FROZEN FOOD EXPRESS

For more Informationand full listing of

products available,contact your countyFarm Bureau or call1-800-292-2680

SPECIAL OFFERS ...

FREE 80 oz. Juice Pitcher with eachpurchase of 2 cases Florida Concentrate -Orange Juice or Grapefruit.

FREE, with each order of $225 ormore: 2-1/2 lb. Whole Strawberries

2-1/2 lb. Dark Sweet Cherries (pitted)2-1/2 lb. Melon Mix

Iiif1mICHIGan'S_ FaRm BeST

INTRODUCING ...Degradable Rubbish

Bags #f\.\W"Fresh Sausage"• Bratwurst• Weisswurst• Cherry Pecan• Apple/Plum

ORDER DEADLINEAugust 23DELIVERYSeptember 11-22

FEA TURING ...• Frozen Fruits• Frozen Vegetables• Mississippi Catfish• Michigan Rainbow Trout• Frozen Concentrates• Wisconsi n Cheeses• Hobie's Soups• Dirt Squad• Pies & Crescents• Peanut Butter• Meats• Nuts• Popcorn

Rural Living is Published Quarterly: on the first day of October, January, Apr1l and July by theMIchigan Fann Bureau InfonnaUon and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. MIchigan 48917. Post Office Box 30960 (ztp 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000,extension 6585.

Of Special Interest

Summer 1989

Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members, Included In annual dues. $3 per year non-members InMIchigan, $S per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, asMIchigan Fann News, name changed to Michigan Fann News Rural Uv1ng Dec. I, 1981. Third-class postagepaid at Lansing. Michigan, and at additional maJIlng offices.

Editorial: Connie Turbin, Editor and Business Manager, Ktmberly Marshell Neumann, Assoctate Editorand ProducUon Manager.

Officers: MIchigan Fann Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Mar-lette; Administrative DIrector, Charles Burkett; 1reasurer and ChtefFinanctal Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary,Wllltam S. Wilkinson.

Directors: DIstrict I, Marltn Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blame VanSickle, Marshall: District 3,DIane Homing. Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; DIstrict 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; DIstrict 6,Wayne Wood, Marlette: District 7, Lany Snider, Hart; DIstrict 8, Lyle LeCronler, Freeland; DIstrict 9, JoshuaWunsch, Traverse CIty; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch: DIstrict II, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: David Conklin, Corunna: Jack Laurie, Cass City: Faye Adam, Snover; Richard Leach, Saginaw. Promo-tion and Education, Jants Sanford, Parma. Young Fanners, Pat Albright, Coldwater.

Farm Marketers on the Front Line Farm mar-keters must deal with food quality issues on a constantbasis. An increasing number of producers are relying onIntegrated Pest Management methods to keep chemicaluse to a bare minimum ...page 8

For Your Good Health! A special section on how tochoose a health care plan for your family. Ifyou are plan-ning on shopping around for a new health care provider,read this section carefully, there are many good tips formaking wise health care choices ...page 11

The Tools of Achievement A story of a specialman, Jim Licht, who earned the Michigan Farm Bureau1988 Distinguished Young Farmer award and how Jimused the tools he has to achieve many of his personaland professional goals ...page 18

Rural Leader Newsletter Read this special sectionof news and information about issues that affect FarmBureau and the families who make their living in thestate's second largest industry -- agriculture.

VOL.66 NO.3

Good eating on the farm includesfarmfamiltes and consumers, Recentreports on methods used infarminghave some consumers confused.. butwould afarmer feed his ownfamUy aharmful product?

Cover design by artist Ray HUton.HUton Graphics. Lansing.

About the Cover

National Travel and TourismAwareness Council

BUCK,the Tourist Dollar, goes'round and 'round. As these BUCKSmake the rounds, they benefit oosi-nesses directly involved in tourismand many more who are indirectlyconnected to the industry. TourismBucks are spent for wages and awide variety of goods and services.And, $37 Billion* in tax revenuegenerated from all this economicactivity helps pay for your schools,roads and othe~ vital services.That's why "Tourism Works ForAmerica" ... and you.

::::: TOURISM..... WORl/("..... "-.)

FORAMERICA

ThisBUCKGetsAround

'I'rdiminary 1981l E.\limatl'S. Sourre: II.S. TrA,d ()-Ala Cl'llter,@1989. National Tra,d and Tourism A"...nn.'S.\ Council.

SUMMER 1989, RURAL LIVING 3

Legislative Review

FB Opposes Waxman/Kennedy Bill

Sweet com and weed growth infield (1988). Herbicides were ap-plied. but ,didn't work due to drought conditions. Insecticides and her-bicides need moisture to be activated.

Food Safety Legislation onFront Burner -- AFBF PresidentDean Kleckner testified beforethe House Energy and Com-merce Subcommittee on Healthand the Environment regardingH.R 1725, the Food SafetyAmendments of 1989. FB is op-posing the Waxman/Kennedybill for a number of reasons,mainly because it allows no con-sideration of the benefits of pes-ticides to farmers and consum-ers, and is unnecessarily harshon producers by forcing theremoval of a number of essentialchemical products from themarket.

Kleckner stressed the need foralternatives for pesticides whichmay be removed from themarket, saying farmers shouldbe given both the opportunityand the incentives to use In-tegrated Pest Management (IPM)programs. He filed with the com-mittee a description of 11 majorareas in which IPMresean:hprograms could be improved toaccelerate the technology tofarmers and make IPM a nation-al priority.

Adding fuel to the food safetylegislation debate is a lawsuitfiled by the Natural ResourcesDefense Council (NRDC)againstthe EPA, charging that the agen-cy is violating the law by using arisk versus benefits assessmentfor pesticides rather than a no-risk provision. The risk vs.benefits assessment is called forby the Federal Insecticide, Fun-gicide and Rodenticide Act(FIFRA);the no-risk assessmentis required under the Food, Drugand Cosmetic Act. The EPA is fol-lowing one law which happens toconflict with another law.

The administration is expectedto develop its own alternative tothe Waxman/Kennedy bill andseveral members of the Agricul-ture Committee are also prepar-ing to introduce an alternativebill.SUMMER 1989, RURAL UVING

EPA Fungicide Announce-ment Expected -- As this is writ-ten, the EPAwas examiningscientific data before decidingwhether to outright ban or can-cel certain registered uses of anumber of EBDC fungicides(mancozeb, maneb, metiram,nabam and zineb) because ofcancer risks. Some of the com-pounds under review are con-sidered critical to the productionof certain crops, such astomatoes and potatoes.

Disaster Assistance Bm Man-dates Crop Insurance -- TheU.S. House Agriculture Commit-tee reported out H.R 2467,which provides for disaster assis-tance. It mandates that if pro-ducers accept disaster paymentsor forgiveness of repayment of ad-vance deficiency payments forthe 1989 crop, they must obtainmultiperil crop insurance for the1990 crop unless:

• Crop insurance is not avail-able for the commodity.

• The producer's annualpremium rate is greater than125 percent of the averagepremium rate for the 1989 crop.

Photo by Dorothy Andrake

• The producer's annualpremium rate is greater than 25percent of the disaster benefitsreceived.

• On appeal to the countyASCS committee, it is deter-mined that purchase of crop in-surance would impose an unduefinancial hardship on theproducer.

For producers of 1989 cropsthat were planted in 1988, the re-quirement to purchase crop in-surance in 1990 will apply onlyif losses exceed 65 percent. Theother four opt-outs listed alsoapply to this category.

Michigan Inheritance Tax--Michigan's present InheritanceTax, enacted in 1899, can bedescribed as outdated, complexand difficult to understand. Thiscreates unnecessary expense tosmaller estates with larger attor-ney fees. The heirs of the estateare liable for the tax rather thanthe estate. The tax is levied oneach beneficiary's share. The taxrate and exemptions vary accord-ing to the relationship of the

(continued on next page)

5

Legislative Review(conttnuedfrom previous page)

heir. Rates range from 0 percentto 10 percent for close relativesand 12 percent to 17 percent forothers. There is a full exemptionfor joint property and an un-limited marital exemption forproperty qualifying for a maritaldeduction at the federal level.

There is a $10,000 exemptionfor close relatives, e.g., inheritedfarm machinery, trucks, cars,clothes, furniture, etc., totalingover $10,000 would be subject totax. There is a $100 exemptionfor non-relatives.

Because of an amendmentachieved by FB in 1978, half ofthe inheritance tax on farmlandwould be exempted if the -prop-erty is put in P.A 116. The otherhalf is deferred for 10 yearswithout interest or penalty. Thishas made it possible for farms toremain in the family withouthaving to be sold to pay the tax.

While this has helped many farmfamilies, it is not the answer.

Those with assets in stocks,bonds, bank accounts, etc., cantotally escape Michigan's deathtaxes by establishing residencyin states with death taxes con-forming to the federal EstateTaxes (generally known as a"PickUp" tax). Many retirees dothis and may continue to live inMichigan less than six months ayear. There is also evidence thatsome people earning their in-come in Michigan continue tomaintain their residences in astate with the Pick Up tax.

