Farm Bureau Backs I'bottle Bill" a Statewide Petition Drive Has All Persons !Iigning a Given

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MICHIGAN FARM NEWS

SERVING OVER 61,000 FARM BUREAU FAMILIES MAY 1, 1976 Petition inserted in this IIFarm News" Farm Bureau backs I'bottle bill" A statewide petition drive has All persons !iigning a given

been launched 0 to place the petition must be registered in the-- question of banning nonretur- designated county. nable bottles on the November 2 3. Persons signing the ~tition ballot for voters to decide. This should' use the signature they drive is being led by Michigan employ on°any legal document. United Conservation Clubs with Women should be careful to not strong support from several sign as "Mrs. John Doe." statewide organizations in- 4. All petitions are valid ~ven if cluding Micl1igah Farm Bureau. not completely filled with A COpy OF THE PETITION signatures: Read instructions on IS-::ENCLOSED WITH THIS the petition carefully before ISSUE OF MICHIGAN FARM circula ting. NEWS. Farm Bureau members If placed on the ballot and are encouraged to circulate the appFQ.ved by voters, beverage petition(s) as widely as possible containers used for soft drinks, and return it by JUNE 1. The soda water, carb.onated natUral ~titions may be returned to 9C mineraJ wat-er, or otber Michigan Fann Burea:u. no~Vc ~.Bated dri~, The following rules should be !leer I aie, or ~fJler'fJ)a~iRkf of: ooserved in circula ting tlie any aleoholic -<;pnreiif' ~ be petitions; required to carq ~ ~epesit sr At 1. Tbe cir~laior must be a least 10 cents. Ho.wE!l¥er, such M~t~ \fg1et in .MichigaR. The beverage confliinets: that. are circulator shoJild not sign or date certified a,~ re~ble, by mQlie the ocertificate until after cir- than one manufacturer will be ool~t-inB the petition. required to carry a 5c deposit. 2. 'l'Jm: petition may be cir- Michigan Farm Bureau polic~ culated ANYWflERE within the adopted by voting delegates last It was an early spring in lower MkbIgan with record breaking tempetatD'tes and the state's far- county. The name of the county December strongly supportS a mers were where they wanted to be - in tbe fields. A late April cold snap put a d... ~ on much ef the must be entered in the space petition drive to deal with the enthusiasm, especially in fruit gro~ing country .. provided at the top of the petition. (Continued on page 15) Iodine toxicity in cows causes symptoms similar to PBB poisoning, MSU study shows

Michigan State University dairy from 12 cows. No PBB was detected in this Using 14 cows from problem herds and Rough hair coat, slow lethargic researcherS believe they have isolated first herd. The grain ration was analyzed eight normal cows from the MSU herd, movement, reduced appetite and milk iodine toxicity as another dairy cow and found to contain 20 parts per million researchers used thyrotrophic releasing obesity were observed. Calves born from ailment. (ppm) iodine, and a bulk sample of milk hormone (TRH) to determine how the cows dosed with radioiodine, appeared "We came across this last December in contained more than five times the normal thyroid and pituitary glands responded to normal at birth but failed to grow nor- a herd of 64 Holsteins when invited by a amount of iodine. Blood thyroxine levels stimulation. Problem cows had higher mally. One calf weighed only 220 pounds local veterinarian to help solve what ap- indicated that both the cows and calves baseline levels of thyroid stimulating at eight months of age. At 10 months of peared to be a nutritional problem. We are were suffering from hypothyroidism, hormone (TSH) and lower levels of age, this heifer was fed iodinated casein, a currently looking at 26 herds that may be Hillman says. thyroxine in their blood than eonlrol cows. thyroactive compound. The heifer getting too much iodine," says Dr. Donald "Several of the herds checked were Also, after stimulation with TRH, problem responded in general appearance and Hillman, MSU dairy cattle nutrition shown to have four to five times the nor- cows produced exaggerated con- growth and at 19 months weighed 460 specialist. mal amount of iodine in the milk than they centrations of TSH in their blood, and pounds. Another calf lived only a few hours Iodine is fed to cattle in mineral feed should have had," Hillman says. lower levels of thyroxine than control after birth. supplements to prevent thyroid problems, He says researcpers have haa qramatic cows. Hypothroid cows that were nearly dry much in the same manner humans are fed results in. increasing milk produetion with "This indicates that the thyroid glands were fed iodinated casein (Protamone) at iodine through their table salt intake. But selected low-productive cattle in two were not functioning normally, says Dr. the 24th week of lactation. Milk production higher levels of iodine are included in herds. "Thyroprotein, a thyroactive Edward M. Convey, a research increased and within three weeks equaled mineral and protein supplements to compound, was added to the ration in the physiologist in the Department of Dairy the mghest initial level attained during the prevent "foot rot' and soft tissue lumpy amounfM 10 to 15 grams daily. The cows Science at MSU, who cooperated in the same lactation. jaw in cattle. Cattle may get an excessive doubled in milk production from 18pounds experiment. Cows with damaged thyroids that failed amount of iodine by an accumulation from of milk daily to 36 pounds of milk daily," The researchers are currently con- to show evidence of estrus came into heat several sources. Also, several mineral and Hillman explains. ducting similar experiments in other herds and were bred after a period of treatment salt mixtures on the market provide too Two cows in the first herd producing 29 to confirm these findings. with thyroprotein. much iodine when mixed into the grain and 31 pounds of milk daily, increased to Hillman says that symptoms of The Tennessee workers noted thyroid ration at rates that farmers normally use, over 60 pounds daily, within a week after hypothyroidism in cattle have been iodine uptake, thyroid secretion rate, Hitlman says. receiving thyroprotein. Both herds reported by research workers in Ten- plasma protein bound iodine, and heart Hillman explains some of the symptoms responded similarly in milk production. nessee. rate were all substantially reduced in the shown in cattle apparently having too high Hillman says that in both herds there They were able to induce lactating hypothyroid heifers. However, an iodine intake include tearing eyes, was a history of having fed 75 to 150 hypothyroidism in dairy cattle by oral body weight was similar to their twin nasal discharge, bulging eyes, ner- milligrams (mg) of iodine daily for a year oos'ing with radioactive iodine. Initial milk control heifers. vousness, and loss of hair. Eventually they or longer. "High levels of iodine had not yields of cows with damaged thyroids Other research workers have reported become lethargic, have rough hair coats been fed for a period of six months prior to averaged 76 percent of the control group that high IE?vels of iodine aggravate and produce poorly. our experiment. The evidence s~gests and de.clined to 26 percent of the control clinical conditions due to infectious or BeeatlBe of the similarity of the symp- tha t those cows suffering from group at 44 weeks in lactation. Milk yield noninfectious insult (such as disease or toms to those attributed to polybrominated hypothyroidism, could respo-nd to an was greetly reduced in comparison with malnutrition) and that response to routine biphenyl (PBB), fat biopsies were taken eXogeBOU5 source of thyroxine," he adds. previous lactations. medical therapy is poor. ~, MAY 1, 1976 On Washington trip Mem'bers are standouts

