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-..~--------------------------- ------...•<br />
Vol. 33, No. 1 JA VARY 1, 1955 32nd e r<br />
<strong>mure</strong><br />
•<br />
s e<br />
Dairy Festival<br />
Time Feb. 10-19<br />
February 10 to 19 will be Dairy Festival Time in<br />
Michigan to promote the consumption of all dairy products.<br />
How effec ive this' can be was shown in Madison,<br />
Wisconsin, May 7 to 15, 1954, when the newspapers<br />
and grocers cooperated in a trerfiedous advertising and<br />
sales promotion oil dairy products. F or the eight day<br />
period the Madison community consumed an extra 3,-<br />
000,000 Ibs. of milk in dairy products.<br />
In Michigan the Farm Bureau, Grange, Michigan<br />
State College, Michigan Milk Producers Ass'n, Mid-West<br />
Producers Creameries and all parts of the dairy indus ..<br />
try will take part in the promotion. So will newspapers,<br />
radio and television stations, grocers, restaurants<br />
and other groups:<br />
Michigan State College has requested county agr'I<br />
agents to create county dairy committees to assist in<br />
promoting the festival.<br />
The Farm Bureau is requesting the dairy committee<br />
and a member of the Women's Committee of each<br />
County Farm Bureau to serve on the County Dairy<br />
Festival committee. Members of the state Farm Bur ..<br />
eau staff will assist at the state level.<br />
The American Dairy Association has made available<br />
to Michigan newspapers and grocers some 16 newspaper<br />
pages of advertisements to promote the sale and<br />
use' of dairy products during the festival. Appropriate<br />
material will be available lor radio and television sta ..<br />
tions.<br />
Farm Bureau Promotes<br />
Keith •A. Tanner and Norwood Eastman have been<br />
promoted to new responsibilities in the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau organization, effective january I. The promotions<br />
were announced December 28 by J. F . Yaeger,<br />
executive<br />
secretary.<br />
Mr . Tanner has been promoted from Manager of<br />
the Member Service Division of MFB to be Manager of<br />
Operations for Farm Bureau Services, Inc. This is a<br />
new post in the cooperative farm supplies service. of<br />
the Farm Bureau.<br />
As Manager of Operations, Mr.<br />
Tanner will have over-all responsibility<br />
for accomplishing<br />
the annual manufacturing and<br />
sales goals of Farm Bureau Services.<br />
He will work with and assist<br />
the men in charge of three<br />
Farm Bureau Services operating<br />
divisions; Maynard Brownlee,<br />
manager of the Farm Supplies<br />
Division; Archie Moore, manager<br />
of the Farm Equipment Division;<br />
and John Sexon, acting manager<br />
of the Plant Food Manufacturing<br />
division. .<br />
"The principal reason for creating<br />
the new position of Manager<br />
of Operations for Farm Bureau<br />
Services," said Mr. Yaeger, "is to<br />
enable the executive secretary to<br />
devote his time to long-range<br />
planning and the correlation of<br />
activities of all the Farm Bureau<br />
companies.<br />
"Up to this time the executive<br />
secretary for all Farm Bureau<br />
companies has also been manager<br />
of Farm Bureau Services, Inc.<br />
Now the Michigan Farm Bureau,<br />
Farm Bureau Services, Inc., the<br />
Farm Bureau Insurance Companies<br />
and Farmers Petroleum<br />
Cooperative, Inc., each have a<br />
manager who reports to the executive<br />
secretary"<br />
Norwood Eastman, coordinator<br />
of the Organization Department<br />
and the Junior Farm Bureau Department<br />
of Michigan Farm Bureau,<br />
succeeds Mr. Tanner as<br />
manager of the Division of Mem-<br />
Construction Ahead<br />
chedu e<br />
Z'<br />
THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 27 they were laying face bzick for the front of the Farm Bureau<br />
office building now under construction at 4.000 North Grand River avenue. which is US-16<br />
west of Lansing. The concrete floors have been laid. All of the steel work is up and ready<br />
for roofing soon. The sidewalls of the 200 by 240 feet structure are up about halfway. Aluminum<br />
window frames are going in for walls th at will be about two-thirds window space. Construction<br />
is well ahead of schedule. Unless there is some delay. the building should be ready<br />
for occupancy about April 1. 1955.<br />
Everett Young to<br />
Work in Thailand<br />
Everett J. Young, assistant secretary<br />
of the Michigan Ass'n of<br />
Farmer Cooperatives, has received<br />
an appointment from the Foreign<br />
Operations Administration<br />
of the U. S. government as cooperative<br />
organization advisor to<br />
the government of Thailand. Mr.<br />
and Mrs. Young will leave for<br />
Bangkok January l.<br />
Mr. Young will be on leave of<br />
absence from the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau. He has been employed<br />
there since 1940.He is a graduate<br />
of Michigan State College and<br />
was at (me time a field representative<br />
for the Farm Bureau in<br />
the south central area of the<br />
state.<br />
•<br />
Whel~eYOUI-<br />
County Stands<br />
In Roll Call<br />
Farmers<br />
Petroleum<br />
Record in '5<br />
Earl Huntley, manager of the<br />
Farm Petroleum Cooperative,<br />
Inc., of Lansing told shareholders<br />
at the 6th annual meeting at<br />
Michigan State College Dec. 10<br />
that their organization had set a<br />
new record in 1954 by distributing<br />
28,202,664 gallons 0 automobile<br />
and tractor fuels to far-'<br />
mers.<br />
On the year's operations. Mr.<br />
Huntley reported that the organization<br />
had returned $149,000 in<br />
patronage dividends to patrons<br />
who are shareholders.<br />
January<br />
"Farmers and the Social Security<br />
Program" Community<br />
Farm Bureau discussion topic<br />
for January will be presented<br />
over these television stations.<br />
Jan. 5, WKAR-TV, Michigan<br />
State College, Channel 60 UHF,<br />
8:30 p.m.; Jan. 12, WNEM-TV,<br />
Bay City, Channel 5, 1:00 p. m.;<br />
Jan. 22, WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids,<br />
12:30 p.m.; Jan. 31, WPAG-<br />
TV, Ann Arbor, 7:00 p.m.<br />
•<br />
at Kills<br />
s·'y<br />
Want to get rid of those cat<br />
tails in your drainage ditches next<br />
summer?<br />
The job's easy with<br />
chemical called dalapon,<br />
ing to a Michigan State<br />
weed control specialist.<br />
B. H. Grigsby, who conducted<br />
extensive tests in the Thumb last<br />
summer, recommends about 20<br />
pounds of the chemical in 100<br />
gallons of water for good control.<br />
•<br />
.~<br />
r • E ell mlth<br />
Is e ny Therapl<br />
Mrs. Euell Smith of Pontiac,<br />
known as the Farm Bureau Therapist,<br />
was honored at a dinner<br />
Dec. 1 and received her certificate<br />
as a Kenny Therapist. Members<br />
of the Sister Kenny hospital<br />
for polio patients at Farmington<br />
and members of the Farm Bureau<br />
Women's Committee attended<br />
ceremonies at Redford. Farm<br />
Bureau women's groups throughout<br />
Michigan contributed to Mrs.<br />
Smith's education as a physical<br />
therapist.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
reau<br />
Farm<br />
Services' ?5th<br />
Yea· ts est<br />
J. F. Yaeger, executive secretary<br />
of Farm Bureau Services,<br />
Inc., of Lansing, farm supplies<br />
cooperative, told representatives<br />
of 1 00 shareho ders at the<br />
25th annual meeting at Kellogg<br />
Center Dec. 9 that the organization<br />
distributed $20,793,000<br />
worth of farm supplies the past<br />
year.<br />
NORWOOD E STMA<br />
Man g•..r of Membership Service Di i ion. M<br />
The larg st Farm Bur au m mb r hip in th<br />
of the organization-I,609,461 famili p rt<br />
as the Am rican Farm ureau F d rati n nd d its<br />
membership year on Nov mber 30.<br />
The n w record for th 48 stat s<br />
marks the 16th year of st ady g in in numb r<br />
effectiveness.<br />
Ha ving Ie ding role in this 0 t andin<br />
ship record w s the Michigan Fa m Bur au<br />
981 families. h second state to r a hits<br />
1954 marked the fifth consecutive y ar th t<br />
has b en honored for ither bing first or s<br />
achieving this honor.<br />
Fif een other states w re also honor d for h vmg<br />
Farm Bureau Services has had<br />
a tremendous growth in the past reached the 1954 AFBF goal. Th y w re lab m ,<br />
ten years, Mr. Yaeger said. In Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, OUIthe<br />
last few years he said farmers<br />
have invested $3,500,000 in siana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New M xi 0, North<br />
the facilities and inventories of Carolina, Oklahoma, T enn ssee, V rmont, and yom ..<br />
Farm Bureau fertilizer plants at<br />
Saginaw and Kalamazoo. The ing.<br />
plant are supplying farmers with I M· hi d f I<br />
100,000 tons of high analyse-s,,' IC igan s t lOU an s 0 vo unteer work r sho Id<br />
granulated fertilizers a year. all feel a sense of accomplishmnent in this recor h y<br />
The Farm Bureau reported di I ibl f h I did f<br />
that its sale of field seeds reach- are irect y responsi e or t e sp n I succ SS 0 reed<br />
an all time high of 7,000,000 vious Roll Calls.<br />
pounds in 19 4.<br />
The present membership campaign off rs Mi hig ri'<br />
loyal workers an opportunity and a chall nge to g In<br />
be the first state in the nation to achieve AFBF 0 1.<br />
The prospects are there ; the need for farm organiz ti<br />
is gr ater today than ever b fore; the Farm Bur u<br />
fills this need. Invite your neighbor. to joen<br />
We're More than<br />
Way to 1955 Goal<br />
The Michigan Farm Bureau Roll Call for 1955 is<br />
well over the half way mark. The December 20 r ..<br />
port from the County Farm Bureaus totaled 37,638<br />
This table shows the position of<br />
Elect S oman<br />
Michigan County Farm Bureaus<br />
memberships. This is 570/0 of the state goal of 65,918.<br />
December 20 with respect to how<br />
MARTEN GARN, re-elected Of this total, 3,301 are new members. This IS 32 ~~<br />
near they were to attaining 100%<br />
President of<br />
of the membership goals they<br />
president 0 Farm Bureau Ser- f h' b I flO 258<br />
vices, Inc., is a dairy farmer and 0 testate s new mem er goa 0 , •<br />
have set for themselves for 1955.<br />
The annual Roll Call for membership<br />
got underway November<br />
F ·F<br />
ogs a t C harlotte R-5, Eaton . .<br />
bhreeder Of pure bred Yorkshire Berrien county won the trophy for signing the high ..<br />
county. He farms 211 acres, and est number of new members dunng the first week of<br />
29.<br />
Charles B. Shuman of Sullivan,<br />
TOTAL % OF<br />
has been a member of the Farm the drive. Berrien mailed 139 new memb rship to<br />
COUNTY GOAL DEC. ro GOAL<br />
Illinois, was elected president of Bureau for 22 years. I .<br />
1 Benzie 230 221 96<br />
the American Farm Bureau at<br />
I the state office the fast week.<br />
2 Cheboygan 2 6 25'1 89<br />
3 Bay 1,510 1,M2 88<br />
the 36th annual meeting at New Maynar d Brownlee. manager of .<br />
4 Alpena 592 471 79\<br />
York, Dec. 14-16.<br />
the Farm Supply Division, said I Cheboygan county won the trophy for reporting the<br />
5 Alcona 361 283 78<br />
that sale of 46,000 tons of poultry I<br />
6 St. Joseph 1,094 847 77<br />
Mr. Shuman succeeds Allan B.<br />
hi h fbI h d f<br />
and livestock feed concentrates; 19 ~st percentage 0 new mem er goa at teen 0<br />
7 Berrien 2,397 1,735 72<br />
Kline of Vinton, Iowa as the<br />
8 All .gan 2,161 1,527 71<br />
9 Branch 1,691 1,131 71<br />
head of the American Farm Bureau,<br />
which has a membership of concentrate feeds with home: or /( 0 Its goa. enzie was In secon p ace WIt<br />
set a new record. He explained the first week. Cheboygan reported 42 new members<br />
10 Waaht enaw 1,620 1,143 71<br />
that when farmers mixed the I 210 (/ f' lB' . d I . h<br />
11 Tu cola 1,871 1,296 69 THOMAS KONING. elected<br />
12 Sanilac 2,138 1,463 68 president of Farmers Petroleum<br />
1,609,000farm families.<br />
13 Macomb 1,162 777 67<br />
grown grains, there would be a' 21 new members or 150 ~ of its new member goal of<br />
14 Oakland 1,145 763 67 Cooperative, Inc., is engaged in<br />
