RURAL LIVING~:---==S"',~~,;=--;", ~~",~~.""~- .--." .. -_ ' '~ , ~-.~

MICHIGAN FARM NEWS

The difference betweenapples and oranges can bespotted at a glance. Unfor-tunately, it's not quite as easyto tell the difference betweenhealth insurance policies.That's why we recommendthat you take a moment to readthe fine print if you're offeredhealth insurance for less thanFarm Bureau rates. Chances areyou're being asked to compare,well ... apples and oranges.

What you'll find is that dollarfor dollar, Farm Bureauinsurance is the better value.That's because Farm Bureauoffers you the buying strength

As sure as apples aren't oranges ...

WHEREBELONGINGMAKES ADIFFERENCE.

of over 3.5 million farmingfamilies and other independentbusinesses. The result: topnotch health care insuranceat down-to-earth prices.

As a Farm Bureau memberyou can choose from threetraditional Blue Cross BlueShield Comprehensive MajorMedical plans starting as lowas $60.12 a month. (The higherthe deductible, the lower thepremium.) Regardless of theplan you choose, you'll get thesame Blue Cross Blue Shieldcomprehensive major medicalcoverage.

So go ahead--compare.Just make sure you know whatyou're comparing. When thedecision's in, we think you'llchoose a Farm Bureau healthcare insurance plan for itsaffordability, the services itoffers, and the protection itprovides against unscheduledtime off.

What matters to youmatters to us.

For further information call1-800-292-2680 or contact yourlocal Farm Bureau agent.

... MICHIGAN FARM BIJREAIJ, •• FAMILY OF COMPANIES

About the CoverFourteen members oJMFB's board oj

directors were in Washington recently tomeet with Michigan's congressiDnal delega-tion about the importance oj so-called"minor crops" and an amendment to limitthe planting of alternative commodities onprogram crop acreage. House memberswere also asked to modify the wheat andJeedgratnJormula to resemble theJormulasin the currentfarm bill, fearing thatwithout change the newJormulas wouldencourage the accumulation oj govern-ment stock and loss oj export market op-portunities

In additiDn you will also.find a com-prehensive list oj AgriPac endorsementsalong with the issues considered startingonpage 14.

MACMAFROZEN FOOD

EXPRESS

VOL. 67 NO.3 SUMMER 1990

RURAL LIVINGM'iC'H""i"GA N F A~

with frozen fru itsand vegetables,

concentrates, fish,and more in bulk savings

ORDER DEADLINEAugust 22

DELIVERYSeptember 10-21

For more information and fulllisting of products available,

contact your county Farm Bureauor call1-BOO-292-26BO ext. 2305

Of Special Interest

Gypsy Moths, Insects on the Move...Page 4

A look at the destruction and control methodsof a spreading problem.

Food Bank Council of Michigan ...Page 6Learn how farmers and non-farmers alike playa role in feeding Michigan's hungry.

Adopt an Acre •••Page 10See how eight Farm Bureau families are workingwith media to promote agriculture.

Rural Living 1s Published Quarterly: By the Michigan Farm Bureau lnfonnation and PublicRelations Division. Publ1cation and editorial offices at 7373 West Saglnaw Highway, Lansing. Michigan48917, Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000.

Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members, included in annual dues. $3 per year non-members inMichigan, $5 per year non-members out of state. Publ1cation No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, asMichigan Farm News, name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Uvfng Dec. I, 1981. Third-class postagepaid at Lansing. Michigan, and at additional ma1Iing offices.

Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager.

miCHIGan'SFaRm BeST

Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Mar-lette; Adm1n1strative Director, Charles Burkett; Treasurer and ChtefFfnanc1al Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary,Wlllfam S. Wllkfnson.

Director~: District I, Marlin Oubnan, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3,Diane Homing. Manchester; Dislr1ct 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6,Wayne Wood, Marlette; Dislr1ct 7, Lany Snider, Hart; Dislr1ct 8, Lyle LeCronier, Freeland; District 9, JoshuaWunsch, Traverse City: Dislr1ct 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District II, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: David Conklin, Corunna; Jack Lauric, Ca.s8 City: Faye Adam. Snover; Richard Leach. Saginaw. Promo-tion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Karen Stoneman, Ithaca.

SUMMER 1990, RURAL UVlNG 3

GYPSY MOTHS, PESKY INSECTS ON THE MOVE

Webster's dictionarydefines gypsy as "to

wander or live like agypsy." The appropri-

ately-named gypsy mothhas been wandering

across the United Statessince 1869 when it was

brought into the countryby a visiting European

scientistfor research pur-poses and escaped. Since

that time, the moth hasbeen on the march, leav-ing a trail of irlfestation

in its path.

4

Even though eradication ef-forts were initiated following theescape of the foreign moth, theinsect continued to spread.Today, the gypsy moth hasMichigan's forest in astranglehold. Of the over 3 mil-lion acres in 13 states that weredefoliated by the pesky insectlast year, Michigan's 294,344moth-damaged acres gave thestate the third highest defoliationranking in the nation.

The moth has been found inall counties in the lower penin-sula and in the eastern countiesof the upper peninsula. Themoth's destruction can be foundin a line stretching from theThumb region across the lowercentral section of the lower penin-sula. Among the hardest hitcounties are Midland and Clare.

Michigan's gypsy moth infesta-tion is a known problem withouta simple solution. Each year,gypsy moth larva hatch in Apriland May when tree leaves areforming. The caterpillars eat theleaves of oak, aspen, birch,poplar, basswood and other treesthrough July and then form acocoon. A moth then exits andmates. An egg mass is layed nearthe cocoon and the male andfemale moth die in late July. Thewhole process is repeated thefollwing year with the larvahatching in May.

The moth doesn't actually killthe trees as it eats the leaves.However, the leaf loss affects thetree's growing cycle, using storedcarbohydrates to regenerateleaves and stresses the tree.Coupled with a year or two ofdrought conditions, the tree maydie or be severely stunted. This

is where the economic losses towoodlot owners and commercialforesters begin.

National, state, and local offi-cials have been aggressive intheir efforts to combat the pest.The Michigan Departinent ofAgrtculiurehasearmarked$350,000 for gypsy moth thisyear, including a special one year$100,000 approprtation foreducating landowners.

"One of the major challengesthat we face is to inform and edu-cate landowners about the dif-ferent options available tocontrol the pests," said RonPrtest, manager of the MDA'sgypsy moth program. 'We arealso working to find biologicalcomponents like new species ofnon-stinging wasps that will eatthe moths. The MDA determineswhich heavily-hit counties needto be sprayed and allocatesfunds, along with counties andthe U.S. Forest Service, to havetheses areas sprayed."

At Michigan State University,research and educationprograms are in place, accordingto MSU forestry entomologistGary Simmons. "MSU and theMDA are working together onthis insect menace. MSU has afull-time employee, Cora Gor-such, working with 20 countieson the gypsy moth problem."

Funded by the MDAgrant andhoused at the Clare CountyCooperative Extension office inHartison, Gorsuch conductstraining programs and workswith county coordinators todetermine moth activity and acourse of action. The MSUAgrtculiural Experiment Station,Prtest adds, "is involved in re-searching biological pesticidesand natural occurring viruses tocombat the moths."

The funding for theseprograms has been a prtortty forthe Michigan Farm Bureau.Legislative Counsel Ron Nelsonsays that the organization con-tinues to work with the Legisla-ture to ensure funding dollars forMDA and MSU. According to Nel-son, up to one half of MFB'smembership could be affected bythe gypsy moth.

RURAL LIVING, SUMMER 1990

MDA Signage Program

Helping Farmers andConsumers to Connect!

So what's the answer to themoth problem? Can the gypsymoth be controlled or even eradi-cated? Controlled maybe, eradi-cated probably not. MSU's GarySlnrmons believes that small in-festations should just betolerated and let nature take itscourse. "Larger, more con-centrated populations may re-quire action such as sprayingbut only as a last resort," he em-phasizes.

If spraying is necessary,biologically produced productsknow as Bacillus thuringiensis(or BT for short) should be used,says the MDA'sRon Priest. 'Weneed to stay away from usingchemicals to spray the moths.BTs are naturally occurring com-ponents that do not endangerhumans or wildlife."