Whilemany forms of wealthcan be moved from state-to-state, farms and other propertiescannot. Another serious prob-lem with the present Michigan In-heritance Tax is that accordingto the definitions outlined in thetax, farmland, forest land andother open space must be ap-praised at the "clear marketvalue" in determining the value

of the estate. Land value isbased on the potential value andnot the present use. Other familyowned businesses have similarproblems in Michigan.

S.B. 1, introduced by Sen.Nick Smith, R-Addison, wouldeliminate Michigan's present In-heritance Tax by Jan. I, 1991,and replace it with the federalPick Up tax. The result would beto reduce the incentive for Mich-igan residents to move to one ofthe 29 states complying with thefederal Pick Up tax.

S.B.1 would levy any tax onthe estate rather than on theheirs. It would be based on thefederal law, which has an exemp-tion of $600,000 and a provisionto permit farm property apprais-al according to its productionuse. Simply put, no federal Es-tate Tax is levied on estates ofless than $600,000: therefore,no state Inheritance Tax would

(continued on next page)

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6

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AD-8701.2

RURAL LIVING, SUMMER 1989

Legislative Review(continued from previous page)

be levied on an estate of lessthan $600,000.

Besides helping to keep familyowned farms and businesses,final passage of S.B. 1 wouldgreatly cut present administra-tion costs. When California andColorado switched to a Pick Uptax, each was able to reduce ad-ministrative staff from 230 tojust 28 and from 32 to 4, respec-tively.

Probate courts would nolonger need to value the estateseparately from the federal Es-tate Tax and legal costs would besubstantially reduced.

S.B. 1 passed the MichiganSenate and is expected to be con-sidered by the House TaxationCommittee sometime in lateAugust or early September. It isexpected to be strongly opposedby the Treasury Department be-cause of potential revenue loss;however, other states have foundthat revenue returns withinthree to four years.

MFB strongly supports S.B. 1and members of the MichiganHouse of Representatives need tohear from their constituents thatS.B. 1 should be passed into law.

Truck Legislation -- Severalbills dealing with trucking regula-tions are being considered orhave moved through the Legisla-ture. H.B. 4316, sponsored byRep. VanSingel, R-Grant,clarifies agriculture's exemptionfor covered loads. The bill as sub-mitted to the governor exemptscovering of agricultural com-modities; however, it does notprovide an exemption if the con-tents drop, sift, leak, blow orotherwise escape from thevehicle. The penalty is a maxi-mum of $500 fine and 90 days injail for both the operator of thevehicle and the individual re-sponsible for loading or unload-ing the vehicle.

H.B. 4093, sponsored by Rep.Leland, D-Detroit, and others,would reduce the maximumgross vehicle weight to not morethan 80,000 pounds, which is ap-proximately half the current al-lowable weight. The bill has beenopposed by basically all factions

SUMMER 1989. RURAL UVING

of the trucking industry, andFarm Bureau, on the basis thatit would result in higher trans-port costs and also result inmore trucks on the highway.Several field hearings have beenheld where testimony has indi-cated the concerns and opposi-tion of the industry.

Sen. Faust, D-Westland, intro-duced S.B. 353 which is anamendment to the CommercialDriver's License Act. The bill in-creases the cost for a commercialdriver's license from approximate-ly $20 to a maximum of over$100, depending on whether aroad test is required and thenumber of endorsements andvehicle classifications requiredon an individual's license.

Currently a truck driver,whether it be semi or a conven-tional straight truck in excess of26,000 pounds, is required tohave a vehicle endorsement onthe driver's license. The currentsystem of a Class I, 2, or 3 willconvert to A. B, or C vehiclegroup designation after Oct. 1.This bill does not change the re-quirements; only increases thefees for the various classifica-tions and endorsements. FB ex-pressed a concern because of thesubstantial increase in cost.

Animal Industry Act Amend-ments -- Rep. Hart, D-SwartzCreek, introduced H.B. 4730which would provide amend-ments to the Animal IndustryAct requiring either testing orvaccination of equine prior tosale. showing, or movement. Be-cause of concerns from the horseindustry, the bill, which wasreported out of the House Agri-cultural Committee, has been re-quested back for the committeefor further consideration andinput. Based on FB policy, FBcontinues to support H.B. 4730.

Bean Commission Amend-ments -- H.B. 4725, introducedby Rep. Hickner, D-Bay City,provides amendments to theBean Commission Act by expand-ing the commission and redis-tricting to provide for represen-tation from all production areasin the state. The bill would alsoprovide the option of fee assess-ment on the basis of value ofproduct and not volume. The billhas been reported out of the

House without opposition. FBcontinues to support the billwhich provides growers the op-portunity to decide the type of as-sessment either based on valueor on volume of product sold.

School Finance Reform Com-promise is actually two separateproposals. Voters will have todecide on Nov. 7, 1989. whichprogram, if any, will become law.

Proposal 1 would increasesales and use taxes by one-halfcent effective Jan. 1, 1990. Itwould raise $400 million forschool aid: $285 million to beused in a revised school aid for-mula and $115 million on assur-ing educational quality.

A constitutional amendmentwould guarantee that varioustaxes levied in lieu of propertytaxes would be dedicated to theschool aid fund. This replacesthe general fund appropriation.

Proposal 2 would increase thesales and use tax by 2 percent.Certain exemptions would be al-lowed for low income households.

Provides a statewide propertytax of 14 mills on businessproperty and 9 mills on otherproperty, including farms.

Reduces school operatingproperty taxes to a foundationmillage rate set for each schooldistrict in addition to thestatewide property tax. Thiswould be 8 mills in much of thestate making a total of 22 millsfor business and 17 mills onother property. An extra 4 millscould be voted locally.

Average school tax cut wouldbe 12.3 mills or 37 percent forag; 7.3 mills or 22 percent forbusiness

The first 8 local foundationmills would be equalized at$105,000 State Equalized Value(SEV) per pupil. Foundationmills above 8 mills would beequalized at $85,000 SEV.

FB will provide further infor-mation until the Nov. 7, 1989voting date.

Legislative topics arereviewed and written by the

Michigan Farm BureauPublic Affairs Division staff.

7

Food Quality Issues

Farm Marketers on the Front line

In the span of two hours, primetime television dealt a blow toconsumer and farmer confidencethat left them smarting from thesting. For the farm marketers,agriculture's front line retailersof fresh grown produce, thepublic response to the CBS "60Minutes" segments "IntolerableRisk" and 'What About App}es?"was quick in corning.

'We started getting calls thatnight from people who had beencorning to our market for years,"reported Carolyn Beck of ClintonCounty. She and her husband,John, own and operate UncleJohn's Farm Market, just northof St. Johns. Her experience wasechoed by farm market retailersand growers around the state,who received one call after anoth-er from their customers askingfor assurances that the applesand apple cider they had pur-chased were not Alar treated.

8

'We told them that we had notbeen using Alar for years. Theytrust us and our answers seemto satisfy them, but we're expect-ing more questions this summerafter the market opens," saidCarolyn.

Fortunately, the Becks haveanswers that demonstrate theirgenuine concern for providingthe best quality, safest, fresh ap-ples. Like many other fruitgrowers -- both for the fresh andprocess market -- the Beckshave been utilizing the In-tegrated Pest Management (IPM)system of protecting their or-chard crops with natural insectpredators, limited sprays and at-tention to the ecological impactof their farming practices.

Their strict IPM program ismore than a response to growingconsumer concerns about theuse of chemicals. "It's just a bet-

ter way to manage the crop, dol-lar-and-cents-wise," said John.

Growers, he said, began torecognize that broad spectrumpesticides were killing off ''benefi-cials," the natural predator in-sects that control infestations ofmoths, bugs and mites that at-tack fruit. Results of the broadspectrum spray program werethat growers were spending moreand more money on chemicalsprays.

"Consider the fact mites gothrough 20 generations perseason. They build tolerances (tochemicals) faster than we can getthem registered. And miticidesare really expensive," he said.

John said that with the im-plementation of his IPM pro-gram, populating the orchardwith natural predator insectsand traps, season sprays werecut to just three times. Thesavings? A solid 50 percent.

RURAL UVlNG, SUMMER 1989

!PM is an interdisciplinary approach to pest management that takesadvantage of the fuU range of techniques for controlling the pestpopulation, including the use of biological, cultural, mechanical andchemical methods. Chemical controls are used only as a last resortand when pest populations threaten an intolerable loss.

"Beforewe went to IPM, I wasspending about $24.000 a yearin sprays, now the figure iscloser to $10,000."

A conseIVative estimate byMichigan State University indi-cates that "the potential impactof IPMon pesticide use is thatover $17.5 million and 700,000pounds of pesticides would besaved annually if IPMwere prac-ticed on an additional 10 percentof the cropland in Michigan."These estimates are for foodcrops only and do not take intoaccount the effect of using IPMin urban landscapes, forests,and building pest control.

What isIPM?

A recent MSUreport definedthe program as an interdiscipli-nary approach to pest manage-ment that takes advantage of thefull range of techniques for con-trolling the pest population, in-cluding the use of biological,cultural, mechanical and chemi-cal methods. Chemical controlsare used only as a last resortand when pest populationsthreaten an intolerable loss.