Once again it has been my privilege to attena a items on the evening news in central Michigan. Washington Legislative Seminar sponsored by the Farm Once in Washington the legislative leaders outdid Bureau Women. This year's seminar was an outstanding themselves as they jawboned with their congressmen at success in all areas. the legislative breakfasts. They were not shy and the Each year as the Farm Bureau legislative leaders go to discussions were serious and issue oriented. A good part Washington there are issues of concern to farmers. Issues of Michigan's congressional delegation now knows from which need to be discussed with our senators and first hand knowledge how farmers feel on today's crucial representatives. As the legislative leaders went to the issues. nation's capital this year the matter of estate tax reform With farmers a small minority of the population today, was on the front burner and our members came prepared. it is vital that all farmers become informed on the issues They had facts, figures and examples at their finger- and communicate with their congressmen at both the tips. And they used this information well as they visited with their congressmen and talked with the news media. st4ite and national levels.' Farmers also need to become involved in their local government bodies. Without such The news media coverage at the Lansing airport was most gratifying. Reporters from newspapers' and radio personal commitment we cannot hope to get a fair shake stations were there as well as camera crews and news in the legislatures. With it we can be heard. broadcasters from several TV stations. They wanted to The annual Farm Bureau Washington Legislative know the details of the estate tax reform issue and the Seminar is one successful example of how concerned farm members gave them the answers. Farm Bureau members. people working together can be heard in today's complex and their concern for estate tax reform became featured . political world.' Unions agree State membership status to load grain A settlement agreement bet- The agreement follows a ween the Maritime Unions in- complaint filed by the Texas, NOW YEAR AGO volved in last fall's Boycott of Kansas and American Farm MICHIGAN American Grain bound for the Bureaus on August 25, 1975 in GOAL: 61 ,586 61 ,098 Soviet Union and the National which they charged the Inter- FARM NEWS Labor Relations Board was national Longshoremen's announced recently by the Association with a secondary New: 3,878 3,907 boycott. The Michigan FARM NEWS is President of the American Farm publiShed monthlv. on the first day. bv Bureau Federation. Grant said, "The motive of the the Michigan Farm Bureau Information union leaders in ordering the Division. PUblication and Editorial Renewals: 56,329 56,943 offIces at 7373West Saginaw Highway, Allan Grant, speaking before boycott was not a concern for Lansing, Michigan 48904. PO$t OfficE.' the Texas Farm Bureau State- food prices in the U.S. as they Box 960. Telephone, Lansing A85.8121. Extension 228. Subscription price. 65 TOTAL: 60,207 60,850 wide conference for county stated publicly, but an insistence cents per year. presidents said, "The unions on a maritime cargo preference Established January 13. 1923. Second. involved have signed the agreement with increased class postage paid at LanSing. Mi. and at ~~of Goa 1 97. 76?~ 99.59% additional mailing offices. agreement whereby they agr.ee to maritime subsidies to be paid by EDITORIAL: Editor. Jim Phillips; Associate Editor. Donna Wilber; Staff cease and desist from engaging American taxpayers. Photographer. Marcia Ditchie. Needed for in similar work stoppages in the "Farmers were being used as OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; future. The agreement empowers political pawns by the Maritime President. Ellon R. Smith. Caledonia. R. Goal: 1 ,379 248 1; Vice President, Dean Pridgeon. the NLRB to obtain a court of Unions, the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Montgomerv. R.l; Administrative appeals decree incorporating the State Department in the Director. Robert Braden, Lansing; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. cease and desist portions of the Negotiations carried on with the Max D. Dean; Secretary. William S. agreement." Soviet Union." Wilkinson. DEDICATED DOZEN CLUB DIRECTORS: District 1: Arthur Bailey. SchOOlcraft; District 2. Dean Pridgeon, Montgomery, R.l; District 3, Andrew Jackson, Howell. R-l; District ... Elton R. Smith. Caledonia. R.l; District 1-300 301-800 5. William Spike. Owosso. R.3; District DONNA 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City, R.3; District 7, I Robert Rider. !:fart, R.l; District 8, Larry DeVuyst. Ithaca. R.4; District 9, 1 . Ka 1kaska 1. Mason Donald Nugent. Frankfort, R.l; District 10. Richard Wieland. Ellsworth. R.l; Monkey cage District 11. Franklin Schwiderson, Dafter. 2. I ron Range 2. Hiawatha1and DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter H. L. Mencken, one of my jectivity above my prejudice, I'd Frahm. Frankenmuth; James l. Sayre, journalistic heroes, once evaluate our farmers as way Belleville; Lowell Eisenmann. 3. Wayne described democracy as "the art Blissfield. 3. Benzie above average, compared to WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. and sCience of running the circus other groups who visit the Andrew Jackson, Howell. R.". from inside the monkey cage." nation's capitol. This wasn't my FARM BUREAU YOUNG FAR- MERS: Tom Atherton. Gaines. Having just visited first experience with the Washington Seminar, but I never POSTMASTER: In using . form 3579, Washington, D.C. with 100 mail to. Michigan Farm News. 7373 801-1300 1301-over Michigan Farm Bureau mem- cease to be impressed with the West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, dedication to purpose displayed Michigan A8904. bers, I can say that's a pretty apt 1. Oakland 1. Clinton description. But history has by our county and state proven that, with all its faults, Legislative Leaders and how our form of government is still articulate they are in their FaRm~ 2. St. Clair 2. Bay the best there is. person-to-person communicat- ions with Congressmen. To them, BUreaU One of the reasons for itS thi~ annual trek is not a sight- 3. I sabe 11a 3. Genesee success is because of groups like seeing tour, but a very special our's who pay an annual visit to mission with very special the monkey cage to check on the responsibilities. And they put all monkeyshines taking place in- the knowledge, experience Clnd side. And to remind the commitment they have into MOVING? inhabitants of the cage that we making that mission successful. put them there and we have the The degree of their success will Planning to move? Let us know 8 print new address in space power to clean out old banana be determined in the days ahead weeks in advance so you won't provided. Mail to: Michigan Farm peels and monkeys as well. miss a single issue of the Michigan in the halls of Congress. But one News, P.O. Box 960. Lansing, It's evident the inhabitants like success can already be chalked Farm News. Attach old label .and Michigan 48904. their cage and they want to stay up our lawmakers in Name there and run the circus. Our Washington are aware that Address farmers were treated like the farmer-voters "back home" care City ringmasters they are about what's going on in their State respected, listened to and agreed country's capital. Zip Code with. '. t County of Membership That's what democracy is all Trying hard to keep my ob- about. ~ '1 PAGE 3 . Myra Spike named Michigan's IIMo-ther of the Year" A farm wife from Owosso, mother of six teacher for many years. All six Spike children are college-trained children, and a widely - recognized Long recognized as an agricultural and have followed their parent's example agricultural leader, has been named leader at the local, state, national and of community and state involvement and Michigan's "Mother of the Year." Myra international levels, she was a 4-H leader leadership. Two sons, Bill and Tom, are Spike, wife of veterinarian - dairyman Dr. for 25 years, twice~lected president of partners in the Spike Farms of Owosso. Cyril Spike, received the honor April 13at Michigan's 15,000 Extension Another son, Richard of Swartz Creek, is a Community Auditorium in Northland Homemakers, a leader in the Shiawassee veterinarian. Daughter Edith (Mrs. Center, Southfield,. Michigan. County Farm Bureau and Michigan Farm . William Kettler) and her husband own a She is now one of 50 state winners who Bureau, and the Associated Country farm in Chapin Township, Saginaw will be considered for the title of Women of the World. " County. Daughter Patricia (Mrs. John "American Mother of the Year." The In 1972, Mrs. Spike and her husband Talsma) and her husband, also a annual search for Mothers of the Year has were presented with Michigan Farm veterinarian, live on a small farm near been an activity of the American Mothers Bureau's "Distinguished Service to Caledonia. Daughter Diann Jenkins is a Committee, Inc., for 35 years to highlight Agriculture" award, based on their many Home Economist with the Cooperative the role of mothers in the home, com- contributions to the agricultural industry. Extension Service and lives in Gladwin. munity, nation and the world. They were the first man and wife "team" The Spikes have 21 grandchildren. Dr. and Mrs. Spike have three sons and ever to receive this honor from the~tate's Dr. Spike, also a community and three daughters, and have lived in largest farm organization. agricultural leader, was the recipient of Shiawassee County for 30 years. Spike ...... Twice, she was a delegate to the Michigan State University's "Award for Myra Spike with Julie Spike, Farms, recognized as one of the most Associated Country Women of the World Distinguished Service" to the dairy in- youngest of her 21 grandchildren. progressive dairy operations in the state, meetings, in Norway and Australia, and as dustry. that giving of one's times and talents bring includes an octagon merry-go-round type an active member of the ACWW has Qualifications for "Mother of the Year" rewards of personal growth. Myra Spike milking parlor which has attracted contributed to better nutrition, sanitation include evidence by the character and has filled this role with enthusiasm, visitors ftom throughout the world. Their and family living throughout the world. achievements of their children that she is a dedication and graciousness. The heritage innovative systems of management have Mrs. Spike, born in River Rouge, successful. mother, have a sense of she gives her children and they, in turn, to brought students, dairymen and govern- Michigan, in 1915, attended Ann Arbor responsibility in civic affairs and be active her 21 grandchildren, is certain to make ment officials from many foreign coun- High School and Ypsilanti Normal College. in service for public benefit. our world a better place. '.~ ~ tries to inspect the facilities on _the 1200- She married Cyril Spike in 1933and helped In supporting the nomination of Mrs. Her nomination was also supported by acre, 700 dairy cattle farm. with the farm work while he received his Spike, Elton R. Smith, president of the the Shiawassee County Farm Bureau, the In her community, Mrs. Spike has been veterinarian schooling. Throughout the Michigan Farm Bureau, said, "By Salem Lutheran Church of Owosso, and active in the Cancer Society, the years, she has been an ~ctive member of example. she teachers her children that the Michigan Association of Extension Republican Party, PT A,' and in her the family business enterprise and still real caring and concerns make active Homemakers. church, the Salem Lutheran Church of helps with the farm chores even though involvement a necessity, that good The American Mother of the Year will be Owosso, where she was a Sunday School she and Dr. Spike are "retired." citizenship is more than just voting, and announced in May. Presidential' primary is on for May 18 The recently publicized "on ventions. If' presidential can- again" - "off again" Michigan didate A in the Republican party Presidential Primary election receives 40 percent of the vote in will now be held on May 18 the state, then 40 percent of the following a Supreme Court Michigan delegates to the ruling. The ruling settled the National Republican Convention legal issue raised by local must support candidate A as government organizations over their party's llominee for whether the state or local President. A line of credit governments should pay the A presidential candidate must estimated $2.5 million cost of the receive at least 5 percent of the primary. Pending legislative vote cast for all candidates in his is almost as good proposals make it uncertain as to party in order to earn committed exactly where the cost will be delegates. If he receives less than borne, 5 percent, he would get no as money in the pocket. committed delegates. The May 18 presidential Delegates to the national A line of credit: It's like having many pre-arranged loans, primary is required by Michigan conventions who are committed just waiting for you. Then you can take advantage of tax law. The primary changes to a candidate must support him planning purchases ...or unexpected pric,! breaks on feeders somewhat the- traditional ior two ballots unless he drops out ...or big discounts on large-volume purchases. 0 We can political structure of the state to of contention or releases his help you determine how much borrowed capital your opera- make sure that Mi~higan's delegates. After the first two tion needs and can support. You needn't borrow that much delegations to the national ballots are completed, the ...but you will have a better idea of how far you can go, if conventions this summer ref.lect delega tes may switch their the voters preferences for support to another candidate. necessary, in your financial planning. 0 So come in soon! presidential candidates. Presidential candidates are Talk with us about establishing your own line of credit. Voters who go to the polls on working hard to win delegates in May 18 must choose between the the 30 state primaries which presidential candidates of one began in February and will party only. For example, if a conclude in June. Michigan Farm voter chooses to vote as a Bureau members should Democrat, he must select among carefully evaluate the the presidential candidates who presidential candidates as they are seeking the Democrat Party campaign for the Michigan nomination. primary. Following this After the presidential primary evaluation, each member should has been held and the votes are exercise his responsibility to go known. the political parties must to the polls on May 18and vote for reflect the sentiments of' the his preferred presidential can- voters at their national con- didate. Lansing peA elects new board Over $48 million was loaned to Kennard E. Dysinger of Perry central Michigan farmers in 1975 was newly elected to the board of by the Production Credit directors and Weldon E. Brown of Msociation of Lansing according Sunfield was re-elected to the to Arnold K. Musolf, association board by members present at the secretary -manager. meeting. Musolf's financial report was PCA of Lansing has 3.000 delivered during PCA of Lan- 'farmer members in Eaton, sing's Annual Stockholders Ingham. Shiawassee, Ionia, Meeting held at MSU's Kellogg Clinton, Barry, Livingston, Center in March. Genesee and Oakland counties. PAGE .. AAAY 1, 1976