The key player in reducing themoth population over time isMother Nature. She has provideda virus within the moth thatlimits its advancement. Wasps,mice and other existing living or-ganisms also help to naturallycontrol the moths.

A recent report from theUniversity of Massachusettsopted for the increased use of aJapanese fungus to control themoths. University EntomologistJoseph Elkington says the fun-gus could help deflate the mothpopulation. 'The fungus is not asingle miracle cure for the gypsymoth problem. It can, however,reduce the number of large mothoutbreaks," says Elkington. "Itshould be used with the othernormal biological functions toreduce moth infestations."

For homeowners, woodlotowners, and commercialforesters, the gypsy moth willcontinue to be a problem. Educa-tional programs are key to stay-ing on top of the issue. Inaddition, BT sprays will helpdeflate the major problem areas.However, Mother Nature will dothe best job of controlling themoth in her own natural way.

SUMMER 1990. RURAL UVING

From Allegan to Wexford coun-ties, farm marketers are gettinga boost from a U-Pick and FarmMarket promotion program,sponsored by the Michigandepartments' of agriculture andtransportation. The program,piloted from July to November1989 and now operating in1990, invites motorists enteringthe state's southwest counties tovisit farm markets and u -pickorchards and fields. Using signsat the Welcome Center in Ber-rien County, at two 1-94 restareas in Van Buren County, andat 22 other state highway loca-tions in Berrien, Van Buren,Cass and Kalamazoo counties, atoll-free information numberhelps travelers connect with in-season Michigan fruit andvegetable harvests. The hotline,1-800-877-PICK, is available 24hours a day, seven days a week.

Tanya-Johnson, MSUgraduate and "informationcentral" operator for the U-pickhotline, says that she receivesabout 30 calls a day beginningin early summer. "I ask thecaller for their location and thentell them what type fruits orvegetables are in season, wherea nearby market is located, direc-tions to the market, hours ofoperation, and a phone num-ber," she says. Tanya also offersthe caller a free 1990 MichiganFarm Market and U-Pick Direc-tory.

'Through the directory, wehave farm market informationfor every county from Allegan toWexford," she says. "Not everyfarm market is listed though be-cause the information is con-tributed by the markets and noteveryone provides the informa-tion to us. The directory includesmarket name, phone number,location, directions from thenearest highway or interstate,crops and season dates, and in-

formation about whether theproduct can be purchased pick-ed only, u-pick only, or both.

"It's really important to theprogram that we help these farmmarket customers get the mostup-to-date. accurate informationavailable,"says Tanya. 'That'swhy I always recommend thatthe caller phone ahead to verifythe information I've given."

The 1990 Farm Market and U-Pick Directory is available at nocharge by calling the toll-free hot-line or by writing. MichiganDepartment ofAgriculture, P.O.Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909,Attn: Tanya Johnson.

The safest,most efficientwood heat systemon the market, theTAYLOR water-stove sits outsideand heats yourhome and 100%of household hotwater .• UL listed•Thermostatic control..12 to 24 hour burn time

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TAYLOR MANUFACTURING, INC.PO Box 518. Elizabethtown. NC 28337

FOOD BANK COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN, INC... "..Jor the elimination of hunger in the state of MIChIgan.

FBCM Mission Statement

Q. Who can farmers and com-modity groups turn to when, forone reason or another, they havesurplus commodities on theirhands?

Q. Who do the over 1.5 millionMichigan residents at or belowpoverty levels turn to when theydon't know where their next mealwill come from?

Q. Who can major food com-panies, such as Kelloggs' andPost Cereal, contact when theyhave a product that, althoughperfectly suited for consumption,may not be put on grocery shel-ves because of a damaged ormisprinted package?

A THE FOOD BANKCOUNCILOF MICHIGAN!

Last year the Food Bank Coun-cil of Michigan (FBCM)distibutedover 17 million pounds of fooditems to the needy through its14,000 square foot Lansingwarehouse, according to FBCMExecutive Director Karin Uhlich.The FBCM network includes 14member food banks locatedthroughout Michigan that servicethe needs of over 1100 com-munity service agencies.

The FBCM started in 1983with a goal to "alleviate hungerby providing low cost, qualityfood to community agencies, andto conselVe food in a nationwhere one fifth of all foodproduced for human consump-tion is wasted." The council net-work is funded by grants andprivate donations.

Thanks in part to a new pro-gram called the Michigan FoodBank Fund initiated in 1989,Michigan farmers and processorsare playing a more active role insupporting those goals. Thefund, administered through theMichigan Department of Agricul-ture (MDA),started out with a$25,000 allocation which was in-creased to $50,000 for 1990,reaching the $100,000 level in

6

1991, according to MDA's NancyWalter, director for agriculturalinnovation and development.

'There are times when there issimply an oversupply of product,with no place to go that might belost or left in the field," says Wal-ter. 'This is a mechanism to com-pensate for less and less federalfunds, and make use of thosecommodities. We (MDA)feel theprogram is very unique - the onlyone of its kind in the nation dueto a good structure and thevolunteers involved."

In its first year, the fund ac-counted for 10% of the totalitems donated from 11 partic-pants and were used to help of-fset processing costs inconverting produce to usable con-sumer packages. The USDA andprivate company donations ac-counted for 40%> of additionaldonations respectively, with 100/&from the Second HaIVest Nation-

al Foodbank Network located inChicago.

Cherry Central Cooperative,based in Traverse City recentlydonated over 357,000 pounds ofsurplus cherries in industrialsize 30 pound tins, with fundsfrom Michigan Food Bank Fundused to process the cherries intosmaller consumer usable pack-ages, according to CherryCentral's John Minnema.

Minnema added that afterseveral years of surplus in thecherry industry the donation wasseen as a way to move productplus possibly enhance distribu-tion in the future.

"I would encourage other com-modity groups to consider doingthe same thing," says Minnema.'We anticipate doing it again-you bet! It's a rewarding ex-perience.

RURAL UVlNG, SUMMER 1990

People statewide who may be interested in donating com-modities, or volunteering timeand/ or services, should contactKarin Uhlich directly. She will be able to refer you to one of thenearest warehouses and/ or community service agencies.Contact: The Food Bank Council of Michigan, Inc. Karin UhlichEx~cutive Director 2116 Mint Road Lansing MI48906(517) 321-3103 '

Liabilty Fears QualmedProduct liability has been a

concern for several would-bedonators, but according to Uh-lich, that problem has been ad-dressed under Michigan's "GoodSamaritan Act" providingproducers and processors withprotection, unless they knowing-1ydonate contaminated items.

'We have never had an ex-perience of receiving badproduct," says Uhlich. 'We alsomust go through the same MDAinspection process as processorsand we also must meet the stric-ter standards of the Second Har-vest National Food BankNetwork. FBCMalso plays a rolein monitoring the over 1,100community service agencies."

Non-Farmers Playa Role Also

Volunteers make the systemwork as evidenced at the Lansingwarehouse. They employ fourfull-time employees, but amajority of the staff supportcomes from some 30 volunteersdoing everything from loadingtrucks, to stocking shelves,making deliveries and generalcleanup.

"Its just amazing how peoplecan plug into the operation,"says Uhlich. 'We can always usemore volunteer support here aswell as the 14 other locations.That support doesn't alwayshave to be in terms of actualstaffing but could include finan-cial support, donation of equip-ment and services, seIVingonour board or a committe."

Is Hunger Reallya Problem?

''The biggest obstacle and thehardest one for me is that peoplestill don't beleive that hunger is

Who To Contact?

a problem ...they beleive thatpeople choose not to work," saysUhlich. "Close to half the peoplewe serve are children! Peoplewho have no choice or say in thiswhole deal. A good proportionare seniors who have worked alltheir lives."

According to Uhlich, over 1.5million people are at or below thepoverty level in Michigan. AFBCMstudy in the fall of 1989estimates that on average each ofthose 1.5 million is doing with-out food five days out of eachmonth.

Federal funding cuts have con-tributed to the increased need forthe serice of the food bank Uh-lich adds, citing lagging funds forfood stamps over the past decadeand the ever increasing inflationrate.

"In the 70s', this nation camevery close to eliminating hungerentirely. The problem did notjust re-emerge without somespecific reasons," says Uhlich. "Ifpeople would really acknowledgethat there's hunger, our jobwould be over real soon. It reallywould."

