Climate change, wildlife management and animal care are just a few of the more than 100 issues farmers will chew on when they gather to adopt organizational policies at the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 89th Annual Meeting. For more information, contact Sarah Black, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2040. click here for the full story

Menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings will cost just a bit more this year, but remain affordable, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). For more information, contact Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023. click here for the full story

Submit your annual meeting media requests!

Make advance plans to keep tabs on local farmers at Michigan Farm Bureau's (MFB) 89th Annual Meeting, Dec. 2-5 in Grand Rapids, by submitting an Annual Meeting Media Request form by Nov. 20. The form is available online at www.michfb.com/press/mediarequest.php or by calling Jill Corrin at (800) 292-2680, ext. 6585. For more information or media assistance during the meeting, visit www.michfb.com/annual.

Farmers will chew on policy issues at upcoming MFB annual meeting
Climate change, wildlife management, animal care are on docket for discussion

Contact: Sarah Black, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2040

LANSING, Nov. 13, 2008 - Climate change, wildlife management and animal care are just a few of the more than 100 issues farmers will chew on when they gather to adopt organizational policies at the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 89th Annual Meeting.

The meeting takes place Dec. 2-5 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. It will involve hundreds of farmers from Michigan's 67 county Farm Bureaus who will serve as voting delegates charged with adopting organizational policies on state and national issues.

Resolutions adopted at the meeting dealing with state issues will direct MFB action in 2009. Adopted resolutions dealing with national issues will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for consideration at the AFBF 90th Convention and Annual Meeting, Jan. 11-14 in San Antonio, Texas.

The proposed resolutions will be presented to the delegation by a 20-member MFB Policy Development Committee, which consolidated 820 resolutions adopted by county Farm Bureaus to 145 resolutions for delegates to consider at the annual meeting. (A list of committee members follows.)

Some resolutions propose new organizational policy, but most amend or reaffirm existing policy. Highlighted below are some of the policy matters that delegates will consider. These are PROPOSED policies and do NOT become official policy of MFB or AFBF until adopted by delegates at the respective Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Climate change

For the first time, delegates will consider a state resolution regarding climate change.

"The intention here is to acknowledge that, in spite of conflicting scientific evidence regarding climate change, there is an undeniable movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and agriculture needs to be at the table," said Sarah Black, director of the MFB Public Policy and Commodity Division.

As drafted, the resolution outlines Farm Bureau's support of a practical, voluntary, market-based carbon credit trading system, along with:

• Full recognition of forests and farmland as carbon mitigators.
• Farmers being compensated for planting crops and additional farming practices that keep carbon in the soil.

The proposed resolution opposes mandatory restrictions and mandates, such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade policies, which negatively impact agriculture. It also opposes any attempt to regulate emissions from animals, and any emission control rules for farming practices, farm equipment, grain handling facilities, and so forth.

On this same issue, delegates will consider a slightly revised national policy for climate change protocol. Similar to the state resolution, this policy voices support for a non-governmental, voluntary, market-based system for meeting carbon emission standards.

Wildlife management

Given the public divide over the state's ban on deer baiting and feeding in the Lower Peninsula, it's no surprise that "lots of ideas and recommendations" on wildlife management flowed in from county Farm Bureaus, said Black, but the large majority agreed with the organization's current position of supporting a ban on deer baiting and feeding.

So no changes are proposed and MFB's stance, as drafted, will remain the same in continuing to support a statewide ban on deer baiting and feeding, along with strengthened fines and penalties for offenders.

"Farm Bureau recognizes that wildlife is an important part of Michigan's heritage and our state's economy, but sound biological science has to be used to manage wildlife properly and minimize property loss and the spread of disease," said Black.

Recognizing the need to differentiate farming and hunting practices, the proposed policy goes on to state that "normal agricultural practices should not be construed to be feeding and/or baiting of wildlife for law enforcement purposes."

In other wildlife management matters, MFB policy, as proposed, supports:

• Statewide eradication of feral swine. Also related to feral swine, a separate resolution on game farms and hunting preserves has been amended to call for the development and implementation of management practices and rules for swine hunting operations, including disease testing, fencing requirements, premise registration and individual animal identification. The draft policy states that until these rules are implemented, MFB supports a quarantine of all swine hunting operations.
• Continued efforts by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to delist the Eastern Gray Wolf as an endangered species in Michigan.
• Continued expansion of hunting seasons and bag limits for geese and turkey.

