevator, Ver- ing available. 8802. 4949 Willing to custom store 845-6238 after 3 p.m. No Beach, Huron County. montville, Eaton County. Gerald Hubbard, Freeport, in a Harvestore until needed trucking available. Estm. 100,000 bu. dried __ Bill McClintic, Merrill, Call 517-726-0514. Truck capacity: 35 ton. Kent County. Estm. 3,000 at a later date. Elwyn Schnick, Owosso, 400 acres standing. Call Saginaw County. Estm. bu dry & wet ear com. Call Schmandt Farms, Vassar, Shiawassee County. Estm. 517-479-6902, 479-6515 or 10,000 + bu. Call 517-643- K & R Trucking (Roger 616-765-5301 7162 after 5 p.m. Trucking • Tuscola County. Estm. 6,000+ bu. Call 517-845- 479-6761 anytime. Trucking Pitts), Camden, Hillsdale available. Doug Shepard, Birch Run, 100,000 bu. Call 517-823- 6570 after 3 p.m. Trucking available. County. Call 517-254-4119 Saginaw County. Estm. 100 8639. Trucking available. possible after 1/1/93. Elmer Gross, 20 miles Randy Walden, Birch Run, anytime. Bottom unloaders. acres. Call 517-642-5677 Marlin Herford, Pigeon, John Self, Caledonia, Kent south of Saginaw, Saginaw Saginaw County. Estm. 2,000 bu. Call 517-624- Steve Hord, Breckenridge, Huron County. Estm. 370 County. Estm. 50,000 bu. County. Estm. 9,000 bu. Call 5279. Midland County. Estm . Call 616-877-0046. 313-639-2612. .- Michigan Farm News •• January 15, 1993 Joanne Stefl - November Farm Bureau Robert Nelson - December Farm Bureau Volunteer of the Month Volunteer of the Month 1992 County Excellence Award Winners Since 1990, the Michigan Farm Bureau has announced a County Excellence Award winner in each membership category for the county that accumulates the highest total points for achievement in the 12 MFB pro- gram areas, as determined in the County Program Achievement competition.

County Excellence Award winners demonstrate overall excellence in pro- grams, effectiveness, innovation and lead- ership. The award is designed to honor the contributions made by every county Farm Bureau committee to the total success of Farm Bureau at the county, state and na- tionallevel. Hiawathaland County Farm Bureau member Joanne Stefl, Robert Nelson of Lapeer County has been selected as Mich- who farms with her husband, Lowell, on a dairy and potato igan Farm Bureau's December Volunteer of the Month for his farm near Cornell, was awarded the Farm Bureau Volunteer active involvement and support of Lapeer County's 4-H youth of the Month Award for her active involvement in MFB's State programs. Nelson, who operates a 700 acre cash crop farm Promotion and Education Committee, the Upper Peninsula raising wheat, corn, soybeans and drybeans, and operates a State Fair, and her service as the county Farm Bureau's metal fabricating business on his farm, has been very in- Membership Committee Chairperson. Joanne was primarily volved in promoting youth and 4-H leadership programs. responsible for coordinating the efforts of all U.P. county Farm Bob's support has included testifying at a local zoning hear- Bureaus in preparing a 20 foot long booth, with a "Urban-Rural ing to allow continued 4-H livestock projects for a 4-H family Connection, " theme. restricted by local zoning ordinances.

Above Denis Netzley of Gratiot County ac- cepts Gratiot's award from MFB President Jack Laurie at the 1992 MFB annual meeting. In category one, those county Farm Bureaus with less than 500 members, Presque ~-1~ County received the award. Presque Isle had gold stars in the following program areas: Local Affairs, Community Action Groups, Promotion and Education, Direct Marketing, Information, Outstanding County Project, Policy Execution, and Pol- icy Development. Silver stars were also awarded in Membership, Young Farmers, and Commodity and Marketing programs.

In category two, those county Farm Bu- reaus with 500 to 1,200 members, Otsego County received the award. Otsego had gold stars in the following program areas: Promotion and Education, Community Ac- tion Groups, Outstanding County Project, Information, and Membership. Silver stars were also award~d for. Direct Marketing, Young Farmers, Policy Development, Local Affairs, and Group Purchasing.

In category three, those county Farm Bu- reau with 1,201 to 1,900 members, Midland County received the award. Midland had gold stars in the following program areas: Information, Outstanding County Project, Young Farmers, Policy Execution, Policy Development, Local Affairs, Commodity and Marketing, and Promotion and Educa- tion. Silver stars were also awarded for Membership, Community Action Groups, and Group Purchasing.

In category four, those county Farm Bu- reaus with 1,901 to 2,500 members, Gratiot For over forty years, Farm Bureau and Blue Cross Blue Shield County received the award. Gratiot had gold stars in the following program areas: have teamed up to provide quality healttl care at competitive.group rates Young Farmers, Information, Outstanding with the personalized service you would expect from a Farm Bureau family membership. County Projects, Policy Execution, Policy Development, Local Affairs, Community Action Groups, Promotion and Education, No matter what your needs ... and Commodity and Marketing. A silver small business, sole proprietor, or individual coverage for you or your family - star was also awarded for Direct Marketing. we have the right plan at the right price. In category five, those counties with over 2,500 members, Bay County received the Blue Cross Blue Shield quality and Farm Bureau's personalized service award. Bay received gold stars in the fol- lowing program areas: Membership, Infor- provide an unbeatable combination that you can't afford to be without when protecting mation, Outstanding County Project, Policy the "small" things in life that are of big importance to you. Execution, Community Action Groups, , Commodity and Marketing, Promotion and Education, and Group Purchasing. Silver For information, call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. stars were also awarded for Young Farmers, Policy Development, Local Affairs, and Di- _ .... ,CHIGAN rect Marketing. .... FARItI 8IJR~AIJ •