LegiSlatiOn to set standardsfor organic foods should estab-lish a national standard so thatconsumers will have a clearunder- standing of what theyare buying, the American FarmBureau Federation told a HouseAgriculture Committee hearingrecently.

Testifying at a session on theproposed Organic FoodsProduction Act of 1990,Stephen George, president ofthe NewJersey Farm Bureauand a vegetable grower, said, "Ifconsumers want food with anorganic label, then that labelshould mean the same thingthroughout the country. Thosewishing to buy and those wish-ing to grow organic food shouldbe encouraged to do so, butthat choice should be on thebasis of complete and accurateinformation." Presently, 15 to20 states have differing stand-ards on organic foods, he said.

The organic labeling measureapproved earlier by the SenateAgriculture Committee in its1990 farm bill deliberationshelped provide "a framework fordiscussion," said George, butthe measure is too broad be-cause it goes "beyond labelingand the efficient promotion ofcommerce. "

George said the Senate bill'spenalties of up to $50,000 infines and imprisonment are"way out of line" with the bill'spurpose to encourage theproduction of organic foods. Amore effectivepenalty would beto exclude violators from theprogram and not certify theirproduction, he said.

The NewJersey farm leaderalso said the proposedthreshold for exemptingfarmers from the guidelinesshould be lowered from $5,000to $1,000 worth of productssold. A $5,000 threshold "is toohigh and will undermine con-sumer confidence," said George.

SUMMER 1990, RURAL UVlNG 7

FARM BVRFAU ESSAY CONlEST WINNERSA HIT AT THE STA7E C'APlTOL

The tDp 10 winners on theCapitol steps. From left tD rightRena Leinberger. Angela Hoston.Julie Barst, Lori Baughman.Nii:ole Pinon. Ashley Ball. MelissaStaytDn. Nikki Valenti.Tony Augusty. and Sandra HilL

The State Senate and Lt. Gover-nor Martha Griffiths don't alwayssee eye to eye. but they agreedon one recently: that Michigancan be very proud of its youngpeople--especially the top tenwinners of the America and MeEssay Contest.

The top ten teenagers. winnersof the annual essay contest spon-sored by Farm Bureau Insur-ance, received VIP treatmentduring recent ceremonies at theState Capitol.

They were recognized with aspecial Senate resolution,presented with certificates signedby the governor, honored bySenator John Engler, and metwith Martha Grifilths in her of-fice.

"It's inspiring to see suchbright young people," Mrs. Grif-fiths told the students. "I believeAmerica is in good hands when Iread your essays and hear aboutyour accomplishments."

Mter meeting with state offi-cials, the young winners werehonored at an awards banquethosted by Farm Bureau In-surance. Executive Vice Presi-

8

dent Larry Thomas presentedplaques and savings bonds tothe winners, including a $1,000bond for the first place studentand $500 bonds for each of theremaining nine.

The students wrote essaysthat were judged the ten best inthe state out of thousands ofentries from eigth graders from500 Michigan schools for the an-nual contest initiated in 1968 byFarm Bureau Insurance.

The final rankings were deter-mined by a panel of VIP judgesincluding the likes of GovernorBlanchard, Lt. Governor Grif-fiths, and Congressman BobCarr. The top ten winners of thecontest were:

First -- Ashley Ball, ClarkstonJr. High, Clarkston; Second--Tony Augusty, St. SebastianSchool, Dearborn Heights;Third -- Rena Leinberger, De-Jonge Jr. High, Ludington:Fourth -- Nikki Valenti. Academyof the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield;Fifth -- Nicole Pinon, Addams Jr.High, Royal Oak; Sixth -- MelissaStayton. St. Anselm School,Dearborn; Seventh -- Julie Barst,

Zion Evangelical LutheranSchool, Chesaning; Eighth -- An-gela Hoston, Vetal MiddleSchool, Detroit: Ninth -- LoriBaughman, Southfield ChristianSchool. Southfield; Tenth --Sandra Hill, St. Paul LutheranSchool, Bay City

Ashley Ball's first place essayis reprinted in the box at theright. The contest, conducted an-nually with the help of FarmBureau Insurance agents aroundthe state, encourages Michiganyouth to explore their role inAmerica's future.

As sponsor of the contest,Farm Bureau Insurance hasreceived 11 national awards fromthe Freedoms Foundation at Val-ley Forge and received a 1990Award of ExcelIence from the In-surance Marketing Communica-tions Association.

The 22nd annual contest willkick-off in Michigan schoolsduring September. The theme forthe upcoming contest is "How IWill Help PreseIVe America."

RURAL LIVING. SUMMER 1990

AMERICA&MEby Ashley Ball, Clarkston Jr. HighFirst Place Statewide Winner1989-90 America & Me Essay Contest

It was an unusually warm day inOctober when Ifirstsaw the Statue of Liberty. My family had come to NewYorkfor afew days of sightseeing. As we walked aroundthe edge of the little island on which the massive statuestood, I shaded my eyes and gazed up 20 stories into thestatue'sfoce. The brilliant morning sunlight had washedher tarnish to a beautiful pale sea-green color. Loomingthere above me..Jor a moment, she took my breath away.

Suddenly, I wanted to krww her better. I knew, ofcourse, how important she was to immigrants; that herpurpose was to receive them. ..the poor and the wearyand the lwmeless. That was her mainjob and, looking upat her, I couldfeellww well she'd done her part.

It was strange, I tlwught, the hold she suddenly had onme, the things she made me think, the good she made mewant to do. Yet there I waS, an ant at her feet. She wasso much more able than me. She could receive whole na-tions and give themfreedom and hope and opportunity. [could rwt do that. [ could only do little things, like mayberake leavesfor someone, or bake cookiesfor a sick neigh-bor, or play with the little child who missed his mom.There was so little [ could do.Iremem.IJered going with my church youth group to

sing at a nursing home one Christmas. As we were leav-ing, a lady reoched out to touch me. Her hand was trem-bling. [ stopped andfolded her hand between minefor afew seconds, and her hand stopped trembling. It wasreally rwthingfor me to do; but [guess it meant a lot toher.

As Imade my way up the crowdedferry boat ramp toreturn to Manhattan, Iwas sort of surprised at how dif-ferently Ifelt toward the other passengers ...more patient,more understanding of irritations. As theferry sailedaway, [looked bock at the statue. She was looking rightat me, and there was the slightest smile on her foce. Itwas probably the same look she gave to all those whopassed through her harbor. It was herjob. It was theway she sent us on to do whatever it was that we coulddo.

She could handle the big things. She could receivepeople; and she could give themfreedom and hope andopportunity. But she couldn't do the little things. Shecouldn't rake leaves or bake cookies or hold someone'strembling hand. She needed me to do those things. Ithoughtfor a long time about the way she looked at me,and about her smile. She had her job, and I hadmine ... together we would do great things.

SUMMER 1990, RURAL LIVING

Young peonle'sCitizenshfSent- PtnarTake the energy and en-thusiasm of nearly 200 Michiganhigh school juniors and seniors;mix well at an award winningcitizenship program, and youhave the experience of a lifetimefor students attending the 1990Michigan Farm Bureau YoungPeople's Citizenship Seminar,June 18-22, at Olivet College.

The week's actMties offeredstudents the opportunity to cam-paign for "political" office as can-didates or party supporters andlearn from motivationalspeakers, world travelers, politi-cal refugees, economists, electedofficials, and educators aboutthe global influence of ourgovernmental and economic sys-tems of democracy andcapitalism. Speakers helpprepare the students for activeparticipation in the seminar and,in the larger sense, as citizens inour country.

This year's speakers includedMichigan representatives FrankFitzgerald and Lynn J ondahl;Rick Metzger, former FFA nation-al president; Dr. Richard Ebling,economist, Hillsdale College;Maria Schultz, Ukrantan refugeeand naturalized U.S. citizen; Dr.Robert Rowland, president,American Citizenship Center andexecutive director, EnterpriseSquare USA; Stacey Allison, thefirst woman to summit Mt.Everest; Dr. John Furbay,author /lecturer /world traveler;Rev. Bruce Hanks, Abe Lincolnportrayer; and Jack Laurie, presi-dent, Michigan Farm Bureau.