A key element of IPM, thereport stated, is the monitoringofpests to determine when andwhere they are present andwhether their numbers are suffi-cient to cause economic losses.This information can be used todecide whether control measuresare needed and which methodswill be most effective.

More Funding Needed

Growers like Abe Moreland, ofByron Center in Kent County,would like to adhere more closelyto a strict IPMprogram, but be-cause their market and orchardoperation is smaller and becauseof the lack of available orchardscouts to set traps and identifypest infestations, Abe uses MSUpest alerts and orchard traps totime his sprays. But he's notsatisfied with what he's able todo without more support for theformal IPMprogram at MSU.

'The problem is funding forthe program at MSU.We needmore scouts. More training forgrowers."SUMMER 1989, RURAL UVlNG

Because federal funding forIPMhas declined, IPMExtensionand research programs inMichigan have declined. Growerslike John Beck use MSUtrainedorchard scouts now employed bychemical companies, but forgrowers like Abe Moreland, tech-nical support is limited to thedelivery of IPMinformation bythe university through periodicreports.

Other states fund IPMpro-grams through their land -grantuniversities. Comell Universityin NewYork will receive $925,000this year for agricultural IPMre-search and Extension. Theprovince of Ontario is investing$10 million for a similar pro-gram. These programs were de-veloped from the foundationcreated at MSU.

National Policy BacksIPM

The American Farm BureauFederation delegates meeting inSan Antonio, Texas, this pastJanuary voiced their strong sup-port for IPM.The 1989 policystatement reads, in part: 'Wesupport the widespread promo-

tion and use of integrated pestmanagement (IPM)as a methodof reducing costs, risks, liabilityand total dependence on fannchemicals. IPMcan reduce therisk of output loss, the per-unitcost of production and liabilityfrom chemical damages. IPMis adefensible use of pesticides be-cause it focuses use whereproblems have been identified.We support continued researchand development of pesticideswhich degrade more rapidly, areless environmentally persistentand are compatible with ac-cepted IPMpractices ...Expandededucational programs are neededto encourage the widespreadadoption of IPM.We recommendthe addition of IPMinstruction topesticide applicator trainingprograms. IPMshould continueto be a budget priority for theUSDAand land-grant institu- .Hons. They should expand theirresearch and development of IPMtechniques on a regional basis.". This policy is also supportedby Michigan Certified FarmMarkets, an affiliate of the Mich-igan Agricultural CooperativeMarketing Association (MACMA)and the Michigan Farm Bureau.

9

Don't Miss Your Local Fair!Aug. 16-19

Aug. 22-26Aug. 29-Sept. 4

July 22-29Aug. 19-27July 17-23

Sept. 8-10

Aug. 8-12Aug. 21-26

Aug. 1-5Aug. 23-27Aug. 14-20

Aug. 15-20

Aug. 14-19

Aug. 6-12July 27-30Aug. 8-12

Sept. 17-23

Sept. 9-16Sept. 5-9

July 30-Aug. 5

Aug. 28-Sept. 3

Northern District,CadillacNorthwestern,Traverse CityOakland, DavisburgOceana, HartOgemaw,West BranchOntonagon, Greenland Aug. 3-6Osceola, Evart July 24-29Oscoda, Mio July 20-22Otsego, Gaylord July 31-Aug. 5Ottawa, Holland July 24-29Presque Isle, Posen Sept. 8-10Roscommon, Aug. 24-26RoscommonSaginaw, SaginawSaline,SalineSanilac,SanduskySchoolcraft,ManistiqueShiawassee, CorunnaSparta, SpartaSt. Clair, GoodellsSt. Joseph,CentrevilleTuscola, Caro July 30-Aug. 5VanBuren, Hartford July 8-15Vassar, Vassar July 17-22Washtenaw, July 24-29Ann ArborWayne, BellevilleWestern Michigan,LudingtonMichigan State Aug. 25-Sept. 4Fair, DetroitU.P. State Fair,Escanaba

July 9-15July 26-30

Aug. 21-26

Aug. 7-13Aug. 13-19Aug. 24-27

Aug. 6-12July 28-Aug. 5July 28-Aug. 6

July 26-29Aug. 17-20

Aug. 8-12Aug. 7-12

Aug. 10-12June 29-July 4

Aug. 30-Sept. 4

Hudsonville,HudsonvilleHuron, Bad AxeIngham, MasonIonia, Ionialosco, HaleIron County,Iron RiverIsabella, Mt. Pleasant Aug. 5-12Jackson, Jackson Aug. 6-12Kalamazoo, Aug. 21-26KalamazooKalkaska, KalkaskaKent, LowellLake, BaldwinLake Odessa,Lake OdessaLapeer, Imlay CityLenawee, AdrianLuce-West,NewbenyMackinac, Allenville Aug. 24-27Manchester, July 11-15ManchesterManistee,OnekamaMarion, Marion June 26-July 1Marquette, Sept. 7-10MarquetteMecosta, Big RapidsMenominee,StephensonMidland, Midland Aug. 13-19Missaukee, Falmouth Aug. 7-11Monroe, Monroe Aug. 7-12Montcalm, Greenville July 9-15Montmorency, Aug. 8-12AtlantaMuskegon, Ravenna July 22-29Newaygo, Fremont Aug. 14-19

July 28-30Sept. 8-16

Aug. 20-26Aug. 18-20July 16-22Aug. 15-20Aug. 11-13July 15-22Aug. 8-12

July 17-22Aug. 10-19

Aug. 14-20July 24-29Aug. 10-13July 23-28Sept. 24-30Aug. 24-27

Aug. 6-12Aug. 13-19July 17-22

July 30-Aug. 5

Alcona County,LincolnAlger, ChathamAllegan, AlleganAlpena, AlpenaAntrim, BellaireArenac, StandishArmada,ArmadaBaraga, PelkieBarry, HastingsBay, Bay CityBerlin, MarneBerrien,Berrien SpringsBranch, ColdwaterCalhoun, MarshallCass, CassopolisCheboygan,CheboyganChelsea, ChelseaChippewa,KinrossChippewa, Stalwart Sept. 7-9Clare, Harrison July 29-Aug. 5Clinton, July 31-Aug. 3St. JohnsCrawford, Grayling Aug. 9-12Croswell, Croswell July 16-22Dickinson, Aug. 31-Sept. 4NorwayEaton, CharlotteEmmet, PetoskeyFowleIVille,FowleIVilleGenesee, GeneseeGladwin, GladwinGogebic, IronwoodGratiot, AlmaHillsdale, HillsdaleHoughton, Hancock

10RURAL LIVING, SUMMER 1989

For Your Good Health!

How to Choose a HealthCare Plan for Your Family

As one of the most dynamic in-dustries in the United Statestoday, and around the world, thehealth care industry has put upsome very big numbers in recentyears. Government estimates sayAmericans spent $550 billion onhealth coverage in 1988 (morethan the entire gross nationalproduct [GNP}of Great Britain),or the equivalent of 12 percent ofthe United States' GNP.Thesenumbers have been growing, andare projected to continue to growat almost three times thenation's inflation rate. This ishappening while an estimated 35million people across the nationlack any health benefits for them-selves. These staggering figures,added to the estimated 30 mil-lion people who have coverage,but at levels that are woefully in-adequate, begin to give a clearpicture that the nation's mostdynamic industry is also in greatturmoil. •

The billions of dollars, thecomparison to GNP, and themedical inflation rate as com-

(continued on next page)

SUMMER 1989. RURAL UVING

Personalized Service Because We Care

From Los Angeles to Lapeer or Houston to Holland, the latest adver-tising fad is the term "service after the sale." This simple concept is adirect result of the American public demanding not only quality, butalso service to back up the product they are purchasing. While manypeople relate this service craze with the auto or applicance indus-tries, its carryover effects have had a dramatic impact on the servicesector products like information processing, hotel and restaurantbusiness and even the insurance industry. People are no longer satis-fied with a good product at the right price. They are demanding anexperienced customer service staff be in place and easily accessibleas well.

Seeing these trends develop in the early 1980s, Michigan FarmBureau took a hard look at its Blue Cross Blue Shield health in-surance program to evaluate its service level to the MFBmem-ber/subscriber. The result was implementation of a joint pilotprogram between BCBS and MFB of a personalized service unit. Thisunit, developed in 1986-87, is a service available only to FB mem-bers. Member/subscribers can call a toll-free number and have anyquestion about their FB sponsored BCBS coverage answered. Theunit is staffed with 13 people who work closely not only with mem-bers, but also county FB secretaries and MFB staff. The personalizedservice unit, while very effective, is just one benefit of the FBorganization's BCBS coverage.

The availability of the local county service through the countysecretary is another tremendous advantage. Should member / sub-scribers ever have a problem contacting the personalized serviceunit, or are dissatisfied with the response, they can turn to the localcounty secretary for assistance. County secretaries also handle allchanges which require member signatures, often eliminating thetime delay of sending documents through the mail. Another benefitof the FB-sponsored BCBS plans is the commitment of the organiza-tion to educating members about the plan benefits they have andways to save money when using health care benefits. An added ser-vice in this education process is the magazine delivered to all Com-prehensive Major Medical (CMM)subscribers (see related article inthis issue).