total of 200,000 tons of Farm . . . J h wi h<br />
15 N. W. Michigan 1,065 712 67 general farming on 240 acres at<br />
Bureau formula feeds at the 14. Close behind In thud place came St. osep WI<br />
16 Montmorency 1 6 125 67<br />
17 Livingston 1,191 771 65 Marne R-1, Ottawa county. He<br />
farm. 97 % of its new member goal of 69. These four coun ...<br />
18 Saginaw 2,251 1,460 64 has been farming for 32 years<br />
19 Mason 661 409 62<br />
20 Ottawa 1,567 957 61 and is a long time member of<br />
Archie Moore. manager of the ties will receive trophies at the annual victory party<br />
ber Services for our organization 21 Lap er 1,61 975 60 the Farm Bureau.<br />
farm equipment division, reported<br />
that Farm Bureau now in the spring.<br />
of 63,000 farm families.<br />
22 Kalamazoo 1,212 769 60<br />
.<br />
23 Presque Isle 470 2 3 UO The farmer has become a major<br />
24 Ingham 1,171 696 59<br />
Mr. Tanner has been employed<br />
customer for any petroleum company,<br />
said FPC president Ward<br />
has $21,000,000of tractors farm Still to be decided are the races for the thre trophi<br />
25 Emm t 309 179 5<br />
by Michigan Farm Bureau since 26 Gratiot 1,497 854 67<br />
machinery, and farm ele~trical<br />
27 Calhoun 1,544 865 \)6<br />
equipment in service pn Mich- which go to the counties which report highest perc nt ..<br />
1939. He started as district membership<br />
representative in Gene-<br />
29 Ogemaw 388 216 55 War I, said Mr. Hodge, the num-<br />
G. Hodge of Snover. Since World<br />
28 Barry 1,255 698 56<br />
igan farms. I h h<br />
Mr. Yaeger said that manu- age of overall goal by January 15, as we 1 as t e t r e<br />
see, Lapeer and Oakland counties. 30 Charlevoix 3 3 209 55 ber of farm tractors and trucks<br />
31 Monroe 1,318 721 54<br />
facturing operations of Farm trophies which go to the three counties which r n w<br />
After 1lh years he came into the 32 Iosco 231 125 54 has increased 16 times as farm<br />
state office as director of Community<br />
Farm Bureau groups and 35 Antrim 475 254 53 anized. Farm consumption of<br />
33 Clinton 1,5~2 848 63 operations have become mech-<br />
Bureau Services now include<br />
34 Osc ola 6 7 362 53<br />
fertilizer factories at Kalamazoo the highest percentage of their 1954 memb rs.<br />
district representative for Eaton, 36 Wayn 595 311 52 petroleum fuels is up nine times.<br />
aD:d Saginaw and a major, feed<br />
37 Isabella 1,206 601 50<br />
Ingham and Shiawassee counties.<br />
Farmers are shifting rapidly to<br />
~I1lllat Hammond, Indiana, which<br />
3 M costa 837 419 50<br />
IS<br />
After service in World War II, 39 Midland 621 312 50 oil for heating their homes.<br />
operated in partnership with<br />
Oc ana G OUpS<br />
he became director of organization<br />
for Michigan Farm Bureau, 42 Missaukee 456 222 49 tive now has an interest in 175<br />
40 Genes e 1,491 740 49 Farmers Petroleum Coopera-<br />
oth~r ~arm Bureau supply orgamzatIOns.<br />
The Farm Bureau<br />
41 Ionia 1,302 643 49<br />
and was promoted to director of 43 Oceana 765 367 48 producing wells in Michigan, CHARLES B~SHUMAN Services field and garden seeds<br />
44 Manistee 291 13 48<br />
plant is at Lansing.<br />
ua OJ f r<br />
field services, and in 1~'!Y3to 45 Van Buren 1,933 922 47 Indiana and Illinois, and owns or<br />
manager of the member service 46 Kent 1,600 754 47 controls a daily production of<br />
Mr. Kline told the convention<br />
Two-hundred representatives<br />
47 Gladwin 413 197 47<br />
division.<br />
48 Hillsdale 1,549 720 46<br />
of stockholders were informed G on<br />
• about 1,200 barrels, Mr. Huntley that he was resigning as president<br />
because his health had not<br />
e<br />
49 Arenac 426 199 46 said. This less than half the requirements<br />
of the business. been good of late. His doctor had that the distribution system of<br />
Mr. Eastman came to the Michigan<br />
Farm Bureau in August,<br />
50 Clare 200 93 46<br />
51 Lenawee 1,643 709 44<br />
Farm Bureau Services is made<br />
informed him that he could not<br />
Oceana County Farm Bureau<br />
52 Jackson 1,154 516 44<br />
up of 300 farmer cooperative<br />
1950 as director of the Junior 53 Cass 974 435 44 Shareholders were informed continue to carry the schedule<br />
qualified for Group Life Insurance<br />
on December 17 with nine<br />
54 Muskegon 526 233 44<br />
elevators and other dealers.<br />
Farm Bureau. Before that he was<br />
that in six years Farmers Petroleum<br />
Cooperative, Inc., has be-<br />
American Farm Bureau. Mr.<br />
community Farm Bureaus enroll-<br />
required of the president of the<br />
55 Wexford 300 ·130 43<br />
Marten Garn of Char lotte<br />
active in Jr. FB in Tuscola county 56 Eaton 1,4 7 62 42<br />
57 St. lair 1,460 604 42<br />
was re-elected president, and ing 303 members in the plan.<br />
in the early 1940's.In 1945he was<br />
come one of the largest independent<br />
suppliers of petroleum to serve the one year remaining<br />
This brings the total enroll-<br />
Shuman was elected unanimously<br />
5 ...Jontcalm 1,130 46 41<br />
Ivan Parsons of Grand Blanc was<br />
county Farm Bureau organization<br />
director for Huron and Tus-<br />
59 Shtawassee 1,1 7 4 0 40<br />
re-elected vice-president by the<br />
60 Kalka ka 102 40 39 products to Michigan farmers. of Mr. Kline's term of office.<br />
ment in Farm Bureau's Group<br />
61 ewaygo 738 276 37<br />
new board of directors.<br />
cola counties, and helped organize<br />
Community Farm Bureaus. 63 Ots go 134 45 33 and their cooperative oil com-<br />
and livestock farmer from central<br />
first year. Previously, Barry<br />
Mr. Huntley said that farmers Charles B. Shuman is a grain<br />
62 Huron 1,997 695 35<br />
Life Plan to 957 members in its<br />
Ren A. DeRuiter of McBain<br />
was elected to the board of directors<br />
to succeed Carl E. Bus-<br />
In June, 1953, he was promoted<br />
panies have $965,000 invested in<br />
county had enrolled 654 members<br />
TOTALS Illinois. He has served 9 years<br />
• 65,918 37,638 57%<br />
to head the Organization and<br />
the co pany. Earnings of the as president of the Illinois Farm<br />
in the first attempt ever made to<br />
kirk, retired. These directors<br />
Junior Farm Bureau departments.<br />
$769,000.<br />
has been a member of the AFBE'<br />
rural people.<br />
Company for the six years total Bureau of 201,000 members. He<br />
present group life insurance to<br />
Got Out Vote<br />
were re-elected: Peter H. De-<br />
Weerd of Hudsonville, Marten<br />
•<br />
R. B. 'McKinley of Grant, representing<br />
the Newaygo County were representatives of 65 far-<br />
was president of his County Farm<br />
Attending the annual meeting board of directors since 1945. He<br />
Garn, Char~o~te; Ward G. Hodge, The Farm Bureau Group Life<br />
Ilk<br />
Snover; Phillip Holzhausen, Corunna;<br />
Blaque Knirk, Quincy; Bureau Life Insurance Company.<br />
Plan originated with our Farm<br />
Farm Bureau, presented a set of mers oil companies and individual<br />
stockholders.<br />
inois Farm Bureau board in 1941. Ivan Par-sons, Grand Blanc; Al-<br />
It is patterned after the the group<br />
Bureau when elected to the Ill-<br />
We consumed more than 12 books to the seventh grade pupils<br />
billion quarts of milk last year. at the Grant school. The books Thomas Koning of Marne was Mr. Shuman farms about 200 bert Shellenb.arger, Lake Odessa; life insurance that is available to<br />
But many adults, as well as children,<br />
should drink more for a most "get out the vote" stickers O. Johnson of Freeland was of tenants on another 550 acres.<br />
were given for collecting the elected president, and Kenneth acres and supervises the operation Elton R. Smith, Caledonia. most people who work in industry.<br />
It offers $1~000of i e insu -<br />
better diet.<br />
•<br />
during the recent election.<br />
(Continued on Page 2) He has a commercial Angus herd. Buy Farm Bureau Feed. ance to members and their<br />
alf
u eau<br />
OFFICERS<br />
, Pre .tdent :\V. G. Hodge. Snover<br />
V-Pre Blaque Knirk, Quincy<br />
Exec. V-Pr '. L. Brody, Laru ing<br />
E. ec. ec'v J. F. aeger, Lanstng<br />
MICHIe;<br />
EWS<br />
R-1<br />
It-I<br />
ear Prayer<br />
Dear God, from whose almighty hand we have the gift of days.<br />
We are Thy tenants on the land and once again we raise<br />
Our prayer of honest thanks to Thee. in whom all goodness<br />
dwells.<br />
Hear us today and grant that we may serve as love compels.<br />
Vol. 3<br />
.................... Editor<br />
Associate Editor<br />
January 1, 1955 No.1<br />
PURPOSE OF FARM<br />
BUREAU<br />
The purpose of this Assccta .<br />
tion shall be the advancement<br />
of our members' in~rests educationally,<br />
legislatively, and<br />
economically.<br />
Community<br />
Bureau<br />
TIt>pre.·nting<br />
WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU<br />
Irs. 'arlton D.I1................ lbton, £'-1<br />
WESLEY S. HAWLEY<br />
Coordinator of Community Farm Bureaus for MFB<br />
Dear Community Farm Bureau Members:<br />
It is our sincere wish that each of you, and your groups will have a<br />
happy, interesting and prosperous year during 1955. We hope that your<br />
group meetings will become more and more interesting, and that more<br />
members will participate in Community Farm Bureaus, as that is the<br />
very heart and soul of Farm Bureau.<br />
As mentioned in our article in the December edition, 277 Community<br />
Farm Bureaus held monthly meetings and arrived at conclusions<br />
throughout 1954. Surely these groups will continue to meet regularity<br />
month and set the pattern group, Ha. ttngs, 1 • Irs. ot tlob G tt I, 'Y st Brookfield<br />
for. oth r Community groups, .'Mr.'. Doro~h asteline, Pratt re k Igroup, .h walng.<br />
group, Ha. t ing's. • II'.. Harland . mlth, 'Vest<br />
Following is the list of the Cer- _11'.. Leo Barry, South arlton roup, 'eb wing.<br />
ti i d Award winning groups "roup. Hast lngs. .Ir.', gne: End r, 'ill IV<br />
fo 100% participation in 1953-54 , Irs. H. L ro~:~ Williams group. I' P~~l~'s:a:~Pel:nVoelker, Wolf ton<br />
nd tl eir group secretaries: Fr land. Owend Ie.<br />
Alcona Benzie. !ngham<br />
AI(' ·ancl. r Stpplwn~on. Barton Ity ~Ir.. Emma Kuemin, lmira group, frs. Fra~k • etha vay,<br />
('OllllllUllIly 1', I m Bur au, Barton Empire. group, L slte,<br />
lit . ,\11'., Elinar .l. Ichols, Llverty- Union<br />
II". I urt La.For'g'e, urran roup, group, B nzonta. ~trs.<br />
CIl Hill. - h's. Ida Esch, Rlv I' Road group, group.<br />
· II . I'uu llne Byler, urt lsvtll group. Frankfort.<br />
1 [I. H' le J01ln1'1on. East Day, Berrien<br />
, ]1I\)1 P. • Irs. V rnal Shr ve, .l. orthwest Bu-<br />
_II . .Iohn Rharboneau, Jr.. East chanan, Buchanan.<br />
Ha I,' gIl/UP. Lincoln. Branch<br />
11 • Hpl'yl .\1'eGuire, Klondyke group, , Irs. Rachel Keith, Kinderhook, Fre-<br />
Mlka do, mont, Indiana.<br />
II' , F'lorence Bu: hey, Spruce group, Mr.'. Donna<br />
•'PI'lJ('P.<br />
oldwater.<br />
_II!i, Ka thr-rlne Valnde, Twin Lak •<br />
'IUU}). Lincoln.<br />
h'l.• Je<br />
Gltnnip.<br />
ie Prerit lce, Vaughn Lak ,<br />
Allegan<br />
,II'. Be n<br />
Hamilton.<br />
Elling, Hamilton group,<br />
-II'. Lawrence Pa lmbox, Salem 4<br />
'1II11p lion.<br />
II.<br />
go,<br />
or<br />
.£
MICHIGA<br />
NEWS<br />
• I 1\ •.<br />
• I • 'I' ~..., •.... "r. ~<br />
. . '. , \.<br />
Baby chicks hatch every day in full view of thousands of visitors, in the ill useum of Science and I ndustry<br />
in Chicago. It' 8 one of many interesting features of Swift' 8 dramatic exhibit FOOD FOR LIFE •<br />
" .<br />
.Take eople to t a<br />
• •<br />
~<br />
Here's the new way of taking folks "out to the farm" ... to<br />
show them the important part that farms and farmers play in<br />
their lives.<br />
Actually, it doesn't take city folks to a real farm. Instead,<br />
they see Swift's exhibit-s-soon FOR LIFE. We've called it FOOD<br />
FOR LIFE because it tells about the business you and we are in.<br />
The story begins with the soil-it ends with healthy, happy,<br />
and well-fed people ..AIl sorts of moving and "talking" displays<br />
drive home mighty important facts about the complicated<br />
job of producing food which many folks "take for granted."<br />