9

ADOPT AN ACREThe Traverse City Record-Eagle has

"adopted" an acre of comfromNorthwest Michigan FB PresidentBrent and Peggy Wagner. Later thisyear, the Record-Eagleplans to adoptan acre offruit from Benzie CountyPresident Cheryl andAlan Kobemik.(Photoby Marg HiggonsITraverse CityRecord Eagle)

Eight Farm Bureau families invarious parts of the state are in-vesting their time and expertisethis year in a program called"Adopt-An-Acre." The agricultureunderstanding promotion pro-gram has been offered to newsmedia by MFB since 1986,providing them an opportunityto "adopt" a crop for the season,follow its progress from plantingto marketing, and share this in-formation with their audiences.

The prograpl was initiallydesigned for television, but lastyear three newspapers broke thetradition and proved that printmedia could do as good a job, ifnot better, than time-restricted1V in sharing the story ofagriculture with the non-farmpublic. This year, another tradi-tion was broken when WMIC inSandusky became the first radiostation to be involved in theAdopt-An-Acre program. Hostfamily John and Cathy Knoerrand broadcaster Jim McDanielreport that WMIC's "adoption" ofan acre of sugar beets has gonewell from the first in-field inter-view on planting day throughsubsequent updates, with en-thusiastic audience response.

In the Northwest region, twocounty FB presidents are in-volved in Adopt-An- Acreprojects. Chris Copley, editor ofthe Lake City Waterfront."adopted" two acres of corn, one

10

of them no-till, from MissaukeeCounty President Cal andSharon Ellens. Chris, atransplant from Washington,D.C., and his family spent sometime on the Ellens farm to findout what kind of labor invest-ment goes into those acres. TheTraverse City Record-Eagleadopted an acre of corn fromNorthwest Michigan PresidentBrent and Peggy Wagner. Thereporter assigned to the proj ectis no stranger to agriculture orFarm Bureau. Writer Marg Hig-gins is a Benzie County FB mem-ber and serves as Benzie's editorfor the regional newsletter, TheFence Post

1\vo Adopt -An-Acre repeaters,the Arenac County Independentand the Gladwin County Record,decided on a different approachthis year. The Independentadopted a cow from Joe andBrenda Golimbieski. The cowwill have a calf in a few weeksand Editor Ben Welmers will usethe two as effective vehicles to ex-plain the dairy business to Inde-pendent readers. GladwinCounty Record Editor Ron Przys-tas will also adopt a cow fromthe Don and Ann Wilford family.

The largely urban audience ofthe FtintJoumalis being treatedto an indepth look at what ittakes to produce three consumerfavorites -- strawberries, blueber-ries and apples. Journal writer

Jerxy Wright has adopted thethree acres from Genesee Coun-ty FB leader Dan Hill. In addi-tion to covering productionpractices of these unique crops,Jerxy will focus on the direct-to-consumer "Montrose Orchards"farm market. operated by Don'and Sandy Hill. Special em-phasis will be placed on farmchemical use. food safety and in-tegrated pest management (IPM)efforts.

Another dally newspaper, theHuron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe,adopted an acre of sugar beetsfrom Jim and Bill Herford andan acre of navy beans from theDuane Roggenbuck Farms. TheTribune's experienced farmwriter, Sandy Hogan, has addedhuman interest to her adoptedacres reports with appealing ac-tion photos of members of thehost farm families.

All of the farm families in-volved in this year's Adopt-An-Acre program believe the timethey are investing will proveworthwhile. They have helpedtell the story of agriculture and.at the same time, developedrelationships with the newsmedia that will benefit their in-dustry.

RURAL UVING. SUMMER 1990

Promoting a greater understanding in the news, in the classroom, and television programming

FARM BUREAU TV SHOW STILL Media Response GOING STRONG Teams Formed

A unique farmer-produced television program moved to new air times recently on WNEM-TV, Channel 5, in the Flint-Saginaw-Bay City market. "Farm and Gar­den" is now broadcast every Saturday at 7 a.m., and repeated on Sundays at 6:30 a.m.

The show is a joint project of the Michigan Farm Bureau and eight county Farm Bureaus — Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Gratiot, Sanilac, Huron, Genesee and Tuscola. The county Farm Bureaus provide financial assis­tance to air the program and fur­nish volunteer reporters. These county correspondents work with a camera person provided by WNEM-TV and do stories about agricultural events in their counties.

"Farm and Garden" is hosted each week by two area farmers, Karen Stoneman and Dean

Smith. Stoneman, of Brecken-ridge, also chairs the Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee and was named Michigan Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farm Woman in 1986. Smith farms near Bay Port and was honored as Michigan Farm Bureau's Dis­tinguished Young Farmer, also in 1986.

WNEM-TV has been recog­nized as a Michigan Farm Bureau "Agricultural Com­municator of the Year" for producing and promoting the pro­gram.

The show is always on the lookout for agricultural events and activities to promote. If you'd like to appear on the show or have an idea for a story, contact one of the eight county Farm Bureaus listed above.

JL elling the story of agriculture through the news media is also the objective of a new program launched last fall called Media Response Teams. Kent County Farm Bureau leaders gave birth to the idea of forming teams of farmer spokespersons and offer­ing their services to the news media in responding to current issues. Located in the Grand Rapids area, one of the state's major media markets, they be­came the first Media Response Team. An agricultural resource directory, listing the names, ad­dresses, phone numbers and brief bio sketches of the team members, was distributed to the Grand Rapids area news media with encouragement to contact these farmers to help them with their ag- related stories.

Since that time, the Kent County team has served as a pat­tern for the rest of the state. The list of farmers who have received media response team training has grown to about 100. Train­ing includes a session on work­ing with the news media, a report on the AFBF food safety re­search and message develop­ment, and live, on-camera interview practice sessions.

The first "Understanding Agriculture - New Directions for K-12 Education" summer institute for teachers was a resounding success! This three-credit class about teaching agriculture in the classroom was conductedfor 12 Michigan teachers, June 20-29. Participants learned how to use agricultural examples to teach science, economics, math, in­ternational trade and other subjects.

The program included presentations by Michigan's first lady Janet Blanchard and Michigan Farm Bureau president Jack Laurie. Michigan State University trustee Tom Reed and Ingham County dairy farmer Vivian Lott served on a panel. The institute was a cooperative effort be­tween Farm Bureau, Michigan State University Agriculture and Exten­sion Education, 4-H, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Economic Education Council. Planning is already underway for a 1991 summer institute.

SUMMER 1990. RURAL LIVING 11

AnnouncingMoney-Saving••••••••••••••

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• AN AMISH COUNTRYSIDE/FALL COLOR TOURJourney October 8-10 with us for an Amish Countryside/Fall Color tour. The largest

Amish settlement in the world is located in Tuscarawas and Holmes counties of Ohio.During your three-day, two-night stay, you'll meet with the Amish in their craft shops,saw mills, quilt shops, cheese factories, fish hatcheries and even be guests at an Amish

wedding dinner. Plus much more!The price? $269 per person.

• MAKE A DATE WITH THELEGENDARY BOB HOPEHe's been hailed by critics and fans as the King of Comedy for decades.

See The Chairman of American Humor during a visit September 20- 30 to theStar Plaza Theatre and Resort in Merrillville, Indiana.

You don't have to wait for the stars to come out at night to shine. Golf course, indoortennis and racquetball and fitness clubs are minutes away. And just across the street is

South Lake Mall and Century Consumer Outlet. Or stick around at the fabulous indooratrium swimming pool and jacuzzis. Cost of the one-night stay is just $179 per person.

Price includes a special cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres.

• MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE AT THE FARM PROGRESS SHOWCome aboard September 24-27 when we ride to Amana, Iowa, for the 1990 Farm

Progress Show. The annual event brings together the latest in machinery,fanning practices, livestock and feed, and other farm related products. Field

demonstrations and educational exhibits from Iowa State University and the IowaDepartment of Agriculture are just part of the draw.You'll stay at the nearbyHoliday Inn

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DIAPERS BIG BUSINESS.FORFARMERS?

