HyWd "Pop~At '/2 "P'lice

\rhen you need shade in a hurr~'. WE' suggest thefast growing Hybrid poplar. As shown in thppict ure - it has a handsomp shapp and will ac.tually shade a ranch-type homp in just 3.:) years!\\'e haven't foundany better tree t hat grows likeit. it has a spread of 30-35' and in just a fewvt'ars at mat urit v. it reaches 50-60'.. You 1)~'t Have To. 'Baby

T~ HybJUd 'Po"l'nIt.It normallv lives :JO-50vears. It is wind. disease.and insl'ct' rl'sistant. A~d it can t akl' t he cold 'asfar nort h as Canada. This is not t hl' short -li\'l'dLomhardy poplar. This poplar is oftpn used torl'forest aftl'r forest fires. and to redaim land af.ter strip mining. But. the hpst use is to pn)\'ideheaut~' and quick. cool shade for IH'W homes.

'Peom HybJUd 'Po.IJ~ Fll'l S~TIll' sert'en varil.ty makt's an ideal privac~'ht'dgl'. It has a width of ahout 10' and !"TJ"OWSto adt'nsl' screen usually in 3 ~'ears. Plant for quickwindhrt'aks on farms and for li\'ing snow fencl'S.WI' ship st rong, 2-~' trees POSTPA ID.

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE TREE ...Si mpl~' send us any size order on the onlPr formtwlow. and WI' will send vou an additional fastgrowing IIYBH([) POPI:AH THEE FHEE OFCIIAIH;E. We want to tempt you to try thest'HAPlD (;HOWIN(; THEES. hecause we knowvllll'lI hI' hack for mon'. \\'e are sun' of this fromiIll' thousands of repeat orders Wl' rl'cit'vt' fromHt'sidt'nct's. Parks. Countrv Cluhs. Traill'rCourt s and Governmental Bodies.

ACTUAL PHOTOSRAPH TAlEII JUST THREE YEARSAFTER PlAIITlIIS III THIS YARO.

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LUSH SCREEII III DIlLY THREE YElIIS AmR PllIlTIltS In. APART .

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•

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Communicating forAgriculture

Among the policies adoptedat our MFBannual meeting inDecember was one dealing with"Communicating for Agricul-ture." In that policy statement,delegates recognized that effec-tive communications with thenon-farm public must be an on-going process if farmers are tohave an influence on the deci-sions that impact their in-dustry.

"We urge Farm Bureau mem-bers and leaders to continue totake every opportunity to rein-force broad public appreciationof the important contributionsagriculture makes to the state'seconomic, environmental andsocial well-being," the policystates.

Members across the state willbe involved in various activitiesto execute that policy thismonth as the nation celebratesAgriculture Day on the first dayof spring. They will likely find,among their various audiences,more than the usual degree ofinterest in our industry and par..ticularly in the people who arepart of agriculture.

With all the gloom and doomabout our industry fed to thepublic in such large portions bythe major news media thesedays, farmers who are com-municating for agriculture maywell be asked: "What in theworld do you have to celebrateabout?"

This kind of public attitudecertainly presents some chal-lenges, but it also creates op-

4

portunities. I hope each of youinvolved in agriculture under-standing promotions thismonth - and throughout theyear - will take advantage ofthose opportunities.

Imagine an average city con-sumer who has just read anewspaper article headlined,"Crisis Haunts Countryside,"entering a shopping mall andencountering a group of peoplefrom the countryside who, ac-cording to the article, arehaunted by crisis.

II Agriculture _America's Ueartbeatllis the theme of Ag Day1986. Agriculture hasbeen America's IIheart.beatll since 1776, itstill is today and willalways be. That is whywe celebrate.

Your industry is sufferingfrom a "sick" public imageright now and these personalinteractions provide you withopportunities to change thatimage.

There may be curiosity andeven a degree of pity mixed inwith that consumer's interestbut, nevertheless, it gives youan opportunity to set the recordstraight on some things.

It gives you a chance to say,yes, my industry has someproblems, but it is not going

down the drain; yes, we do havchallenges, but we'll meet tho~challenges with your under-standing and support; yes, agr.culture is going through thepainful process of change, butfarmers are determined to manage that change; yes, somefarmers are going out of busi-ness, but the majority will sur-vive and thrive.

It gives you a chance to sharewhat is needed to allow agricul-ture to regain its health andgrow again. It gives you achance to restore some of thepride and confidence that con-sumers once shared with youabout your industry. Optimismand enthusiasm are contagiousand should be spread to allyour publics.

Few people can be convincedto invest in a failing venture.Make sure the people you com-municate with know that theirunderstanding and support isan investment in an industrythat has a bright future.

"Agriculture - America'sHeartbeat" is the theme of AgDay, 1986. Agriculture has beenAmerica's "heartbeat" since1776, it still is today and willalways be. That is why we cele-brate.

Elton R. Smith, PresidentMichigan Farm Bureau

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

FRONT III CENTER

"Farm Families: ATime of Transition" is the theme of a series of three workshopsto be presented in March at Western Michigan University. The March 13 workshop will focus onmarketing farm related skills, the March 20 session will address farmers and the law and thefinal workshop, March 27, will cover estate planning for farmers. Cost of the workshops series,which is open to the public, is $12 per person or $20 per couple. Reservations can be made bycalling the Center for Women's Services, 616-383-6097. The workshops are co-sponsored by the

.Kalamazoo County FB Women, Kalamazoo County Cooperative Extension Service, Women forthe Survival of Agriculture in Michigan and the WMUCenter for Women's Services.

MFB'sstatewide Commodity Conference will be held March 13 at Stouffer's Hotel,Battle Creek. Members of both MFB commodity advisory committees and county FB commoditycommittees are invited. General session topics include farm credit, national farm programs,state and national legislative updates, plus workshops on the USDAwhole herd buyout pro-gram, taxing forestland owners, prompt payment for horticultural crops and the USDAeggmarketing order. Cost of the conference is $25 per person and includes registration, lunch anddinner. .