For both the farm and city consumer, FOOD FOR LIFE<br />
stresses right eating and good nutrition. After all, "hen people<br />
know more about right eating they will be better buyers of the<br />
foods that contribute to health, strength and longer life. And,<br />
this will create a bigger demand for your products.<br />
We think this is a good way to make friends in the city-for<br />
farmers and ranchers and meat packers. We would like you to<br />
see it, too. Whenever you are in Chicago, stop in at the Museum<br />
of cience and Industry - visit FOOD FOR LIFE. We.<br />
believe you'll like it.<br />
SWIFT & COMPA<br />
UNION<br />
STOCK YARDS. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS<br />
Each day more than 5,000 visitors from all over the country see this dramatic<br />
story of farming, food, and right eating.<br />
The story begins here-with the soil, and how farmers must carefor it to<br />
psoduce thefood for the people of America ..<br />
Animals always fascinate city people. Many are genuinely amazed at the<br />
scientific know-how that farmers must have.<br />
NUTRITION'<br />
IS OUR<br />
BUSINESS
JANUARY<br />
I. 19S5<br />
r<br />
DONALD D. KINSEY<br />
Coordinator of Education and Research for MFB<br />
i th s cond of a eri of articles that will appear in the<br />
Michigan F rm ew during th next few months. Their purpose<br />
i to d velop a b tter und rstanding of the Farm Bureau.<br />
ur rm ur au house was not built in a day. At<br />
this writing we are in the fourth decade of its con truetion<br />
and building is still in progress. For a building of<br />
thi typ , complete plans could not be made in advance.<br />
Th plans had to be altered occasionally to meet changes<br />
in the course of history.<br />
During these thirty - five years are to be found the<br />
ucc ss s and mistakes that normally go into the building<br />
of a house. Some of the foundations proved strong<br />
and firm. In other cases there were rooms that had to<br />
b torn down or reframed so as to be strong enough to<br />
weather economic storms.<br />
The n wly - born Farm Bureau in the 1920's had a<br />
large ta k before it. To be effective it must gain the<br />
r cogmtion of other economic groups and political<br />
parties. Business and labor organizations were already<br />
pow rful.<br />
B farmers lacked an ffectively - organized spokesman.<br />
Neither of the major political parties was willing<br />
to recognize farm problems as being important to our<br />
g n r I economy. It was very difficult to get an audience<br />
before state or national political committees. When<br />
farm people did get a hearing their pleas fell on relatively<br />
deaf ears.<br />
In the latter part of the 20's this picture began to<br />
change. It became evident to national leaders that agriculture<br />
had led a collapse in the economy by sharply<br />
falling farm incomes. For the first time in 1927 and<br />
1928 Congress passed bills sponsored by Farm Bureau,<br />
only to have them vetoed by the President.<br />
In 1929 the Pre ident signed the first important agricultural<br />
bill to aid the farmer. It was the Federal Agricultural<br />
Marketing Act. It was not a solution to farm<br />
problems, but it was a step in the direction of growing<br />
strength. And it afforded a basis out of which more constructive<br />
programs could be developed.<br />
Some sharp contrasts d veloped for flexible price supports on<br />
in the decade of the 1930's. The basic crops. These supports were<br />
nation r ognized the importance to range from 52% to 75% of<br />
of agriculture as a major factor parity in relation to the degree<br />
in our economic health. Other of surplus of the supported crop.<br />
groups became concerned over This Act crowned Farm Bureau's<br />
the farmer's problem. And Farm second decade.<br />
Bureau leaders found it easier The 40's were a war decade.<br />
to get support for the develoP-, The extremely high demand upment<br />
of a needed farm program. on agriculture for its products<br />
Congressional com mit tee s kept farm prices high. Supports<br />
opened their doors and listened. on the basic crops rarely had to<br />
The Federal Agricultural Mar- be used at all. Prices stayed<br />
keting Act was followed by the above support levels. In fact,<br />
stablishment of the AAA pro- farm prices rose by leaps and<br />
gram in 1933. Rigid supports on bounds. Under the needs of the<br />
furm prices at 52% of parity war a new use for support prices<br />
were established. emerged. Federal funds were<br />
The object was mainly to ad- used to increase production<br />
just production so .as to main- rather than to reduce it. Talk<br />
tain a firm market price at pro- was about "incentive and comfitabl<br />
levels. These supports pensatory" payments rather than<br />
were to be paid out of a pro- production control payments.<br />
ccssing tax, but the plan was One marked effect of this philruled<br />
unconstitutional by the osophy was to change the public<br />
U.S. Supreme Court in 1936. attitude from one of sympathy<br />
for the farmer to one of envy<br />
Under arm Bureau sponsorhip<br />
I Congress then 'enacted the<br />
for his prosperity.<br />
011 Con '.tv tio an Domestic As a result of the changing<br />
Allotment Act, and large Congressional<br />
appropriations became had to put up a serious battle<br />
public attitude, the farmers again<br />
necessary to carry the program. to receive consideration for their<br />
Because the crop control featui<br />
s of this Act were without groups began to stand against far-<br />
program in Congress. Opposition<br />
force, a new AAA measure was mers' organizations. Other economic<br />
groups now wanted a<br />
enacted in 1938 to replace the<br />
1936 program. Within the 1938 "say" in how the farm program<br />
measure was the first provision should be set up:<br />
It was an era in which Farm<br />
Bureau membership more than<br />
doubled nationally - and quadrupled<br />
in Michigan. During this<br />
time the level of flexible price<br />
supports was adjusted by law<br />
to the level of 75% to 90% of<br />
parity as a possible protection<br />
against a severe decline in farm<br />
prices on the free market.<br />
• floor to protect him against dangerous<br />
d cline of income. It was<br />
to be an uphill fight.<br />
In the political battle that now<br />
shaped up, sound economics were<br />
forgotten. Congress and the<br />
Government bureaus pushed toward<br />
a larger farm control empire,<br />
or ought to curry votes by<br />
increa ing the "give-away" program<br />
in anticipation of the next<br />
election.<br />
There was lillIe need for the<br />
support program itself before the<br />
1950's. The coming of the Korean<br />
war, too, in 1950, kept farm<br />
the 30's was a mere 2,950 familes<br />
with a low in 1933 of only<br />
1,542.<br />
It should not be assumed that<br />
the program was at a standstill<br />
during this time. Even before<br />
the 30's departments for serving<br />
membership had been developed<br />
by the Michigan Farm Bureau.<br />
At the very outset in 1919, the<br />
members had established their<br />
state board of directors, and administrative<br />
staff, a membership<br />
department, a records department,<br />
a publicity dep't and a<br />
legislative dep't.<br />
prices up for a couple of years In 1920. they set up a Seed<br />
and avoided a showdown with Department. and in 1922 a Feed<br />
the farmer on real production Department. These were excontrols.<br />
panded in 1925 to become the<br />
Farm Bureau membership Seed Service and the Supply<br />
grew constantly under the fight Service. Then in 1929 these serit<br />
was waging over this issue of vices were merged and incorpohigh<br />
supports. The issue emerged rated to form the Farm Bureau<br />
into the clear as one between Services Inc.<br />
a free enterprise capitalist sys-. 1926 ~aw the Michigan Farm<br />
tem and one of state socialism Bureau become a state agency<br />
in the early 50's. fpr the State Farm Mutual Insur-<br />
Farmers are businessmen who ance Company with an Insurance<br />
own their property and work their<br />
Department to direct the work.<br />
But actual member-participation<br />
lands to earn a profit. For generations<br />
they have planned and<br />
programs were as yet to appear.<br />
produced according to their own The membership picture showfree<br />
decisions. The threat to ed some improvement in the last<br />
this freedom by a system that I half of the 30's. And a number<br />
began to say the "Profit Motive" of new programs appeared on the<br />
was evil - a socialist system horizon. Membership averaged<br />
that would police their produc- about 7200 families in these five<br />
tion - caused many to return years. A Farm Machinery Dep't<br />
to Farm Bureau as a means of was formed.<br />
fighting this danger. The Community Farm Bureau<br />
But the government bureaus program was started in 1936.<br />
had become powerful and Con- This program laid the groundgress<br />
was weak and controls work for one of the best membercame<br />
inevitably. High rigid participation programs in the<br />
price controls were continued in- country. It has gained the reto<br />
1953 - in peacetime - for spect of adult educators everythe<br />
Korean armistice had been where, and has been copied by<br />
signed. other state Farm Bureaus.<br />
The incentive payments help- The early 1940's began a period<br />
ed to create a bumper crop of of rapid growth and expansion<br />
wheat in 1953 and staggering in membership and programs.<br />
surpluses developed. It became The war brought better farm<br />
necessary to invoke the control prices. New participation prolaws<br />
to cut production on wheat. grams and member services were<br />
Farmers were asked to vote to ·developed. The average memaccept<br />
or reject marketing quotas bership from 1940 to 1944 was<br />
for their 1954 crops. 16,300 with the numbers in-<br />
Surpluses and the loss of ex- creasing rapidly. 1942 saw the·<br />
port markets had begun to drop Blue Cross hospitalization plan<br />
farm prices seriously in 1953. offered to members through<br />
The government held a tremen- Community Farm Bureau groups.<br />
dous surplus that could be turn- In 1943 the Farm Bureau helped<br />
ed loose on the market at any to organize the Michigan Assotime.<br />
It was a potential threat ciation of Farmer Cooperatives.<br />
to the free market price. Far- From 1945 to 1949 the growth<br />
mel'S were "over a barrel." Re- continued at a goodly pace. The<br />
jection of the marketing quota five year average was 40,600<br />
meant a drop in support levels families. A peak was reached<br />
to 50% of parity - a disaster in' 1947 at 48,100 with a temprice.<br />
In the face of falling porary drop in 1948 due to an<br />
farm prices they voted for the increase in dues from $5 to O.<br />
quotas. The dues increase was to pro-<br />
In the year of 1954 the compli- vide for an expanded program.<br />
cations of the control program<br />
began to appear. The extent of Numerous programs and serthe<br />
controls over production on vices were developed during the<br />
a farm are broader than most last half of the 1940's. 1945 saw<br />
persons realized. Rules requiring the beginning of the program for<br />
"cross-compliance" became part the Farm Bureau Women, the<br />
of the law. They begin to put Research and Information Detheir<br />
finger on the farmer's total partment, the Commodity Relaproduction.<br />
tions Department, and the Legal<br />
Allotments on all supported Division.<br />
crops must be conformed to in In 1946 construction was startorder<br />
to collect the supports on ed on the first fertilizer factory<br />
the critical crop. Penalties must in Saginaw. The Personnel<br />
be paid for overproduction, even Dep't was also organized that<br />
if the farmer plans to feed the year.<br />
excess to his livestock. And all<br />
farmers are subject to the quotas<br />
and controls whether they choos<br />
to be or not.<br />
Thus with the first real encroachment<br />
of the control program<br />
over their farm operations,<br />