An extensive $750,000 renovation to the Michigan State Fair's his-toric poultry building, built in 1921, was recently completed, making itone oj the .finest, according to Carol Culham, assistant manager of theState Fair. Exhibitors willftnd aU-new cages, restrooms, bathrooms,wiring and plwnbing. Pictured with Culham is David Stough, agricul-ture, livestock and youth supervisor for the Michigan State Fair,scheduled this year for Aug. 24-Sept. 3..

A company in California ismanufacturing a biodegradablediaper called Bunnies and that'sgood news not only for parentsconcerned about the environ-ment, but for corn growers aswell, according to MichiganFarm Bureau economist BobCraig. The exterior of the diaperis made using a cornstarch-based plastic similar to theproduct used to manufacturebiodegradable garbage bags.

"Sixteen billion diapers arethrown into landfills each year --that's 10 billion square feet ofplastic," said Craig. "The prob-lem has been that typical dis-posable diapers don'tdecompose. Research shows thatBunnies, within a few years, willbiodegrade in no sunlight, al-

most no oxygen and almost nowater. They are also recyclableand compostable, so one doesn'teven have to put them intolandfills. " .

"If those 16 billion diapers putinto landfills each year had beenmade with a cornstarch basedplastic, a major environmentalconcern would be addressed --plus it would create a potentialmarket for 100 million to 150million bushels of corn eachyear. That would be good newsfor com growers," he said.

American Enviro Products,manufacturer of Bunnies, is cur-rently running experiments onthe absorbency of com, oats andcotton. If successful, 80 percentof the diaper will be producedfrom farm products.

Com Growers ReceiveEnvironmentalAchievement Award

The South Dakota ComGrowers Association (SDCGA)recently received a 1990 Environ-mental Achievement Award fromthe National EnvironmentalAwards Council, for testing anduse of their E-85 car, which runson up to 85 percent environmen-tally-friendly ethanol. Theirproj ect was selected from over1,000 applicants to receive theaward.

The SDCGA was honored forits work on converting a 1988Cheverolet Corsica to run on anyblend of ethanol up to 85 per-cent. Independent tests, at EPAapproved labs, showed the car tobe one of the cleanest burningautomobiles in the country whenoperating on "E-85", 85 percentethanol, 15 percent gasoline. Ac-cording to emissions test, carbonmonoxide emissions werereduced 49 percent andhydrocarbon emissions werereduced 31 percent. Carbondioxide emissions were reducedas well.

FPCPROPANEOUI'lET OPENSINIANSING

Farmers Petroleum Cooperative(FPC)recently opened a newpropane retail branch at 5716 S.Cedar Street, Lansing, and will beseIVingthe Lansing market andsurrounding six county area withfull seIVicepropane delivezy.OtherseIVicesinclude tank setting, gaschecks, 24 hour emergency seIVice,and free tank rental to qualifiedcustomers. FPC and Farm Bureaumembers receive a fivecent per gal-lon discount!

In addition to the delivery ser-vices being offered, the branch willcany a complete line ofgas grillsand accessories, heaters andpropane fuel appliances at their S.Cedar showroom. The new outletalso provides fill seIVicesfor grill,RVand construction cylinders.

SUMMER 1990, RURAL IJVING 13

"Friends of Agriculture" Selected

Congressman Bill Schuette (R-Sanford) tops thelist of 98 candidates designated as "Friends ofAgriculture by the Michigan Farm Bureau's Agri-Pac. Schuette received the endorsement for theU.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat CarlLevin who scored a 700A> voting record compared toSchuettes 80%.

According to Shiawassee county farmer andchairman of AgriPac, Dave Conklin, recommend a-tions from county Farm Bureau Candidate Evalua-tion Committees from throughout the state andSchuette's 800k voting record were factors in hisendorsement

"During his years as a Congressman, BillSchuette has been a dedicated advocate forMichigan Agriculture," said Conklin. "He was thefirst Michigan Congressman to get a permanent ap-pointment to the House Agriculture Committee inat least 25 years. We believe he will continue to bea strong advocate for Michigan agriculture in theU.S. Senate."

According to Conklin, the recommendation ofcounty Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation Com-mittees are a major factor in AgriPac's decisionmaking process. 'The farmers who seIVe on countycommittees know the candidates, they know the at-

titudes of Farm Bureau members in their countytoward the candidates, and they know whether thecandidates recognize the importance of agriculturein the area they will represent," he said.

The issues were selected by AgriPac committeemembers, compiled with voting records and sentto county committees for consideration. The issueswere selected without prior knowledge of in-dividual voting records of candidates to avoid anybias.Following are the candidates designated byAgriPac as "Friends of Agriculture." The designa-tion constitutes an August 7, primary election en-dorsement. If the endorsed candidate wins theprimary, the endorsment will carty through to theNovember 6, general election.

u.s. SENATE

Bill Schuette (R-SWlJord)Voting Record 80%

Carl PurseU (R-Plymouth)District 2

Voting Record 80%

Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph)District 4

Voting Record 90%

Brad Haskins (R-Ceresco)District 3

Voting Record NA.

Paul Henry(R-GrWld Rapids)District 5

Voting Record 90%

u.s. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSEMENTS AND ISSUES1. Congressional Pay Raise - Passage of lan-

guage to rej ect a raise in congressional and high-level government officials' salaries. The U.S. Houserejected the bill. AFBF favored a "Y"vote to rej ectthe raise.

2. Minimum Wage - Passage of the conferencereport to raise the minimum wage from the cur-rent $3.35 per hour to $4.55 per hour by Oct. 1,1991 and provide a 60-day training wage equal to85 percent of the minimum. The U.S. House ap-proved the conference report. AFBF favored a "N"vote.

3. Cargo Preference - A motion to return a bill tocommittee to strike language that greatly in-creased the cost of farm exports. The language re-quired that 50 percent of U.S. goods purchasedwith economic support funds be transported onU.S. flag vessels rather than foreign flag vehicles.The U.S. House rejected the motion. AFBF favoreda "Y" vote.

4. Section 89 - An amendment to repeal section89 of the 1986 Tax Code requiring employers toprove their health benefit plans are non-dis-criminatory. The U.S. House passed the amend-ment. AFBF favored a ''V' vote.

5. Capital Gains Tax - An amendment to deletea capital gains tax cut provision in the 1990Budget Reconciliation bill. The U.S. House passedthe amendment. AFBF favored a "N"vote.

6. Food Aid To Poland/ Cargo Preference - Anamendment to reduce to 50 percent, from the cur-rent 75 percent, the amount of U.S. food-aid ship-

14RURAL UVING. SUMMER 1990

Bob Carr (D-East Lansing)District 6

Voting Record 70%

Guy Vander Jagt (R-Luther)District 9

Voting Record 70%

Dave Cwnp (R-Midland)District 10

Voting Record NA.

William Broomfield (R-Birmin-gham)

District 18Voting Record 90%

ments to Poland that must be carried on U.S. flagships. The U.S. House rejected the amendment.AFBFfavored a 'ry" vote.

7. Minimum Wage - A bill to increase the mini-mum wage from $3.35 per hour to $4.25 per hourover two years and provide a temporary trainingwage equal to 85 percent of the m1n1mumwage foremployees 16 to 19 years of age. The U.S. Housepassed the bill. AFBFfavored a "N"vote.

8. 1990 Budget Reconciliation Budget - Adop-tion of the conference report to provide for spend-ing cuts and revenue increases to bring the F.Y.1990 budget deficit within the $110 billion limit ofthe Gramm-Rudman Act. The U.S. House passedthe bill. AFBF favored a 'ry" vote.

9. Garbage Backhauling - A bill requiring theTransportation Department to issue regulationsgoverning backhauling of food, solid waste andhazardous materials in food trucks and cargotanks. The U.S. House passed the bill. AFBFfavored a 'ry" vote.

10. Parental and Medical Leave - A bill requiringpublic and private employers of 50 or more to giveup to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for thebirth of a child, or sickness. The U.S. Housepassed the bill. AFBFfavored a "N"vote.