CAPITOL REPORT Rqbert E. Smith Inverted rates and state utilities

Rate Change.s by verted rate will be approximately..:. use increased. The Public Ser- For example, a Federal Energy ~ Public Service Commission $2.52 more per month compared vice Commission then decreed a Administration regulation soon to A new precedent has been set in Price Later Agreements to $2.09under a flat rate. At 1,500 flat rate system. The 'cost of be published will require every H.B. 6122 has been introduced Michigan for the rates that are kWh, the inverted rate is $5.20 electricity to farmers rose state to cut its total energy use by charged by electric utilities to to amend the Farm Produce more per month, the flat rate considerably. Now with the 5 percent by 1980. This will be Storage Act and will be known as their residential customers. The $3.12. At 2,000 kWh, the inverted change to the 'inverted' system, difficult to do. As a result of the Michigan Public Service Com- the "Grain Dealers Act".' Any rate $8.05, flat rate $4.18. At 5,000 we can anticipate another higher federal requirements, Governor person in the business of "buying, mission recently announced new kWh, the inverted rate will in- than necessary added cost to food Milliken has announced the rate decisions for the Detroit exchanging, selling or storing crease the cost to $13.76more per pr04uction. establishment of a new Energy farm produce" will be liable to Edison Company and the Con- month. It will be noted that the- Administration. The purpose is to "Modern agriculture has the provisions of the act. Grain sumers Power Company . ..Dne of inverted rate increases quite develop recommendations for a the unexpected provisions of the become most dependent upon dealers will be required to be rapidly. Michigan Energy Act within 45 licensed and to be bonded or to decision was the initiation of the The inverted rates to not electricity and, unlike most other days, energy goals by July 1, and segments of the economy, have assets or a letter of credit "inverted rate system". Briefly, presently apply to electric water an energy conservation plan by this means that the cost per unit agriculture does not have an for no less than $20,000.Any grain heating as for the most part, October 1. dealer issuing "price later" of electricaJ power will rise with water is heated at night, during qpportunity to pass on such added Energy is a serious issue in increased use of power. costs. Thus, farmers become agreements must satisfy one of_ the off period. The rate is also Michigan as our state must the following: According to the Public Service lower for those using electricity greater victims of the spiraling import more than 95percent of its 'cost-price' squeeze'." Commission, the new rates for, for sRace heating. energy and fuel. There will be- A. Keep the farm produce or Consumers Power (CP) and It is said that the new inverted The letter also stated that several state legislative bills fungible farm produce on hand as Detroit Edison (DE) are as residential rate is "symbolic" or inasmuch as the decision was not introduced in the near future to his own property. follows: The service charge will "modest", in that the variation in anticipated, that the Commission carry out conservation B. Have farm produce cer- be CP-$2.50 and DE-$2.40. The rates is not very large. The should reconsider its decision and measures. These will range from tificates representing equal first 500 kWh will be 3.65c per problem is that future rate permit reaction by those whom it insulation requirements for new amounts in values of farm . kWh-CP and 3.6c - DE; 501-1,000 changes may result in steeply will affect. and rennovated' buildings, produce as approved by the kWh, 3.85c - CP and 3.Se - DE; increased rates for those using The answer received from mandatory lighting conservation director. Daniel Demlow, Commission over 1,000 kWh, the rate will be larger amounts of power, as it is standards for public buildings, C. Have an irrevocable l~tter 4.05c-CP and 4.Oc-DE. If a flat claimed that the "inverted rate" Chairman, stated that the pur- programs to promote car pooling, pose of the change was due to of creditor money in escrow to rate had been continued, the system is intended to discourage changes in building codes, etc., cover not less than 30 percent of charge per kWh would have been the use of electricity by making it "the increasing realization that etc. At a recent multi-state the State of Michigan must get a the value of the farm produce. 3.71c for CP and 3.65c for DE. It more expensive as the use in- Energy Conservation Meeting at D. Procure a commitment on will be noted tha t there is some creases. The present variations handle on its usage of electric which Farm Bureau was energy." He pointed out that new future selling price of the amount difference between the two obviously are not large enough to represented, numerous proposals of produce., companies' rates, however, these generating plants now require force cuts in electrical use. were discussed on ways to These are the key features of rates translate approximately "investments of seven to eight Farm Bureau sent a letter to require energy conservation in the bill. In short, if the legislation ioto the following additionai hundred dollars per kilowatt of members of the Public Service agriculture. While energy con- passes, farmers using the "price amounts per month that a con- installed capacity." It .is CO'tnmission indicating concern servation is necessary, it will also later" arrangement will be SJlQl.6 might pay. Those using 500 rationalized that if decreased with the "inverted rate" decree, be controversial. protected in a very similar ~h per ~nth will pay 76c more usage can eliminate the building pointing out that it may result in Goyemment Power • manner to those farmers tiiaer too. new inverted rate, an undue increase in the cost bf of generating facilities, that wl1i1eunder a flat rate. it wQuld money and energy can be saved. One issue closely related to the presently storing grain in a power for agriculture. The letter overall energy problem is .the warehouse and receiving a have been $1.05more. Some users further stated that: "Only two or The letter said that "additional have an advantage in this case. testimony would not be ap- recommendation that the blue receipt for it. three years ago, the cost per unit ribbon Governor's panel recently It has just corne to light that However, at 1,000 kWh, the in- of electricity decreased as the propriate at this time." However, it further stated that "it is made on electrical generation. In farmers in one part of the state essential that the needs of the an 8-5 vote, the Governor's panel apparently have lost more than agricultural community be recently made on electrical $500,000due to grain transactions pursued further because it is generation. In an 8-5 vote, the with a trucking firm. Presently conceivable that the new _ap- Governor's Advisory Com- farmers who choose to sell grain proach to pricing will receive mission on Electric in this manner take great risks NOW, even greater attention in the PowerAlternatives recomme- and have no protection. The . future." The letter invited Farm nded creation of a Michigan provisions of H.B. 6122 are Bureau to work with the Public Power Authority, funded by generally consistent from Farm Service Commission staff to general obligation bonds, to Bureau policy as passed at the AV'AILABLE provide "a reasonable means for generate and sell power to in- Annual Meeting. recognizing the concern of far- vestor-owned utilities. It was also ...Marketing and Bargaining recommended that the Public mers" . S.B. 1332is on the Senate floor Service Commission decide when and will eliminate the September The "inverted rate" system for and if a new generating plant is expiration date in the Marketing residential customers has now needed and to determine whether MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU'S and Bargaining Act, PA 344, been mandated for the two major private utilities or the tax-hacked which can be used by fruit and . Michigan utility companies in the power authority should build and BICENTENNIAL PUBLICATIONI vegetable growers. This program state. It is likely that it will be operate the generating facilities. has been used successfully by the extended to all other companies It is claimed that the state could growers of various fruits and • Proud to Be an American? operating in the state. finance construction cheaper vegetables. However, the than private utilities because of • Proud to Be a Farmer? The Commission's order also processor groups have its ability to bond at lower rates made a major change for com- challenged the act at every court and its exemption from the Proud to Be a Farm Bureau Member? mercial and industrial customers level. The act is now awaiting a federal income tax. This is ex- by initiating "time of day" rates. Supreme Court decision as to Then you'll want "200 Years of American Agriculture" with tremely controversial, especially This means that. power used whether all its provisions are beautiful color photos as a Bicentennial keepsake. at a time when the state is in between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. would Constitutional. Elimination of the serious financial trouble and is Includes the 1975 County ~ward Winners, too! be at a higher rate than power expiration date in the act will faced with a backlog of con- used during the off-peak hours. continue its use in the event the struction of public buildings that On sale following the MFB Annual Banquet Thurs<.'-"" evening While most farmers' electric Court determines its Con- are clearly its responsibility - December 11 in Grand Rapids and all day Friday, December 12. power is at the residential rates, stitutionality. some farmers are on the higher such as penal institutions, Only $1.50 each. Or order by mail (add 50; for postage and commercial rates (where there is educational institutions, etc. Workers Compensation handling). no residence, irrigating, etc.>. It This most controversial Another energy news item is is not expected that the "time of legislation is still tied up in the approval of a $220,000 ap- IMITED EDITION! DON'T MISS YOUR COpy! day" rates will apply to such committees and on the floor of propriation, (H. 5693, PA 80) to farmers. the Senate. A special ~ommittee Send to: Information and Public Relations Division launch a state campaign to is trying to work out differences Michigan Farm Bureau convince the federal government Farm Bureau is presently between the various approaches. P.O. Box 960 lansing, Michigan 48904 to build its Solar Energy gathering information to Farm Bureau and MASA have Research Institute in Michigan. Send copies or"ZOOYears of American Agriculture" to: determine the actual economic met with representatives of the impact of this system on The institute is scheduled to open Departments of Labor and in January 1977to investigate and ame agriculture. The information will Commerce as well as members of facilitate the harnessing of solar be used to work with the Public the Legislature to present Farm power for heating and cooling ddress Service Commission staff. Bureau's views on the need for a buildings. in converting thermal Energy and all of its separate agricultural section in energy for bio conversion to fuels ramifications will become a any Wo~ers Compensation. greater and greater issue. Utility and in wind energy conversion ~k. Checks peyable to Michfgan Farm BarBu rates are only a part of that issue. systems. (~nued on page 1~) MAY 1, 1976 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS, PAGE 5 IITIIIAL lITE'S Albert A. Almy Estates' and,. beef check-off The subject of federal estate spection may be done either by .original House passed version. little interest in pischarging this I \ tax reform continues to be a top USDA personnel or state agen- - As approved by the conferees, responsibility. mits. The final regulations legislative goal of Farm Bureau. cies delegated by the Secretary of the bill would provide for beef EPA Feedlot Permit Program closely follow Farm Bureau's This column has been devoted Agriculture. The bill provides producers to register by mail or EP A has issued final recommendations. almost entirely to estate tax that an interior or inland points, in person at ASCS offices. A regulations establishing feedlot Saginaw Port legislation in recent weeks. In the Secretary shall designate the national referendum would then permit requirements. These The Corp of Engineers recently aadition, numerous speeches, agencies to carry out official be held. In order for the regulations were required by a announced plans to award a reports and other efforts have inspection services. These referendum to pass, at least 50 Federal District Court order contract for $11.5million to build been made to build awareness agencies may be state or local percent of the registered issued last year. The regulations the Saginaw River Diked and support for estate tax government authorities or producers must vote and at least require that feedlots with l000.or Disposal Island Project. This bid reform. private agencies such as Boards two-thirds of those voting must more animal units must obtain a is $5 million under the Corp's The House Ways and Means of Trade or Chambers of Com- approve the proposed promotion permit if pollutants are original estimate to build the 300- Committee began mark-up merce. Farm Bureau sUPPQrted program. discharged into navigable acre island in Saginaw Bay sessions on H.R. 1793on April 26. the passage of H.R. 12572. Packer- Bonding waters. Feedlots with less than needed to contain the polluted This simply means the Com- Beef Check-Off The House Agriculture Com- 1000animal units but more than spoils from dredging the river. mittee is reviewing testimony -House and Senate confereees mittee has sent to the full House 300 are required to obtain a The Corp now estimates that gathered at public hearings held have approved and sent to the legislation amending the Packers permit if pollutants are actual construction of the island in March and deciding what floor H.R. 7656 which would and Stockyards A~t. As rePorted discharged through a manmade will begin either late this month changes should be made in the establish authority for a national by the Committee, the bill would conveyance or into waters that or' early May. The island will be legislation. Hopefully, this will check -off program to finance (1) require meat packers to post pass through or come in direct -built in two sections with the first not take too long and the Com- beef promotion and research. reasonable bonds, (2) authorize contact with animals in the part to be completed in June 1m mittee can report a bill to the Farm Bureau supported the the Secretary of Agriculture to confined area. Other feedlots in when the actual drooging of the House for a vote. original House passed version of seek injunctions against packers the 300 to 1000unit category may river can be started. The second H. R. 1793would substantially H.R. 7656 which provided for believed to be operating while be required to obtain a permit if section of the island will be increase the present 35-year old registration of beef producers insolvent, (3) require packers to designa ted by EP A or the completed in June 1978in time to standard and marital deductions prior to a valid referendum. pay for livestock by the close of director of a state watet pollution continue with the dredging which to reflect 1976 economic values However, the Senate deleted the business day following the control agency .. Such should be completed about a year ra ther than those of 1942. Also, the registration and referendum transaction, (4) give producers deslgnations will be made only later. the bill would provide heirs an provisicms in the House passed priority over all other creditors of after an on-site inspection and This issue is of importance to option for appraisal of the farm bill. The Senate passed the bill packers in the event of written notice is given the feedlot Michigan. agriculture because estate at its agricultural use with provisions for a weighted bankruptcy. The bill includes all operator. Feedlots with less than sedimentation has filled much of value rather than the present vote in the referendum which of the points called 'for in Farm 300 animal units are not subject the Saginaw Port shipping potential value. Farm Bureau policy did not Bureau policy except that the to the permit requirement except channel. This in turn prevents Grain Inspection support. The House rejected the Committee rejected a Farm where designated on a case by large ocean going vessels bound The House of Representatives Senate version last December Bureau. supported amendment case basis. It is estimated that directly for export destinations has passed H.R.12572 by a vote of and sent it to a Conference which would have given the under these final regulations, from calling at Saginaw. Without 246 to 33. This bill amends the Committee to resolve the dif- Packers and Stockyards only about 3240 feeding the dredging project, farmers u.s. Grain Standards Act and is ferences. Administration the same operations in the United States stand to lose this important ex- aimed at improving the present After discussions between authority to regulate the poultry will be required to obtain per- port outlet. system of grain inspection Farm _ Bureau representatives industry as they now have for the without complete federalization. and Beef Industry Development livestock industry. The po\l1try The bill provides for federal Task Force members, it was industry is currently under inspection of grain a t all export announced on March 30 that the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade port terminals. The actual in- Task Force would support the Commission which has shown Swine pregnancy detection So-nar on the farm Michigan State University alld lean tissue in the flank area and sows to be sold. It also swine researchers are ex- of the sow. If the sow is pregnant, enables a producer to control the perimenting with a unit, similar the weight of the intrauterine number of sows farrowing at one to sonar, which takes the fluid causes the uterus to sink to time. guesswork out of sow pregnancy the abdominal wall about 30 days The detector also determines checks. after mating, and this registers in back fat and loin thickness in "Properly used, these the sound wave pattern indicated swine and beef cattle. There's considerable demand ultrasonic detectors are about 98 on the detector's display dial. for the machine even though it percent accurate," says Dr. This means swine pregnancy costs from $1,300 to $1,665. Some INTEREST ON DEBENTURES 5-10-15 year maturity Maynard Hogburg, Extension can be determined much earlier, models are portable with swine specialist, who foresees which increases efficiency in rechargeable batteries, and there eventual wide use of the unit in 8% 5 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase swine breeding operations. The arc several brands available, the animal industry. nonpregnant sow can be culled according to Hogburg. (F.B.S. only) Developed by researchers at from the herd much earlier than Despite its initial cost, the 8%% 10 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase the University of Illinois several before, saving the breeder about detector pays for itself when used years ago, the device is just now $20 per sow in feed costs. properly. "Any herd of over 60 9% 15 Year Maturity $100.00 Minimum Purchase gaining popularity. The unit may be used as an sows 'can justify the expenditure, Here's how it works: The unit early indicator of reproductive and several producers have 8~% 10 Year Maturity $1,000.00 Minimum Purchase bounces high frequency sound problems in the herd, and bought them together to cut waves off the layers of skin, fat, guarantees pregnancy in gilts costs," he adds. 9~% 15 Year Maturity $5,000.00 Minimum Purchase