MFB'sCampaign Management Training Seminar will provide members interestedin running for elected office with a "professional edge." The three-day seminar will beheld at the Clarion Hotel in Lansing, March 25-27. Course lecture, participation and com-puterized campaign "model" are patterned after training programs of the major political par-ties. For more information on the seminar, contact Ron Gaskill, MFB Public Affairs Division,517-323-7000, ext. 559. Cost is $150 per person. Registration deadline is March 14.

A series of Farm Employer Recordkeeping Workshops will be held in westernMichigan during the week of March 17. The workshops will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March17 at the Berrien County FB office in Berrien Springs, March 19 at the Van Buren County FB of-fice in Paw Paw and March 20 at the Kent County FB office in Comstock Park. Grand Rapids at-torney Richard VanOrden and MFB Local Affairs Specialist Ron Gaskill will conduct theworkshops. The registration fee will be $50 per person and enrollment will be limited. For moreinformation, contact the MFB Public Affairs Division, 517-323-7000, ext. 559.

The 1986 Michigan Certified Farm Markets and Farm Markets Cooperative annualmeeting will be held in conjunction with MSU'sAgriculture and Natural Resources Week. Forfurther information on the annual meeting, which will be held March 18-19, contact MichiganCertified Farm Markets at 517-323-7000, ext. 700.

Over 100 county and state FB leaders will be in the nation's capital April 15-18for the 26th annual Washington Legislative Seminar, sponsored by the MFBWomen.County FBs are in the process now of selecting legislative leaders to share Farm Bureau's newnational policies with their U.S. representatives and senators.

MSUhas received a job training grant to assist dislocated farm family membersand farm employees in finding off-farm employment. Cooperative Extension Service of-fices and the/EMAT teams will act as the major outreach, eligibility verification and referralagency. MSUofficials project that over 1,000 farm clientele will receive information onfarm/off-farm employment alternatives through workshops and 175 men and women will beplaced in unsubsidized employment primarily concentrated in the mechanical, construction,operative, computer, bookkeeping, clerical, managerial, ag tech and entrepreneurial areas.

The fifth annual Dairy Promotion Profiles seminar will be held March 4-5 at the Lan-sing Sheraton Inn. Participants will include specialists from the restaurant, communications andpolitical arenas in addition to nearly 200 farmers. Dairy producers will share their promotionknow-how in "Cultivating the Market," one of three workshops offered during the conference.Representatives of Michigan's leading industries will also participate in the conference: Rep. Deb-bie Stabenow, assistant majority floor leader in the Michigan House of Representatives; Ernest St.Pierre, Hobie's, Inc.; and Bonnie Knutson, professor of marketing, MSU.

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 19865

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW .:~

AFBFGoes to Work on Priority Issues

AFBFDirectors Identify Pri-ority Issues - AFBF boardmembers have reviewed andidentified 11 priority issues forthe organization during the sec-ond session of the 99th Con-gress. They include agriculturalcredit, 1985 farm bill imple-mentation, federal budget, im-migration reform, health in-surance tax deduction, interna-tional trade, tax reform, use offederal lands, waterways andport improvement, environmen-tal concerns and grain stan-dards.

USDASecretary Appoint-ment - An Antrim CountyFarm Bureau member has beenappointed secretary of agricul-ture. The new secretary, RichardLyng, was selected by PresidentReagan to fill the post formerlyheld by John R. Block, who re-

signed. Lyng, who was USDAdeputy secretary for the firstfour years of the Reagan ad-ministration, joined the Michi-gan Farm Bureau at the invita-tion of an Antrim County FBmember during the 1982 Wash-ington Legislative Seminar.

A Modesto, Calif., native, Lyngbegan his ag career in a familyseed business. He was thestate's director of agr~culturewhen Reagan was governor. Healso served as .anassistant sec-retary under President Nixonand was head of the AmericanMeat Institute.

Farm Bill Implementation- Seedetails of farm programsign up periods on pages 12and 13 of this issue. Changes inregulations regarding crossco~pliance, calculation of baseacreage and planting non-program crops on programacreage may occur before thesign up period. At this writing,

changes are still being debatedin Congress.

FmUA Delinquent Loan Let.ters - A flood of protests in re-sponse to the announcementthat all FmHA delinquent ac-counts would be contacted bymail prompted a change in theagency's approach. A reductionfrom 65,000 to 27,000 "intent"letters has been made. Letterswill go only to those three ormore years delinquent, or whohave failed to properly accountfor secured property. Otherdelinquent borrowers will getletters requiring them to workout their loan problems withthe FmHA county supervisors.

1987 Federal Budget Pro-posal - In his budget messageto Congress Feb. 5, PresidentReagan said the philosophyunderlying his fiscal 1987(continued on page 22)

Farmer Support Needed for Ethanol Production PlanGasohol Plant Facilities -

Discussions on proposals (S.B.593 and S.B. 630) to provideethanol production incentivesfor Michigan continue to makesporadic progress. With appro-priate incentives, ethanol pro-duction could be undertakenthus providing additional mar-kets for Michigan corn.

There is a great deal of oppo-sition from some big oil com-panies, the Department of Trans-portation, the Department ofTreasury and several organiza-tions representing various oil

6

and gas interest. This opposi-tion is deterring potential sup-port in the Legislature.

If farmers want this potentialnew market here they mustmake it clear to their statelegislators that they supportthis legislative proposal.

Great Lakes Water Re-sources Planning Commis-sion - This newly-appointedcommission has held two publicmeetings. The first dealt strictlywith organization and structure;the second was dedicated toplanning and evaluation. Thecommission plans to establish a

subcommittee structure tostudy and make in-depth rec-ommendations on variousfacets of the issue.

In related developments, S.B.629, which would add an agri-cultural representative to thecommission, has passed theSenate and is under considera-tion by the House. The pro-posal, introduced by Sen. NickSmith (R-Addison), quickly

(continued on page 22)

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

DON'T BE PENNY WISEA~D DOLLAR FOOLISH.

~ ';//,

It is fine to talk about cutting costs,but you better be sure it doesn't cuthigher yields that generate profits.We understand and can relate to thebelt-tightening in today's agri-business community. However, theindividual farmer can do far moreabout yield levels than about cropprices.

Maximize Your ProfitsWith An Affordable

CountrymarkFertilizer Program.