MICIDGAN SENATE ENDORSEMENTS (LISTED BY DISTRICT) AND ISSUES

1 John Kelly (D-Detroit) 60°..1>4 David Holmes (D-Detroit) 60°..1>5 Michael O'Brien (D-Detroit) 70°..1>6 Robert Geake (R-Northville) 80%7 Christopher Dingell (D-Trenton) 90°..1>8 Matt Dunaskiss (R-Lake Orion) NA9 Doug Carl (R-Mt. Clemens) 80°..1>10 George Hart (D-Dearborn) 80%11 Norman Shinkle (R-Lambertville) 1000/012 William Faust (D-Westland) 60°/013 Jack Welborn (R-Kalamazoo) 80°..1>14 Jon Cisky (R-Saginaw) NA15 Denise Alexander (R-Southfield) NA16 Doug Cruce (R-Troy) 1000..1>17 Judith Miller (R-Birmingham) NA19 Nick Smith (R-Addison) 80%20 John Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) 1000/021 Paul Wartner (R-Portage) NA22 Harry Gast (R-St. Joseph) 90%23 W1lliamVanRegenmorter(R.Jenison) NA

NA. - Signifies candidatechallenging incumbent,no record onfile.

SUMMER 1990, RURAL IJVlNG

1. Agriculture Loans - A bill to authorize statefunds to be deposited inbanks for loans tofarmers and agribusiness firms affected by the1986 excessive rains. The Senate passed the bill.MFBfavored a 'ry" vote.

2. Oversize Farm Equipment - A bill to allow themovement of farm equipment of any width duringdaylight hours if the flow of vehicular traffic is notimpeded and the equipment is not moved left ofthe road's center. The Senate passed the bill. MFBfavored a 'ry" vote.

3. Farm Liability - A bill to protect growersoperating farm markets and U- Pick markets or al-lowing gleaners onto their fields from liabilityclaims. The Senate passed the bill. MFB favored a'ry" vote.

4. Ethanol - A bill to provide a single businesstax credit for corn used in the production ofethanol. The Senate passed the bill. MFB favored a"y" vote.

5. Right-To-Farm - A bill authorizing theMichigan Agriculture Commission to developgenerally accepted waste managment practiceswhich provide immunity from nuisance suits. TheSenate passed the bill. MFBfavored a 'ry" vote.

6. Pesticide Control- A bill to increase stand-ards for commercial pesticide applicators, requirefarmers to be properly certified and providefarmers protection from civilliabllity if pesticidelabel instructions are followed. The Senate passedthe bill. MFB favored a 'ry" vote.

(Continued on page 18)

15

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Compare the interest rates.The interest rate on the Member-Line VISA and Gold MasterCardis just 15.9% A.P.R. - one ofthe lowest interest rates available.In addition, you pay no intereston new credit card purchaseswhen your full balance is paidby the due date.

The Farm Bureau MemberLinesM VISA & Gold MasterCard.Two good reasons why it pays to compare before youapply for a credit card ...

WHEREBELONGINGMAKES ADIFFERENCE .

Compare the fees. The Member-Line VISA has no annual fees, nomembership fees and no applica-tion fee. The annual fee for theGold MasterCard is $20 - farlower than the fee charged formost gold cards. For addedsavings, the $20 fee is rebatedevery year that you make $3,000or more in net purchases.

Compare convenience.With a MemberLine VISA orGold MasterCard you can accessyour credit line with easy to useMemberLine checks and throughany Automated Teller Machinesdisplaying the MasterCard, VISA,MagicLine or Cirrus logos. Cashwhenever you need it - whereveryou need it.

Compare the premiums. Boththe MemberLine VISA and theGold MasterCard offer a wide arrayof complimentary features andoptions for your protection andpeace of mind. And when youcarry a Gold MasterCard, you'llenjoy the added advantages of ahigher credit line, executivetravel privileges, emergency roadassistance, purchase protectioninsurance and a warranty extensionprogram - valuable "extras" youand your family can depend on.

The Farm Bureau MemberLineVISA and Gold MasterCard -a great way to tell the world howproud you are to be a MichiganFarm Bureau member.

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APPLY NOWfor a Farm Bureau MemberLinef.1 VISA or Gold MasterCard

FARM BUREAU MEMBERLlNE- APPLICATION

Previous Employer (~ less than two years at present employer)

Zip

Source of Other Income

ITime at Previous EmployerYrs. Mos.

ITelephoneI( )

)

State Zip

Other Income

TSocial Security Number

Time at Present Address IDate 01 BirthYrs. Mos.

Horne Telephone Number(Include Area Code) ( )

Stale

ISocial Security Number

Time at Present Address IDate of BirthYrs. Mos.

Horne Telephone Number(Include Area Code) (

D MonthlyGross Income Irom Employment D Yearly

D MonthlyD Yearly

Income from alimony, child support, or maintenance payments need not be revealed~ you do not wish to have it as a basis for repaying this obligation.

City

City

ITime at Present EmploymentI Yrs. Mos.

IZip Code

Last Name

Last Name

IAddress

Middle Initial

Middle Initial

!Position

First Name

City, State

Previous Address (illess than two years at present address)

Present Street Address

Employer's Telephone Number( )

City, State, Zip Code

Present Employer

Present Street Address

First Name

Nearest Relative (not living with you)

City, State

LL Previous Address (illess than two years at present address)-..JWena:::)

o>

CJoCo)Co)asC:2--

Previous Employer (illess than two years at present employer)

Nearest Relative (not living with you)

Employer's Telephone Number( )

City, State, Zip Code

Balance DueD o.mtBuying Home D Other D Rent

Monthly Payment$

$ Mortgage Holder or Landlord Mortgage Balance$

$ D Checking Account (Bank Name)Estimated Value$

$D Savings Account (Bank Name)

Have You Ever DYesDeclared DNa

$ Bankruptcy?

Source 01 Other Income

IT I/Tle at Previous EmployerYrs. Mos.

\

Telephone( )

Income from alimony, child support, or maintenance payments need not be revealed~ you do not wish to have it as a basis for repaying this obligation.

D MonthlyGross Income from Employment D Yearly

D MonthlyOther Income D Yearly

ITime at Present EmploymentI Yrs. Mos.

IAddress

Monthly Paymentsen Credit ReferencesWoZwa:wLLWa:l-ewa:o

!z Present Employer

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COllE INIT

AGENTUSE ~ _

D ADDITIONAL CARD FOR AUTHORIZED USER

Date

Date

XApplicant's Signature

XCo-Applicant's Signature

Vwe hereby certify that each of the answers on this application is trueand correct, and is made lor the purpose 01 obtaining a loan or creat fromthe Bank. Vwe certify that all debts owed whether individual, joint orcontingent have been disclosed above and that none of my/OlX debts aredefinquent Of in default, except as Vwe have indicated above. Vwe herebyauthorize the Bank to investJ;jate my/OlX creci1 record to the extent it deemsnecessary and to verily my/our credit. employment and income relerences.Vwe further authorize and instruct any person or consumer reportingagency to lumish to the Bank any information that it may have or obtain inresponse to such credit inquiries. Vwe further agree that this applicationshall become the property 01 the Bank. whether or not it is approved.

Vwe agree that ~ this application is accepted and a card Of cards areissued that any use of the card(s) will be governed by the terms andconditions of the Bank's VISAlMasterCan:l Agreement and Disclosureprovided before or with delivery of the card(s). Vwe assume, d more thanone jointly and severally, liability fOf all charges incurred in any use ofthe card(s).

Print name here

OR Apply for a Gold MasterCardDYES, I'd like the extra freedom and flexibility01 a Gold MasterCard insteCKl of the VISAcard. II I do not qualify for the GoldMasterCard, consider my application lor theFarm Bureau VISA card.

Please check your card preference(choose one design only)D SCENIC VISA

The cast to you, the Primary Account holder(applicant), is $.60 per $100 lor each month'saverage daily balance. The insurance will be-come effective when your credit begins. Youmust be less than age 71 to be eligible lor cov-erage. A certifICate which more fully describesthe insurance will be sent when your creditapplication is approved. Underwritten by ThePrudential Company 01America, Newark, NewJersey, and Prudential Property and CasualtyInsurance Company, Holmdel, New Jersey.Those choosing to enroll will be mailed a cer-tiflCale 01 insurance explaining benefits, limita-tions and provisions and indicating the effec-tive date 01 coverage.

Optional Group Credit Insurance

Applicant's Signature

o YES, Please enroll me In theGroup Credit Insurance Program.

woz<a:::)en~l-ewa:oQ.::)

oa:Cl...J<Zot=Q.