Interest paid annually on September 1st. The purchaser to MFB supports land use bill be offered the option to receive their interest in quarterly The Michigan House geographic and agricultural or on an interim basis by the payments on September 1st, December Is-t, March 1st, and June 1st. Interest would start the date of purchase. Appropriations Committee has rep_resentation. It would ~ SLUC, utility projects or projects of conducted by state and local voted to postpone discussion on responsible for development a This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these Substitute HB 4234.Substitute HB statewide land use plan for governments with public monies securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. 4234 is a land use bill sponsored consideration and approval or would be subject to SLUe ap- by Rep. Philip Mastin (D-Hazel rejection by the Governor and proval if they occurred within an Park>. Legislature. essential land area. Projects of ------Clip and mail this c:oupon to: ,.,.,0-. ... Substitute H.B. 4234 is con- private persons using private Mr. C. A. Morrill FaRm~ Townships and counties could money would not be subject to Farm Bureau Services, Inc. sistent with current Michigan Farmers Petroleum Cooperatlye, Inc. BlJr9aU Farm Bureau policy on land use. prepare their own land use plans SLUC .approval even if within an P. O. Box "0 _....., __ -= Contrary to much of the in- to identify essential land areas. essential land area. Lansi,"" Michigan 48'04 ~ ~ formation disseminated by 0p.- . Essential land areas would be In effect, Substitute H.B. 4234is I would Jik_ a copy of the prospectus and a ~II by a .... is- ponents, the bill would not zone or identified. These areas would a sterile planning bill and does tered sales .,_nt, restrict private uses of privately include land considered essential not give zoning authority over Name _ for agriculture, forestry, owned land. private uses of private lands. RFD No. _ minerals, unique areas s~h as Road If enacted, Substitute H.B. 4234 Also, it does not require local Ctty _ would create a 9-member State wetlands, wildlife, etc., and governments to implement their county -- Phone _ Land Use Commission (SLUC). historical preservation. Once land use plansthrough zoning or ______--.Ll. ...uII I ...... A_ TIle Commission would have both identified by local governments any other regulatory device. PAGE 6 MICHIGAN FARM ~EWS MAY 1, 1976

Around the state with Farm Bureau

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- • _ - ... ~ i ~ ~ .... :t- .... - . -- -' -...\

M. J. Buscblen of MASApoints out trends in farm labor to Barry County group during series of special meetiags held around the state on farm labor and government regulations.

Members of the Feeder Pig Operations Committee attending were (clockwise from top) Bill Haas, MACMA; Ken Warner; Ken Bredabl; Matt McConnell; George Portice; and Murray Turnipseed. Chairman.

St. Clair County Farm Bureau held a grand opening in April of their new county office and FBS outlet. Shown from left are Carl Tice, county FBS manager; Carl McCormick. coullty-president; Ron Popps county FPC manager; and Jim Cronin. county membership chair- Oman.

Group purchasing in coming to MFR. Attending a recent Safemark 'product orientation meeting in Lansing are (from left) MFB staffen . Jesse Taggart. Gene Greenawalt. James Wickizer, general manager of AFBF Service Co.• James Paulson of Electric Storage Battery Co. and Chuck Burkett. MFB director of field operation. The Safemark group purchasing concept was introduced to county executive committees at the April series of cabinet meetings. The time table will be for explanation of the program starting at May county board meetings, followed by the appointment of county group purchasing committees. This process will be followed by obtaining potential dealers located by marketing area, with the plan that these dealen be established and maintaining an inventory by September first. The success of this program depends on the participation of tile ~ounty membership, the involvement aad dedicaUOII01 tile ~_ty committees. and the selection of the local dealen who llerVe tile • members. Serving memben OBlywitb the best quallty merchandise at Elmer and Rachel MicheHwere plenty happy at the Osceola CCMlnty, the best possible price -'5 the goal 01 the Safemark IJ'08P parcballDl victory party. They are cOUDtymembersblp chairmen. prognm. MAY 1, 1976 PAGE 7 Senate committee approves bill to continue P.A. 344 A bill that will allow the Michigan to the floor of the Senate. Legislative Counsel AI Almy- pointed out were MACMA General Manager Noel Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Senator John C. Hertel, chairman (D- that P.A. 344recognizes the need and right Stuckman, Harry Foster, manager of Act (P.A. 344) to be extended beyond its Harper Woods), Senator Richard J. Allen farmers have to organize for marketing Michigan Asparagus Growers and Tom September 1, 1976 expiration date was (R-Alma) and Senator John R. Otter- and. bargaining purposes. Butler, manager of Michigan Processing reported out of the Senate Agriculture and bacher (D-Grand Rapids) all voted to "Farmers have just as much need for Apple Growers .. Consumer Mfairs Committee April 14. report the bill out of committee. They were marketing and bargaining legislation Over 50farm people ignored ideal spring After hearing two hours of testimony the only members of the five-man com- today as they did in 1972when P .A. 344was plowing and planting weather to attend the from supporters and opponents' of S.B. mittee present. first passed by the legislature," Almy hearing. 1332,the committee voted to report the bill Speaking in support of the bill, -MFB said .. Chief opposition came from processors Special farm vehicles Also testifying in support of S.B. 1332 and canners and their association. exempt from registration Low cost health plan offered Gov. William G. Milliken designed and used exclusively for signed into law HB 4795 (I.E.>, the purpose of transporting farm In action taken at the February Directors approved the offering of services when they are amending the Motor Vehicle crops from the field to the .place meeting, the State Board Qf of a new lower cost health care utilized. For example: a member Code to exempt special farm of storage." \ plan to be provided by Blue Cross would pay 30 percent of each vehicles used only during harvest Cook Books and Blue Shield of Michigan. hospital admission for each operations from registration and The exemption applies to an person on the contract up to a title certification requirements. estimated 2,500vehicles although Started by A special open period in July maximum of $600.00. For "This new law eliminates the the number could be higher since will enable eligible members to professional services a sub- need for farmers to pay ex- many have been unregistered Farm Wives choose between the present level _ scriber would pay 30 percent of and unlicensed in the past. The American housewives, today the Blue Shield customary and pensive registration costs for accustomed to obtaining most of coverage and the more limited trucks used only a few weeks law also may exempt some benefit but lower cost Ecol!,9. reasonable fee paid to the doctor of their cooking needs from a . for his services. each year," Milliken said. "The farmers from the federal use well-stocked supermarket, Plan. The effective date of tfie special identification fee of $15 taxes they are now required to would have been dire straits in new program, for those signing A complete comparison of the will apply only to vehicles pay. the Revolutionary period. To- up in July, will be-August 20, 1976. benefits of the present and new day.s foods are pre-cooked, Lower rates are achieved by plan will appear in the June issue convenienced packed and al- the subscriber sharin~ in the cost of the Farm News. most ready to serve. A far cry Farm Bureau from what the colonial house- wife faced when mealtime rolled around. Her menu was seriously on the air limited to what was available The following radio stations WPHM Port Huron locally and this fact is one carry Accent Agriculture, a 131h WSGW Saginaw that has lead to the variety of minute public affairs program WIDG S1. Ignace localized specialties placed on focusing on the issues and events WRBJ St. Johns the table in various parts of affecting Michigan farmers and WSTR Sturgis the nation. Sausage and consumers. WJOR South Haven scrapple were Pennsylvania WIOS Tawas City specials; seafood along the WATC Gaylord WBMB West Branch Chesapeake Bay: ham in Vir- WFYC Alma WMIC Sandusky. ginia and lobster stew in New England. WMPC Lapeer WCSR Hillsdale WION Ionia WJML Petoskey To prepare food was usually WALM Albion WHMI Howell an ~xperience in innovation. WKLA Ludington There were few cookbooks in Every fanner WlVB Coldwater the colonies. Women who Farm News In-Depth is an in- came up with a good recipe should o\¥n WOAP Owosso depth report on the issues affecting WBRN Big Rapids carefully kept it recorded and Michigan farmers. It .is a two exchanged with other women WABJ Adrian a bank minute program carried daily. those which brought them the WCER Charlotte most compliments from family WCBY Cheboygan WCRM Clare and friends. of his own. WKPR Kalamazoo WKAR East Lansing When collections of recipes WHGR Houghton Lake WFYC Alma WMAM Marinette began to appear in books there WHFB Benton Harbor were also tips on preserving WAGN Menominee WPAG Ann Arbor WCER Charlotte and salvaging food. Modern WSTR Sturgis housewives, with abundant WHAK Rogers City WSMA Marine City supplies of low cost food over WKYO Caro WKPR Kalamazoo the yehrs, would find it easier WDOW Dowagiac WLKM Three Rivers to dispose of food than do WIDG St. Ignace WFUR Gram Rapids what some colonial wives did liKe all ag cooperatives. the Farm Credit Banks of St. Paul are owned by the people they serve ...farmers. ranchers and WCSR Hillsdale WNIL Niles to save food. A tip in one old WJPW Rockfocd WXOX Bay Ci~ cookbook listed this method of their cooperatives in Michigan. Minnesota, North Dakota and WSOO Sault Ste. Marie WGN Chicago saving tainted venison: Wisconsin. And no matter how much you borrow. you get the very same voting strength as others. WNIL Niles WWJ Detroit "Bury it in the ground in a WMIC Sandusky WLDR-FM Traverse City clean cloth for a whole night Your vote helps elect fellow farmers to the board of directors WSMM-FM ~ult Ste. Marie WMTE Mamstee and it will take away the of your Production Credit Association, Federal Land Bank WION Ionia , WWAM Cadillac corruption, savour and stink. ,. Association and cooperatives. These boards, in turn, elect a board for the Farm Credit Banks of St. Paul. And every farmer- WJML Petoskey WBCH Hastings Those who found sugar an WAOP Otsego member has a voice on the national level through a represen- WLDR Traverse City expensive item Qn the shopp- tative on the Federal Farm Credit Board. WRBJ St. Johns WCEN Mount Pleasant ing list recently were at least WLRC White Hall WOBe Escanaba able to find it. It was a scarce Cooperatives have been a part of rural America for a long WPLB Greenville WDMJ Marquette item in colonial America. time ...helping individual farmers and ranchers compete suc- WTRX Flint WLRC White HaU Molasses. too, was expensive cessfully in a highly-organized business world. WKNR BattIe Creek WGHN Gram Haven and the honey business had The cooperative Farm Credit System has helped in that WSHN Fremont WPHM Port Huron not yet developed here. As a effort. It's like giving every farmer the key to America's ag- WLEW Bad Axe WCMR Elkhart, Ind. result, early Americans were ricultural banking system. WCRM Clare WJBL Holland not used to sweet foods as we WABJ Adrian know them today. Farm News Today is a 2~ WTHM Lapeer Chopped apples. berries. minute program for Michigan WKZO Kalamazoo pulp. from near the seeds in farmers heard daily over these WSGW Saginaw squash and pumpkin provided COOPERA~~~ FAIIM stations and the Michiga-n Farm WHFB Benton Harbor ~ sweetness and a special taste Radio Network. WPLB Greenville to colonial cakes. WHGR Houghton Lake WKYO Caro Agrifacts ... ClEln WPAG Ann Arbor WBCM Bay City WBMB West Branch The farmer always had to WOAP Owosso WKYO Caro contend with the weather. The BAlKS OF ST. PAUL M:F'RN Milan year without summer was WCER Charlotte- Federal Intermediate Credit Bank (for your PCA) 1816. Ice formed one-half inch WCRM Clare WBCM Bay City Federal Land Bank (for your FLBA) WTVB Coldwater WSTR Sturgis thick in Mav; a three-inch Bank for Cooperatives (for your cooperatives) WDBC Escanaba WJCB Gladwin snow fell in J~ne and ice was still one-eighth inch thick in 375 Jaekson St., St. Paul, MN 55101/Phone: (612) 725-7722 WHTC Holland WVOY Charlevoix July. P:A"GE 8 1976 The Washington legislative seminar• by Marcia Ditchie The news media was watching as MFB members took off for the Farm News -photographer nation's capital.