• Fertilize wisely.• Soil Test.

• Apply nutrients for yield goals.• Fertilizer - an affordable commodity for 1986.

See your participating Countrymark MemberAssociation today and ask for your Free Copy of"Time To Rethink Cost-Cutting", a Universitystudy and fact sheet citing examples of adequatefertilization vs. cost-cutting measures. You'll find itto be a real eye-opener. Also, be sure to ask aboutTCP (Total Crop Planning), the computer programservice that makes specific recommendations tomeet your production and profit goals.

"Setting The Standards"

AD.860] .]2 @ /986, Counlrymark, Incorporated

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By Donna Wilber

Farm Bureau Women are shak-ing the dust off the sheet musicof a song popular back in the1940s as they gear up for their

traditional role as leaders in theorganization's annual Ag Under-standing Week activities. It'sthe tone, not the tune, of thatold song that they're bringingout for a "revival."

It goes something like this:"You've gotta accentuate thepositive, eliminate the negative,latch on to the affirmative,don't mess with Mr. In-Between.To illustrate my last remark ...Jonah in the whale, Noah in theark .... "

With public attention focusedon the depressed farm economy

8

during this year's observance ofNational Agriculture Day, March20, the women will emphasizethe need for accentuating thepositives of their industry toshow the public that like Jonahand Noah, agriculture will sur-vive - with faith - what mayseem like insurmountable chal-lenges.

"Farming.is near and dear toour hearts, so naturally we'revery concerned about the prob-lems our industry is experienc-ing. But we also have a lot offaith in its future and I thinkit's important for us to com-municate that faith to others.And nobody can do that betterthan farmers themselves," saidDiane Horning, WashtenawCounty dairy farmer who chairsthe MFB Women's Committee.

Horning and other membersof the state Women's Commit-tee will spend a day at thecapitol "accentuating the posi-tive" during visits to the officesof every Michigan representa-tive and senator. Each statelegislator will receive a mugthat reminds them that "Agri-culture is America's Heartbeat."The blue and metallic goldmugs bear the Ag Day logo of abarn and silo superimposed onan electrocardiogram map ofthe United States.

Some county women's com-mittees will also be making theAg Day mug presentations tolocal dignitaries. In WashtenawCounty, -the FB Women will pre-sent mugs to local radio station

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

AGRICULTUREAmerica's Heartbeat

personalities, including thepopular Bob Taylor of WJR,Detroit. "We hope these mugswill be a positive reminder thatagriculture is a good topic forthem," Horning said.

Many counties will continuetheir "Agriculture Day Baby"programs, honoring the firstchild born on March 20. The AgDay baby and its parents re-ceive a "booty bag" of Michigangrown and processed productswhich have been contributed bythe county women's committeeand area agribusinesses.

Other counties will sponsorAg Day breakfasts or luncheonswith farmers hosting urbanguests and sharing the story ofagriculture. Table tents andposters proclaiming" Agricul-ture - America's Heartbeat"will be placed by FB members inhigh-traffic public areas such asrestaurants and businesses.

Agriculture Day proclama-tions will be signed by PresidentReagan, Gov. Blanchard, citymayors and local officialsthroughout the state and na-

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

tion. The proclamations will en-courage all citizens to paytribute to the 24 million menand women in the U.S.who arelinks in the food chain - ahuman chain - that feeds ourpeople and those in many othernations.

IIWhenyou considerthat farmers are lessthan 3°10 of the popula-tion, that really makesus a minor~ty and weneed the understandingand support of theother 97%.11

Agriculture understanding ac-tivities sponsored by countyFBs are not limited to one weeka year. Mall displays, agricul-ture in the classroom projects,rural-urban meetings, farmtours, in-store commodity pro-

motions and fair exhibits areongoing projects.

"AII of these activities providemembers with opportunities topromote understanding, sup-port and appreciation for ourindustry by the non-farm pub-lic," Horning said. "We thinkthat's pretty important. Whenyou consider that we farmersare less than 3% of the popula-tion, that really makes us aminority and we need the un-derstanding and support of theother 97%.

"To achieve that goal, weneed to project a positive imageof agriculture. In spite of thesecurrent challenging times, I'mconfident we can do that. Thereare still a lot of positives inagriculture, especially here inour state, and focusing onthose positives will show ourpublics that we are confidentabout the future of our in-dustry," she said.

9

ISeminar Series Provides Policy Forum

By Cathy J. IHrvan

The issues have been sur-faced, the resolutions discussedand amended. The committeeshave done their job and the del-egates theirs. Now it is time toput into action the policiesadopted by the state's largestfarm organization.

Several regional legislativeseminars are held each year toassist Farm Bureau members inthe policy execution process.Members are invited to come toLansing to learn what issueswill be "hot" in the Legislaturein the new session and then ex-plain how those issues affectthem to their state represen-tatives and senators at a lun-cheon meeting.

Two seminars were held inFebruary and four more arescheduled for March: South-east/Southwest Regions -March 4, South/Central Regions- March 5, Thumb Region -March 6 and West/ West CentralRegions - March 12.

10

The issues that will bediscussed at every seminar in-clude water rights, tax reform,alcohol fuels, insurance reformand tort issues, "Right toKnow" and the proposed statebudget. The other issues varyby region.

"The whole reason for this ex-ercise is for the individualmember to convey to their leg-islator their concerns as to howthese issues affect them," saidRon Nelson, MFBlegislativecounsel. "Legislators enjoyhearing first hand from theirconstituents - they're bom-barded by lobbyists on a dailybasis - and here's an oppor-tunity for them to hear directlyfrom 'real' people."

One legislator who seldommisses FB's annual luncheon isRep. Lewis Dodak (D-Montrose),the House majority floor leader.

"The way Farm Bureau setspolicy is extremely important,"he said. Getting involvement atthe grassroots level is "the wayto get the understanding andthe position of the membership.

Of all the organizations downhere (in Lansing), Farm Bureauis one that probably has moreinput from individual membersthan any other group orassociation that we deal with inthe legislative process.

"I don't always agree withFarm Bureau's policies, butoverall I think they have theirfinger on the pulse of Michiganagriculture."