FB also keeps members informed by holding county informationmeetings open to all members, attending Community Action Groupmeetings and responding to individual requests for plan information.FB even helps members compare their present health insurance tothe FB sponsored plan or vice versa. The biggest benefit of the FBplans is the personalized service members get when they are a sub-scriber to the BCBS plans. The grassroots nature of MFB has, andwill, continue to ensure the FB-sponsored BCBS plans are the bestpossible combination of price, product, and most importantly, service.

11

Health Care Plan(conttnuedfrom page 11)

pared to the Consumer PriceIndex (CPI)are all big numbers,but they mean very little to theaverage family trying to provideadequate health insurance forthemselves. MoreAmericanfamilies are shopping for healthinsurance, and more companiesare offering more products thanany time in American history. Asfamilies and employers try tosort out the reasons for thedramatic increases in health in-surance premiums, they arebeing inundated with hundredsof different product offeringswith multiple options withineach plan. It is a confusing situa-tion for even the experiencedhealth insurance professional.Many families and businessesare wondering if they will everget off the health insurancemen:y-go-round ofjumping fromplan to plan because premiumsare too costly or benefits are notmeeting the needs of theirfamilies and their employees.

Comparing Apples

The first step off this healthcare merry-go-round is to be-come an informed consumer.The biggest problem in the in-dustry today is that the averageperson is unable to compare onehealth insurance product toanother. The co-pay, deductible,reasonable and customary,DRG's and HMOworld we live inmakes comparison shopping al-most impossible.

Comparing apples to applesends up a comparison of oneapple variety to another.

While the products look thesame in general, they often differin areas like intensive carecoverage or allergy testing. Thisoften makes your current healthinsurance look very similar tothe one being pushed by theslick selling sales representativeacross the table. The fact is, ittoo frequently lacks an impor-tant feature of your current plan,but won't show up until it's toolate.

What can you do to make theright decision for your business

12

or family? First, take time to dosome research, not only on theprice and benefit package, buton the company offeringtheproduct and the agent who willservice your health insurance. Isa good product at the right pricereally a good deal if the servicecenter is 2,000 miles away andthe company has the lowest in-surance rating in the industryfor financial stability and service?

The price of health insuranceis so volatile many companieshave seen rate changes from 10percent to 110 percent. Based onthis, price should be secondaryto product benefits, servicereputation, and company historyin the marketplace. It is veryeasy to say "our company willlead the industry into the 21stcentury" and quite another tohave the history to back up thestatement.

The nature of the industrymakes new companies look verygood in their early years whenpremium dollars are outpacingclaims by subscribers. However,without proper management, ittakes only a short time for a com-panytorequireastrononncalrate increases or benefit cuts toremain viable in this mostvolatile industry.

Deciding Wisely

Some tips for Farm Bureaumembers who may be shoppingfor health insurance are as fol-lows:

• Never cancel your presentpolicy until you have read a com-plete list of plan benefits andpolicy exclusions of the new plan.

• Check deductible limits.While some plans set only familydeductibles or, two or three per-son deductible lirrtlts per calen-dar year, some plan deductiblesare unlimited and thus exposelarger families to unnecessaryrisk.

• Check co-pay lirrtltations.Some companies have familylimits that add up all family co-pays. Others have per-personlimits, greatly increasing thefinancial exposure of the family.

• Make sure in-patient hospi-tal care is all treated the same.For example, in-patient intensive

care is sometimes limited tosome multiple of the normaldaily room rate. The problemresults when the cost of the in-tensive care room exceeds the al-lowed rate established by thehealth carrier. Many peoplenever realize these types oflimitations until they are actual-ly billed by the hospital for theexcess room charges, oftenthousands of dollars.

Asfamilies and employerstry to sort out the reasons

for the dramatic increasesin health insurance

premiums, they are beinginundated with hundreds ofdifferent product offerings

with multiple options withineach plan.

• Thoroughly investigate theplan's maternity benefits. Manyplans now have separate ridersthat must be purchased if youwant maternity coverage. Theseriders often contain limits and ex-clusions of their own and shouldbe looked at closely by thosepeople who would be affected.

• Ask when the last raterenewal (rate increase) of thecompany was and what type ofrate increase or benefit changethey experienced. Try to getstatistics on the past severalyears if possible, as this will be agood indication of the manage-ment of the program and theaverage increase you might ex-pect in the near future. Also, askwhen the next rate increase willtake effect. Don't get caughtbuying a health insurance pro-duct on its great price, only tohave your first or second billingnotice increase dramatically.

• Ask how often the pre-nnums can be adjusted. Someplans limit their increases to onea year, while others can adjuston a monthly, quarterly, or senn-annual basis.

• Evaluate your need for pre-scription drug coverage. ManyCarriers offer different plans:some with coverage, somewithout. The drug sector of the

RURAL LMNG, SUMMER 1989

health care industry is one of themost costly. The premiums forcoverage that contain drugbenefits can run from 25 percentto 50 percent higher than identi-cal or similar plans without drugcoverage.

• Read the fine print on ex-clusions, especially for routineservices that can add up, suchas coverage of officevisits and al-lergy testing/therapy.

• Find out where the service ofthe plan is conducted and ifthere is a local representative tohelp when problems arise. Thecomplexity of health insurancetoday means it is not a matter of

lIif' a service problem will arise,but when. A toll-free number isnice, but when the service officeis located thousands of milesaway and there is no local ser-vice or agent, it can mean levelsof frustration that no one wantsto endure.

While it is very difficult to com-pare health insurance products,it can be done. Followthe abovesteps and be sure you don't buyhealth insurance based only onprice or benefits. Your nexthealth insurance decision is notunlike a decision to enter thestock market. While both carry adegree of risk, each business or

family must assess its individualsituation and develop its own for-mula for health insurance cov-erage based on its resources andbenefit needs as well as the riskexposure it can undertake.

These are not easy decisions,but in view of current premiumssome people are paying, it is animportant family financialdecision.

In fact, in some households,health insurance premiums havealready become the second big-gest expense next to the monthlymortgage payment.

MFB Plans Offer Benefits Plus HealtMction

HealthAction publication is afull-color magazine sentto all CMM subscribers on a bi-monthly basis. Thetopics vary from issue to issue and always offer a mixoj information on saJety, fitness, nutrition, substanceabuse and health costs.

The Michigan Farm Bureau-sponsored Blue Cross/BlueShield (BCBS)plans have al-ways been more thanjusthealth insurance to MFBmem-bers. Our unique policydevelopment process allowsmembers' input in the FBhealth insurance plans. Mem-bers have said they want morefrom a health plan than justsome company which paysclaims. That is why in 1987members holding Blue Cross

SUMMER 1989. RURAL UVING

Comprehensive Major Medical(CMM)plans began receivingthe HealthActionpublication.

The full-color magazine issent to all CMMsubscriberson a bi-monthly basis. Thetopics vary from issue to issueand always offer a mix of infor-mation on safety, fitness,nutrition, substance abuse,health costs, as well as manyother areas. Each issue pro-vides common sense ap-proaches to changing poorhealth habits combined withthe latest medical informationon every day health problems.

In an effort to make sureHealthActionwas meeting theneeds of the FB member / sub-scriber, MFBconducted a sur-vey this past January. Theresults were very encouraging.In addition to some very valu-

able demographic informa-tion, FB found the publicationwas not only well received,but also well read by the mem-bers. In fact, 76 percent of therespondents said they readHealtMction from cover tocover (the magazine averages8-10 pages). Ninety-one per-cent said they read at leasthalf or more of each issue.

The biggest indication ofthe magazine's success is thenumber of HealtMctionreaders who have actuallymade a lifestyle change as aresult of reading an article inthe publication. It is expectedthese lifestyle changes will notonly improve the health of theindividual member, but helphold down costs in the entireMichigan Farm Bureau BCBSgroup.

13

Save on the healrh care youneed [0 avoid unscheduledtime off.

Farm Bureau membershipemirles you [0 choose fromthree rraditional Blue CrossBlue Shield comprehensivemajor medical plans, scaning aslow as $51.27 a momh; and oneHMO plan. for as linle as$118.25 a momh. The maindifference is: as the deductiblegoes .UP, the premium goes

You may depend on us for farm insurancebut we also carry a shield for yOU ...

WHEREBELONGINGMAKES ADIFFERENCE .

down. 13tH,whichever plan youchoose, you'll benefit fromdown-[O-eanh membershiprates. What's more, you canhave all your prescriptions filledat similar savings. Because wecare abotH your health care.

As a Farm Bureau member, youcan also enjoy a wealth of otherservices designed [0 save youmoney: nO[ only farm insuranceand healrh care insurance, butalso au[() insurance and lifeinsurance; Visa@credit card withcash advances at auwmatedteller machines across thecoumry; and discoums onappliances, phowgraphic andsponing goods, electroniceC)uipmem, eye care services,travel arrangemcms, car rcmal,tires and bancrics; even buyingor leasing a ncw car or truck.

What matters to youmatters to us.