For the 16th consecutive year., a selected group of Michigan Farm Bureau members traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss Farm Bureau policies and some current issues before Congress with Michigan's Congressional delegation. As part of the 1976Washington Legislative Seminar, 45county leaders were chosen by their counties as '''Legislative Leaders'~ who spent March 29-April 1 in the .nation's capitol discussing such key issues as estate tax reform, food stamp reform and export controls. Prior to leaving Lansing's Capitol City Airport, a news conference was held with local news media to explain Farm Bureau's support of the Burleson-Curtis Bill which would up-date the provisions in the current federal estate tax law. Once in. Washington, the Legislative Leaders itinerary for meeting with their Congressmen included the Republican and Democratic breakfasts. One of the key issues discussed at the breakfasts by the Legislative Leaders and the Congressmen was estate tax reform which would provide vital revisions needed if family farms are to survive. The leaders stressed the need for raising the estate tax exemption from $60,000to $200,000and pointed out that the last revision in the exemption clause was made in 1942. Michigan Congressmen who are sponsoring the bill include Guy Van- derJagt (R-Muskegon), Garry Brown (R-SchoolcrafO, Marvin Esch (R-Ann Arbor), Ed Hufchinson (R-St. Joseph), James O'Hara (D-Utica), Robert Traxler (D-Bay City), and Elford A. Cederberg (R-AlmaL Congressmen attending the two breakfasts. were Senator Robert Griffin and Congressmen Guy VanderJagt, Edward Hutchinson, Philip Ruppe, Elford Cederberg, Garry Brown, William Broomfield, James O'Hara, Robert Traxler and Robert Carr. Representatives from Senator Philip Hart, and Congressmen Marvin Esch, Donald Secretary Butz and l\1FB President Elton Smith confer at USDA. Hiegle, and Richard Vander Veen's offices a~ attended. The t.cgislative leaders also :visit~CongtteSsional offices, sat in on various committee hearings and visit-edwith U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, including Secretary Butz. The four-day seminar provided Michigan farmers with the opportunity to meet with their Congressional representatives on a personal basis to discuss issues which are of impo.rtance to farmers at the grass-roots level and provide a continuation of Michigan Farm Bureau's policy development and policy execution process . . The Washington Legislative Seminar is sponsored each year by Farm Bureau Women to make possible this contact between Michigan farmers and their elected representatives.

Young Farmer vice chairman Bob Rottier was interviewed by Booth Newspapers reporter ROD Cordray at the National Press Club.

WILX-TV Lansing-Jackson interviewed Ingham County's Jan McMicbael on the estate tax reform Austin Bowman, AUegan County University of Michigan President seriously consider their roles in America's hanging and those fifty-six men. realized That's where I come in. As an American, Robben Fleming. future. this. In her essay. Martha praised the men I experience this hard-earned freedom who had the courage to sign the From its beginning as a Lansing area Not many Americans realize what was every day. Thanks to those faithful men Declaration of Independence, risking contest, it has grown into a massive behind each of the signatures 00 that who signed the Declaration of Indepen- everything . they owned "because they statewide program involving volunteer Declaration of Independence. Many of us dence and many thousands more who considered liberty as mucm more im- efforts or FBIG agents and home office think of them as poor soldiers or farmers, "mutually pledged to each other their portant than security ... " . employees. working men of low means. But the fact is, lives, their fortunes and their sacred The second place winner in the state is As spoDSOJ"of the annual essay contest, that all these men were well educated, and honor" for the sake of freedom, I live in a Christine Wilson, a student at Muir Junior FBIG has received the George Washington were men or wealth and luxury. Twenty- country where Freedom reigns, High in Milford, and third place was won Medal from the Freedoms Foundation five four of them were lawyers and jurists, nine AMERICA! I owe a lot to those men who by Lynn Lee Mattox, an eighth grader at years in a row. were owners of large plantations. The rest fought for Freedom two hundred years Holy Childhood Boarding School in Harbor Each year, the best excerpts from the were all weU-to~o in their own particular ago. The only way I can say "thank you" is Springs. Christine will receive $250 in essays are compiled into booklet form and field. Yet they all signed "their lives, their to do all I can to KEEP America free. A PAGE" 10 ere eLL you arKl • your rain annoeans tHisyear1

Fluctuations in today's market make this question more important than ever to farmers. The Michigan Elevator Exchange (MEE), a division of Farm Bureau Services, provides marketing services to over 100 country elevators. When you market your crops at a MEE member elevator, you'll benefit from the resources that provide marketing knowledge and locate the most advantageous prices anywhere in the world. The country elevators that we represent are in the best position to help the farmer gain fair market prices. MEE can reduce marketing cost, since we are owned by and for Michigan Farmers. The larger the percentage of production that farmers control, the more respect they will have. This gains better prices in both the domestic and foreign markets. Stop in and see your local MEE member elevator today. He is working for you.

ASKTH£ FARM BVREAlJ P£OP~£ MAY 1, 1976 MICHI~AN FARM NEWS PAGE 11 Earm Bur~au Membership , Benefits Farm Fa-milies SERVICE TO MEMBERS ONLY 1. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 11. Farm Bureau Mutual Fund - investment service (Excludes Auto) 12. Farm Records Service 2. Hertz Car Rental (discount program) 13. Farmers Petroleum Co-op. - Stock - S5.00 purchase 3. $50.00 Guaranteed Arrest Bond Certificate certificate

4. Travel Tours to Foreign Countries 14. Group Purchasing Discount for Power Transmission products. 5. Group Blue Cross-Blue Shield 15. Farm Bureau Services 6. Milk Check Deduction Program - Blue Cross-Blue Shield a. Egg Marketing b. fowl Marketing 7. Group Member Life Insurance c. Wheat Marketing • d. S5.00 Purchase Certificate 8. Mutual Auto Insurance 16. Commodity Division Approach 9. Workman's Compensation - Safety Group - Dividends a. Soybeans b. Commodity Listing Service according to members' 10. M.A.S.A. - Labor information and employment service needs (hay, dairy, etc.) , For MFB Members Blue Cross & Blue -Shield Coverage

:.!..~.:l. oU:L~:i;~~~J~}!_-_-_-- W '.I.li.:.! protection to complement Medicare + Blue Cross :::: • Master Medical .... @ :::: l to pick up many additional charges! Blue Shield@ l ~:~: of Michigan ~:~: ::.:.~:=:=:=:::=;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:~::::::::::::::::::=:=:=:~:=:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:~:.:.:.:.:.:;::::::::::::~::::::::~:::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::=:::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.:.: Farm Bureau Saves You Sample Farm Your Farm Savings Savings Michigan gas tax refund 9c per gallon x 4.000 gallons ; . S 360

Federal gas tax refund 4c per gallon x 4.000 gallons .. ' . 160

Farm truck license 8,000 lb. truck x $1 per 100 Ibs . 80

Farm wagon license 3 wagons @ $7.80 per wagon . 23

Sales tax exemption ~% sales tax x $20,000 farm input ~ . 800

Repeal of farm personal property tax 50% of value of personal property x local millage rate . 800

_ Tax relief for households and farms - limits property tax to 3~% of household income. with refund up to $1,200 . 1,200

TOTAL $3,423 Plus exemption from tax assessment for growing crops; transportation legislation; marketing and bargaining legislation; amendments to labor laws; increase of livestock indemnity payments; tax appropriations for livestock and crop research; program to limit property ,taxes for farm land to seven percent of household income, and amendments ...to enviro nmeAtal regulations.

ADD 'EM UP FOR YOUR FARM - AREN'T THEY WORTH MORE THAN S3S MEMBERSHIP DUES? PAG£ 12 MAY 1, 1976 MiCNgan Marketing Outlook