Sen. Nick Smith (R-Addison)also attends the annual lun-cheon regularly.

"One of the aspects of theFarm Bureau seminar that hasalways impressed me is that itis truly local people from thelocal communities giving theirpersonal concerns," Smith said.

"If Farm Bureau is going tocontinue to be successful atwhat is a good, strong philo-sophical idea of bringing ideasup from the bottom, thereneeds to be an aggressive effortat the local level ... to assurethat those concerns are ex-pressed at the state organiza-tion and national organization."

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

RURAL EXCHANGE

The Night Before the Blizzard RURAL RASCALS

Exchange Student Impressed With Delegate Session

By Rose A. Sodergren, Gilman, Il.

'Twas the night before the blizzard, andall through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even amouse.

The boots all stood by the door in a row,'Cause tomorrow sure as shootin' it was

gonna snow.The children were nestled all snug In

their beds,Dreaming of belly-flopping on their

brand-new sleds.They planned and they prayed, and they

hoped against hopeThat this year, just maybe, they'd find a

good slope.And I in my night gown and Dad in

his shortsHad just settled down to hear the

weather reports.When out in the driveway there arose

such a clatter,Wesprang from the couch to see what

was the matter.Forgetting about how little he wore,Dad grabbed the handle and opened the

door.It was a cold, dark, cloudy night,So Dad turned on the outside light.

In December I was fortunateenough to attend the 66th an-nual Michigan Farm Bureauconvention. Being a farm ex-change student from England,it was indeed a great experienceto see close hand how Farm Bu-reau decides upon its policies.

The quality of discussion washigh. The ability to modify eachothers amendments, to put for-ward a resolution that did notdiscriminate against specializedareas of agriculture, wasachieved,

The unity of Farm Bureau isparamount in putting forwardone voice to present farming topoliticians. Politicians will thennot be confused at the aimsand political requirements ofagriculture. This clarity may im-prove the representation of thefarming community in nationalgovernment,

Michigan Farm Bureau mem-bers demonstrated such unity

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

When what to our wondering eyesshould appear,

But some nut out riding on his big JohnDeere!

He spoke not a word but went straightto his work

And he drove up the driveway, thenturned with a jerk.

He headed across our newly laid sad,(Dad was about ready to kill the clod!)"If he drives into our toolshed,I'll break all his bones then crack his

head!""Now calm down dear," was my reply,But still I couldn't figure out this guy.With a roar of his motor and a grinding

of gears,(The noise was so loud we covered our

ears!)He plowed up the earth into a gigantic

hill,And when he was done it was eerily

still.But we heard him exclaim as he drove

out of sight,"Happy sledding to all, and to all a

goodnightl"

at the close of the 66th annualmeeting, with their decision ona resolution concerning thedairy farmers, With such unity,together you will win.

A lice Simpson, St. JosephBerrien County

FARMETTEBy Andrea HofmeisterTuscola County

"I think it's great that you're watch-ing 'Shape Up for Swimsuits,' mom.But who's going to cultivate beansnext summer while you're at thebeach?"

ANYDOOR PRIZES LEFT? AmberChellis came home with lots ofsouvenirs from last years AntrimCounty Farm Bureau annualmeeting. She Is the daughter ofSteve and Thelma Chellis ofEllsworth.

READYDAD? Washtenaw County"young farmer" Cindy Grau Isready to help her dad milk thecows. She Is the daughter of Danand Kathy Grau of Chelsea. Uerproud grandpa, Uarold Trinkle, Ispresident of the WashtenawCounty Farm Bureau.

VETERANCOMPETITORS:As theweather turns just a littlewarmer, these young ladles arestarting to make plans for thisyear's Antrim County Fair. COllec-ting ribbons last year were .JamieWieland (left) and her goat Lila,and Stephanie Rublngh and hergoat Diamond. Proud parents areJonl lr Dan Wieland and Glen lrGail Rublngh, all of Ellsworth.

11

Commodity Certificates-Grower can request issuanceof certificates May 1through Sept. 30, 1986.

-Certificates may be sold butcan only be redeemed forCCCcommodities.

-Certificates will be issued asa dollar value rather thanbushels.

- Producers holding com-modities pledged as loancollateral at sign up mustredeem the loan to satisfytheir payment in kind.

-Commodity certificatesvalue will be determined bythe Commodity Credit Cor-poration.

Cross ComplianceThe current farm bill makes

cross compliance mandatory.Producers who participate inan acreage reduction pro-gram for wheat or feed grainsmay not plant acreage ex-ceeding the crop acreagebase of another commodityfor which there is an acreagereduction program in effect.

At the Center ofFarm Bureau ActionBy Cathy J. J{ irvan

To many Farm Bureau mem-bers - especially those not cur-rently in a leadership position- the county secretary is thecounty Farm Bureau. They callher whenever they have a ques-tion about their membership orfor more information about anyof their member benefits.

The important role the countysecretary plays in the organiza-tion is recognized in the titleshe is given during the mem-bership blitz campaign. She'sthe "center" on the "team."When the other players returnto their farms following a suc-cessful season, the secretary isstill there - at the center ofthings - servicing the member-ship year-round.

"My most important job is toportray a friendly, informativeimage of Farm Bureau to themembers who come throughthe door," says Cleo Dutkiewicz,Livingston County FB secretary.

Marilyn Batkie, Sanilac Coun-ty FB secretary, agrees. Shecites public relations and pro-viding services and informationto the committees and mem-bers as her most importantrole.

"1 feel our office has an ex-cellent rapport with our mem-bers," Batkie says. "We're asource of more than just infor-mation about Farm Bureau.People often call here to askwhere to call for agricultural in-formation. We're known as thepeople who will help."

Providing personal, concernedservice to members who sub-scribe to health care plansthrough the FB group is anotherimportant role of county FB sec-retaries.

14

"Most of my contact withhealth insurance subscribers iswhen they first sign up or ifthere is a problem," Dutkiewiczsays. "Health insurance issomething that most peopledon't really understand untilthey have a problem with it."

The Livingston FBsecretaryencourages members to call theBlue Cross Blue Shield directline when they have questionsabout their coverage.