Farm Bureau people faced a problem<br />
of growing proportions.<br />
Seer tary Ben on' d cision i<br />
December that "cross-compliance"<br />
could be dropped for 1955<br />
was a welcome relief on the issues<br />
surpluses and crop control.<br />
embersh p<br />
Membership History. Growth<br />
in the membership of the Michigan<br />
Farm Bureau has been a<br />
product of a number of things<br />
since its beginning in 1919. As<br />
we have pointed out, without a<br />
doubt the major farm issues have<br />
had much to do with it in the<br />
later years. In the early years,<br />
however, there were ups and<br />
downs.<br />
During the early 20's less than<br />
two- thirds of the eligible counties<br />
were affiliated with the<br />
1949 marked the incorporation<br />
of the Farmers Petroleum Cooperative,<br />
Inc., and the Farm<br />
Bureau Mutual Insurance Company<br />
of Michigan. The automobile<br />
insurance pro g r am<br />
brought an immediate drop in<br />
rates to farmers by all companies<br />
in the southern<br />
Michigan.<br />
peninsula of<br />
Continued growth of the membership<br />
program during the<br />
early 1950's in spite of dropping<br />
farm prices indicates the growing<br />
health of the organization<br />
and the worth of its services to<br />
the farmer. The five year aver- '<br />
age is about 52,500 families with<br />
a peak reached in 1954 of 62,981<br />
families. Membership goals have<br />
been reached in record time during<br />
this period.<br />
New programs developed during<br />
this period include the formation<br />
of a new Farm Supply<br />
Department in 1950, the Life<br />
Insurance Company in 1951, the<br />
building of a second fertilizer<br />
plant at Kalamazoo in 1953, and<br />
the beginning of new programs<br />
in Fire Insurance and Group Life<br />
Insurance in 1954.<br />
During this period also the<br />
Farm Bureau has been instrumental<br />
in promoting the financing<br />
and organization of livestock<br />
auction yards at Battle<br />
Creek and St. Louis, Michigan.<br />
Similar aids to farmers in or-<br />
But political opportunists were state organization. And a "false<br />
around Washington. The disaster. start" was made. to build a large<br />
of this era lay in the fact that membership. It was an age of<br />
the farm program was fastened "big promoters," so some were<br />
upon by party politicians as a hired to help in the job. They<br />
means to keep or win party promised more than they could<br />
power. They fostered larger appropriations<br />
and larger bureaus The large membership signed<br />
deliver.<br />
to administer the expanding farm for the first year rapidly<br />
program. Congressmen came to dwindled away. Actually the<br />
believe that their political futures<br />
depended upon outbidding five years totaled around 24,000 under way in other parts of the<br />
membership average of the first ganizing marketing programs are<br />
each other for farm appropriations<br />
to keep the support levels<br />
families.<br />
state at the present time.<br />
high and mandatory.<br />
Farm Bureau had yet to build Membership Growth<br />
The 7&% to 90% support program<br />
was never given a trial. few legislative accomplishments 1rear<br />
)!e~ership<br />
a strong program. It had rather In Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
From year to year "temporary" to support a needed prestige. It 1919 •..................... (Organized)<br />
bill were passed holding the had few services. And farm 1920 47,500<br />
support level at a rigid 90% on prices began to fall. In the later 1921 •................................. 21,358<br />
basic crops.<br />
half of the decade of the 20's 1922 28,642<br />
membership fell with them. The 1923 23,897<br />
Farm Bureau had a fight on its average was around 12,400 families.<br />
1925 ...•.............................. 22,749<br />
1924 23,000<br />
hands. It was a fight for freedom.<br />
It was a fight against imposed<br />
controls that were inevita-<br />
years for the farmers and hard 1927 .............................•...... 8,788<br />
Depression years were hard 1926 10, 14<br />
ble under the high support program.<br />
It was a fight for the of the fact that the farmer need-<br />
1929 9,351<br />
for membership as well. In spite 1928 11,355<br />
right to operate one's farm as ed his organization more than 1930 5,419<br />
the farmer himself chose to do. ever, only a few hardy souls 1931 ................................•... 3,705<br />
Th upport levels tood in danger<br />
of b coming a ceiling on the eau alive. The memberhip aver- 1933 ..•.••.•.•..•..•...•.•..•.•••.•••••• 1,542<br />
hung on and kept the Farm Bur-<br />
1932 •......•.....................•...... 1,896<br />
f mer' incom r th<br />
• for the fir t fiv "81'1 of 1934 _ ••••••••• _ ••••• _ ••••_.2,367<br />
oultry arketing<br />
erative OatHemlock<br />
B. P. PATTISON<br />
The Commodity Department<br />
of the Michigan Farm Bureau has<br />
given considerable help in the organization<br />
of the Michigan Poultry<br />
Marketing Cooperative at<br />
Hemlock, Saginaw county, in the<br />
hope of developing a better marketing<br />
program for the poultry<br />
producers of the state.<br />
The idea came from resolutions<br />
presented to the delegate body of<br />
the Michigan Farm Bureau membership<br />
requesting that the Farm<br />
Bureau, Michigan State College<br />
and the Department of Agriculture<br />
give some assistance in developing<br />
a better market for<br />
poultry producers.<br />
The Farm Bureau called a<br />
meeting of poultry producers<br />
from several counties, representatives<br />
of the Michigan State College<br />
and the Department of Agriculture<br />
on July 16 to discuss the<br />
ways and means of assisting<br />
poultrymen. This meeting was<br />
followed by a state-wide meeting<br />
of 100 poultrymen<br />
July 29. '<br />
at St. Louis<br />
The possibilities of acquiring<br />
processing facilities for live poultry<br />
was discussed wth Mr. Grant<br />
Hess of St. Louis who owned<br />
such processing plant at Hemlock,<br />
Michigan. A committee was<br />
appointed to develop a proposition<br />
with Mr. Hess for the purchase<br />
of these facilities and this<br />
committee reported back to a<br />
second state-wide meeting held<br />
at St. Louis on August 13 and<br />
were at that time authorized to<br />
proceed with the purchase of the<br />
facilities at Hemlock.<br />
the installation of the large freezer.<br />
The corporation assumed possession<br />
of the plant on October 1<br />
and has operated it since that<br />
time.<br />
Processing operations since the<br />
first of October were mostly confined<br />
to turkeys, since the production<br />
in the state was in surplus<br />
and the outlook for marketing<br />
not favorable. The Cooperative<br />
in starting so quickly was<br />
confronted with many obstacles,<br />
one of which was the lack of<br />
freezing facilities which placed a<br />
very definite limit on the amount<br />
of live products that could be<br />
processed daily.<br />
rSince the installation of the<br />
blast freezer about the middle of<br />
November, the plant has been in<br />
a position to expand its operations<br />
and turn out an excellent<br />
product. Some 2,000,000pounds<br />
of turkey meat in addition to<br />
some broilers and fowl has been<br />
processed and sold as frozen products.<br />
his amount of turkeys<br />
taken off the live market has had<br />
a stabilizing influence on the<br />
price of turkeys to all producers<br />
regardless of how or where they<br />
were sold in the state.<br />
It is admitted that the cooperative<br />
has rendered a remarkable<br />
service particularly to the turkey<br />
industry while operating under<br />
some adverse conditions as to<br />
time and equipment. The frozen<br />
product has been of a high quality<br />
and has enjoyed an excellent<br />
acceptance on the market. Net<br />
returns to the producers have<br />
been better than anticipated.<br />
MODERN PROCESSING PLANT of Michigan Poultry Marketing<br />
Cooperative at Hemlock. A recent addition to the facilities is<br />
a $75,000blast freezer which will freeze 100,000pounds of poullry<br />
daily to 45 below zero.<br />
It was apparent that if any I _Looking. Ahead in Pbmt Ope!ahelp<br />
was to be given to the tur- bons. WIth turkey marketing<br />
key producers, we would have to problems ~omewhat out of the<br />
act quickly. Accordingly 18 way for this season, the processfarmers<br />
agreed to advance $75- ing facilities are now available<br />
OOO-the money to be used f;r for broiler, fryers and farm flock<br />
the immediate installation of a producers. They are confronted<br />
large blast freezer having a daily wit.h marketing problems just as<br />
capacity to freeze 100,000lbs. of serIOUSas were those of the turpoultry<br />
products to a temperature key produ~e:s. It ha~ been ~xof<br />
45 degrees below O. The 18 in- tremely dlfflCUI~to fmd a hve<br />
corporators held a meeting and market for broilers and fryers<br />
elected a board of directors and and also farm flocks that have<br />
set up the organization of the outlive~ their usefulness for egg<br />
Michigan Poultry Marketing Co- production. . _<br />
operative Inc. Buyers of live poultry are not<br />
Membe~s of the board of direc- availabl~ .and processing plants in<br />
t . larger cities are going out of busors<br />
are. . iness. To improve this market<br />
Marshall MIchaels, Alma; ~er-. situation, it is obvious that large<br />
n.al Burke, Branch; Grant Ging- numbers of poultry must be dinc~,<br />
Barryton; Luthe.r Klager, verted into frozen channels.<br />
Bridgewater; John Chilson, Mason;<br />
Maurice Lee, Deckerville;<br />
Milton Thayer, Deckerville; Kennetb'<br />
Jenkins, Attica; and Max<br />
Gray, Lake.<br />
The board of directors elected<br />
Marshall Michaels president, Max<br />
DRESSED TURKEYS on the line<br />
packaging station and blast freezer.<br />
Gray vice-president, Roy Bortels<br />
treasurer, and B. P. Pattison<br />
secretary. The directors signed<br />
the agreement with Grant Hess<br />
of Hemlock to purchase his processing<br />
facilities and authorized<br />
1935 3,782<br />
1936 7,522<br />
1937 8,173<br />
1938 9,779<br />
1939 6,780<br />
1940 7,420<br />
1941 9,780<br />
1942 14,840<br />
1943 20,539<br />
1944 29,027<br />
1945 38,079<br />
1946 45,108<br />
1947 48.100<br />
1948 .............•.................... 34,382<br />
1949 .............•.................... 36,878<br />
1950 41,922<br />
1951 47,768<br />
1952 •................................. 53,356<br />
1953 .........••...•..•....•....•.••... 56,662<br />
The poultry processing plant<br />
facilities at Hemlock now cooperatively<br />
owned by the farmer producers<br />
are .,in positio to, ender<br />
a valuable marketing service. The<br />
facilities formerly owned by<br />
Grant Hess of St. Louis for his<br />
Michigolden duck operations are<br />
second to none in the state.<br />
We are now urging the broiler,<br />
fryer and farm flock producers to<br />
use the facilities of the cooperative<br />
for processing their fowl. It<br />
will be necessary that you call or<br />
contact the cooperative at Hemlock<br />
and make specific arrangements<br />
for service.<br />
Do not deliver any fowl to the<br />
Hemlock plant without previous<br />
agreement. The processing facilities<br />
are scheduled for the processing<br />
of ducks approximately<br />
two days per week. However, all<br />
additional time is now available<br />
for processing other fowl.<br />
Additional Finance and Membership.<br />
In the organization of<br />
the cooperative, time was the essence.<br />
Only sufficient financing<br />
was requested to install the large<br />
blast freezer.<br />
1954 ••..•.•••.•••••••••..••••••••••••••••••••. 62,981 Plans are now under way to<br />
provide working cap al that wiU<br />
permit the cooperative to purchase<br />
live products for processing.<br />
Producers of broilers, fryers,<br />
turkey growers, farm flock and<br />
hatchery owners will be contacted<br />
throughout the state.<br />
Membership is invited from all<br />
sources in Michigan interested in<br />