For your nearest Farm Bureauoffice call 1 (800) 292-2680extension 3239/3240.

• available in most cOllnties

__ MICHIGAN f"4RM BURCAU

•• - FAMILY OF COMPANICS

Young Dreamers Reachfor theStars During 20 years of America

& Me Essay Contests

It was a glorious day in Lans-ing. The sun was shining andcheny blossoms perfumed thewarm breeze at the state capitol -- a perfect day for the 20th An-nual America and Me EssayContest Awards, hosted by FarmBureau Insurance on May 17.The event honored the top tenwinners of the patriotic writingcontest, which Farm Bureau In-surance sponsors annually forMichigan eighth grade students.

The top 10 statewide winners,accompanied by their parentsand teachers, were treated likevisiting dignitaries, as theytoured the capito! building andmet with the governor's agricul-tural aide Howard Wetters, whopresented them with a certificateand a letter of recognition fromthe governor.

The morning continued with avisit to the Senate session wherethe essayists were individually in-troduced. They also met with Lt.Gov. Martha Grifilths andreceived congratulations andframed Senate resolutions fromSen. William Sederburg.

From the capitol, the grouptraveled to the Radisson Hotelwhere the winners were honoredwith a luncheon and an awardsprogram. Special guests at theluncheon included MichiganFarm Bureau President JackSUMMER 1989, RURAL UVING

Laurie, Farm Bureau InsuranceExecutive Vice President RobertWiseman, WLNS1V channel 6co-anchor Dave Andrews, broad-caster Howard Lancour, alongwith several members of theFarm Bureau Insurance cor-porate staff.

First place winner BreeSpieplinga, of North ChristianSchool in Kalamazoo, received aplaque and a U.S. savings bondfor $1,000 for her essay basedon the topic "MyDream forAmerica and How I Will HelpMake it Come True." Her essaysurvived three levels ofjudgingto make it to the number onespot from almost 5,000 essays.Farm Bureau Insurance AgentBob Vlietstra sponsored theKalamazoo school and was onhand to help present Bree'sawards.

The remaining essay winnersreceived a plaque and a $500savings bond. They were: StevenGray of Saline Middle School inSaline, second place: McuyMilanowski of Riverside MiddleSchool in Grand Rapids, thirdplace: Amy Orick of St. MarySchool in Monroe, fourth place:Becki Mattson of Lenawee Chris-

tian School in Adrian, fifth place:Brian Sheposh of St. AnselmSchool in Dearborn Heights,sixth place: Mike Storey of Chip-pewa Hills Junior High inRemus, seventh place: JasonMatteson of Cooper&villeJuniorHigh School in Coopersville,eighth place: Brett Spradlin ofMar Lee School in Marshall,ninth place: and Brandi Amt ofWatervliet Junior High School inWatervliet, lOth place.

The finalist judges for the1988-89 America and Me EssayContest were Gov.JamesBlanchard, Lt. Gov. Martha Grif-fiths, Congressman Bob Carrand 1V and radio broadcasterHoward Lancour.

This popular essay contest,open to all Michigan eighthgraders, was started by FB In-surance in the 1968-69 to en-courage Michigan young peopleto explore their roles inAmerica's future.

Yes, the 20th annual Americaand Me Essay contest was a suc-cess, and Farm Bureau In-surance is looking forward toanother 20 years of sponsoringthis contest for the youth ofMichigan.

15

Identifying and Treating Three Common Equine Diseases L he Michigan horse industry is

a vital component of Michigan agriculture. Continued expan­sion of this industry can be en­hanced by understanding some of this Industry's problem dis­eases.

Obvious economic losses result from the death of the horse(s), veterinary costs and dis­posal. Other economic issues are lost sales, loss of use, effect on marketing ability and reputation, and cancellation of events.

Non-economic issues include sentiment and the stigma and in­convenience associated with dis­eases and their control.

Eastern equine encephalomy­elitis (EEE), equine infectious anemia (EIA), and Potomac horse fever are three diseases of horses that are commonly confused with each other because the early signs for all three are similar and they all have compli­cated and often misunderstood transmission patterns. Disease symptoms include fever, depres­sion and going off feed. These signs are so general it is often im­possible to tell if a horse has one of these conditions, let alone some other disease. Laboratory tests, definitive symptoms ob­served by a veterinarian, and sometimes postmortem exams are required for a final diagnosis.

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis

EEE, also known as "sleeping sickness," is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous

16

system. Of these three diseases, EEE is the only one that poten­tially affects people. Horses, people, birds and a variety of small mammals can contract this disease from a mosquito bite. Mosquitos spread the virus among wild birds. These birds serve as a reservoir of infection for other animals. The disease Is not spread from horse to horse or from a horse to a human. A vaccine for horses is available to protect them from EEE.

Equine Infectious Anemia

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is also known as "swamp fever." This disease is caused by a virus that attacks red blood cells. Only equine species are affected. This disease is transmitted by intro­ducing certain body fluid, usual­ly blood, from an Infected horse to a healthy horse. This can be accomplished by an insect (most likely horse flies) or by a variety of mechanical means (such as the repeated use of a single needle on a number of horses, one of which is infected). Once in­fected, horses harbor this virus for life. The initial signs of EIA pass quickly into one of four pat­terns: acute, subacute, chronic, or carrier.

Acute cases are more the ex­ception than the rule. These hor­ses rarely survive and can die within 3-10 days after the virus enters their bloodstream.

Subacute cases can also be very sick and then become chronic. These horses may have no sign of disease for a long

time, then progress to a state of continuing weight loss, rough hair coat, and anemia. Relapses of increasing severity are also common.

Chronic cases may have oc­casional attacks, usually have a poor hair coat, unthrifty ap­pearance, edema and anemia. Carrier animals appear to be healthy, but harbor the agent of the disease. A horse may be a carrier for Its entire life and never show signs of disease, but potentially able to transmit the disease to a healthy horse.

The Cogglns Test detects the presence of antibodies to the EIA virus. Antibodies are proteins manufactured by the horse in an attempt to fight the virus. Cur­rent research indicates a high correlation between horses who test positive to the Coggins Test and those who harbor the virus in their bodies. A horse that tests positive on one occasion will do so for the rest of its life, except young foals who absorbed antibodies from their positive dam's colostrum.

There is currently no effective treatment nor vaccination program available for this dis­ease.

Potomac Horse Fever

Potomac horse fever (PHF) is caused by a rickettsia germ that inhabits white blood cells and cells lining the intestine. First recognized in Maryland in 1979, this disease is now found in many states, including Michigan. After initial disease signs, horses show one of two patterns.

Some horses recover from their symptoms and appear to be healthy but may experience relapses of fever, depression and going off feed.

Other horses develop diarrhea, may colic and/or founder. Early treatment with appropriate an­tibiotics is often effective. There is a vaccine available to protect horses from this disease.

RURAL LIVING. SUMMER 1989

...

...A FARM BUREAU FAMILY GETAWAY

TO OHIO AMISH COUNTRY FORONLY $125.00

Enjoy a scenic visit to the nation's largest Amishsettlement including an Amish wedding

dinner in a private Amish home.rour Highlights. August 70- 7 7

Outdoor Theater Drama - DTrumpetin the LandD,written by Pulitzer Prize winningplaywright Paul Green, unfolds on the epic-size stages of the 7,400 seat

Schoenbrunn amphitheater.Dinner with Ohio Farm Bureau leaders.

Additional stops at the DWorld'sMaster CaNet, Ernest Warther; Broad Run DairyCheese Factory,' and the Coblentz Chocolate Company.

Tour package includes dinner on August 10,as well as breakfast and lunch onAugust 1 7; motel accommodations,' luxury coach transportation from Lansing to

Dover, Ohio,' and personal tour guide.ReseNations and a $ 700 deposit per person must be received by July 2 7, 7989.

Couples save ten percent when making joint reservations.Balance due August 7, 7989. No deposit refund after August 4, 7989

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL1-800-292-2680, EXTENSION 3236 OR 3237.

...

...