"It's a lot better when BlueCross representatives interprettheir coverage," she says. "But Itell the subscribers to call me ifthey're still in doubt after theycall Blue Cross. I think it's im-portant that we keep an openline so that they can alwayscome back (to the county FB)and get more help if they needit."

Sanilac FB secretary Batkiesees another role for countysecretaries.

"It's an informal procedure,but a lot of times you get a feelfor what new members are in-terested in by the kinds of ques-tions they ask when they fill outthe membership applications,"she says. "1 try to keep that inmind as a need arises. Wetry toinclude those people on com-mittees and in programs."

While this year's membershipblitz activities are windingdown, county secretaries arejust gearing up for another suc-cessful season of service. Andwhen the next membership blitzrolls around in January 1987,they'll be ready - they willhave been practicing their"center" position on the countyFB "team" all year.

MFB Blitz P:

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

Ilays Run Success Pattern

i:~ .t ~ -t. ~,~~.WA flurry of activity was evident across the state as county FarmBureaus drew strategy plans which would carry them toward the goalline during the 1986 membership blitz. The "play book" was success.ful for 17 counties that made membership gain by the end of theblitz, and for Benzie County, the only one to reach target. In addition,14 counties achieved goal before the blitz ended. They included, inorder of reporting, Wayne, Muskegon, Kent, Kalamazoo, Bay, Monroe,Oakland, Midland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Macomb, Ogemaw, Ottawaand Mackinac-Luce. As the last second ticked off the 12-day blitzclock, MFBhad achieved 94.87% of goal.

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

Buildingon SuccessBy Marcia Dltchfe

The 1985 membership cam-paign was, without a doubt, oneof the most successful drives inthe history of the MichiganFarm Bureau. Lending to the ex-traordinary achievement of thecampaign was the team involve-ment of the entire Farm BureaufamilY - volunteer membershipworkers, county secretaries,FBIG agents and MFBhome of-fice personnel.

A football theme was devel-oped for the 1985 campaign toinject a winning attitude andspirit of competition in the an-nual effort. The combination ofthe theme and team involve-ment, plus a 10-day member-ship blitz, proved to be the win-ning formula as MFBattainedan all-time membership high.

"This outstanding member-ship achievement came 'aboutthrough the commitment andhard work of membership work-ers," said MFB President EltonR. Smith during the Presi<;lents'&. Campaign Managers' / Member-ship Kick-Off Banquet at the1985 MFB annual meeting. "ThelTlost successful counties hadan attitude that they had a jobto do - achieve membership -and they pursued that jpb withenergy and enthusiasm."

The exceptional success ofthe 1985 campaign led to theadoption of the same winningformula for this year's member-ship campaign.

In kicking off the 1986 cam-paign, Smith said, "I feel veryconfident about this year's ef-fort because success encour-ages and fosters more success.Our membership blitz is Jan. 27through Feb. 7. I challenge youto lay a solid groundwork nowto fuel an all out effort duringthat time, an effort that will

(continued on page 21)

15

Women's and Young FarmerCommittees Combine Resources

for Annual Conference

By Connie Turbin

"Together WeWin," Michiganfarm Bureau's 1986 member-ship campaign and programtheme, has struck home withthe leadership of the stateorganization's Women's andYoung farmer Committees whoare sponsoring their first jointleadership conference thismonth. The conference will takeplace March 5-7 at the ClarionHotel and Convention Center,Lansing.

Gary Skinner, MfB Youngfarmer chairperson, explainsthe change from individual con-ferences for the two groups to ajoint conference.

"Our committees reasonedthat Young farmers and fBWomen work together on a lotof projects in the counties, sowe thought, 'why not work to-gether on one leaders' con-

ference?' By combining ourfinancial and leadership re-sources for conference plan-ning, we've been able to providebetter speakers and more ses-sions,"

Just the Best"Both of these conferences

have had really terrific reputa-tions for providing leadershipmotivation and fun for the par-ticipants year after year," saysDiane Horning, chairperson ofthe MfB Women's Committee."Last summer when the stateWomen's Committee and theYoung farmers were consider-ing this change to a joint con-ference, there was a lot of dis-cussion about how to keep thebest of the two conferences. Ifeel very good about how thecommittees have worked to-gether to identify workshop

topics and general session sub-jects that will appeal to bothgroups,"

Skinner agrees. "In fact, justa look at these workshop titlesreally shows how similar the in-terest areas are between thesetwo groups. I'm really expectinga lot of interaction among theparticipants in all of the ses-sions,"

The three-day agenda does of-fer the conferees an impressiverange of subjects. Twelve work-shops are scheduled: farm man-agement and financial planning,computer aided financial plan-ning, farm safety, beginningand advanced estate planning,legislative updates, exports andcommodities, farm Bureau in-volvement, new concepts incrop production, teamwork,leadership skills, the Youngfarmer program, and the fB

lilt's a chance for young farmers andwomen in the county Farm Bureaus to getto know each other, find out what's goingon in other counties and to learn whatkinds of leadership styles are working inthe county programs .... II

Gary Skinner. Gratiot CountyMFB Young Farmer Committee Chairperson

"I feel very good about how the committees haveworked together to identify workshop topics andgeneral session subjects that will appeal to bothgroups."

Diane "orning, Washtenaw CountyMFB Women's Committee Chairperson

Women's program. General ses-sions include discussions onfamily farm partnerships and amotivational speech by formerMiss America Donna Axum.

Personal Leadership StylesHorning stresses that this

conference is not exclusively forthe officers of the two commit-tees. "With the leaders' con-ference we want to reach newleaders - members who are in-terested in becoming part ofthese Farm Bureau programs,whether it's one, or in the caseof young farm women, both. Wehear time and time again thatthe leader conference was thefirst step to motivating volun-teer involvement at the countyor state leveI."

"It's a chance for young farm-ers and women in the countyFarm Bureau to get to know

each other, find out what's go-ing on in other counties and tolearn what kinds of leadershipstyles are working in the countyprograms around the state,"says Skinner. "Our county(Gratiot) has traditionally usedthe leaders' conference to moti-vate and acquaint potentialyoung farmer leaders aboutFarm Bureau, the state staffand other young farmers."

