Members of MFB Commodity and Natural Resources advisory committees will gather Jan. 31 at Michigan State University's (MSU) Kellogg Center for a day-long conference devoted to updating committee members on the agriculture industry's biggest challenges and opportunities, as well as fostering discussion and policy recommendations on issues unique to individual commodity sectors.

Headlining the conference will be Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Mitch Irwin and Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources and author of the recently released agricultural economic study requested by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Peterson's report estimates the current and potential impact of Michigan agriculture on the state economy to be $60.1 billion annually and growing.

The study found that over the last five years, agriculture received $8.6 billion in public and private investment. Experts predict that over the next three to five years, the agriculture and food system will continue contributing significantly to Michigan's economic development - whether investment activity remains at current or increased levels.

The report concludes with discussions on agri-tourism and the potential of a "bio-economy"; however, these areas need additional study before estimates can be made of their potential economic impact.

MFB leaders hope input from the Farm Bureau advisory committees will help the Michigan agriculture industry meet and exceed the economic potential forecast in the MSU report.

"The study covers the entire food and agriculture system from input supply all the way to the end consumer, and it highlights the industry's contribution to Michigan's economy. The report, coupled with the challenges and opportunities identified through the series of listening sessions conducted by MDA Director Mitch Irwin in November, will form the basis for policy discussions by advisory committee members," said Bob Boehm, manager of the MFB Commodity and Marketing Department.

Direct Marketing Advisory Committee
More than 120 MFB members serve on existing advisory committees dedicated to: aquaculture; dairy; dry beans and sugar beets; equine; feed grains; oilseeds and wheat; forestry; fruits and vegetables; livestock and poultry; nursery and greenhouse; and natural resources.

Joining the roster is a direct marketing advisory committee made up of individuals who have experience in direct sales and represent a wide range of commodity sectors from apples to syrup.

"Direct marketing to consumers is a viable option for farmers looking for alternative sources of income. However, many farmers face obstacles when attempting these new marketing ventures," said Boehm. "Michigan Farm Bureau felt a committee dedicated to direct marketing would assist farmers in establishing new marketing opportunities."

Appointed to the direct marketing advisory committee are:

• Brian Wieland, a Kawkawlin beef producer (Committee Chair)
• Mike Andrews, an apple grower from Temperance
• Paul Arkema, a New Era dairy producer
• Dale Buist, Jr., an Allendale nurseryman
• Mike Fusilier, a multi-commodity producer from Manchester (MFB District Director)
• Barbara Guindon, a beef producer from Cornell
• Robert Hensler, a Freeland beef producer
• Susan Kutchey, a Macomb vegetable and bedding plant producer
• Brigette Leach, a Climax hydroponic greenhouse operator (MFB District Director)
• Kim Overhiser, a South Haven fruit grower
• Kary Robinette, a Grand Rapids apple and cider producer
• John Stack, an Attica beef, swine and poultry producer
• Cynthia Stanke, a maple syrup producer from Charlotte
• Theresa Zaluckyj, a Coloma fruit and vegetable grower

The MFB natural resources advisory committee will also meet separately on Feb. 1 to continue discussions on a variety of environmental issues.

That's because this is the time of year when most county Farm Bureaus across the state kick off local campaigns to introduce potential members to the benefits of belonging to the state's largest general farm organization.

"The membership campaign season is a driving force in Farm Bureau's grassroots structure," said Mike Wenkel, MFB Membership and Field Services manager. "Everything we do at Farm Bureau is volunteer- and membership-driven, and this is our time when we really frame that vital base."

MFB wrapped up its 2005 membership campaign with 47,565 regular (farmer) members, up from 47,326 regular members a year ago. The feat marks the organization's tenth consecutive year of regular member growth. In addition to regular members, MFB's membership is also made up of associate members, or non-farmer members who enjoy Farm Bureau membership discount programs and services, including insurance products from Farm Bureau Insurance. Factoring in associate members, MFB's 2005 membership totaled 202,945 members.