--~ ---.. .. .. ••. . ~- . .v

~~~ ~~

. .~~

. ... .. .. ..---

The Tools of Achievement for the farm. If I can see a true opportunity taking shape then I work toward it."

While he believes in being opportunistic, Jim describes his goals as conservative: Protect cur­rent interests and assets. Build slowly and have financial flexibility to be able to take advantage of true opportunities.

In addition to farming 400 acres in the Pigeon-Elkton area, Jim holds a full time job off the farm.

"Since the kids (Jeremy, 6, and Katie, 3) came along, Sue and I have felt that it's important for one of us to be at home and raise the children. It works better for Sue to be at home. That way we can supplement the income and pay off the bills a little quicker."

Young Jeremy — towheaded and talkative — seems destined to follow in his father's footsteps.

"He reminds me of myself when I was a kid be­cause he's always out there interested in every­thing on the farm. He's busy telling me how everything should be done and how I did it last year. Jeremy and my dad are busy most of the time building sprayers and saddle tanks or some­thing for the toy tractor. They have lots of fun together," Jim said.

Following in Jim's footsteps will be a worthy challenge for Jeremy. His dad's list of early achievements include high school salutatorian, FFA chapter and state president, MFB State Young Farmer Committee member, and MFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet winner. Jim also holds the FFA American Farmer and State Farmer degrees in addition to an impressive list of state and national honors.

"I'm fortunate that most of my personal goals have been achieved at quite a young age. I've served on committees, church councils, school boards and various things like that. Now that I'm increasing the size of my farm and having a fami­ly, I'm taking a break you could say."

RURAL LIVING. SUMMER 1989

-/achievement just comes naturally to some people —just as natural as hard work, good com­mon sense and patience. These are the tools of achievement that Jim Licht, of Huron County, has applied to his career in agriculture. Among the awards and recognition Jim has received, the most recent is the Michigan Farm Bureau desig­nation as 1988 Distinguished Young Farmer.

The award is presented annually to a young farmer who demonstates substantial development in the farming operation since the first year of farming and also shows a well-rounded involve­ment in family, community and Farm Bureau.

Exactly when to mark the beginnings of his farming career stumps Jim who turned 31 years old this spring.

"On the young farmer form, I put down the year I graduated from high school because I was no longer a high school student and my occupa­tion was farmer. But you could say I've been farm­ing since I was 10. I've always been interested in it and doing chores. The way it is with most farm kids.

"Farming is what I've always been interested in. I love the outdoors: being outdoors, planting the seed and watching it grow. It gives me a thrill to drive by a field after a rain and see how every­thing plumps up. It's just something special I never get tired of."

Like a lot of young farm families, Jim and his wife. Sue, got their start with more than moral support from their families.

"Basically, my parents helped get me get started by selling me machinery and so on. Let's face it, you definitely get better deals from your parents. Other than that we've been very for­tunate.

"I just take advantage of every opportunity. Look. Evaluate. Ask myself whether an oppor­tunity is good or will it end up meaning more risk

{or the trulydistinguished and

outstanding ...MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU PROUDLY ANNOUNCES!

Young Farmer Contest Sponsorship by Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc.For the Third Consecutive Year

Jim Licht, Huron County1988 Michigan Farm BureauDistinguished Young Farmer

A ward Winner(A/so pictured, his son, Jeremy.)

GREAT LAKES

GROWING GREATGail Rubingh, Antrim County1988 Michigan Farm Bureau

Outstanding YoungFarm Woman Award Winner

Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc., win award a $1500 product certificate to the Michigan Farm Bureau1989 Distinguished Young Fanner and Outstanding Young F ann Woman winners. *

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

•For farm operations that do not use seed products, special arrangements will be made.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR COUNTY FARM BUREAU SECRETARY

FeldDrugMichigan Farm Bureau

DISCOUNT RX PROGRAM

1... ...

We will promptly fill any authorized prescription.Your prescription order will not be delayed for credit clearance; itwill be mailed immediately. Payment is due when you receive yourorder and the enclosed invoice. Feld Drug pays the postage onregular delivery service for prescriptions and any catalog item.No tax on prescription items.Feld Drug will provide a year-end computer account of yourprescription expenditures for your income tax or insurancereports. fi;~:~:-'--

l' .t' N

Same Day Service .Send No Money .

No Sales Tax .Tax/Insurance .

Why Pay More?Chances are you are now com-

parison shopping for many items. Whynot apply comparison shopping to /'/prescription drugs? All manufacturers .:.(of drugs must be federally licensed incompliance with rigid standards of the k.1.U. S. Food and Drug Administration, !~e'so the difference becomes price, not f!"

quality.Feld Drug Prescription Service

has applied modern volumemerchandising tech-niques to their dis-pensing of prescriptions.The result is significantsavings to you.

Call For Free Catalog1-800-228-3353

.--------------------------------------

A Publication of the Michigan Fann Bureau

Volume 8 Number 7 July 1989

100,000 MFB Member Goal Reached!June 12 marked the 100,000member milestone for the 1988-89 membership campaign. Theachievement represents an alltime membership high for theMichigan Farm Bureau. Themembership tally also earnsMFBa national ranking ashaving the 13th highest member-ship in the American FarmBureau Federation of 50 stateFarm Bureaus.

In addition, 30 county FarmBureaus have reported their1989 goal. The MFB membershipyear ends Aug. 31. 1989.

Charles Burkett, MFBad-ministrative director, credits thisyear's membership success tothe continued membership team-work displayed over the years.

"County membership teamsworking with Farm Bureau In-surance agents, countysecretaries, and MFBregionalrepresentatives have formed thenucleus of dedicated achieve-ment in this year's membershipcampaign. We are also apprecia-tive of the support given by theFarm Bureau Family of Com-panies and individual farm

families who have pledgedanother year of membership com-mitment to Farm Bureau. Eachof us shares the credit and theresponsibility to ensure thatFarm Bureau continues to be adynamic and growing organiza-tion in Michigan.

"I salute every campaignworker and employee and everyfarm family that has contributedto this all-time high membershipachievement. "

Field Comm H Builds County TeamworkThere is a new attitude out inthe country of county FarmBureaus and Farm Bureau In-surance working together as ateam," says Andrew Ferdinand,manager of MFBCounty SeIVicesDepartment. "Field Corom II hasactually encouraged countyFarm Bureaus to pull their ad-ministrative operations out ofthe secretary's home to work outof local insurance offices, allow-ing them access to the manybenefits of the system. Over thepast two years, we have grownfrom 36 county office sites to 51.That's progress!"

To date, a total of 147 elec-tronic communications systemshave been installed at county FB

and FB Insurance officesites. Ini-tial installations and training ses-sions are now complete. Over600 people are trained to use theField Comm II system.

FB Insurance and MFB arenow working on development ofthe two way system communica-tion project (phase II).Whenphase II is complete, the home of-fice system will be able to elec-tronically process applications(insurance and membership)through communicating with thevarious field sites. No officialdates have been announced forthe completion of phase II.

MFBhas also developed anautomated accounting softwareprogram which runs on the Field

Corom II system at the countylevel. Full implementation of thecustom software program will becomplete Sept. 1, 1989.

The purpose of the countyFarm Bureau Automated Ac-counting System is to simplifythe daily, monthly and year-endbookkeeping functions for thecounty Farm Bureau secretaryand officemanager.

Objectlves of the system are tosimplify the accounting system,improve bookkeeping accurancy,improve officeefficiency, reducethe learning curve for new em-ployees, and provide a statewidestandard financial report format.

.------------------------------------

•

Aug. 8, Frankenmuth,Bavarian Inn Motor LodgeAug. 9, Grayling,Holiday InnAug. 10, Grand Rapids,Marriott.

---~

According to MFBPublic Af-fairs Division Director AIAlmy,the purpose of the meetings is todiscuss the current farm bill,which farmers have been operat-ing under since 1985, andevaluate its strengths and weak-nesses.

Then the discussion will focuson possible changes membersshould consider when developingpolicy on the 1990 farm billwhich Congress will enact nextyear (1990).

County Farm Bureau mem-bers directly involved in the meet-ings will be members of thepolicy development committees,young farmers committees, com-munity action groups, informa-tion committees, and areacommodity representatives.Other FB members are welcometo attend.

The meetings will begin at 10a.m. and adjourn at 3 p.m.Registration materials and Infor-mation will be mailed to theabove listed committee membersand county officeswhen it be-comes available.

In order to get as much inputon the 1990 farm bill from themembership as possible, the an-nual Michigan Farm Bureaustatewide policy developmentconference will be replaced in1989 with area meetings to beheld in three locations: Aug. 8,Frankenmuth, Bavarian InnMotor Lodge;Aug. 9, Grayling,Holiday Inn; and Aug. 10, GrandRapids, Marriott.

1990 Fann BUI Topicof August Meetings

9~i~Jack Laurie, PresidentMichigan Farm Bureau

The federal government isjumping on the low input sus-tainable agriculture (LISA)bandwagon, even'though timehonored (but less exotic) in-tegrated pest management hasan impressive track record. Weshould also anticipate calls forbiotech project demonstrationsdesigned to help make agricul-ture less dependent on chemicalinputs.

Animal care (the subject ofthis month's Community ActionGroup Discussion Topic)willalso continue to draw attention.This is an environmental issue inthat some people hold an inac-curate image of what "natural"animal agriculture should be -and that image has no recogni-tion of the need for profits.

Beyond environmental con-cerns, we will certainly see farmprograms being scrutinized asan area for possible budgetsavings. The Export Enhance-ment Program is one tool wehave that will be a particular tar-get.