More of the Same"Looking into the future, I

think we may see several otherconferences combined," saysSkinner. "Joint conferences en-courage' better interaction be-tween the committees back inthe county. They also recognizethat county Farm Bureau bud-gets are limited."

Last fall, the MFBWomen tookthe first step toward a joint

conference by replacing theirregular September leader con-ference with one-day workshopson the Agriculture in the Class-room program. The workshops,held at two Michigan locations,provided training and informa-tion to the Ag in the Classroomteams. "We're planning to con-tinue the fall workshops tomaintain trained leadership inthis project," promises Horning.

County FB Women and YoungFarmer Committee chairpersonshave also combined their orien-tation and information pro-grams in the Executive ClubConference for two years.

"We've had really good coop-erative interaction at the Ex-ecutive Club Conference. The FBWomen and Young Farmers havemixed very well there. I'm reallyexcited to see how this willwork in a full three-day con-ference situation," Horningsays.

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II And If I Am Elected ... II

The Discussion Topic isused by Community Ac-tion Groups for monthlypolicy discussions.

From the whistlestop cam-paign speeches of yesteryear tothe multimedia barrage of ourtechnological age, the politicalcampaigns and the electionprocess are uniquely Americanin their tradition and character.

The very sophistication ofpresent day campaign "styles,"which utilize every availablemedium, population demograph-ics and various sociologicalmeasurements further compli-cate the election process. To-day's campaigns involve a largenumber of people, are oftenvery complex and cost a lot ofmoney.

To adjust to this change, fed-eral and state laws designed toprovide reasonable controls onthe amount and type of contri-butions that individuals couldmake to a political campaignwere passed in 1976.

For the first time, corpora-tions, associations and specialinterest coalitions were autho-rized to establish political ac-tion committees (PACs).Throughthis structure, supporters of thePACcan voluntarily raise moneyand provide support for politi-cal candidates who representtheir interests and those oftheir group.

That's exactly why MichiganFarm Bureau's Political ActionCommittee, known as AgriPac,was established. FB leaders sawthat candidates and elected in-

cumbents valued campaign en-dorsements and contributionsby PACs.But before they actedto form a Farm Bureau PAC,asurvey of county FB boards ofdirectors, Community ActionGroups and individual memberswas conducted to determinewhether FB members wouldsupport this new direction inpolitical involvement by theorganization. The responsefrom these sources was an over-whelming "yes."

The results of the survey werepresented to the MFBPolicyDevelopment Committee which,after thorough discussion,drafted a proposed policy tocreate an MFBPAC for consider-ation by voting delegates at the1977 MFBannual meeting. Vot-ing delegates approved the poli-cy and MFB'sAgriPac was born.

Currently there are 4,009federal PACs.Nearly 300 PACsare established in Michigan.PACsoperate under a strict setof regulations and reporting re-quirements. They are requiredto register with the FederalElections Commission if in-volved with federal electionsand with the Michigan Cam-paign Finance Division if in-volved with state elections.

Since AgriPac is involved withboth federal and state elec-tions, it is registered at bothlevels. Periodic reports are filedshowing AgriPac activities,specifying candidates who re-

ceive support, revealing howmuch support was given andthe source of contributions.These reports are open to thepublic for review.

PACsprovide a variety of ser-vices to their founding organi-zations and to candidates seek-ing election. For example, Agri-Pac does a thorough job of re-searching the backgrounds andrecords of candidates. This in-formation is helpful to mem-bers in evaluating the overallperformance of their legislators.

AgriPac also provides name'recognition for candidates whoreceive the "Friend of Agricul-ture" endorsement, and givesbroad publicity to such candi-dates throughout the organiza-tion. AgriPac funds, generatedthrough voluntary contributionsand fundraising events, are usedto help endorsed candidatesconduct effective campaigns.

Some opponents say thatPACsjeopardize our representa-tive system of government.They assert that political favorfor narrow, special interests isbought and sold with PACcon-tributions and political support.These misleading statementswarrant a closer look.

It is true that election cam-paigns cost a lot of money. In-deed, a typical campaign for aseat in the U.S. House of Repre-

(continued on next page)

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986 19

Discussion Topic(continued from previous page)

sentatives can easily cost$.300,000, while a candidate forthe U.S.Senate could spend $2million or more to win that of-fice. To meet these anticipatedexpenses, candidates look tocontributions by individualsand PACs.

Comparatively, contributionsby individuals continue to faroutstrip PACcontributions tomeet campaign expenses. Forexample, in the 1984 electionscontributions from PACsto con-gressional candidates accountedfor about 25% of the total con-tributions they received. Thismeans 75% of the contributionsgiven to congressional candi-dates came directly to themfrom individuals.

In addition, rules and regula-tions governing PACsmean thatneither dues money paid bymembers to an organization orassociation, nor corporatefunds can be routed through aPACto candidates.

MFBAgriPac is highly re-spected among PACsfor its op-

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erating policies. The AgriPacCommittee is composed of ninevoting farmer members ap-pointed by the MFBpresidentand approved by the MFBboard. Staff assistance is pro-vided by Al Almy, director ofthe Public Affairs Division whoserves as secretary, and RobertBraden, MFB administrative di-rector who serves as treasurer.

It is the policy of AgriPac toinfluence the nomination andelection of qualified candidateswho have demonstrated basicbeliefs and/or actions whichare consistent with MFBpolicyregardless of their political af-filiation.

Criteria used by Agripac in en-dorsing candidates are as fol-lows.

Criteria for EndorsingIncumbents

-County Farm Bureau input:This input. is obtained fromcounty FB Candidate EvaluationCommittees appointed by coun-ty FB boards.

-Voting record on major is-sues affecting agriculture: Thismay include votes on final pas-sage of a bill as well as signifi-cant amendments prior to finalconsideration. Political factorsassociated with votes on specif-ic issues must be recognized.

- Degree of special effort tointroduce, support or opposelegislation in accordance withthe position of Farm Bureau:This involves ~illingness to notonly introduce legislation, butwork effectively to support itsenactment. Also, efforts to op-pose legislation damaging toagriculture must be recognized.