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"Rnance charges are charged on cash advances and Memberline checks from the date they are posted.

Cash Advance Fee - noneTransaction Fee - none

late Fee - $10.00Over Umit Fee - $10.00

Minimum Finance Charge - none

GracePerioclforRepllyment of the

Balance forNew Purcha_.

25 Days, starting with the billingdate on statement"

None for scenic or standard VISA$20 for Gold MasterCard

(rebated every year net annualpurchases exceed $3.000)

BalanceCalculation

Method

Average Daily Balance(excluding new purchases)

15.9%

Please return this application to: First of America, P.O. Box 2349, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-9917

MIalIGAN SF.NA'1E ENDORSEMENTS (USJJ!.iU BY DlSTRlCTjAND ISSUES OONTlNUED ...

24 Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) 70°1625 Joe Conroy (D-Flint) 70%26 Gilbert DiNello (D-East Detroit) I()()o1627 Art Miller (D-Warren) 80%28 Dan DeGrow (R-Port Huron) 90°1630 Fred Dillingham (R-Fowlerville) 90°1631 Dick Posthumus (R-Lowell) I()()o1632 Vern Ehlers (R-Grand Rapids) I()()o1633 Phil Arthurhultz (R-Whitehall) 1(){)o1634 Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) 70°1635 Joanne Emmons (R-Big Rapids) NA36 Connie Binsfeld (R-Maple City) 80°1637 George'McManus (R-Traverse City) NA38 Don Koivisto (D-Ironwood) NA

NA. - SigniJies candidatechallenging incumbent,no record onjile.

7. Grain Insurance Fund - A bill allowing wheatand feedgrain producers to petition for and vote ina referendum to pay 1/ lOth of a cent on the valueof grain sold to a grain dealer. If approved in thereferendum the revenue would be placed in a spe-cial fund to reimburse producers for lossses in-curred as a result of grain handler banlrruptcy.The Senate passed the vote. MFB Favored a "Y"vote.

8. Inheritance Tax - A bill to repeal the MichiganInheritance Tax and replace it with the federalpick-up tax. The Senate passed the bill. MFBfavored a 'ry" vote.

9. Minimum Wage - A bill to increase theMichigan m1n1mum wage to the same level as thenew federal standards and provide for a sub-minimum training wage applicable for the firstthree months of employment. The Senate passedthe bill. MFB favored a 'ry" vote.

10. Quality Education - A bill to require schooldistricts to adopt a school improvement plan, es-tablish core curriculum and a basic employabilityskills test for students to take before graduation.The Senate passed the bill. MFB favored a 'ry" vote

1819202325262829333539404142434548495154565859606163646871

6 Morris Hood, Jr. (D-Detroit) 50%8 Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Detroit) 70%10 Ted Wallace (D-Detroit) 50%12 Curtis Hertel (D-Detroit) 70%13 William Bryant, Jr.

(R-Grosse Pointe Farms) 70°16Sid Ouwinga (R-Marton) 60°16Don Van Singel (R-Grant) 80016Claude 1iim (R-Waterford) 90%Phil Hoffman (R-Horton) 50°16Roman Kulchitsky (R-Warren) 50°16David J aye (R-Utica) 60°16Robert DeMars (D-Lincoln Park) 70°16Gregory Pitoniak (D-Taylor) 70°16William Keith (D-Garden City) 50%Lyn Bankes (R-Livonia) 70%Jerry Bartnik (D-Temperance) 60%Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) 50%Michael Nye (R-Litchfield) 90°16Glenn Oxender (R-Sturgis) 60°16Carl Gnodtke (R-Sawyer) 90%James Middaugh (R-Paw Paw) 70016Don Gilmer (R-Augusta) 90%Bill Martin (R-Battle Creek) 90°16Susan Munsell (R-Howell) 90°16Paul Hillegonds (R-Holland) 80016Frank Fitzgerald (R-Grand Ledge )80°16Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) 70°16Lynn Jondahl (D-Okemos) 60%Willis Bullard (R-Highland) 70016Tom Middleton (R-Ortonville) NAGordon Sparks (R-Troy) 70%Maxine Berman (D-Southfield) 50%Shirley Johnson (R-Royal Oak) 80%Sal Rocca (D-Sterling Heights) 60%

MICmGAN BOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSEMENTS (LISTED BY DISTRICT) AND ISSUES

1. Covered Loads - A bill to exempt farm truckstransporting products in the nonna! operation of afarm from being covered but makes the operator liableif any contents escape. The House passed the bill.MFB favored a 'ry" vote.

2. Natural Resources Director - A bill to allow thegovernor rather than the Natural Resources Connnis-sion to appoint and remove the Department of NaturalResources director. The House passed the bill. MFBfavored a "N' vote.

3. Water Use Reporting - A bill to require waterusers, including irrigators, to register with the DNRand report the volume of water used if they have thecapacity to withdraw more than 100,000 gallons perday. The reporting is necessary to cany out MichJgan'smembership in the Great Lakes Water Agreement. TheHouse passed the bill. MFB favored a 'ry"vote.

4. Auto Insurance Rollback - A bill to mandate autoinsurance premiums be rolled back 20 percent forMichJgan drtvers and 30 percent for senior citizenswithout reforms to reduce the cost of providing in-surance. The House passed the bill. MFB favored a 'N"vote.

5. Minimum Wage - A bill to increase the minimumwage from the current $3.35 to $5.00 per hour effec-tiveJan. I, 1993. The House passed the bill. MFBfavored a "N' vote.

6. Quality Education - A bill to require school dis-tricts to adopt a school improvement plan, establishcore cuniculums and be accredited. The House passedthe bill. MFB favored a "Y"vote.

7. Farm Animals - A bill to update the law whichregulates the testing, vaccination/ quarantine of live-stock moving within or into the state for the purpose ofsale or shows. The House passed the bill. MFB favoreda'ry"vote.

18 RURAL LIVING, SUMMER 1990

WIlDLlFE MANAGEMENT MEETINGSSCHEDUlED!

MICHIGAN FALLTURKEY HUNTEXPANDED!

Wildlife Manage-ment Meetings

In order to introduce and coor-dinate an expanded deer blockpermit program among Michiganproperty owners and interestedsportsmen, the Michigan FarmBureau (MFB), the Departmentof Natural Resources (DNR) andthe Cooperative Extension Ser-vice (CES) are sponsoring aseries of wildlife managementmeetings to establish Coor-dinated Wildlife Managmentteams across Michigan.

The teams will be formed toevaluate the newly expandedstatewide deer hunting block per-mit program and make recom-mendations for future seasons.Team members will consist oflocal farmers, hunters and per-sonnel from the CES and DNR.

MFB, DNR and CES resourcepersonnel will be on hand at themeetings to provide additional in-formation on the new block per-mit program as well as minorchanges to the deer damageshooting permit program. Formore information, interestedlandowners and sportsmen alikeshould contact Vicki Pontz, legis-lative counsel for MFB, at (51 7)323-7000, Extension 2046.

Aug. 1

Aug. 1

Aug. 9

Aug. 9

Aug. 14

Aug. 14

Aug. 21Aug. 27

B.E. Henry Bldg.,Fairgrounds,Marshall.7p.mHilbnan CommunityCenter, Hillman(on M-32) ,7p.mEllsworth CommunityHall. Ellsworth7:30p.mHarley Hotel.4041 Cascade Rd..Grand Rapids7:30p.rn.Lapeer Twp. Hall.1500 Morris Rd.,Lapeer,8p.rn.Peny Town Hall. Peny8p.mEvart Town HallEvart, 8p.rn.Cooperative ExtensionOffice, Fremont,8p.m

As a result of Natural ResourceCommittee action, Michigan's1990 Fall Turkey hunt will ex-pand almost three-fold in termsof licenses available and willdouble the square miles open tohunting, according to John Ur-bain,DNRForestGameBtrdSpecialist.

According to Urbain, over9,032 applications were receivedlast fall for the 5,900 availablelicenses over a 6,566 square milearea, with approximately 2,015birds taken as a result. The 1990fall hunt will be increased to15,600 licenses available cover-ing a 12,251 square mile area.