providing a better market for all<br />
poultry products.<br />
It is apparent that the next few<br />
months will be extremely difficult<br />
for the poultry industry from<br />
the marketing standpoint. Development<br />
of additional marketing<br />
channels are therefore a must<br />
with present production.<br />
Buyers of live poultry in the<br />
state are becoming less in number<br />
as the months go by. Pro.<br />
ducers who plan on staying in the<br />
business we believe should give<br />
serious thought toward developing<br />
a better market.<br />
Livestock producers have financed<br />
their own marketing facilities.<br />
We believe the poultry<br />
producers can be depended upon<br />
to do likewise when they fully<br />
appreciate the program and operations<br />
of the marketing<br />
cooperative<br />
at Hemlock.<br />
Benson Tells<br />
Why Controls<br />
Were Relaxed<br />
At the American Farm Bureau's<br />
36th annual meeting at New York<br />
Dec. 14-16, Secretary of Agriculture<br />
Ezra T. Benson predicted a<br />
good year ahead for agriculture<br />
and the nation as a whole. He explained<br />
how crop controls were<br />
relaxed for 1955. Mr. Benson<br />
said:<br />
"Last spring before Congress<br />
adopted the basis for a sound<br />
farm support program, there<br />
seemed to be a possibility that<br />
rigid, high price supports might<br />
continue for the 1955 crops. Rigid<br />
price supports must be accompanied<br />
by rigid controls.<br />
"Accordingly, we announced<br />
the intention to require cross<br />
compliance with a total acreage<br />
allotment as conditions necessary<br />
to 'pr.ice stLPort.. ... "', '<br />
"Had it been necessary to put<br />
them into effect, they would have<br />
been the strictest controls ever<br />
imposed on our fann people.<br />
"By September changed circumstances<br />
made it possible to<br />
eliminate the total acreage allotment<br />
requirement from the 1955<br />
program.<br />
"Congress had passed the Agr'I<br />
Act of 1954, moving toward price<br />
flexibility and greater freedom of<br />
operation.<br />
"Congress had also enacted the<br />
Trade Development Act which<br />
gave us new opportunity to move<br />
our accumulated surplus farm<br />
commodities into consumption<br />
abroad.<br />
"In add i t ion, a spreading<br />
drought which at. its peak embraced<br />
949 counties in 18 states<br />
not only reduced this year's crop<br />
yields, but also made it imperative<br />
that iarmers in the stricken<br />
areas be given every opportunity<br />
to make a recovery.<br />
··This combination of events<br />
enabled us to eliminate the total<br />
acreage controls.<br />
"Simultaneously with the relaxing<br />
of restrictions, I anno'~mced<br />
the 1955 level of price support<br />
for oats, barley, rye and grain<br />
sorghums at 70 per cent of parity.<br />
Price support for various of these<br />
grains has fluctuated between 35<br />
and 85 per cent of parity during<br />
the past 15 years.<br />
"Seventy per cent of parity<br />
will be approximately the same<br />
as the price support for corn in<br />
the non-commercial areas.<br />
"The great~r price flexibility<br />
permitted by this action will be<br />
of help to hard pressed dairymen<br />
and poultrymen who buy those<br />
feeds.<br />
"In 1954 producers of feed<br />
grain mcreased their production<br />
by 10-million acres.<br />
"It is clear that farmers desire<br />
. to hqld production of feed grains<br />
at a high level in 1955.It is necessary<br />
to set price supports at a<br />
level which while giving effective<br />
support, will also permit the<br />
great bulk of these feed crops to<br />
move into use,<br />
l'As we adjust our price supports<br />
realistically, it is possible<br />
to relax our controls. At 70 per,<br />
cent of parity for feed grains, the<br />
Commodity Credit Corporation<br />
will support the market rather<br />
than become the market.<br />
"For the year ahead, I believe<br />
the outlook is generally goodboth<br />
for agriculture and the Nation.<br />
Business activity is at the<br />
highest level in our history. This<br />
assures continuing strong demand<br />
for the products of our farms.<br />
Agricultural products are likely<br />
to be somewhat higher."<br />
•<br />
Farmer's Future<br />
Is Up to Him<br />
Dr. Kenneth Hood of the<br />
AFBF told an audience of over<br />
500 Shiawassee county farmers<br />
at Owosso high school October<br />
28, that "Where We Go From<br />
Here in Agriculture Depends on<br />
You."<br />
Dr. Hood challenged the farmer<br />
to work through his extension<br />
program and Farm Bureau organization<br />
for a self-help program.<br />
If good markets are provided<br />
through research and export, the<br />
price support will take care of<br />
itself.<br />
Everyone knows of the success<br />
of a man - but few know his<br />
struggles to win it.<br />
IT PAYS<br />
TO CONSULT<br />
A Professional<br />
Just as you depend on your veterinarian<br />
to protect the health of your<br />
animals, ya.J can depend on your State<br />
Mutual Agent to protect your property.<br />
Insurance is your State Mutual agent's<br />
profession. He can r e com men d the<br />
right insurance pro tee t ion for your<br />
form. and he's backed by a company<br />
with 47 years of experience and assets<br />
of over one and a qucrter million<br />
dollars.<br />
State Mutual "AII-in-One" Protection<br />
Plan is non-assessable. It provides protection<br />
against loss from explosion,<br />
riot, smoke damage, stock killed on<br />
highway or railroad track, and damage<br />
by vehicles .•. at no .](t,o cost.<br />
When fire strikes you wont prompt<br />
settlement in full. Contact your loco'<br />
State Mutual agent or write us direct.<br />
One day's delay can cost a lifetime of<br />
work.<br />
State~<br />
INSURANCE COMPA Y<br />
fLINT. MICHIGAN<br />
702 (hur
y utline .the<br />
gram of Work<br />
(Continued from Michigan Farm News For Dec. 1, 1954)<br />
We' are presenting in our December and January<br />
editions the full text of resolutions on State and Farm<br />
Bureau affairs, as adopted by the voting delegates at<br />
the 35th annual meeting of the-Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
at East Lansing, November 11 - 12, 1954.<br />
T ese resolu ions become Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
policy. In this edition we are completing the presenta ..<br />
tion of resolutions on State affairs, and are publishing<br />
the resolutions dealing with our Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
as an organization.<br />
Resolutions adopted by the MFB convention with \~<br />
respect to national and international matters became ~,<br />
d . h A . F B OFFICERS AND STAFF MEMBERS of the Michigan Junior Farm Bureauu for 1955 are<br />
recommen ations to tel ..men can arm ureau con.., shown in this picture. Front row, left to right: Shirley Estelle, Gaylord, secretary-treasurer:<br />
vention at New ){ork city December 14-16. Resolutions Paul Leipprandt, Pigeon, president: Lois Schmidt, Berrien Springs; historian. Standing, leU to<br />
opted there by delegates from all the states become right: Dick Root, East Lansing, field representative: Hilbert Schulye, Pigeon, camp chairman:<br />
Douglas Sanford, Allen, 2nd vice-president: Dick Arnold Plainwell. Ist vice-president: Nor-<br />
(Michigan Farm Bureau's policy on national and inter- wood Eastman, East Lansing, coordinator of organization, Michigan Farm Bureau.<br />
national issues. The text of the AFBF resolutions will<br />
a menace to human health. Fur- Farm Bureaus we have attained ing fire, chemical, biological and<br />
appear in the January or February edition of the Na- ther T,.B. is showing a slight a voice at the conference table germ warfare as it may be ap-<br />
, increase in Michigan. on matters of interest to the plied to humans, animals, crops,<br />
tions Agriculture. We will support adequate ap- farmers of our country. If we or through bombing or other<br />
fa e<br />
ffairs<br />
Soil Conservation and Soil Conservation<br />
Districts. Responsibility<br />
for land use and improvement<br />
thereof belongs to all citizens,<br />
urban as well as rural. The wellbeing<br />
of all is dependent on conserving<br />
our soil. The annual<br />
increase of population places a<br />
definite responsibility on agriculture<br />
and the nation to sateguard<br />
our needed future food<br />
production facilities. Intelligent<br />
use of land and conservation<br />
thereof by not only individual<br />
farmer-owners and farm renters,<br />
but by urban population as well,<br />
cannot be stressed too much ..<br />
The 72· Soil Conservation Districts<br />
now organized are efficiently<br />
governed and controlled<br />
by volunteer farmers and are<br />
effective units of soil-saving activity.<br />
We recommend use of<br />
our established government<br />
agencies in obtaining supervisory<br />
help to bring about real soil conservation.<br />
We also recommend that the<br />
Legislature increase the appropriation<br />
for the Soil Conservation<br />
districts by the amount of<br />
l' $250 per district, the same to be<br />
matched by local funds, which<br />
would provide a part-time assistant.<br />
Gypsy Moth, Dutch Elm Disease<br />
and Oak Wilt Control Programs.<br />
We support needed State<br />
appropriations for activities to<br />
eradicate Gypsy Moth, Dutch<br />
Elm Disease, and Oak Wilt.<br />
Commodity Promotion. We favor<br />
the promotion of agricultural<br />
commodities by commodity<br />
groups whereby a commodity<br />
group, as necessary, organizes itself<br />
so as to carry out a program<br />
of advertising, promotion<br />
and information which will as-<br />
, sist in the solving of commodity<br />
marketing problems without relying<br />
upon government assistance.<br />
Recognizing the 'Success<br />
with which the promotional efforts<br />
on some agricultural commodities<br />
have met, we further<br />
recommend that agricultural<br />
commodity groups re-evaluate<br />
their programs in the light of<br />
this experience and that the<br />
Michigan farmer take a realistic<br />
approach to this whole problem<br />
of advertising, promotion and information<br />
as a marketing' tool.<br />
MuU:iple-Fortified<br />
Milk. We re-<br />
Farm Bureau Members: Have<br />
you paid your membership dues<br />
for 1955? Remember your County<br />
Farm Bureau Secretary must<br />
have your dues by January 15,<br />
1955, to protect your Blue Cross<br />
service, your Community Farm<br />
Bureau Group roster status, and<br />
Farm Bureau membership qualificafion<br />
for Farm Bureau automobile,<br />
farm liability, nd fire<br />
msurance.<br />
new our 1953 position relative propriations to carry out control allow this voice to diminish in- forms of enemy attack, such 3S<br />
to multiple-fortified milk. We programs, including: stead of growing we can expect sabotage, which would disrupt<br />
commend the Legislature for 1. More frequent testing. We failure. necessary transportation facilipassing,<br />
during its 1954 session, would urge an annual test as Farm Bureau has progressed ties, power and other supply<br />
H. 210 limiting such fortification soon as practicable. with good strides in building necessary for the operation of the<br />
to the ingredients and the 2. Use of the so-called Bang's strength of membership and par- agricultural industry.<br />
amounts thereof recommended by "Ring Test" twice a year. ticipation of that membership in Public Relations. We realize the<br />
the Michigan Department of 3. Marketing of reactors di- the affairs of the organization.<br />
Health, the Michigan State Medi- rectly to slaughter houses, rather The American Farm Bureau Fed- importance of a public relations<br />
cal Spciety and leading nutri- than through regular sales mar- eration, which has reached a program to our organization and<br />
tionists at Michigan colleges and kets. hi f 1 1600000 recommend that County Farm<br />
members ip 0<br />
universities, namely 400 units of in 1954, has maintained<br />
near y<br />
a<br />
"<br />
strong<br />
Bureau Boards of Directors en-<br />