- Overall support of FB policy:This involves contacts with FBpersonnel to inquire about poli-cy positions and subsequent ef-forts to reflect the policy posi-tion in actions on legislation.

-Special factors: This in-cludes, but is not limited to,attendance at FB sponsored

meetings, communications withfarmers on legislative issuesand liaison with FB personnelon legislative development.

Criteria for EndorsingNon-Incumbents

- Results of input from countyFB Candidate Evaluation Com-mittees.

- Recognition of the impor-tance of agriculture to theeconomy.

- Demonstrated interest in ag-ricultural issues and possiblesolutions to such issues.

- Position on agriculturalissues.

-Integrity and dedication tothe campaign.

-Involvement of agriculturalpersons in the campaign.

Finally, AgriPac makes contri-butions to candidates basedsolely on need. If a candidatehas been endorsed and faces atough election campaign againstthe opposition, a financial con-tribution will probably be made.However, if an endorsed can-didate does not have any op-position or minimal oppositionat best, no contribution will bemade.

Agripac believes the best useof contributions received frommembers is to help those can-didates with a genuine need.

Discussion Questions- What is the view of PACsby

members of your CommunityAction Group?

- Do you have any suggestionsto improve the criteria used by.AgriPac in selecting candidatesto endorse?

This month's discussion topicivas prepared by the MichiganFarm Bureau Public Affairs Divi-sion.

RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

Mark Your Calendar

MACMASPRING

SALE

of directors we did really wellduring the membership blitzand made the Fabulous Fifteen,which provided us with an in-centive to do better this year.

"We never let up on member-ship last year even after wemade goal. Through the sum-mer we contacted farmers, es-pecially at the Eastern Market(in Detroit), asking them to joinFarm Bureau and we just rolledinto gear this year. We used lastyear's successful campaign as afoundation for this year," hesaid.

"It was the positive attitudefrom last year and the combinedefforts of the county board ofdirectors, our Regional Repre-sentative Susan Garner, andDick Smith and his insuranceagents that helped us makegoal early this year," Bokonsaid.

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Wayne County was the first toreport 1986 membership goal,even before the blitz officiallybegan. Membership chairpersonJohn Bokon credits the successof last year's campaign in help-ing the county to achieve theprestigious "first goal county"honors this year.

"Last year was a turn-aroundyear for us," he said. "Throughthe efforts of the county board

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Building on Success(continued from page 15)propel your county Farm Bu-reau to even greater heights ofmembership glory."

That challenge was acceptedby county Farm Bureaus acrossthe state with new membershiprecords set during the 12-dayblitz.

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Washington Review CCC Extension Request - lem of elevator closings due to(continued from page 6) The Reagan administration ap- insolvency or bankruptcy. Beingbudget was that deficit reduc- proved a request to extend the discussed is a proposal to es-tion must be pursued by nar- Commodity Credit Corporation tablish an insurance programrowing government activities to borrowing authority by $7.95 funded by a check-off on grain.prov~de only necessary and es- billion in 1986. The USDAcon- The issue is expected to be de-sential services. The budget he firmed that the CCChas nearly bated in the Legislature earlypresented projects a declining reached the limit of its $25 this spring.

deficit in each of the next three billion authority for making A related proposal would pro-years; just below the Gramm- crop payments to farmers. CCC vide additional protection forRUdman-t1ollings targets for officials explained that the holders of scale tickets. Ware-each year, and leading to a shortage occurred sooner than house receipts are protected bysurplus in 1991. Expenditures expected because of increased law. Recent amendments to thein the proposed budget of $944 loan activity. President Reagan Grain Dealers' Act gave addi-

billion would outstrip revenuesincluded -the request to Con- tional protection to price later

by $143.6 billion - $400 mil- gress in his budget message to agreements.

lion below the deficit target inCongress if) February.

the Grainm-Rudman-Hollings State Budget - Debate onamendment. Lansing Review the 1986-87 budget has begun.

The.proposed fiscal 1987 out- In general, the budget proposedlay for USDAcommodity price (continued from page 6) by Gov. Blanchard would holdsupport programs is estimated gained support in the Senate, the line on spending. The im-at $16.3 billion. The administra- however, the bill may face a pact of this budget approach istion's budget legislation will challenge from House members that less actual dollars arepropose to reduce outlays for who question whether the addi- available to the various depart-price supports and related pro- tion of a new member at this ments and institutions due tograms over the next three years time may increase costs and inflation and general cost in-by $140 million (1987), $275 delay action by the commis- creases.million (1988), and $411 million sion. The governor's recommenda-(1989). The budget documents The original law also provided tions also include continuedstate the administration's plans for agricultural representation reductions in state employ-to fully use its authority under but those making the appoint- ment, which directly impactsthe new farm bill to set price ments (the governor, speaker of some agriculture related agen-support loan rates at market the House and Senate majority cies and programs includingclearing levels and to reduce in- leader) failed to coordinate their some critical consumer. areascentives to overproduce. Fur- appointments. such as food inspection.ther, a phase down in ta.rgetprices in the later years of thefive-year act, combined with an Bottle Deposit - The Michi- Manufacturing and Fluidexp~cted increase in U.S. farm gan Liquor Control Commission Milk Act - S.B. 534 and S.B.exports, is projected to signifi- currently is considering whether 5.35 (Sen.Nick Smith, R-Addison)cantly reduce budget outlays a 10~ bottle deposit should be would amen~ the Manufactur-for 'price supports after 1989. required on wine coolers. A rul- ing and Fluid Milk Act to

Other agricultural sections of ing by the commission to sup- change the penalty for antibio-the budget document delivered port the deposit would then be tics in raw milk from a criminalto Congress addressed: in- reviewed .by the Legislature's to a civil violation. This doesstituting user fees and pre- Joint Rules Committee. not change the amount of themiums for some inspection pro- Like the original bottle de- fine, but amends the act tograms and for certain federal posit question, this issue is very establish civil fines for the firstloan guarantees; placing crop controversial and is vig~rously three violations. Failure to payinsurance services in the opposed by bottlers and han-, the fine would result in a crim-private sector with a fiv\e-year dlers. FB policy supports a wine inal violation.government phase out; and cooler deposit.continuing the administration'smove toward guaranteed loans

Grain Dealers' Insuranc~ -under the FmHA an~ away fromdirect loans. Legislation is being considered

to address the continuing prob-

22 RURAL LIVING,MARCH 1986

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Berry Plants - Raspberries. strawber-ries. blueberries, currants. gooseberries.others. free catalog. Makielski BerryNursery. 71.30 Platt Road. Dept. RL. Ypsi-lanti. Mich. 46197. Phone .31'}-4.34-.367.3.