Animal care

Ballot initiatives in other states to eliminate the use of modern agricultural production practices has Michigan livestock producers on edge about the potential for similar restrictions in Michigan. In response, delegates will consider amending MFB's policy on animal care to:

• Oppose the use of ballot initiatives as a means to "control modern livestock production and management practices."
• Support making the state's set of Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for the care of farm animals the standard for animal welfare in Michigan, and urging farmer representation on the state's Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs Committee.

Other amendments identify provisions for a "sensible approach" to the substantiation of animal abuse accusations. These include requiring local law enforcement agencies to also obtain the opinion of a large animal veterinarian, and requiring that governing municipalities be held financially and civilly liable for "inaccurate and unjustified actions of those officers and departments."

Nonpoint source pollution and watershed management

MFB members will vote on amending the organization's state policy on nonpoint source pollution and watershed management to factor in phosphorous, which, at excessive levels, can impair water quality.

Given that "phosphorous is essential to plants and animals," the drafted resolution opposes restricting the use of phosphorous for agricultural purposes if farmers are following the state's GAAMPs.

While Farm Bureau is generally opposed to fees, this resolution supports imposing a fee on the phosphorous content of commercial fertilizers in line with current pesticide and fertilizer fees. The caveat is that all collected phosphorous fees from commercial fertilizer sales would be dedicated to supporting voluntary pollution prevention programs within the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program and Conservation District programming.

Black acknowledges that the fee concept is a new approach for Farm Bureau, but says it illustrates "the concern that farmers have about nonpoint source pollution of Michigan's surface water and groundwater and the priority they place on protecting the state's water supplies."

TB - Mycobacteruim Bovis Tuberculosis

In efforts to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Michigan and move the state to a TB-free federal status, delegates will consider amending the organization's TB policy to provide support for:

• Farmers implementing wildlife risk mitigation plans.
• Continuous, 24-hour surveillance of livestock movement across the Mackinac Bridge.
• Reclassifying Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties as part of the state's Modified Accredited Advanced Zone rather than their existing designation as part of the Modified Accredited Zone.
• Research into a buyout program for cattle producers in Deer Management Unit 452.

Biomass/renewable products

Reflecting farmers' interest in and attention to renewable fuel and energy, delegates will consider an amended state resolution on biomass and renewable products that suggests the following actions:

• Streamline the permitting and licensing process to encourage biomass fuel production.
• Offer tax and cost-share incentives to encourage research and development into ways to reduce the cost of production and expand feedstocks and co-product utilization.

Michigan Conservation Districts

A state resolution on Conservation Districts reaffirms Farm Bureau support for restoring state funding to Conservation Districts. Proposed language has been added that calls upon the state Legislature "to initiate the redirection of Department of Environmental Quality non-regulatory responsibilities and accompanying funding to MDA for distribution to Conservation Districts."

Agricultural guest worker program

A national resolution regarding agricultural labor reflects the agriculture industry's ongoing need for a regulated and legal work force, coupled with a reliable and sufficient system for supplying these laborers. In the draft policy, Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a "workable" guest worker program.

New resolutions

MFB members will also consider several newly introduced resolutions covering a variety of topics, including the following.

• A state resolution on agricultural product labeling that favors "consumer-friendly, science-based labeling," and opposes "false, misleading or deceptive marketing, promotion and/or label claims."
• A national resolution on food quality and safety that supports cooperative efforts between farmers, food processors and handlers, food safety experts, consumer groups and governmental agencies to address food safety issues. The proposed resolution also states that governmental agencies "must utilize sound evidence prior to issuing consumer warnings," and "efforts must be directed toward assisting the media in providing accurate and responsible information to the public."
• A national resolution on equine that opposes attempts to further limit or eliminate harvest options; supports research and development of alternative markets and harvest options; and recommends a national campaign to educate people on the unintended consequences of eliminating equine slaughter.
• A national resolution that addresses fertilizer cost and supply concerns by, among other things, encouraging expanded domestic production and new investment; supporting research for alternative plant nutrients; and calling for the establishment of a federal inter-agency work group to develop "specific strategies or actions to help address and alleviate shortages and excessive price increases for fertilizer."