Applicants can choose be-tween three hunting periods forthe fall hunt: Oct. 8-14, Oct. 15-24 or Oct. 25-Nov. 5. Residentapplication fees are $12.85 andsenior citizen application fees are$4. Unsuccessful applicants willreceive a refund, however, $3 willbe kept by the DNRfor process-ing costs.

"Members should apply for thesecond or third hunt period astheir first choice when applying,"said Urbain, adding that theodds of getting a license improve.

STA1EBOVSE OF REPRESENTA7YVESENDORSEMENT AND ISSUES CONIINUED ••••

75 Ken DeBeaussaert (D-New Balthnore) 50°A>77 Dick Allen (R-Caro) 80°A>78 Keith Muxlow (R-Brown City) 60°A>82 Thomas Scott (D-Burton) 80%84 John Strand (R-Lapeer) 90°A>85 James O'Neill (D-Saginaw) 70%86 Lewis Dodak (D-Montrose) 60°A>88 Robert Bender (R-Middleville) 70°A>89 Gary Randall (R-Elwell). 80%90 Marsha Wilcox (R-Lowell) NA.91 Walter DeLange (R-Kentwood) 70°A>93 Richard Bandstra (R-Grand Rapids) 70%94 Ken Sikkema (R-Grandville) 900/095 Alvin Hoekman (R-Holland) 90°A>97 Nancy Crandall (R-Muskegon) 70°A>98 Bill Bobier (R-Hesperia) NA100 Roland Niederstadt (D-Saginaw) 70%101 Tom Hickner (D-Bay City) 70%103 Ralph Ostling (R-Roscommon) 80%

104 Thomas Power (R-Traverse City) 60°A>106 John Pridnia (R-Harrisville) 50%107 Pat Gagliardi (D-Drurrnnond Island) 50°A>

SUMMER 1990, RURAL LIVING

8. Off Road Vehicle Fees - A bill to collect$10.50 on an ORV Certificate of TItle and $7 on anORV license beginning April 1, 1991,and prohibitsoperating ORVs on prtvate lands without writtenpermission and makes the operator liable fordamage to prtvate property. The House passed thebill. MFB favored a toy" vote.

9. Commercial Drtvers License - A bill to clarifyfarm vehicle exemptions and covered load require-ments under the Commercial Drtvers license re-quirements. The House passed the bill. MFBfavored a toy" vote.

10. Agriculture Budget - A bill to fund theMichigan Department ofAgriculture for the yearbeginning Oct 1, 1900. The bill increased fundingfor MDA by approximately $2 million The Housepassed the bill. MFB favored a ty" vote.

NA. - Signifies candidatechallenging incumbent,no record onjile.

19

&11~rld.Orlando, Florida

Because ...

Michigan Farm Bureau's newest member benefits include discountedtickets to Cedar Point, Kings Island, and the Detroit Zoo!

If you're planning a family vacation - take a look at these great prices!

DETROIT ZOOAdult 4.00Child 2.00 (5-12)

CED\R POINT@Adult 17.00Child 11.00

IQngs lslandAdult - 18.00Child - 10.00 (3-6)

To purchase your tickets contact your local county Farm Bureau office, or sendin the number of tickets requested (adult & child), along with payment to:

Michigan Farm BureauMembership Services Dept.7373 W. SaginawLansing, MI 48909

Your membership also entitles you to discounts at the following theme parks:

• DisneyLand/DisneyWorld/Epcot/MGM• Busch Gardens• SeaWorld/Cypress Gardens• Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village• OpryLand• DollyWood

To receive discounts at these locations, contact Michigan Farm Bureau,1-800-292-2680, extension 3237.

!lQlgs lslald,.~~

AV.-\IL-\BLE N()w! SPECT.-\CUL-\R DISCOUNTS!

~iS winter, experience the perfect get a way! For nine.1~elaxing days, roundtrip from Los Angeles, the superbnew Crown Odyssey will take you to the most breathtaking ofthe festive resorts along the Mexican Riviera. You'll thrill todazzling Acapulco, feel the romance of Puerto Vallarta and fallin love with sleepy Zihuatanejo. Included is a unique call at theunearthly beauty of Cabo San Lucas at the tip of Baja California.

The superb new Crown Odyssey incorporates stunninginnovations which have set new standards for shipboard living.Yet for all her elegance, she continues Royal Cruise Line'stradition of warm, friendly service, outstanding cuisine andexclusive features - such as the famed Host Program andAmerican Heart Association cuisine-that are found only on anOdyssey. Reserve early and save!

A8()ARD THE CR()WN ODYSSEY

YOUR SPECIAL BONUS AMENITIES!Special SailingJanuary 12,1991Personally Hostedby Jack LaurieMichigan FarmBureau President

CALL Farm BureauMember Travel Service at

1-800-354-4272

-~-

•

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. All prices shownare lo.b.

Model 6245.0 $14,7656245.2 $16,700

4 WO, 53.09 PTO HP

Model 7711.0 $14,6857711.2 $16,565

2 WO, 65.7 PTO HP

Model 7745.0 $18,1357745.2 $20,055

4 WO, 65.7 PTO HP

Model 5211.0 $10,5755211.2 $12,310

2 WO, 42.51 PTO HP

Model 5245.0 $12,5955245.2 $14,340

4 WO, 42.51 PTO HP

Model 6211.0 $12,4656211.2 $14,425

2 WO, 53.09 PTO HP

Zetor's 43, 54 and 66 PTO HP tractors aredesigned as much for your comfort as they are foryour work!• flat operator's deck for easy entry from both

sides• panoramic windshield and 2 entry doors in

optional cab• ergonomically-designed seat to reduce

fatigue• power or power ~assist steering

• cast iron chassis for maximum muscle• no-strain price

• no-drain operating costs (Zetors aredesigned for economical maintenance and

repair, with fuel-sipping diesel engines,permanent oil and air filters, readily available parts.)(7~

ZETORThe world's first name for quality farm machines.

tractors. manure/lime spreaders. drum mowersfork lifts. rotary rakes & tedders. and more

7301 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112 (717) 540-5618

• CHELSEAH&S Farm Repair, Inc313-475-7547• MCBRIDEParr & Son, Inc.517-762-5051

CZECH YOUR BODY HERE:

• RUDYARDRlke Equipment906-478-5581• HARTFORDScherer's Hidaway Farm616-424-3727

• STERLINGSterling Sales & Service517-654-3173• BROWN CIITYUn-Lo-Dr Systems, Inc.313-346-3359

F or the trulydistinguished and

outstanding ...

MICHIGAN FARM BUREAUPROUDLY ANNOUNCES!

Young Farmer Contest Sponsorship byGreat Lakes Hybrids, Inc. for the

Fourth Consecutive Year

Doug Darling, Monroe County1989 Michigan Farm BureauDistinguished Young Farmer

A ward Winner

GREAT LAKES

GROWING GREATConnie Kramer, Huron County1989 Michigan Farm Bureau

Outstanding YoungFarm Woman Award Winner

Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc., will award a $1500 product certificate to the Michigan Farm Bureau1990 Distinguished Young Farmer and Outstanding Young Farm Woman winners. *

The certificate can be used to purchase various Great Lakes products, including afull line ofquality corn, soybean and alfalfa seed varieties.

•F or farm operations that do not use seed products, special arrangements wiU be made.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR COUNTY FARM BUREAU SECRETARY.

Get $t00,000,$500,000, or even

$t million of life insuranceat a low annual cost ...

Big life insurance' policies aren't unusual anymore. You probably could useone yourself at some stage in your life .. -. 'maybe right now.

Coverages from $100,000 up to millions of dollars are available at lowcost through the new Advantage III policy from Farm Bureau Life InsuranceCompany of Michigan. Save even more if you qualify for our non-smokerpreferred rate.

This is term insurance for people who want dependable coverage at thebest price they can get.

Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent about how Advantage III can filla big need in your life. Your local agent is listed in the phone book, or callyour county Farm Bureau office.

Advantage III ... giving you the edge in price, protection, and security .

• FARM BIJREAIJ,mw•• NS. 'HI.A,c,r&19 @ _J UJ 111'_~ ~

FARM BUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE • FARM BUREAU GENERAL • FB ANNUITY

Michigan Farm BureauRural Living MagazineP. O. Box 309607373 W. SaginaV\Lansing, MI4890

Making your futuremore predictable

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 380