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Champions Row Training Center. Ine.is offering a 2-year horse apprenticeshipprogram. An opportunity to learn everyphase of the industry. Salary and hous-ing. Send resume to: 9800 Sheridan,Burt. Mich. 46417. (.3-.32p)

MISCELLANEOUS

Gallons O'l'Iutsl fresh shelled I Quarteach pecan halves, walnuts, brazils, slicedalmonds. $14.95 postpaid. Guaranteed.Canecreek farm, Cookeville, TN .36502-2727 (2-.3t-22p)

"og f:qulpment - Del-Air heat ex-changers, Osborne feeders. K.G. John-son farrowing crates. Chore-Time feed-ing, Mix-Mill systems. Hamilton Distri-buting Company. 616-751-5161.

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Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry, farmfans Automatic. Used Dryers, PTO andAutomatic. Hamilton Distributing Com-pany.6]6-751-5161. (6-]2t-17p-ts)

Irrigation Pipe - 5,250 ft. of 6 in.;1,050 ft. of 4 in. ford V-8 Gorman Rupppump, water winch traveler. Phone.31.3-522-0162. (12-6t-20p)

Wanted: farm tractors, N.1. corn pickers,J.D. Quik-Tach corn heads and N.H. chop-pers, haybines and other equipment.Phone 517-52.3-280.3 evenings.

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Dieterle Corrledale sheep. give shearpleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbonfleeced flock. Spinning fleece's, phone.31.3-429-7874. (5-12t-15p)

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Milking Shorthorn: Young bulls, year-lings and calves for sale. Write or visitStanley M. Powell and family. Inglesidefarm. Route 2. .3248 Powell Hwy .• Ionia,Mich. 48846. (.3-6t-27pc)

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I RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1986

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"ybrld Popla ... as little as 12( each .Other trees and shrubs. Coldstreamfarm. 20.30T freesoil Road, freesoi!.Mich. 49411. Phone 616-464-5809.

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REAL ESTATE

Bed and Breakfast at Ludington.Many beautiful acres groomed crosscountry trails, snowshoe. toboggan.fireplace, hot tub. Couple $.35. Call col-lect 616-84.3-9768. (2-2t-22p)

"illsdale County - 40 acres of primerecreational land with woods and water.Ideal for hunting and 4-wheelers.$19.900 low down payment. Land con-tract. Don Helton & Assoc .. Inc. Phone517-4.39-9.37.3. Ask for Don. (2-2t-7.3p)

Cheboygan County - 240 acres ofprime hunting land. 'I.-mile north ofBlack Lake, frontage on two roads. Most-ly timber and some tillable land. Under$.300 per acre. Don Helton & Assoc.. (nc.Phone 517-4.39-9.37.3. Ask for Don.

(2-2t-7.3)

Condo In l'Iew Smyrna Beach, florida.Available for rent by the week or monthbeginning in May. Reasonable rates.Phone 517-.393-7657. (.3-21)

MISCELLANEOUS

Will forms - Make your own will easilylReadyto fill in, Two fonns only $3.25. Mall to:forms. Box .3609. New Haven, CT 06525.

( 12-9t-22p-ts)

Why die without a will? Two legal "Willforms" and easy Instructions. Only$4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY-Company, Box 1022-Mf. Prior. OK 74.362.

( 11-6t-22p-ts)

Old-time Fiddle Music on cassette.Send SASE for list to fiddle Music, 446 E.Main St., Kinde, Mich. 48445. (1-.3t-15p)

Part-time sales opportunity - MajorU.S. shoe manufacturer seeks sales peo-ple to handle an established line of over400 styles. No travel. No Investment.Earn extra money in your own local areaduring your spare time. Write for detailsto Vlc Mason, Mason Shoe Company,Dept. K-995, 1251 first Avenue, Chip-pewa falls, WI 54774. ( 1-.3t.54p.ts)

ACCOUl'ITll'IG and Il'ICOMf: TAXMdone by a CPA. REASONABLE RATES.Small businesses and Individualswelcome . .313-.348-2982. (1-4t-l6p)

CLASSIFIED AD POLICY

- Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for allclassified advertisements.

-All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one insertionand 45 cents per word for two or more consecutive insertionsof the same ad.

-f\1I advertisements are subject to a I5-word minimumcharge. including member ads.

- Please indicate if you are a Farm Bureau member.-The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month

preceding publication.-All ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to oneyear in advance.

-It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad ona month-by-month or year-by-year basis.

-The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copysubmitted.

-No ads will be taken over the phone.

FiII out form below and mail to:Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909

------------------------Name

Address _

OFarm Bureau member ONon-member

Run the following ad in the issue(s):

Words lnsertions Total Due _

America's FirstAnd Michigan's Finest ...

•Fannowners Insurance

For Michigan Farll1ers Only

•

Ever since Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company ofMichigan introduced the first Farmowners policy in the nation in1960, we've been the leader in Michigan farm protection.

We insure more Michigan farms than any other companybecause we provide the complete and innovative coverages youneed.

Our Farmowners program is exclusively for Michigan FarmBureau members, so you can be sure of coverages designed foryour individual needs.

When it comes to Michigan farm protection, we don't playfollow the leader; we're right out front with the coverages youneed.

Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today.

Making your future a little more predictable

FARM BUREAU ~INSURANCE. GROUF'.- aR.lU IoIITUll • _ IUI!AIJ 1ft • _ aR.lU _ • fl -.rt

.1'

Michigan Farm Bureau'Rural Living MagazineP.O. Box 309607373 W. Saginaw Hwy.Lansing, Michigan 48909

Non-Profit Organizationu.s. POSTAGE

PAIDLansing, Michigan

Permit No. 37