DAIRY to benefit both the dairy farmer processors here believ~ the BEEF on this one and" be prepared to A strong butter and cheese and the consumer by assuring the Asparagus Growers Marketing After favorable returns for alter your feeding programs if market has resulted in the M-W farmer a market for his milk at Committee's price of 30e for most of 1975, cattle prices necessary. With the economy series price for manufacturing reasonable prices an_d by number 1 grade is too high, the dropped back down into a loss picking back up and the onset of milk being at $8.60for the month assuring the consumer an committee and MACMAstaff are position early this year. A drop of the steak fry season, I seriously of March. This strong market and adequate supply of pure and "engaged in extensive more than $10 per hundred from doubt that the consumer will be up-turn in the M-W price was wholesome milk and dairy negotiations to reach agreement mid January saw. prices for hood winked into buying somewhat of a surprise to many products. on a price. choice beef dip below the_$35 per something she doesn't want just dairy leaders who had expected Dr. Paul E. Kindinger, Director In comparison to income, milk hundred mark in mid March. because the name has been the price to drop near the support and butter have actually become- MDD There are probably many changed. level of $8.13. cheaper today than ever. In 1940 STRAWBERRIES reasons that could be listed. Tom Reed Utilization of Class 1 milk was it took about 20 minutes of work Michigan's strawberry Market Development Division 61.40 percent in March, up from Record cow and non-fed for the average factory worker to acreage is expected to decline 59.79 percent during February. slaughter coupled with a surge in CORN buy a half gallon of milk and again in 1976. According to the, fed cattle marketings, confusion Production continues to show an On Friday, April 16th, the nearly 30 minutes of work to buy Michigan crop reporting service over the new grade standards, increase of 1.5 percent over a harvest is estimated at 2,700 U.S.D.A. issued a release on year ago. one pound of butter. In 1975it took consumer adjustment to fed beef only 10minutes of work to buy the acres, 3 percent" lower than last expected plantings that put com after a full year of non-fed at 82.7 million acres; 6 percent Milk and dairy food prices have half gallon of milk and less than year. Of the major strawberry marketings to name just a few. been receiving a lot of attention 13 minutes to buy the pound of producing"'"'states only California more than last year and 2 percent in the past few weeks. Consumer butter. is expected to harvest more-acres Cattle prices have reached higher than the JanuarY report. groups, the Justice Department, Bernie Bishop of strawberries this year. Har- their low level, at least for this At the same time soybean the Federal Trade Commission, Marketing Specialist vest is underway on the West year, and have made rapid ad- planting intentions dropped 10 and the President's Council on Market Development Division Coast and will begin in vances back to a paying percent indicating a present Wage and Price Stability have all Michigan's southwestern proposition. We should see price advantage to corn been critical of the role of counties around the first of June. continued strong prices ad- production. cooperatives and Federal Milk ASPARAGUS Conditions during early and mid vancing near the $50 mark by mid With total com stock carryover Market Orders in the pricing of . Harvest here in MIchigan is spring have been good to ex- summer and" continuing sharply higher than" a year ago, milk. The critics charge that the expected to begin in early May. cellent stimulating good plant relatively strong the rest .of the providing adequate old crop com coops have become so large as to The state's asparagus growers growth. There appears to be little year. There are several positive added to the prospect of a record be able to exert _monopolistic are expected to harvest about winter damage. points that lead to this optomistic new crop, downward pressure on force and, combined with federal 18,700 acres in 1976. This With estimates from Mexico view. The cow herds are now prices in the months to follow can regulations, are able to "unduly represents a 5 percent increase stating that a shortfall of 40-50 beginning to restock which be expected. enhance" the price of dairy from a year ago. Michigan mHlion pounds is possible and reduces the cow numbers from Tight farmer holding will products. however, continues to be the only wilh--practically no carry in of slaughter and the number of remain the key support factor in major production area where fruit from last year's pack, there heifers that enter the feed chain; the corn market on a short term These issues were addressed at acreage is increasing. is expected to be a lack of thus, strengthening the livestock but will not have much effect on a recent symposium sponsored Prospective acreage' for harvest strawberries that could continue markets from feeders all the way prices if we, in fact, do see an by the National Milk Producers in the u.s. is estimated at 81,400 through all of 1977.According to a through fed cattle marketing. average yield of corn on more Federation. In the discussion at compared with 88,400 acres in than 82 million acres. recent Food Institute report, If, in fact, the consumer is this symposium it was pointed 1975. "demand is tremendous". This We have seen some increase in out that farmers do have the legal Inventory figures as of March shifting to leaner meat this will export demand in recent weeks should be good news for mean that cattle will go to right, under the Capper--Volstead 1st show substantially reduced strawberry growers as the which if it continues will help Act, to organize cooperdtives to carry in stocks compared with a market at a lighter weight which ease the pressure. Another point marketing year begins here in will further shorten the supply of market their products. The year earlier. Prices are to keep in mind is that we are a Michigan. beef. - cooperatives and the Federal strengthening in most areas of Dr. Paul E. Kindinger, Director long way from harvest time and a Milk Market Orders have worked the country. Although some MDD " Feel the markets out carefully great deal can happen both at home and abroad in an election ~. w -•• ~ year that would be impossible, to ~ predict at this time. Tom Reed Supply IMarket Development Division Report I MFB members ~ to USDA ~ U By Greg Sheffield ~;: cherry board ' Spring has come a t this good supply of pesticides. A Feed and Animal Health continue to be generated to keep Four Michigan Farm Bureau writing, middle of April. Spring However, this supply won't last Seminar was held with product the program moving. 9 members have been appointed to broke way ahead of normal, all at and replenishment may be a knowledge being imparted to Strikes - The truckers' strike 1n the USDA's Cherry once, all across the ~ountry and problem. dealers. Dealers were given early April hurt the supply of Administrative Board. The board Michigan was not left behind. A Hardware - A steel price hike information for farmer patrons .tires since stocks were already operates under a federal great rush in demand for fer- hit as predicted. On April 1, steel covering the latest developments reduced. Rubber workers en- marketing order for red tart tilizers and application equip- went up about five percent. This in feeds, flnimal health products couraged by the truckers' suc- cherries grown in Michigan, New ment, as predicted, has turned will be reflected in fences, and ways for farmers to save cess are also planning to strike at York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Penn- into local shortage situations due livestock equipment, building time, labor and increase profits. this writing. sylvania, Virginia, West Virginia to.the tremendous job of getting supplies and other products. A new, direct trucking ship- CF Petroleum Company - The and Maryland. everything to all farmers at once. There's still a good supply of ment system for dealers has been target date for full im- Appointed as a grower As usual, farmers who ordered mowers, rototillers, garden established. Feeds will be piementation of the intergrated representative from district 3 is early and took delivery were in tractors and a grand array of shipped directly to dealers from crude-to-refinery - to- dealer- Donald Nugent, Frankfort, Mich. the best position to plant early garden tools for the home gar- the Battle Creek Feed Plant with outlets program has been with Norman R. Veliguette, and proceed without supply dener at dealers. With the in- no stops at intermediate points delayed by red tape and federal Kewadin, Mich. as alternate. worries. Some fertilizer creased popularity of gardening for transfers. This "Peddle Run" regulations. The anticipated Grower representative from manufacturers have moved to these are again in much demand. idea has been used successfully benefits ~f the new petroleum district 4 is James W. Dittmer higher prices. Farm Bureau has Get what )'OU need while the for other Farm Bureau products. refinery purchase will have its Ludington, MiC}~. with Rodney not raised prices back and has selection is excellent. impact soon. In the meantime, Bull, Bailey, Mich. as alternate. sufficient fertilizer and pesticides Cash and Carry Tire Program _ strategy and blueprint sessions George Dever, fruit and for its patrons. Over most of the Water softeners have become Prices have dropped with a new continue and supply channels are vegetable official with USDA's state it is successfully meeting popular with Farm Bureau sta tewide Farmers Petroleum being shaped up. The new target Agricultural Marketing Service the challenges of delivery to -co- patrons. The advantages of Cash and Carry Tire Program. date is the end of April for (AMS>, said a major function of operating farmers. treated water will not be fully The new program was product to start flowing. the board is to analyze supply and The short lived April trucking realized until a softener is put in inaugurated at a special meeting New Oil Well - FPC is excited demand conditions and recom- strike did take an economic toll operation. held for all FPC dealers on with the new Southern Illinois mend to USDA the total quantity and delayed supplies at a crucial Buildings made by Farm- March 16. All dealers agreed to discovery well that came in. of cherries that may be shipped time. If you still haven't suf- Bureau Building Centers are an unprecedented system of Daily production will be modest, under the marketing order ficient fertilizer, your Farm taking a spurt. Both commercial advertising one price and having but good reserves are indicated. during specified time. periods. Bureau dealer is your best bet, as and farm buildings, including uniform low prices on tires New Fuel. Tire, Accessory This helps stabilize supplies and Farm Bureau dealer supplies are livestock systems, are handled. throughout the state at all FPC Stores - The Caro FPC Grand prevent market shortages and being replaced as quickly as Feeds -The Feed Department's outlets. Promotions will be forth- Opening on March 25 was suc- gluts. Farmer Feed Meetings have possible. coming covering the new Cash " cessful. Over $19,000 worth of The board consists of 12 continued with excellent farmer Carry ad*tages. An insert wiD supplies were sold. Over 1,500 members - six producers and six Pesticidft" - We beat the an- turn outs and many signing up for herron in the MICHIGAN FARM people attended and new patrons handlers - with an alternate for ticipated transportation crunch feed delivery at guaranteed NEWS. The same inserts will be each. The marketing order, Mr. in the area of herbicides~ in- cORtinue to increase business. prices, including price ad- available for dealer use in Emmett's FPC Grand Opening Dever explained, specifies a secticides and fungicides by vantages if prices drop. These newspapers, shoppers guides and three-year term of office, with getting FBS dealers to take recorded similar success on meetings- have been popular all for mailings, etc. Radio and other March 30-31 with business terms of one-third the members suppfies early. Dealers have a new across the state. promotions will be utilized and still coming in steadily. expiring each year. PAGE 13

Farm itisurance rate is going up Just about every insurance reason is inflation. When loss the fact that inflation has hit the ftom January 1971 to January inoperable for reasons specified company operating in Michigan - payments and building repair building industry harder than 1976. The cost for lumber alone in the policy. including FaI:m Bureau costs balloon because of inflation, most of the economy. For increased 86 percent during this The same inflationary factors Insurance Group - is being the premiums collected are no example, the Government's period. that are driving up farm in- forced to raise farm insurance longer adequate to pay losses and Index of Wholesale Prices shows These factors, coupled with surance rates are also forcing rates. expenses. that the cost of construction heavy windstorm losses in 1975, companies to increase auto rates. Why the increase? The major The situation is worsened by materials increased 57 percent are forcing FBIG and insurance Like almost every insurance companies throughout Michigan company in the nation, FBIG will to raise rates for farm insurance. be increasing rates for auto in- FBIG, the largest farm insurer surance because of skyrocketing in the state, will raise rates for its automobile part and repair costs. Farmowners insurance, but the Consider this: The cost to fix an amount of increase will vary in automobile that cost $4,500 new Know the law individual cases. Despite the would exceed $20,000 if it were increase, farmers will have the. replaced piece by piece through chance to reduce their Far- repair shops. Another fact: mowners premiums by assuming Among the parts most commonly a greater part of a loss through damaged in a collision are higher deductibfes. bumpers, grills and fenders. ~hroughout the property in- From 1971to mid-1975, the price surance industry, losses are of these parts jumped more than mounting and putting the squeeze 60 percent. on insurance companies, leaving In December 1972,the average no alternative but to raise rates cost -per collision paid by Farm to meet future claims and ex- Bureau Mutual Insurance was penses. $322.In other words, this was the But along with the bad news of company's cost, on the average, How wide is too wide when inflation, FBIG has some good to repair an automobile after an moving farm -equipment on news about its Farmowners accident. public roads? This farm wife program. As a new addition to By June 1975,this aver;-age cost Found out. Farmowners coverage, farmers had risen to $562. A study of the will now have the opportunity to table below shows how - auto add coverage that will pay for repair costs paid by Farm farm equipment rental when a farmer's machinery becomes (Co~tinued on J'age 15) Heritage of 76 rours July 24- August 1, 1976 August 14-22,1976 September 11-18,1976 (Depart and return from Detroit) TOUR ITINERARY - Q. Recently, I was stopped for moving equipment which was over Saturday - ~ly American Airlines non-stop from Detroit to Boston. width. I must move my equipment - What can I do? Sunday - Tour of Boston, Bunkerhill, Frigate Constitution, Lexington A. The Michigan Vehicle Code in Section 717(b) states, "The total and Concord. outside width of a farm tractor or any farm implement or machinery shall not exceed [86 inches. Any agricultural im- Monday - Tour to Plymouth, Plymouth Rock, library of John Q. plement wider than 108 inches shall not be moved on the highway Adams and birthplace of John Hancock. between the hours of sunset and sunrise." - Also required in Section 711(f) , No vehicle or farm tractor. farm Tuesday -Fly to Philadelphia to visit the restored buildings and sights implement or machinery shall extend beyond the centerline- of of America'so'birthplace of liberty and freedom. Tour Valley Forge any state trucking highway except when legally authorized by enroute to Arlington, Virginia. law. There are provisions for obtaining a permit to transport over size Wednesday - Sightseeing to include government buildings with stop at the Whitehouse and Mt. Vernpn. or weight vehicles. Section 725authorizes ~ssuance of permits by the State Highway Department or County Road Commission for movement of vehicles in excess of size or weight limitations. - Thursday - Entire day at leisure for you to visit Smitsonian Institute Library of Congress, etc. ' Section 688(g) also requires that when operated on the highway. every vehicle which has a maximum po&ential of 25 mph., im- Friday - Special buses to Williamsburg, Va. Tickets'provided for visit plement of husbandry, farm tractor or special mobile .equJp~ent to attractions. shall be identified with reOective device - a slow ,movIng vehIcle emblem

Sunday - N? plans for morning. Depart in afternoon for Washington, D.C. and flIght to Detroit.