Vitamin D per quart, and that . Financial Responsibility of .\1 influence in high places because courage and stimulate the County<br />
addition, plus 2,000 units of Vita- Buyers of Livestock and Dairy li . .. ti t th Public Relations Committees to<br />
of po icies orrgma mg a e increase their efforts to bring a<br />
min A per quart, in fortified Products. We commend Mich igan grass-roots level. In Michigan our closer working relationshi in the<br />
skimmed milk. lawmakers for thir action in set- membership has reached 62,981. rural-urban areas.<br />
We deplore the executive veto ting up an Interim Committee to We can not expect a great dewhich<br />
prevented this constructive study means by which farmers crease of issues and challenges wwe suggedst Jtha~ FaFrmarmBuBreuaru<br />
I<br />
egis<br />
. I<br />
a<br />
ti<br />
Ion<br />
f<br />
rom<br />
b<br />
ecommg<br />
.<br />
a<br />
lb'<br />
aw. can e given some assurance<br />
fbI t omen an umor -<br />
0 We, therefore, must ever e a er eau continue their fine efforts in<br />
We note with satisfaction that the financial responsibility of and progressive. . public relations.<br />
the Michigan Department of of commercial buyers of dairy We look forward to reaching I<br />
Agriculture has recently revised products. our goal of 66,000 farm families Safety Program. We recomits·<br />
regulations defining fortified We favor action to require a in 1955 as Michigan's share of the mend that all departments of<br />
milk so as to eliminate the addi- bond or other evidence of finan- two-million member A.F.B.F. Michigan Farm Bureau and its<br />
tion of iodine and to reduce the cial responsibility as a prereq- goal. Attainment of this goal is subsidiary companies cooperate<br />
amounts of some of the other uisite to the obtaining of a necessary if farmers are to pro- in the promotion of safety educavitamins<br />
and minerals below the license to buy livestock and dairy tect their best interests and help tion on the farms, in the home<br />
requirements set forth in its for- products commercially. preserve the free enterprise sys- and on the highway in such ways<br />
mer regulations. tern in America. as to make that safety promotion<br />
Gallon Milk Container. We feel<br />
that every means should be used<br />
to increase the use of milk.<br />
Studies are now under way in<br />
Wisconsin and Minnesota WhICh<br />
should give information, not now<br />
available, on the effect of the<br />
gallon container on the quantity<br />
of milk used. We recommend<br />
that the use of this container<br />
in Michigan not be legalized at<br />
this time, and that a report be<br />
made to the 1955 Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau Resolutions Committee.<br />
Michigan. Farm<br />
Bureau Policy is<br />
Based on Resolutions<br />
•<br />
Discussed in 1,364 Community<br />
Farm Bureaus.<br />
•. Drafted by 63 COUlUyFarm.<br />
Bureau Resolutions Committees.<br />
Approved by members in<br />
•<br />
63 County Farm Bureau<br />
annual meetings.<br />
Digested by 16-member<br />
•<br />
State Resolutions Committee,<br />
composed of one<br />
member from each of the<br />
ten districts, plus three<br />
representatives of. the<br />
Farm Bureau Women and<br />
three members at large.<br />
Determined at State Annual<br />
Convention by voting<br />
•<br />
delegates from County<br />
Farm Bureaus-one delegate<br />
for each one hundred<br />
members.<br />
Farm Bureau's Voice is the<br />
Voice of the Member.<br />
•<br />
Cooperative Livestock Market- program most effective for our<br />
ing. We are encouraged at pro- Community Farm Bureaus. organization and the farm ople.<br />
gress which has been made in Michigan is one of the earliest<br />
Michigan Cooperative Livestock states to adopt a Community Farm Blue Cross-BI Shield. The<br />
Marketing. We realize that there Bureau program. Its value has re- e nd abuse of Blue Cross-Blue<br />
are areas that are not adequately ceived wide recognition from Shield service is reflected in the<br />
served, particularly in the north- neighboring states. Each member premium rates thereof and as<br />
ern part of the state. We ask should be well educated on the' they have been increasing in the<br />
the continued cooperation of the basic theory that his participation past and may rise still further in<br />
Michigan Livestock Exchange in in the affairs of the organization the future, we recommend that<br />
providing such needed services. is welcomed and needed. the Michigan Farm Bureau,<br />
Labeling Poultry. We recommend<br />
that all dressed poultry<br />
sold be labeled to classify it as<br />
to whether it is a broiler, fryer,<br />
roaster or stewing fowl.<br />
Rem 0 val and Disposal of<br />
Abandoned Orchards and Vineyards.<br />
Inasmuch as there are<br />
many diseased and abandoned<br />
orchards and vineyards, we recommend<br />
that the program of<br />
condemning diseased and abandoned<br />
orchards and vineyards<br />
for removal and disposal be expedited,<br />
and that the cost of<br />
this removal and disposal be<br />
paid by the owner<br />
and vineyard.<br />
of said orchard<br />
Revision of Apple Act. We support<br />
the action of Michigan<br />
apple growers in their efforts to<br />
revise the Baldwin Apple Act<br />
under which the promotional activities<br />
of the Michigan Apple<br />
Industry function. In the light<br />
of current economic conditions,<br />
this act needs to have certain<br />
basic changes. Principal changes<br />
needed are: Redistricting of the<br />
state in line with changing apple<br />
production and staggering of the<br />
terms of members of the Commission<br />
in order that all terms<br />
do not expire at t~e same time.<br />
Promotio of Use of Dairy Pro- Bean Promotional Program. We<br />
ducts. We endorse the promotion- ask that the board of directors<br />
al work of the American Dairy of the Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
Association and encourage every make a study looking forward<br />
dairy farmer to support this self- to the introduction of a bill in<br />
help program through the year- a future session of the Michigan<br />
around monthly set-aside of two Legislature declaring it to be the<br />
cents per hundred pounds of milk public policy of the State of<br />
or lh cent per pound of butter- Michigan to promote the confat.<br />
sumption and sale of dry edible<br />
We recommend that milk be beans grown in Michigan: (1) by<br />
served at farm meetings and ban- providing for research and pubquets<br />
and that Farm Bureau Iicity, advertising, and an inmembers<br />
encourage improve- formational and sales program to<br />
ments in milk merchandising. increase consumption and im-<br />
We believe in production for prove efficiency of production;<br />
use, not for Government storage (2) by levying an assessment on<br />
and will encourage use of milk dry edible beans and providing<br />
and dairy surpluses for school for its collection; (3) by creating<br />
lunches and domestic and for- a bean commission and vesting<br />
eign-aid programs that will not in it the administration of the<br />
interfere with normal marketing. act and providing for the powers,<br />
Minimum Butterfat Content of d~ti:s and authority of said com-<br />
Milk. The present state legal min-' mISSIOn.<br />
imum for butterfat in milk sold 0 . F B<br />
to consumers in Michigan is 3%. ur. arm ureau<br />
It is estimated, however, that 90% Membership. The same chalof<br />
the milk sold in Michigan lege, "Who shall speak for farmcontains<br />
3.5% or more. In order ers?", is still before agriculture.<br />
to insure consumers a higher Groups, other than farmers, have<br />
quality product, we urge that the many plans for. agriculture.<br />
legal state minimum b~ set at Farmers are and WIll undoubte<br />
3.5% butterfat in all milk sold. ly remain a minority group in<br />
America. Individuals in any<br />
Bang's Disease and T. B. in group can never expect to cope<br />
Cattle. Bang's disease and T. B. with this world of bigness.<br />
in cattle are costly to farmers and Through our state and national<br />
To fulfill these objectives we working in cooperation with<br />
need to encourage more activity Blue C r 0 s s representatives,<br />
in our community groups by: evolve a policy based on the del.<br />
Organizing more groups to ductible idea.<br />
service more members. We feel that adoption of this<br />
2. Plan to issue special invita- type of plan will reduce misuse<br />
tions to non-attending members. of the service and keep rates<br />
3. Encourage and aid a depend- down to a minimum.<br />
able Community Farm Bureau<br />
Committee in every county.<br />
American Farm Bureau Women.<br />
The Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
Women are concerned that the<br />
designation, "Associated Women<br />
of the American Farm Bureau<br />
Federation," implies that they<br />
are a separate organization or<br />
auxiliary. They wish to be an integral<br />
part of the Farm Bureau.<br />
Therefore we urge the American<br />
Farm Bureau to make such structural<br />
changes as are necessary to<br />
provide that the women's affiliation<br />
would be "American F rm<br />
Bureau Women" rather than "Associated<br />
Women."<br />
,Junior Farm Bureau. We realize<br />
that a strong Farm Bureau<br />
must constantly be developing<br />
new leaders. To do this, many<br />
counties have a Junior Farm<br />
Bureau dedicated to leadership<br />
training. These Junior groups<br />
have contributed many presentday<br />
leaders to their County Farm<br />
Bureaus.<br />
In view of the above, we<br />
recommend that every county develop<br />
a Junior Farm Bureau as a<br />
part of its county program.<br />
Citizenship. We dedicate our<br />
Farm Bureau to encouragement<br />
of good citizenship and recognition<br />
of our American heritage.<br />
We urge County and Community<br />
Farm Bureaus to use the<br />
Pledge of Allegiance at meetings<br />
and to properly display our flag.<br />
Good citizens are informed<br />
voters. Farm Bureau members<br />
should participate in all elections<br />
and in the affairs of the political<br />
parties of their choosing.<br />
As Michigan becomes continually<br />
more industrialized, rural<br />
people need to use every opportunity<br />
to express themselves.<br />
Membership Understanding of<br />
Agricultural Programs. We recommend<br />
that the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau Board of Directors make<br />
a study 00: all agricultural programs<br />
and agencies of U.S.D.A.<br />
and institute an educational program<br />
in the County Farm Bureaus<br />
to assist the membership in<br />
co erating to carry out such<br />
programs.<br />
Proposed Amendment To By-<br />
Laws: We recommend that the<br />
By-Laws of the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau be amended to read as<br />
follows:<br />
Article IV -Section 3. Class II.<br />
Full-time employees and persons<br />
wh were full-time employees of<br />
this association or of its sub sid i-<br />
ries or affiliated companies, or<br />
cf County Farm Bureaus at the<br />
time of their retirement, may become<br />
Associate members by making<br />
application, and if accepted<br />
by the Board of Directors upon<br />
execution of the membership<br />
agreement, will be entitled to<br />
the rights of membership, excepting<br />
the right to vote.<br />
Commendation of MFB Staff.<br />
We, the delegates to the Michigan<br />
Farm Bureau annual meeting,<br />
desire to take this opportunity<br />
to express to the management.<br />
and staff of the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau our commendation for<br />
the capable and efficient organization<br />
now performing the work<br />
which has made our ICommunity<br />
Farm Bureaus, legislative and<br />
other activities what other state<br />
Farm Bureaus consider to be<br />
models. They come here to study<br />
our work.<br />
Teamwork being the theme of<br />
this convention, we face the future<br />
with the satisfaction that our<br />
state staff will help us in the<br />
solution of our problems.<br />
Further, we desire to commend<br />
the entire staff of our Public Affairs<br />
Division for its vigorous action<br />