As we begin discussing theframework of the 1990 farm bill,it's important to remember thatfarmers face a growing challengeof explaining to the public whatit takes to produce the world'smost bountiful - and reasonablypriced - food supply.

We need to have your input.Attend the Farm Bureau spon-sored farm bill meetings. Thesewill be held Aug. 8 at the Ba-varian Inn Motor Lodge, Frank-enmuth; Aug. 9 at the GraylingHoliday Inn; and Aug. 10 at theGrand Rapids Mariott.

If farmers don't take an inter-est, other groups can and willshape a farm bill that may not inthe best interests of family farms.

Who will Write the1990 Farm Bill?

ThiS is simply not the time forfarmers to just sit back andwatch as the next farm bill un-folds. Recent events have made itimperative that agriculture takea very aggressive role in shaping1990 farm legislation.

It's clear that American con-sumers, like those in Europe, arebecoming increasingly active onenvironmental issues. SUlVeysin-dicate that three out of fourAmericans consider themselvesto be environmentalists.

Farming has become a targetof environmental pressures. TheAlar controversy was one indica-tion of a widening spiral of con-cern over agricultural practices.

Environmental interests hadsome success in the 1985 farmbill by enacting Sodbuster andSwampbuster provisions. Similarconcerns will be an even largerpart of the 1990 farm bill debate.

We should expect food safetyto be a continuing concern, espe-cially in light of no commonagreement on what constitutesan acceptable risk.

Groundwater quality will beimportant. Some congressmenare already calling on farmersand environmentalists to worktogether to control groundwatercontamination.

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+---------------------------------

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Annual Cherry Field Day setfor July

Elton R. Smith Endowed Chair FundHits the $500,000 Mark

At a recent Michigan FarmBureau Promotion and Educa-tion Committee meeting, themembers voted to give $1,000 tothe Elton R Smith EndowedChair for Food and AgriculturalPolicy fund and the remainder,totaling more than $1,000, tothe Marge Karker Scholarshipfund. These funds were madeavailable by the MFBWomen'sCommittee when they voted toallow the new MFB Promotionand Education Committee to dis-pense with these residual funds.

That decision helped the ERSEndowed Chair fund drive to hitthe $500,000 mark, moving thefundraising proJect closer to its$1.2 million goal.

For 20 years the Benzie Coun-ty Fann Bureau has sponsored aCherry Field Day the fourth Wed-nesday in July. It began as arural-urban day to demonstrateto the non-farming populationhow cherries are grown, har-vested, processed and used. Thisyear, July 26 is the date for thetraditional event.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,free tours will begin and end inArcadia at the Blaine ChristianChurch, located at the intersec-tion of J oyfield and Putneyroads, in southwest Benzie Coun-ty.

Participants will be escortedby tour guides to the orchards towatch cherries being mechan-ically harvested, view videos ofthe local processing plants andtaste some delicious cherry des-serts. Large groups should planto call ahead to reserve a time.Call 1-616-352-4940.

For many years tart cherrieswere picked by migrant work-ers. An average picker harvested

Endowed Chair is the termused for an academic position in-dependently supported by earn-ings from invested funds. TheERS Endowed Chair will be es-tablished in Michigan StateUniversity's Department ofAgricultural Economics. Thisposition will be a valuableresource to MFBas it strives todevelop the right food andagricultural policy for the futureof the farming industry.

The Marge Karker Scholarshipis offered annually to studentsof agriculture or an agriculture-related field of study at MichiganState University. Students mustbe from a MFBfamily, or havetheir own MFBmembership.

about 200 pounds daily. In1964, over 45,000 workers wereneeded nationally to harvest thecrop. Due to a labor scarcity andincreasing labor costs, growersstarted using mechanical har-vesting methods developed byMichigan State University, theU.S. Department ofAgriculture,commerical companies andgrowers.

The average equipment canharvest 2,500 pounds of fruitper hour. The modem methodsof harvesting and handling havegreatly improved the condition ofthe fruit. Approximately 2,500acres of cherry trees are grownin Benzie county, located alongthe shores ofLake Michiganwhere the weather is temperedby the lake, perfect conditionsfor cherry production.

You, your family and friendswill receive a warm welcomefrom the Benzie County FarmBureau July 26, so plan now toattend!

Discussion Topic:

Animal Welfare AndResearch

Picture a pampered chicken:grown in a sanitary, disease-freeenvironment: eating pasteur-ized, semi-liquid food: breathingfiltered air.

This is one of the animal hus-bandry changes projected by theAgricultural Research Serviceover the next 25 to 50 years. It'sa change that would probably bewelcomed by broiler producers,since growing chickens in aclosed environment would elim-inate infectious diseases and im-prove the growth efficiency of thebirds.

But does this kind of "chickenfarmin'" fit the image that con-sumers have inmind aboutanimal agriculture? Considerthis incident reported in the WallStreet Journal: In Berkeley,Calif., the Citizens Humane Com-mission conducted a livelydebate over whether to exemptChinese potbelly pigs (miniaturepigs popular as household pets)from a city ordinance that effec-tively bans swine. The resolutionunder consideration questioned"whether it was humane to im-pose domesticity on yet anotheranimal, given the onerous condi-tions under which many alreadylive."

Image Update

1989 Michigan Farm Bureaupolicy recognizes that while fann-ing has changed dramatically inrecent years, consumer under-standing of animal agriculturehas failed to keep pace.

Improvements in productivityhave helped keep our food sup-ply the highest quality and mostreasonably priced in the world.Likewise, animal research hasbeen crucial in developing valu-able human and veterinary medi-cal practices.

But farmers face a challengein educating the general publicand lawmakers that modemfarming is not bib overalls, apitchfork and a few animals

.-----------------------------------

meandering in the meadow. For example, Congress is considering the Veal Calf Protection Act, which would handicap the veal industry by prohibiting the feed­ing of milk fed veal calves in in­dividual stalls.

What can FB members do?

"Number one on any list has to certainly be good husbandry practices," says Hugh Johnson, director of the poultry depart­ment at the AFBF. "The media will pick up on stories about starved animals, improper dis­posal of dead animals and just generally poor husbandry," he said. 'You are always going to have people who mistreat their animals, and it's important that we do not try to defend or con­done that sort of thing at all."

It's also important for farmers to actively seek out opportun­ities to set the record straight through letters-to-the-editor, radio and television appearan­ces, mall displays, FB Speakers and Agriculture in the Class­room presentations.

Over the longer term, FB sup­ports the efforts of our land-grant university system to research new and improved ways of caring for animals.

Use FB Resources

FB has many resources avail­able to assist you in dealing with the animal care issue.

Your county Promotion and Education Committee can help with Agriculture In the Class­room presentations. The Mich­igan FB Commodity Activities and Research Department and the Information/Public Relations Division can also assist in re­sponding to media interest in animal care. You may also con­tact the Information Division to borrow a copy of the new AFBF animal agriculture video, Our Side of the Fence.

Farmers have unique credi­bility on this issue. Look for op­portunities to show that you care about the proper treatment of farm animals and the future of your industry.

Discussion Questions:

1) Have your group members seen any negative reaction re­garding the care and welfare of animals in your community?

2) How can farmers present a better picture of modern animal agriculture?

3) Do you feel public reaction to negative information about animal agriculture will affect per­ception about the agricultural in­dustry in general.

4) What should be the role of your county Farm Bureau in this issue?

•

April Discussion Topic Responses:

Land-Grant, Don't Take it for Granted

A he following percentage of groups have worked on local Cooperative Extension Service projects: Yes 82% No 18%

When groups were asked what needs in their county could be met throughjoint efforts by the county Farm Bureau and the county CES, their responses were:

• Gypsy moth and other insect control.

• Assist in solutions and prevention of groundwater con­tamination.

• Recycling glass, plastic, paper, etc.

• Answers and input about waste management problems and concerns that will be affect­ing many farmers In the near fu­ture.

• Soil and plant tissue testing programs.

• Research on new varieties of seeds and chemicals, programs to inform people of environmen­tal challenges, training programs in financial management and marketing.

• Educate the general public regarding pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals used in agriculture.

• More crop damage studies need to be done and brought to the DNR's attention.

• Offer seminars on stress management, farm safety/first aid, estate planning, and future farm practices in tillage, insec­ticides and herbicides.

When groups were asked if their county Farm Bureau for­wards policy to their county com­missioners supporting local Extension programs, their respon­ses were: Yes 81% No 19%

Michigan Potato Report Approved

L he final report and recommen­dations of joint study committee on Michigan potato marketing has been approved by the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. The committee, formed by MFB and MPIC in late 1987 con­ducted research on marketing or­ders and existing legislation addressing quality assurance programs in other states, ex­amined market factors and iden­tified emerging market opportunities for the Michigan potato varieties.

The recommendations support adequate staffing and funding of the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service In order to provide competitive service to growers; urge russett potato ship­pers to follow the grading and sizing standards established by major russet shipping states; support the establishment of a 50 percent skin set for Michigan round white potatoes directed by legislation or through organiza­tion under Michigan P.A. 232; support action by the MDA Food Division to ensure packaged potatoes are within grade; and urge that the MDA Food Division inform retailers regarding the proper handling and display of potatoes.