COST OF TOUR $440.24per person from Detroit.

Cost includes air transportation as outlined based on minimum group 10rates in effect. Nove~ber 15, 1975,possibly subject to slight change; all transfers; sIghtseemg; baggage handling for one suitcase per person for entire trip; tips to sightseeing drivers; hotels based on two people sharing twin bedded room. Single room higher. Not included is meals, items of a personal nature such as room service, telephone Slow moving vehicle emblems calls, laundry, etc. are required on implements and tractors. RESERVATION REQUEST Please enter my reservation for the 1976 Michigan Farm Bureau Bicentennial Tour. Enclosed is my check made out to Hoosier Travel Service, Inc., in the amount of $75.00deposit for each reservation. I understand I will be billed for the balance of the tour according to the schedule contained in this. NAME

ADDRESS

Zip code Telephone PAGE 14 ~lcM~AN ~~~M NEWS

Showcase in Muskegon.... Was'te management planning For the last few years national attention has been focused on a shoreline region of western Michigan where Muskegon County is taking a bold step toward economic vitality that may serve as a prototype for areas all over MUSKEGON: the country. Hanging out a welcome sign for polluters hasn't always z o been Muskegon County's style. In fact, only a few years "'0 ago the county was facing an uphill battle to ac- ~a: I to- i commodate the sewage produced by homes and industries w CL t already located there, and residents watched sadly as the , lakes where they had swum and fished as children were --1\ poisoned by wastes that had no other place to go. Now that I AVE has changed. Facing up to the fact that a neglected en- I vironment can precipitate economic ~ecline, Muskegon I : county has begun to fight back against the forces un- I dermining its rich stock of natural resources. ---~AVE Muskegon had a history of environmental degradation. ! Its thick blanket of pine forest was stripped away during . the lumber boom of the last century, and much of the barren land the lumberjacks left behind had neither the topsoil nor the drainage capacity to support a viable agricultural economy. With industrialization came foundries and other heavy industries that mined the sand from the shoreline dunes and poured pollutants into the lakes. Eventually the expolitation of natural resources began to eat away at the foundations of the economy. Wastewater Management System Recognizing that physical environment, and par-' ticularly the lakes and shorelines, were potentially the county's greatest asset, the choice was made to halt the dumping of wastes into local lakes and watercourses by. launchi.ng a unique new system of wastewater treatment. Muskegon county's wastewater irrigation system, which began operation in May, 1973, is not just a super Michigan SHEmER Sewer. It is the key to recreational development through cleaner wa terways; to agricultural development, through RO soil enrichment: to industrial development, through aid to firms plagued with ever-higher standard for pollution control. The hartmark of the Muskegon approach is that it goes beyond conventional secondary treatment, which leaves large doses of viruses. phosphates, and other chemicals in the treated water that is returned to lakes and streams. Muskegon goal is to achieve a third level of treatment. removing 98 to 100 percent of all pollutants in industrial and domestic wastewater. In short, it expects to meet or exceed all present and anticipated water quality stan. dards of the Federal government and the State of \Iichigan . . The theory behind the wastewater system is that you never really get rid of wastes simply by throwing them away. They remain a part of the environment, affecting other parts for good or ill. If wastes can be relocated to a useful place in the environment, their effect is for the good. Muskegon's goal is to stop dumping wastewater into lakes and rivers. where it is a pOllutant. and put it on the land. where it becomes a resource. ~ 1I0w it Works by KEN WILES Here's how the wastewater system works. The county's sewage is collected from 14 municipalities, with some T()VI£ Manager Member Relations 140.000 residents and 200 industries. The wastewater is treated by two independent subsystems, one serving the Muskegon-Mona Lake area. and another smaller one serving the Whitehall-Montague area. In the metropolitan area, water is collected from the existing sewer lines by a 13-mile interceptor system. It is of a single rota tion can be varied from one to seven days. crop growth and possibly lengthening the growing season. then pumped 11miles inland to the major treatment site, In periods of heavy rainfall; or during the winter months Most important the nuclear part would make it possible to which covers an area of 10,000acres. At the site, the raw when the ground is frozen. water can be held in the remove power generating facilities from the shorelines, wastes are given the equivalent of convention secondary storage lagoons qntil it can be used fQr irrigation. freeing them for other more appropriate uses. treatment -- three days of aeratin and mixing in open air After irrigation and filtration through the soil, the water hiological treatment cells. is collected in underground drainage pipes, monitored to Areawide.Waste Management Planning The effluent from the cells may take either of two check its quality, and discharged to the surface water of Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act t routes. Usually it goes into a settling basin where solids the county. The drainage system prevents waterlogging requires each state to designate appropriate agencies to settle out and the process of natural stabilization takes on the site, which might make the soil unfit for cultivation .. study area water quality problems and prepare and place. But it can also be routed into one of two huge It also provides quality control by allowing groundwater implement plans to control pollution sources. Plans storage lagoons -- each an 850 acre lake -- to be held to leave the management area only at. specified points prepared under Section 208 must identify, if appropriate, temporarily until irrigation takes place. after careful monitoring. The treatment facility is agriculturally related nonpoint sources of pollution, in- When the liquid is withdrawn from the settling basin or designed to serve the 1992 requirements of the county, cluding runoff from manure disposal areas and from land storage lagoon. it is disinfected by chlorination. After the with. a population of 170,000 persons generating an used or livestock and crop production. The plan must also chlorine dosage, the water is clean enough to be suitable average flow of 43.4 million gallons per day. set forth procedures and methods, including land use for full body contact recreation. Then. it is pumped out to The county has set up a solid waste management requirements, to control to the extent feasible such the fields and spray irrigated over 6,000 acres of spndy. system on a part of the wastewater site. The location has sources. formerly unproductive land. special advantages for a sanitary landfill, sinee its built-in Each of the 11 Regional Planning commissions in the The benefits of irrigation are twofold. First, the drainage system checks the problem of polluted water Lower Peninsula have been designated to prepare Section nutrients in the wastewater enrich the land. Second, the seeping through the refuse to contaminate the un- 208 plans for their respective geographic jurisdictions. process of passing through the "living filter" of the soil derground water supply. The solid waste program may Public participation is required .. purfies the water. Nutrients and phosphates are taken up eventually be expanded to serve not only Muskegon At the last annual meeting the voting delegates urged by plants or removed by the soil Suspended matter and County, but the whole surrounding region, so that the Farm Bureau members to participate in any discussions, color are removed as the water percolates through the volume of wastes will be great enough to support a new public hearings and exert influence to whatever extent soil. Heavy metals attach themselves to organic matter industry built around resource reclamation. possible regarding this planning process which can and clay particles. And viruses are held by the soil long The possibility of locating a nuclear power facility on greatly affect agriculture. enough to be decomposed into innocuous protein. the wastewater site has also been studied. If the nuclear Whether the Muskegon County Wastewater The irrigation process is accomplished by 55 rotating plant were built, it would have the option of using the Management System will offer dramatic new answers to spray rigs with radii from 750 to 1400feet - roughly four wastewater storage basins as cooling ponds instead of, or urban waste problems remain to be seen. However, it is a city blocks long. Spray from the rigs is directed downward in conjunction with, the usual cooling towers, which are start and all engaged in agriculture should take an active under low pressure, minimizing loss by evaporation and very cosUy to construct. The waste heat might even be role in helping to determine the policies governing water producing tbe effect of a gentle rainfall. The time period used to warm the irrigation water. increasing the rate of quality in their areas. MAY 1" 1976 MICHI~~ J;~a.M NE,WS PAGE 15 Capitol Report Van Buren is first. _ (Continued from page 4) School Aid H.B. 6132has passed the House with 191f! queen and if finally passed would solve OFFICE CAL~S , a problem for many school -It Mrs. Warren (Dawn) Wilkinson, 19, of Fennville was districts. It removes the penalty .selected as the new Van Buren that exists in the present formula County Farm Bureau queen on for schools that raise additional Q. What is "Coordination of Benefits" and will it delay payment to April 3 at the Van Buren County local millage. The present for- the hospital or physician for allowable expetlses under my Blue Farm Bureau building in Paw mula in effect penalizes those Cross-Blue Shield contract? Paw. About 180people attend the districts willing to vote additional occasion. taxes for improved school A. Coordination of Benefits means, if a Farm Bureau member Blue Miss Patricia D'Angelo, programs_ Cross-Blue Shield subscriber is covered by two or more group health care plans, is sick or injured, the plans work together in daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James D' Angelo, of Bangor was selected Single Business Tax paying 100 percent of the allowable hospital and medical ex- as first runner-up. H.B. 6072 and S.B. -1328 are penses. It will hot delay payment to the hospital or physician for Dawn will now go on and identical bills introduced in the the allowable expenses of the Blue Cross-Blue Shield subscriber. represent Van Buren County at House and Senate. They are It also does not affect individual programs. Van Buren Queen Dawn the Michigan Farm Bureau designed to give small business Wilkinson. queen contest in. December in some relief from the Single Grand Rapids. Business Tax. It would apply to businesses with gross receipts of "Bottle bill Insurance rate less than $1.5 million. If federal Berrien County F.B. taxable income is 1 percent or (Continued from page 13) petition less of the gross receipts, the Bureau Mutual have jumped Single Business Tax-tax would be circulated every six months since 1972. cut by 75 percen t; if -between 1 gets support from AVERAGE COST percent and 2 percent, the (Continued from page 1) PER COLLISION reduction would be 50 percent; if nonretur~able bottle issue. Many PAIDBYFBIG between 2 percent and 3 percent, farmers have commented upon December 1972 $322 the S.B.T. tax would be reduced county commission the problems caused by these June 1973 403 by 25 percent. Berrien County Farm Bureau the state and county health containers to machinery, crops December 1973 -428' received unanimous support departments' and additionally and' livestock. The coming of June 1974 503 Most farmers will not be af- fro~ the Berrien County Board of must comply with federal spring each year demonstrates December 1974 506 fected by the' Single Business Commissioners recently when regula.tions involving safety the seriousness of this Iitter June 1975 562 Tax. However, some larger the board approved a resolution standards and farm and'migrant problem. FBIG, which insures more than farms will be. All farmers will prepared by Berrien County F.B. labor. Everyone concerned with the 160,000vehicles, is experiencing benefit from the increase in opposing the federally funded Berrien Farm Bureau leaders growing problems caus~d by the same pressures as the rest of property tax relief from the Michigan Migrant Legal claim MML"Ahas been needlessly nonreturnable beverage con- the insurance industry, but present $500 to $1200 that was Assistanct p!'oject. harassing growers. tainers can help create an despite this, FBIG's rates are provided in companion In an effort to bring MMLA economic incentive to help solve remaining highly competitive legisla tion. Calling the project "a needless activities to wider attention, the the issue by circulating the with other companies. waste of the taxpayers' money", board also voted to send copies of petitions. Additional copies will Local FBIG agents will have Farm Bureau is working to the resolution claimed farmers its resolution to the governor's be available from the Public full information on the rate amend S.B. 1328or H.B. 6072 to are already subject to office, the labor and state health Affairs Division or your County changes .for both Far:mowners further modify the Single regulations and in inspections by departments, and represen- Farm Bureau offic'e. and auto insurance. Business Tax. the state labor department and tatives in Congress. FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE

SPECIAL RATE TO FARM.BUREAU MEMBERS: One free 25 word ad per month per membership. additional words. 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word NON- MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition. two or more editions. 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 13th of Month. Mail classified ads to: Michigan Farm News. P. O. Box 960. lansing. Mi. 48904 Publisher reserves right to reject any advertising copy submitted.

FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS

FOR------~------SALE 1975IHC 100 Hydro tractor with FOR SALE: Shaker Arm for a Friday Limb FOR SALE - YORKSHIRE serviceage bOars CHAROLAIS _ For sale polled or horned "SWEET POTATO PLANTS"" Allgolds. cab and air conditioning. Also six bottom Shaker. Has never been broken. Contact and open gilts top bloodlines tested at MSU bulls and bred cows. performance tested. Centennials. Naricyhalls. Jewells. Por- plow both in excellent condition. Phone 616. Keith Burmeister. Shelby. Mich. Phone: 616. test station. All registered stock. Richard R.J. Eldridge & Sons. 7911 Alden Nash Rd .• tricans. "Georgia Reds". Bunch. Queens. 693.2369. Lake Odessa. Mich. (5.lt-25p) 861.2353. (5.1t.2Op) Cook. '2 mile east Mulliken. M.4J. Phone 517. (M.50) Alto. Mich. (616) 868.3081. (3.tf.25p) Triumphs. Nuggets: 50 plants SJ.98; 100- FOR SALE: John Deere 494 Corn Planter SURVIVE THE ENERGY CRUNCH Bum 649-8988. (3.tf.24p) ------$5.98; 300.$9.98; 500.$12.98; 1000-$19.98 wr'th extra'sS625. John Deere R64 Cultivator. wood. famous AShlev Thermostatic wood REG ST RED C M ISC E L LAN EOUS Postpaid to you. Early Bird Plant Company. burning circulators available now. Krader I E orriedale Sheep for sale. Dresden. Tennessee 38225. 10 ft. John Deere KBA Disc. Phone Tekon- Rams. Ram lambs. ewes. good bloodlines. sha. Mich .• 517-765-2683. (5.1t.24p) Enterprises. Rt. No.1. Grand Junction. Also Hampshire Rams. Leo Eccles. Mendon ------(3-3t.34p) Mich. 49056. Phone 616.253-.4J32. (5-5t-24p) A9072. Phone616.496.7650. (7tf.21p) COLDWATER DILLPICKLES, Can in INTERNATIONAL M with Power Steering FO minutes! No hot brine. Delicious, Crisp. WATCH REPAIR - Any make cleaned. 1000 Oliver 88. Gas S8OO.U ft. 6 inch auger. R SALE: Patz barn cleaner with 225 ft. FOR SALE: 4 Registered Polled Hereford Factory Secrets! Recipe 51.00. Hamilton's. repaired. internal parts. crystals. crowns complete line of Ford equipment. Phone chain - gOOd condition. Also. 500 bales mixed Bulls. 2 years old. Also hel'fers and'yearll.rv. B 233131 N UI M' 56073 included. 3 day shop service. wrist watches hay 80c bale. Roy Moore. R No.1. Lawrence bulls. William McCarty. 105 S. Pi~ ox - • f!W m. Inn. (S-2t.20P) Tekonsha. Mich .• 517.765.2683. (5-lt.Up) sa.OIl. pocket 518.00. No electrics. Elgin ~. phone 616.674-1578. (5-lt.25p) Road. Bad Axe 48413. Phone: 517.269.8786. HOMEMADE CHEESE! HARD. SOFT & trained craftman. Mail order repair since FOR SALE: 1941Ford truck with large like FOR SALE - "Flying L" horse & stock (S.lt.25p) COTTAGE! Make it yourself! Easy. 1952. Free mailer. Hub's Service. 3855 Hopps new grain box. Also. four wood wagon Rd .• Elgin III. 60120. (1.6t.39p) trailers. gooseneck & flatbeds in stock. YEARLING Registered Holstein Bulls. One delicious! Complete instructions! Recipes. wheels. Make an offer. Phone Hubbard Lake Ph mi. west of Palo. Thomas Read. Fenwick, from dam with 21.311.milk 788 fat. Sired by S1.00. Hamilton's. Box 233.131. New Ulm. 517.727.2398. evenings. (5-lt-23p) LET US SHOW YOU how SUrlactllnts In- Mich. 48834. Phone517.637.4772. (lO-tf.25p) Glazy. Astronaut. Snowman. or Count. Also Minn. 56073. crease spraying effectiveness of Herbicides. MASSY FERGUSON Model No. 72 Combine. FOR SALE: 194 GMC Tandem Truck with 10 grade heifen due August. George Robb. (5.2t.20p) Insecticides. Fungicides on any crop. Free 10 ft. head and straw chopper. Phone 313.752. L20 INder lime box. Leland M. Chase, R No. Fowlerville. Phone 517.m.U62. ASPARAGUS. beautiful. Mary Washington 2 brochure and demo .• P.E.D .• Attn: G. 9259. Romeo. Mich. (5-lt-16p) 2. Box 121. Paw Paw. Michigan 49079. Phone (5-lt.25p5b) year state inspected plants. promptly Beaumont. Box 781. East Lansing. Michigan 48823. (4..ct-2Ip) 616-657.A364. (4-3t.23p) QUARTER HORSES _ D'ispos',t,'on for -.H. shipped. 59.00 per 100 postpaid and FOR SALE: 1974 Case 350 Crawler .. guaranteed. Fred Zaika. R No.2. Bear Lake. Loader R.O.P.S. with Sarifier. 184 hrs_ . new FOR SALE: 187 gallon Jamesway Bulk Milk ability tor cattle. conformation for show. Mich. 49614. WANTED TO BUY - Old farm tractors. old condition. Call before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Cooler. Double stainless steel wash tank, Reasonable prices. Customer satisfaction a (5-lt.25p) trucks, manuals and farm machinery Phone 517-375-2529. Glenn Craig. Elkton three Surge ss milk buckets with vacuum priority. Visitors welcome. Walton Farms. AVOID THE MIDDLEMEN and save. Cedar magaZines. State condition and price. LeRoy 48731. (5-lt.25p) pump. four milk cans. cream separator. 1994 Rosebush. Phone517 ..4J3-2925. (3.tf.24p) Products: fence post. grape post, pointed Keinath. 5718 Hart Road. Vassar. Michigan Cedar Road. Manistee. Mich. 49660. Phone SANTA GERTRUDIS cattle. Small herd for post and rustic round rail fences. Purchase A8768. FOR SALE: New Idea 76AJUni Chopper; 762 616.723.5A33. (3.3t.33p) sale. Classified and registered at King direct. trucking no charge In truck load lots. (5.tf-2Sp) Two row wide corn head; 7M Windrow HARLEY ROCK PICKERS. Rock Win- Ranch. Kingsville. Texas. Extra bulls. Write: Ivan R. Malnar. Wholesale Cedar KNOW A LITTLE about farming? Help get pickup. Phone evenings 517.831.4249. drowers. Picks 1 to 16" dia. The World's Wilber Perry. 7008 S. Vernon Rd •• Durand. Post Yard. Rte. No. 3. Rapid River. agriculture moving overseas. Expenses Stanton. Michigan. (5.1t.21p) Best. Phone 313.376-4791. Earl F. Reinelt. Mich. 517.288-6908. Michigan 49878. 906-474-5204 evenings. paid. Ages 20-60. single. married. no 4465 Reine". Deckerville. Mich. 48427. (5- tf. (5.1 t.25p) (3-6r-.t3p) children. Write Peace Corps Farmer. Room FOR SALE: 150 gallon Oari Kool bulk milk 23p) CHAROLAIS • For sale polled or horned 322.F N. Wacker Or .• Chicago. Illinois 60606. cooler. like new SJOO. Phone 616.651.7637. SPRAY.TEC insulation for metal. wood and bulls and bred cows. performance tested. R. FOR SALE: 7 14" x 16' I beams with 8" (J-4t.31p) Sturgis. Mich. Fawn River Rd. block buildings. UL Lab. as Class A building J. Eldridge & Sons. 7911Alden Nash Rd .• (M- flange. 54 Ibs. per ft .. 5125.00 each. South MARY WASHINGTON ASPARAGUS roots, (5-lt.19p) material. Gerald Oakley. 1420 M.52 North. SO) Alto. Mich. (616) 868-6223. Haven. phone 616-637.3773. 1 - 2 and 3 year old. also Rhubarb cutting (S.H.18p) Stockbridge. Mich. 49285. Phone 517.851 ' (3.tf.25p) (strawberry) in medium. large and extra FOR SALE: Reo 6x6 .2112 ton Army Truck, large size. retail and wholesale. also Cushion 8062. (5.12t.25p) COW TRIMMING makes your cows feel metal cab. 51.500.00. Also. superior Grain DOG FOOD. 21 percent protein. 8 percent Mums. Write or call for prices. Harry Zeplk. Auger 8" . very good. Phone 313-659-6535. GRAIN DRYING AND STORAGE better. produce better and makes you more fat. nuggets. SOIbs. $6.25. 1.000 Ibs. or more Watervliet 49098.616-463.3393. (4.3t.36p) Flushi~. Mich. EQUIPMENT. Farm Fans Dryers, Brock money. Call BOb Presson. RFD 3. Evart. MI 56.00 a bag. Charles Rutz. Reading. Mich. (5.1t.22p) Bins. Bucket Eleva1ors. Sales. Installation. 49631. Phone (616) 7)4.5051. (lOtf.14p' 517-28J.2062. CUSTOM CHERRY HARVESTING, ex- Service. Keith Otto. I< & R Equipment. Inc •• CORRIEDALE SHEEP. Purebred Breeding (S.lt.22p) perienced crew does quality work.. shock. 10 USED BULLDOZERS. forklifts. 4.wheel wave trunk shaker. We fumiSh all equip. Charlotte4881J.517-543.135O. (10.tf.25p) stock for sale. Paper optional. Waldo F. PAINTING. Tuck pointing. sand blasting. drive loaders. 50 farm tract~ on hand. ment. Telephone for a cost estimate. earl Dieterle. 7285 Textile Rd .• Saline. Mich. caulking. registered steeple-iack. fully in- Trenchers cranes. used trucks. Buy. sell or SURVIVE THE ENERGY CRUNCH Bum 48176. Phone (313) A29-7874. (1.tf.19p) Peterson. Shelby. 616-861-5339. (4.5t.25p) & sured. E.R. Wilcox, 3424 E. Beaver Rd .• Bay trade. Bob Clark 313.629.9376. Fenton. wood. famous Ashley Thermostic wood City. PhoneSl1.684-76otO. (6-tf.20p) SAUSAGE MAKERS. premixed spices. Michigan. burning circulators available now. Krader MILKING SHORTHORNS. Young bulls. Enterprises. Rt. No. 1. Grand Junction. yearlings and calves for sale. Write or visit cures for ham. bacon, poultry. game. «l !5.1t.23P) FOR SALE: I