in bringing our views to the<br />
attention of Congress, our Legislature,<br />
and to national and state<br />
officials.<br />
Reaffirmation. We reaffirm the<br />
resolutions adopted at previous<br />
annual meetings that are now in<br />
force, except insofar as they are<br />
modified or supplemented by the<br />
1esolutions adopted at this annual<br />
Our Part In Civil Defense. We<br />
recommend that the Board of Directors<br />
of the Michigan Farm<br />
Bureau establish a Committee on<br />
Civil Defense, the purpose of<br />
which will be to work with the<br />
duly constituted civil defense<br />
authorities of the state and of<br />
local government and with other<br />
departments of government concerned<br />
with civil defense so as to<br />
assure the maximum protection<br />
of the Farm Bureau membership<br />
and other farmers against all<br />
forms of enemy attack, includmeeting.<br />
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE<br />
District<br />
5-Geo. Fogle, Chairman, Iason<br />
I-Lee. Bakem n, Dowagiac<br />
2-Mrs. uth Day, Clark Lake<br />
3-Wayne Sober, Webberville<br />
4-Hilb't H lleman, Byron Cent r<br />
6-Frank Merriman, Deckerville<br />
7-Carl And r on, Brunswick<br />
8-Herb rt Schmidt, Day City<br />
9-WilJard Wil n, Trav rse Cit<br />
10-Arthur Iclntyre, Harrisville<br />
MFB Women<br />
Mrs. Martin Stockmeyer, Reese<br />
Mrs. Alex Kennedy, P sen<br />
Mrs. Leon Dunning, Delton<br />
At large<br />
James P. Mielock, Whittemore<br />
Gleason E. Halliwi , Gladwin<br />
Alb't Shellenbarger, Lake Odessa<br />
F~ m<br />
AT AFBF CONVE TION<br />
Michigan's delegation was "at<br />
home" in the McAlpin Hotel.<br />
Convention h adquarters were at<br />
t·<br />
Mrs. Haven Smith of Chappell,<br />
Nebraska, was elected president<br />
of the American Farm Bureau<br />
Women's Committee at the 20th<br />
annual meeting of this group at<br />
the American Farm Bureau convention<br />
in New York, Dec. 14-1~.<br />
Mrs. Smith succeeds Mrs. Charles<br />
. DeShazo of Virginia. Mrs.<br />
Smith had been vice-president.<br />
Mrs. Ernest Nedeau of Meredith,<br />
New Hampshire, was elected<br />
vice-president.<br />
The American Farm Bureau<br />
convention voted to change the<br />
status of the women's organization<br />
from an affiliated organization<br />
to a committee of the AFBF.<br />
Formerly called the Associated<br />
Women of the American Farm<br />
Bureau, the group will be known<br />
hereafter as the American Farm<br />
Bureau Women's Committee.<br />
The Michigan Farm Bureau<br />
Women at their annual meeting in<br />
November joined with Farm Bureau<br />
women in other states in<br />
recommending the change of<br />
name. The title Associated Women<br />
implied that the women's activities<br />
were carried on as a separate<br />
organization within the<br />
Farm Bureau. The title Women's<br />
Su~<br />
the New Yorker. "The New<br />
Yorker? Just 2 blocks west," the<br />
man said! Have you seen these<br />
Manhattan blocks? Each one is<br />
3 blocks long!<br />
Beltsville turkeys, the small<br />
white breed of birds, get plump<br />
and meaty while they are still<br />
young. These birds are practically<br />
free from pinfeathers, too.<br />
fORPOULTR<br />
Yo 're Protected, But . •<br />
If your Insurance was bought<br />
five years azo - or even two or<br />
three years ago - there ts a good<br />
chance it's now out-of-date.<br />
Keeping your insurance adjust ..<br />
ed to your needs at all times is<br />
as important as keeping your machinery<br />
in working order and your<br />
buildings in good repair.<br />
o<br />
ta<br />
ce •••<br />
What is your property worth :lodayyour<br />
land, your buildings, your equipment,<br />
your livestock? Does your insurance<br />
cover it adequately?<br />
f<br />
Fir<br />
I ura ce<br />
urance<br />
T e FIP Pro<br />
F au u<br />
07 • r d v •<br />
D<br />
, 0 y ars go my hu band nd<br />
had a terrible automobil accid nt<br />
in Pennsylvania," says Mrs. Benn tt.<br />
"1 went to th hospital ith t 0<br />
broken legs and a fractur d hip.<br />
Lucky for us we had the Blu ro<br />
Comprehensive ontra t and Blue<br />
Shield. My Blue Cror S ompr h n-<br />
sive Contract cov r d my whol hospital<br />
bill for 120 days-and, a y ar<br />
later, paid another big bill for 103<br />
days r salting from th sam accident!<br />
Blue Shield paid a big part of<br />
my doctor bill, too. Ju t that on a~cident<br />
would hav cost us 3,700 if<br />
wehadn'thadtheBlue .ro s omprhensive<br />
Contract and Blue Shield!"<br />
With lIn 3 families f clng ho pital<br />
bills within a year, can you afford to<br />
be without prot ction like this? Over<br />
8 million Michi~an peopl have Blue<br />
Cross - Blue Shield. Probably 80m<br />
of your close friends have it. k<br />
them if they don't agr e: there' no<br />
f!ner protection against hospital and<br />
doctor bills at any price!<br />
It's easy to find out how you can<br />
enjoy low-cost Blue ross - Blue<br />
Shield group enrollment. company<br />
ith as few as 5 employe<br />
aualify 88 • group."'·<br />
m y<br />
-<br />
Contact your ne r 51 Blu<br />
Cross-Blu Shi ld offic , County<br />
Farm Bureau S cret ry, 0<br />
Grange.<br />
Are you Planning to help your sons<br />
get started in farming? nd what<br />
about your daughters' share? Is your<br />
insurance program pI nned so fh t it<br />
will help them?<br />
What about inheritance taxes? H s<br />
your property increased in v lu 0<br />
that inheritance assessm nts w'll<br />
higher? Will your insuranc t k e r<br />
of thes costs?<br />
Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance<br />
Representative bou your<br />
entire insurance program. Th r t<br />
no obligation, and h ha b n<br />
trained to help you k ep your In..<br />
surance up-to-date.
a<br />
an a y<br />
d M t<br />
· I for Program in January by<br />
oun a ena B n.:__. G<br />
C<br />
it F.•nn ureau IJUH,;U<br />
ommum<br />
510n roup<br />
y p<br />
o}fALJ) D. KINSEY<br />
DE.JI••catioD and Research for MFB<br />
Coordinator of p"<br />
rnt operators are now included<br />
ongress acte. d F8<br />
und<br />
er t<br />
h<br />
e<br />
S<br />
ocia<br />
'I S<br />
ecuri<br />
'ty law. Many<br />
.<br />
farmers do not seem<br />
to r I' h this program IS compulsory-that<br />
ea ize as yet t at<br />
they h They cannot choose to stay out<br />
must pay t e tax,<br />
of the program.<br />
B d I tes over the year had taken a pom<br />
ureau e ega ,<br />
siti . hi I ~&r as a compulsory affair, At the<br />
on opposing t IS a~<br />
d<br />
1954 I ' after the law had been passe -<br />
annua meetmg-r" . hei , . h<br />
they I· 'tive in stating t elf position on t e<br />
were no ess POSI f 11 '<br />
matter. On November 12 they passed the 0 owing<br />
resolution without a dissenting vote:<br />
Incentive for capable older<br />
"C and other persons is cut off. If the older<br />
ompu<br />
1<br />
sory<br />
S'<br />
oCla<br />
1 Security for farmers<br />
. .<br />
person works and earns more<br />
self<br />
-empIoye<br />
d<br />
groups<br />
.s the road to socialism,<br />
J<br />
than a meagre wage, in spite of<br />
the fact that he has paid his<br />
"N If I d person should be forced to pay ino<br />
se -ernp oye , k hi share over the years, his government<br />
benefits are cut off. He<br />
to a Federal fund which promi$es either to rna e I~ a<br />
takes care, therefore, to be rather<br />
ward f h G ent in his old age, or from which<br />
o t e overnm<br />
unproductive of income to protect<br />
his government allowance.<br />
he will never derive benefit.<br />
When he gets close to the allowed<br />
"If f h have been the bulwark of our<br />
$1200 of earnings, he waloff<br />
arrners, w 0 S '1 S ' the job. Yet his allowable income<br />
den- f 1 into compulsory ocia ecunty, is miserably small. He' can earn<br />
••iocracy, are orceo d.'<br />
$1200 a year plus a small monthly<br />
allowance. Let's assume that<br />
th n every other se1f..eJIlploye group will soon be<br />
it averages $78.50a month in government<br />
checks. His total allow-<br />
brOught under the prograJIl.<br />
"W able annual income would then<br />
e recommen<br />
d that the American Farm Bureau<br />
be around $2100 a year, if he<br />
work<br />
aggressive<br />
. 1<br />
y<br />
t reJIlove the compulsory features works up to the maximum allowed<br />
limit. At today's prices and<br />
0 tt<br />
of S ocia 'I S<br />
ecunty<br />
'<br />
In<br />
,<br />
re<br />
~gard to self-employed people.<br />
rents he might not stay too fat<br />
"h • b t'to1te resolution submitted from the on it.<br />
.(rus was a su s I v • ,<br />
flOor. Th d I t rejected a more mildly-stated pOSIe<br />
e ega es b' ,<br />
tion •• In ' passIng . thiISon e'<br />
They wanted to e very positive<br />
in their stand,<br />
lhe Social Security bill was pushed through Congress<br />
at th e<br />
Itt<br />
as momen<br />
b.fore adjournment. It was some-<br />
v ••<br />
hih g f . ove The House bill had Included<br />
&1 0 a surprise m '<br />
far'- ·.1 opera tors, but the Senate bill had held some reser-<br />
V'atio ns about it. TIle Senate originally reported out<br />
the bill without cov rage for farmers, The bill was<br />
lat r h d' ference to include farmers. But<br />
c ange In con<br />
Senators did I succ•.zed in raising the amount that a<br />
Per 0n cou Id earn b fore losing his retirement benefits,<br />
e<br />
Thl' was Increase .. d to $1200. Farm incomes are not<br />
lik••<br />
'"<br />
aft<br />
ac ory payc'<br />
heck and some<br />
.,<br />
brow wrinkling may<br />
be done to figure out where the line exists,<br />
F .. luded. farmer). But any employee who<br />
Ilrm operators are 1J1c h's is paid $100 or more during the<br />
but a farm owner who re~ts ~ year is now to be reported annu-<br />
~~ln. for cash or on shares 1S n~~ ally-not quarterly. Here is the<br />
h ere may be borderlin c~sn newly-published schedule of ben-<br />
A er that will create confUSIOy' efits:<br />
Person will not have 10 pat'<br />
however unless he is eligible 0 A. RETIREMENT BENEFITS<br />
d' per Avg. Monthly Retired<br />
raW payments when his pro Earnings Retired Worker<br />
dat arrives. of After 1950 Worker And Wife<br />
The farmer pays at the rate $ 60 ., 30.00 , 45.00<br />
301 e 100.00 55.00 82.50<br />
10 on his net farm incom - 150.00 68.50 102.80<br />
grh~ income minus all eJCpenset~I' 200.00 78.50 117.80<br />
T un 1 250.00 88.50 132.80<br />
I 3% is to be in effect . to 300.00 98.50 147.80<br />
1970. Then a raise is figur d In 350.00 108.50 162,80<br />
the Percentage. The cost of the B. SURVIVORS BENEFITS<br />
pro ram is expected to increase. Avg. Monthly<br />
Th net income figure can be After 1950 or Widower 1 Child<br />
used that is found on the inCome $ 50.00<br />
$ 30.00 $ 46.00<br />
41.30 82.50<br />
tax form 1040F that the {armer i~g:gg 51.40 102.80<br />
fills out each year. 200,00 58.90 117.80<br />
250.00 66.40 132.80<br />
73.90<br />
F I'm operators who bave a ~~g:g8<br />
147.80<br />
81.40 162.80<br />
gro income of $1800or leSSper Avg. Monthly<br />
rea , may divide this gross f~gUl'ee Earnings Widow, 2<br />
In alf and pay on that flgur After 1950 Children<br />
~ath r than on actual net iJlCOm<br />
6<br />
$ 50.00 $ 50.00<br />
If th y choose. If you had $1~0 ig~:~~ l~g:~g<br />
sro income and half of it flg- 200.00 157.00<br />
ures out as less than the ct~al ~gg:gg g~:gg<br />
Widow, 3<br />
Children<br />
$ 50.00<br />
82.50<br />
120.00<br />
160.00<br />
200.00<br />
200.00<br />
200.00<br />
net inc me found by sUbtrllCtI~1 350.00 200.00<br />
exp nses, you can pay the SOc!a T<br />
Secu ity tax on the small r flg- he farmer under 65 years of<br />
ure.<br />
age, who dies and leaves a widow<br />
T be eligible at all, a !rmer and children under 18 years, will<br />
has to have a gross income from leave them incomes as noted in<br />
f . he the second schedule (B) abovearmIng<br />
of at least $800-th en d if he has participated in the procoul<br />
say that $400 was net, an.<br />
pay n that amount. $400net is gram for 6 quarters or 1% years<br />
th<br />
e tninimum allowable inCOrne after January 1, 1955. This in-<br />
in th program. On the $400the come remains while there are<br />