•

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Use theJorm on page Jour oj this issue to order your tickets to Sum-merJest '89.

Enjoy MACMA Samples, Steak Dinnerand Fun at Summerfest '89 .

Michigan Farm Bureau's Sum-merfest '89 tickets are going fast,so make sure your tickets are or-dered by the July 7 deadline.Only 2,000 tickets can be sold,and you and your family willwant to be a part of the festivi-ties at the FB Center, in Lansing.Come and enjoy the food and funSummerfest has come to beknown for!

At Sunnnerfest '89, July 19,we will be celebrating a success-ful agricultural combination ofthe 70-year-old MFB, the 75-year-old Michigan CooperativeExtension SeIVice, and the 101-year-old Ag Experiment Stationprogram!

While at Sunnnerfest '89 planto stop at the MACMADirectMarketing's sampling area forhors d'oeuvres of grilledMichigan farm-raised rainbowtrout and bratwurst, weisswurst,cheny-pecan and apple-plumsausages.

Also for your tastmg pleasure,will be a new shelf-stable sum-mer sausage and Wisconsin'slake-to-Iake cheese, the only AAgrade cheese still manufacutred.

Suppliers and Direct Market-ing staff will be available toanswer product questions, in-cluding the new degradable rub-bish bags.

For only $3 per person, youwill be enjoying the now tradi-tional main course of steak siz-zling on the grills from 3 p.m. to7 p.m. In addition to dinner andappetizers, there will be a snacktent with pop, ice cream bars,cotton candy and popcorn. Toround out the day, a variety ofpicnic games are planned withprizes for the winners, plus acountry-western band will beplaying.

Use the Summerfest ticketform on page 4, or contact yourcounty office for a ticket orderform.

It's in the Bag!

Among several new productsfor the MACMADirect Market-ing's Frozen Food Express Saleare degradable rubbish bags.

The product is being intro-duced in recognition of MichiganFarm Bureau 1989 policy en-couraging "market expansion ofagricultural products" and "ag-gressive action to reduce wasteby using ... containers producedfrom starch-based packagingmaterial. "

MACMADirect Marketing willoffer the 6 percent cornstarchbased bags in 20-count cartonsduring the next sale. The orderdeadline is Aug. 23.

MACMAdegradable bags arenot photodegradable and may beused in similar fashion to con-ventional polyethylene bags forlong term storage, when not ex-posed to soil and water. The 2mil thickness ensures qualityand strength.

While conventional polyethy-lene is biodegradable, theprocess is so slow that it is vir-tually imperceptible. The corn-starch agents in the MACMAdegradable bag speeds up thedecomposing process. Soil condi-tions, moisture content, andtemperature all have an effect onthe total process.

The properties of the MACMAdegradable bag act to accelerateand enhance the decomposingprocess,withoutcompromisingthe overall strength of the bag.

Sample bags may be seen atSummerfest '89, July 19 atMichigan Farm Bureau Center,Lansing, and will be available forfund-raising groups this fall.

"It is important to rememberwhen purchasing MACMAdegradable bags that we are help-ing to reduce our nation's solidwaste problem," said J an Wil-ford, MACMADirect Marketingprogram coordinator. 'We arehelping to improve the environ-ment, and we are supportingagriculture by using a renewableresource, corn."

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Jr. Fann Bureau Members Reunite

Verland and Carol McLeodare still smiling over the success ofthe cross country reunion they helped organize. The reunionbrought together over 40 of the original participants of theMichigan Junior Farm Bureau tours to California and Floridawhich took place in 1946 and 1948. The group met at the EatonCounty Fairgrounds. June 10.

"It was just a wonderful experience," said Carol. ''I'm still oncloud nine." Seeing old friends now scattered throughout thestate and around the country gave Verland and Carol and theirtraveling companions of old a chance to recall the serious andthe comic aspects of the trip.

"One fellow's most memorable impression was of repairingmotors and engines." laughed Verland. "Ofcourse. just after thewar a lot of vehicles needed work. Our bus was no different. Weput in an new engine in Springfield. Illinois, and a new transmis-sion in California."

The youngest member of the group was Ann Hennink Erler,now of Fairfax, Va. Ann is the daughter of Ben Hennink the MFBJunior Farm Bureau director. Another special guest was BurtonRichards of Eau Claire. Burton was the group counselor on theCalifornia bound trip.

Reunion guests will carry their memories in a special year-book prepared by the McLeods. The book includes currentnames and addresses, personal notes submitted by the par-ticipants and each person's most memorable impressions of thetrip .

Young Fanners -Sit Down and BeHeard!

During a Farm Bureau Discus-sion Meet contest, YoungFarmers gather together in an in-formal setting to talk about cur-rent agricultural issues. Eachyear, the American Farm BureauYoung Farmer and Rancher Com-mittee recommends four topicareas for discussion.

This year, in an effort to en-courage greater participationamong county Young Farmers.the state Young Farmer Commit-tee decided to identify one of thefour discussion topics for the dis-trict level competition. They alsoselected a second topic in casethere is a need for a semi-finalround at the district level.

The following topic will beused at each of the 11 districtDiscussion Meet contests:

• How will the animal rightsmovement affect agriculture?

What do farmers have to gainor lose on the animal protectionmovement? What strategyshould Farm Bureau pursue tocounter the impact of the animalrights movement on farm produc-tion practices?

State Topics

These topics will be usedthroughout the preliminary.semi-final and final levels of thestate Discussion Meet heldduring the MFB annual meeting,in Grand Rapids, on Nov. 29,1989:

• Have farm cooperatives runtheir course or are they still anecessity?

Why were co-ops formed? Canco-ops make decisions fastenough for today's fast -changingmarket?

If there is a need for a semi-final round at a district meet be-cause of a large number ofcontestants, the farm coopera-tives topic will be used' in thefinal round.

• What effect do policies of theEuropean Economic Community(EC) have on American agricul-ture?

How do the EC's quota policiesaffect us? How do we deal withthe EC's quality standards?What role should U.S. farmersplay in controlling the UnitedStates - EC subsidy imbalanceand the waste of resources on

both sides? How should U.S.farmers become more involved inGAIT negotiations?

• What effect will a continueddeficit have on America?

How can the deficit bereduced? How do we determine asafe level of debt? How will thecontinued deficit affect agricul-ture?

.----------------------------------

----------------------+

Vicki Pontz served as aregional representative for theCentral Regionfor three yearsand is now the legislative re-search and communicationsspecialistfor the MFB Public Af-fairs Division.

VICki Pontz Joins MFBPublic Affairs DivisionStaff

Erfective June 5, Vicki Pontzfilled the legislative research andcommunications specialist posi-tion with the Michigan FarmBureau Public Affairs Division.

Pontz served as a regional rep-resentative for the CentralRegion for three years. Prior tothen, she served MFB invariousadministrative assistant and con-sulting roles. She is a graduateof Michigan State University witha major in psychology and aminor in horticulture.

In her new position, Pontz willbe responsible for research onlegislative issues affecting agri-culture and the MFB Family ofCompanies. The research will in-crease the effectiveness of MFB'slobbying efforts and policy devel-opment activities. She will alsobe responsible for preparing re-ports on legislative developmentswhich will be distributed to keycounty FB members, MFB and af-filiate company staff members.

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New Propane Businessfor Farmers Petroleum

Farmers Petroleum Coopera-tive, Inc., is building a new busi-ness in Michigan and they arestarting in Tuscola County.

Work on a new propane instal-lation and service business atthe FPC Caro location is alreadygenerating a lot of enthusiasmfor cooperative members andFarm Bureau members.

Groundbreaking for the new30,000 gallon propane distribu-tion facility and sales officewasheld June 2. FPC Propane Divi-sion Manager Don Frey said thecooperative is planning to begintaking tank installation orders inJuly. Frey promises very ad-vantageous pricing and a mem-ber only benefit program for newand existing Farm Bureau mem-bers.

Frey said the cooperativeleadership at the local and statelevel is excited about the newbusiness.

"The propane venture is adiversification of great promisefor FPC. We will be utilizingpresent facilities and taking ad-vantage of the excellent market-ing position the cooperativealready has with its present baseof customers and dealer net-work."

"We hope to haveinstallations in the 13

company owned locationsfirst, " said Frey.

The Caro FPC location willalso serve as a district propanedistribution center, serving theFPC Sandusky location and fourother independent cooperativesin the Thumb area. The FPCPropane Division dealer networkin the area includes: CooperativeElevator Company, Pigeon, 517-453-3313: Ruth FarmersElevator, Inc., Ruth, 517-864-3856; Farmers CooperativeGrain Co., Kinde, 517-874-4200;Elkton Cooperative Produce Co.,Elkton, 517-375-2281. FPC loca-tions are FPC Caro, 517-673-

7714; and FPC Sandusky, 517-648-3032.

A second district location willbe opened in the fall.

'We hope to have installationsin the 13 company owned loca-tions first," said Frey.

Across the state, he said, theFPC Propane Division and itsdealer network will provide fullservice -- installation, equipmentappliances, and delivery -- torural residents, and agriculturaland commercial businesses.

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FBSupportsSoybean Checkoff

The American Farm BureauFederation's board of directorsagreed to support legislation tocreate a national soybean check-off program. The board accepteda tentative agreement betweenFarm Bureau officers and theAmerican Soybean Associationcalling for several key changes inthe legislation introduced in Con-gress early in May.

Keychanges involved pro-visions for a recall referendumupon petition by 10 percent ofthe soybean producers, man-datory reconfirmation votes everyfiveyears to determine whetherthe agriculture secretary shouldconduct a referendum, a pro-vision allowing growers to seekrefunds of monies collected priorto the initial referendum, specificlanguage outlining how thecheckoff monies can be used,and auditing procedures.

---~

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