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MFB 2008 Policy Development Committee

(Categorized by area of representation and arranged in alphabetical order by city of residence)



MFB Board of Directors

• Josh Wunsch of Traverse City, Policy Development Committee Chairman and MFB Vice President
• Pat Albright of Coldwater
• Carl Bednarski of Caro

Farm Bureau Districts

• James Domagalski of Columbus
• Richard Pershinske of Engadine
• Joan Kokx of Fremont
• Matthew Germane of Hartland
• Merle Langeland of Hudsonville
• Calvin Lutz of Kaleva
• Russell Varner of Midland
• Jeffrey Kala of Onaway
• June Bailey of Schoolcraft
• Thomas Betz of Springport
• Ed Fox of Springport

At-Large

• Wilson "Bud" Boss of Charlevoix
• Mark Huggett of Marlette
• Bill Piepkow of Olivet, Policy Development Committee Vice Chairman

Young Farmers

• Ben LaCross of Cedar
• Stephanie Schafer of Westphalia
• Edward McBroom of Vulcan

Survey finds classic Thanksgiving feast remains affordable
Economist says per-person cost is cheaper than fast-food 'value meals'

Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023

LANSING, Nov. 13, 2008 - Menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings will cost just a bit more this year, but remain affordable, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

AFBF's 23rd annual informal price survey indicates the average cost of this year's Thanksgiving Day feast for 10 diners is $44.61, a $2.35 price increase from last year's average of $42.26.

"Even at these slightly higher prices, the cost per person for this special meal (just $4.46) remains lower than what Americans pay for most 'value meals' at fast-food outlets," said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist.

This year's average cost of $44.61 is equivalent to $20.65 in 20-year inflation-adjusted dollars. So the real dollar cost of the Thanksgiving dinner has declined more than 8 percent since 1988, according to Sartwelle.

The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals, such as spending $50 and receiving a free turkey.

The cost of a 16-pound turkey, at $19.09 or roughly $1.19 per pound, reflects an increase of 9 cents per pound, or a total of $1.46 per turkey compared to 2007. This is the largest contributor to the overall increase in the cost of the 2008 Thanksgiving dinner. Fresh cranberries were up 46 cents to $2.20 for a 12-ounce package. Together, the turkey and cranberries accounted for about 80 percent of the increase in the cost of the meal.

Sartwelle said this year's tight inventory of whole turkeys in cold storage has contributed to the slightly higher average retail turkey price, but says most of the increases for all items on the survey menu are largely due to higher energy prices that have affected processing, packaging, refrigeration and shipping costs for food.

Other survey items showing a price increase this year were: a 12-ounce package of brown-n-serve rolls, $2.20; a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix, $2.34; two 9-inch pie shells, $2.26; a 14-ounce package of cubed bread stuffing, $2.57; a relish tray of carrots and celery, 82 cents; a half-pint of whipping cream, $1.70; a pound of green peas, $1.58; and 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, $3.12.

A combined group of miscellaneous items, including coffee and ingredients necessary to prepare the meal (onions, eggs, sugar, flour, evaporated milk and butter) dropped in price by 60 cents to $2.69. A gallon of whole milk dropped 10 cents to $3.78.

The approximately 6 percent increase in average Thanksgiving dinner cost reflected by the survey tracks closely with the federal government's Consumer Price Index for Food and Beverage, which increased 5.8 percent from September 2007 to September 2008.

Farm Bureau economists cannot speak on behalf of retailers as to why food prices aren't dropping in line with falling oil and commodity prices. But they say retail prices tend to move up faster than they fall, and it could be upwards of a year before consumers notice a difference.

On the other end of the spectrum, prices paid to farmers for commodities have been sliced dramatically over the past few months as crude oil prices have been cut in half. Corn was fetching $7.87 a bushel in late June/early July and now sells for $3.68 a bushel, a 53 percent decrease in price. Soybeans were priced at $16.31 a bushel in the summer and have dropped 46 percent in price to $8.85 a bushel. Wheat traded at $9.93 a bushel just four months ago and now sells for $5.70 a bushel, down 43 percent.

The AFBF Thanksgiving Day meal survey was first conducted in 1986. While Farm Bureau does not make any statistical claims about the data, it is an informal gauge of price trends around the nation.

A total of 179 volunteer shoppers from 38 states, including Michigan, participated in this year's survey. Farm Bureau's survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

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National Averages

• 1986--$28.74
• 1987--$24.51
• 1988--$26.61
• 1989--$24.70
• 1990--$28.85
• 1991--$25.95
• 1992--$26.39
• 1993--$27.49
• 1994--$28.40
• 1995--$29.64
• 1996--$31.66
• 1997--$31.75
• 1998--$33.09
• 1999--$33.83
• 2000--$32.37
• 2001--$35.04
• 2002--$34.56
• 2003--$36.28
• 2004--$35.68
• 2005--$36.78
• 2006--$38.10
• 2007--$42.26
• 2008--$44.61