farm r would pay $12 a year. children under 18 years. She<br />
~e ight not owe any F deral would receive her widow's beneinco<br />
tax, but still have to pay fits alone after she reaches the<br />
on cial Security, age of 65 years.<br />
Th maximum amount on<br />
hi~ a farmer would pa)' is a<br />
net Income of $4,200.This ,'ould<br />
c? t him up to $126 a year S Social<br />
cur it tax.<br />
hange was made in th law<br />
al 0 lating to coverage for farm<br />
hand , The rate remains the arne<br />
-at 1 ast until 1970 (2 0 from<br />
t~e rm hand on wages p id to<br />
him, 2% from the empl ymg<br />
---- :::-<br />
Farmers will need to study this<br />
program to know exactly where<br />
they stand. Michigan State College<br />
Bulletin No. F189 "Social<br />
Security for Farm Families" has<br />
been sent to your discussion leader.<br />
Each of you may obtain one<br />
for yourself by applying to your<br />
County Agricultural Agent. It<br />
contains much of the basic information<br />
that you will need for<br />
ion Topics<br />
ho Jl by your Slat Discussion Topic<br />
'I f Cthe r sulls of the questioDDair. 1'.-<br />
I e rom<br />
y th Comus\lniiYFarm Bureaus.<br />
rmers and the Social Security Prorm<br />
Farm Commercial License<br />
Detroit butcher says,<br />
"My family would be<br />
bard-pressed if WI<br />
didn't bave<br />
Blue Cross-Blue Shield!"<br />
NIt'. when you fUNI4 Blu. Cro--<br />
Blu. Shieldthat you find out what<br />
wonderfulprotection it really ii,"<br />
laft Mr. DIGaetano."Weneededit<br />
thia 1UJl1meI'. My wifewu tat. to<br />
the hospital unexpectedly• • • Ibe<br />
wu there for88 daya.It COlt almoat<br />
'2,200 just for the hOlpital part,<br />
and our Blue CrOSlComprehtDalve<br />
Contract eovered every bit of it.<br />
BlueShieldpaid $277 to our doctor.<br />
My family would be hard-pressed<br />
If It weren't for Blu. Cr08l-<br />
BlueShield."<br />
Will ~our fl.lllJb' be the .,., I"<br />
U&ru that will have • hoapltal bill<br />
withina year? If 10, howwouldyou<br />
pay it? Wouldn'tyou be • lot better<br />
011with the kind of protectionthat<br />
laved over $2,4'60for Mr. DiGaetano'.<br />
family?That kind fathe Blue<br />
CrossComprehensiveContract and<br />
BlueShieldl<br />
It's easy.to ftnd out howyou can<br />
enjoyBlueCross- BlueShieldifOUP<br />
protection for hospital and doctor<br />
bills. A company with u few u 6<br />
IDWl0yeeamaY cwalifY U • IlQUI).<br />
Contact your nearest Blue<br />
Cross - Blue Shield office,<br />
County Farm Bureau Secretary,<br />
or Grange.<br />
stand that he can get aid in his<br />
study of his Social Security Program<br />
by getting Extension Bulle-<br />
Farm Bureau Members: Have<br />
you paid your membership dues Elden Smith<br />
for 1955? Remember your County Coordi~ator of Farm Supply Rellllions<br />
Farm Bureau Secretary must<br />
have your dues by .January 15.<br />
B. P. Pattison<br />
1955, to protect your Blue Cross Coordinator of Commodity Relations<br />
service, your Community Farm<br />
Bureau Group roster status, and<br />
Farm Bureau membership qualification<br />
for Farm Bureau automobile.<br />
farm liability. 1lD4 fire<br />
wuzuce ••••••__ •• iIIiI••• ~~<br />
c<br />
until 1946. For the next two<br />
years he was agricultural official<br />
Use the present to plan your<br />
future or you won't have one.<br />
g a.-.. ..<br />
·._----~--------~~---_._-----------;------------:------------=-:-;-----~----<br />
your study. It was written for Then there are some folks 'who tin No. F189?<br />
of the U. S. military government<br />
you.<br />
have paid for it over the years,<br />
in Germany. He was recom-<br />
Mexican Students<br />
but who have a bit of pride in<br />
2. What p of the Social Security<br />
Program do you find it<br />
vices by Dr. George Scareth of<br />
Joh e.... on mended to Farm Bureau Ser-<br />
Visit In Kalamazoo<br />
Those who hope for great benefits,<br />
from Social Security should<br />
themselves even in their old age.<br />
Suppose one works and earns<br />
hardest to understand?<br />
Through the Kalamazoo County<br />
Farm Bureau Women's Com-<br />
the American Farm Research<br />
not set their hopes too high.<br />
for himself $1500 without help<br />
Farm Bureau folks over the years<br />
3. Do the members know that ctg. gr. 0f Ass'n. •<br />
mittee nine young women and<br />
from the government. He has had<br />
have raised some pointed objections<br />
to the program that would<br />
they can get an application for a<br />
two young men students from<br />
some ambition. The government Special Security number by applying<br />
at their post office?<br />
d · The Farm Bure u Oreed Mexico City were entertained for<br />
bear some thought.<br />
took his Social Security payments,<br />
Plan 00 V. ·'1 have united with these a day at the farms of these members:<br />
the Lawrence Rhoda'S,<br />
Delegates' objections point out but he is penalized for being too<br />
•<br />
friends and Deighbors to enjoy a<br />
that this is a socialization or nationalization<br />
of the insurance busithly<br />
government check.<br />
ed acting manager of the Farm<br />
ambitious. He gets a reduced mon-<br />
, John Sexon has been appoint-<br />
17 a AFBF eet<br />
social hour, to study our common Schoolcraft; Harland Bennett's,<br />
problems, to support through the Fulton; Muir Osborn's and Arch<br />
ness. The government comes into<br />
From Ich gan Bureau Services, Inc., Plant Food<br />
'Farm Bureau folks have protested<br />
against a program that Michigan Farm Bureau was<br />
fort which is essential to the wel-<br />
Farm Bureau lhe organized ef-<br />
Thompson's, Scott; Fred Henson's,<br />
Richland; Fred Gesch- /<br />
Manufacturing 'Division while<br />
unfair competition with the annuity<br />
programs of private insurance<br />
companies.<br />
worthy incentive and ambition to Farm Bureau convention in New<br />
takes from the individual his well represented at the American<br />
Adolph E. Ecklund, manager, is<br />
fare and prosperity of agriculture<br />
wendt's, Walter VanAntwerp's,<br />
on leave of absence due to illness.<br />
The appointment was made<br />
to the end tb t such cooperation<br />
and Carl Bacon's of Kalamazoo.<br />
While the subscriber decides do, With a private insurance York City Dec. 12-16 when 174<br />
may provide a comfortable living<br />
for my family, education for<br />
The students are in Kalamazoo<br />
whether or not he will insure program for which he has paid members made the trip. Michigan<br />
was one of 16 states to be<br />
by J. F. Yaeger, executive secretary<br />
of FBS.<br />
folks were invited to visit them<br />
for a month. The Farm Bureau<br />
with the private company, the over the years, he can work as<br />
my children, and independence<br />
in Mexico City.<br />
government, n the other hand, much as he pleases and find life<br />
honored for having exceeded its<br />
Mr. Sexon has been superintendent<br />
of the FBS plant food<br />
•<br />
for myoid age:'<br />
gives him no choice. He must insure.<br />
with his payments being lost.<br />
interesting-it has nothing to do<br />
1954 quota of the AFBF goal of<br />
2,000,000members.<br />
manufacturing plant at Saginaw.<br />
• Correct It<br />
He came to the plant in 1948 as<br />
By this measure, the government<br />
has taken over potential would rather die with their boots Irrigation<br />
When you are packing sweat-<br />
for more than their share of<br />
And there are those folks who<br />
•<br />
Travel<br />
Farm drivers are responsible<br />
a foreman and later was promoted<br />
to ass't superintendent,<br />
customers that the private companies<br />
might otherwise gain. daily uselessness.<br />
ly as many uses as a farm trac-<br />
on than to recline in a world of An irrigation system has nearers<br />
for travel, fold in the sleeves auto and truck accidents, point<br />
and superintendent.<br />
and roll the sweaters to prevent out safety specialists.<br />
He is a graduate of Purdue ridges. They take less space this<br />
Private companies cannot use<br />
QUESTIONS<br />
university, the school of agronomy,<br />
in 1942. He served in the ists at Michigan State College. To get the best concrete, Keep<br />
•<br />
way, too, advise clothing special-<br />
Best Concreta<br />
force in getting subscribers. I. Does every member under-<br />
armed forces from graduation<br />
•<br />
it damp for five to seven days<br />
tor, claim Michigan State College<br />
agricultural engineers.<br />
•<br />
Courtesy is a coin that will<br />
pass at par in any nation.<br />
after you pour it, advice MSC<br />
agricultural engineers.<br />
Thirty-five years ago Farm -Bureau leaders and agricultural agents met at<br />
what w then Mich-gan Agricultural College and organized Michigan Farm Bur-<br />
, I<br />
eau.<br />
They<br />
Iy spea<br />
asatte<br />
VICES."<br />
had two primary objectives:<br />
First, an organization that. might effectiveor<br />
farmers in the State Legislature a at. the atlon's Capitol, as well<br />
community and county level. Second, the organization of several "SO-<br />
Today we can point ·to considefable progress .In this respect. Most of It with-<br />
In the I t six years. Today we t~lk of the "FARM- BUREAU PACKAGE."<br />
In this is included legislative activities, 'women's activities, youth<br />
commu My groups, Blue Cross services, various Insurance services,<br />
services, and general farm supplies services.<br />
We look ahead with optimism and<br />
Whenever Farm Bureau members and<br />
Is testtf eCi to by their willingness to<br />
,<br />
programs,<br />
petroleum<br />
determination to further expand' services<br />
~ooperators request It, and proof of this<br />
finance and use the facilities.<br />
The uture Is In our hands make It.<br />
th'e ew<br />
of your<br />
J~F. YAEGER<br />
for<br />
ppiness for all and a 'full-<br />
• • your world.<br />
c. L. BRODY<br />
E ecutive Secretary & Treasurer Executive Vice President<br />
MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC•. FARMERS PETROLEUM COOPERA-<br />
TIVE, INC.<br />
Norwood Eastman<br />
Keith A. Tanner<br />
Manager Member Service Division Manager of Operations<br />
S. M. Powell<br />
Legislative Counsel<br />
E. E. Ungren<br />
Coordinator of Information<br />
W. S. Hawley<br />
Coordinator of Community Farm Bureau<br />
Promotion<br />
Norwood Eastman<br />
Coordinator of Organization De~rtment<br />
& .Junior Farm ~ureau<br />
D. D.-Kinsey<br />
Coordinator of Education & Research<br />
Mrs. Marjorie Karker<br />
Coordinator of Farm Bureau Women'.<br />
Activities<br />
Mrs. Marjorie Gardner<br />
Coordinator of Records It County Office<br />
Services<br />
Boyd A. Rainey<br />
Administrative Ass't to th<br />
Executive Secretary<br />
Miss Gladys Stevens<br />
Assistant Secretary<br />
G. F. Griswold<br />
Assistant Treasurer<br />
Leon S. Monroe<br />
Comptroller<br />
Edwin F. Steffen<br />
General Counsel<br />
Maynard Brownlee<br />
Manager of Farm Supply Division<br />
Archie Moore<br />
Manager of Farm Equipment ·Division<br />
W. Viclor Bielinski<br />
Manager Internal Service Division<br />
John Sexon<br />
Acling Manager Fertilizer<br />
Division<br />
Manufacturing<br />
Earl Huntley<br />
Manager<br />
Jack McKendry<br />
Sales Department<br />
Robert Bruegger<br />
Traffic & Order Dep't<br />
Claude Rasey<br />
Business Service Dep't<br />
Arlo Wasson<br />
Field Promotion Dep·t<br />
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE<br />
COMPANIES<br />
Farm Bureau ,Mutual Insurance Co.<br />
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.<br />
Nile L. Vermillion<br />
Ass't Sec'y-Treas and Manager<br />
R. P. Zemke<br />
Ass't Mgr. for Casualty<br />
William C. Conley<br />
Ass't Manager for Life<br />
James Rathbun<br />
Ass'! Manager for Fire<br />
Robert Wiseman<br />
Controller<br />
Robert Tobias<br />
Administrative<br />
.John Leary<br />
Casualty Underwriter<br />
.Jack Harris<br />
Life Underwriter<br />
Coordinator<br />
.Jack Carpenter<br />
Sup't Policyholder Service<br />
Joseph Richard<br />
Sup·! of Claims<br />
Max Crosier<br />
Tabulating SuperintendeD!<br />
Inn Allison. Francis Bust, GleDDWallen<br />
Agency Supervisor.