Membership growth allows Farm Bureau to enhance its promotion and education activities, lobbying efforts, and other organizational programs on local, state and national levels. It also helps enhance health insurance plans and other cost-cutting member benefits.

The following county Farm Bureaus will hold membership kick-off events on the dates noted. For specific details, contact the county Farm Bureau office at the number listed.

• Huron Shores* - Jan. 23 - (989) 358-0050
• Benzie-Manistee - Jan. 24 - (231) 352-4940
• Calhoun County - Jan. 24 - (269) 781-2849
• Genesee County - Jan. 24 - (810) 732-3770
• Lapeer County - Jan. 24 - (810) 664-4551
• Oakland County - Jan. 26 and Jan. 30 - (248) 628-7710
• Ogemaw County - Jan. 31 - (989) 345-1447
• Presque Isle County - Feb. 1 - (989) 734-3610
• Newaygo County - Feb. 2 - (231) 924-2163
• Otsego County - Feb. 2 - (989) 732-7444
• Ingham County - Feb. 6 - (517) 676-5578
• Menominee County - Feb. 6 - (906) 753-4616
• Eaton County - Feb. 7 - (517) 543-5565
• Emmet County - Feb. 7 - (231) 347-7252
• Huron County - Feb. 8 - (989) 269-9911
• Wexford County - Feb. 8 - (231) 775-4430
• Missaukee County - Feb. 9 - (231) 775-4430
• Ottawa County - Feb. 9 - (616) 895-4381
• Branch County - Feb. 10 - (517) 279-0538
• Iron Range* - Feb. 10 - (906) 779-1774
• Kent County - Feb. 10 - (616) 784-1092
• Clinton County - Feb. 11 - (989) 224-3255
• Jackson County - Feb. 11 - (517) 784-9166
• Sanilac County - Feb. 11 - (810) 648-2800
• Gratiot County - Feb. 12 - (989) 875-4626
• Hiawathaland* - Feb. 13-14 - (906) 446-3508
• Mecosta County - Feb. 13 - (231) 796-1119
• Monroe County - Feb. 13 - (734) 269-3275
• Hillsdale County - Feb. 18 - (517) 437-2458
• Saginaw County - Feb. 19 - (989) 792-9687
• Isabella County - Feb. 20 - (989) 772-0996
• Kalamazoo County - Feb. 20 - (269) 342-0212
• Midland County - Feb. 22 - (989) 631-6222
• Shiawassee County - Feb. 23 - (989) 725-5174
• Antrim County - Feb. 25 - (231) 547-2043
• Charlevoix County - Feb. 25 - (231) 547-2043
• Barry County - Feb. 26 - (269) 945-3443
• Bay County - Feb. 28 - (989) 684-2772
• Macomb County - March 3 - (586) 727-0025
• Oceana County - March 7 - (231) 873-4654
• Mac-Luce Schoolcraft* - March 9 - (906) 477-9929
• Ionia County - March 11 - (616) 527-3960
• Muskegon County - March 11 - (231) 737-0567
• Lenawee County - March 13 - (517) 265-5255
• Copper Country* - March 21 - (906) 353-8222
• Clare County - March 23 - (989) 386-4424
• Chippewa County - March 30 - (906) 478-3808

• Huron Shores: Alcona and Alpena counties
• Iron Range: Iron, Dickinson, and West Marquette counties
• Hiawathaland: Delta, Alger, and East Marquette counties
• Mac-Luce Schoolcraft: Mackinac, Luce, and Schoolcraft counties
• Copper Country: Baraga, Houghton, Gogebic, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties

• Corn yielded 143 bushels per acre, far surpassing the previous record of 134 bushels per acre set last year. Grain production was 289 million bushels, up 12 percent from the 2004 output. Silage yield, at 17.5 tons per acre, was down 0.5 tons from last year.
• Planting of corn began ahead of schedule in early April, and by mid-June, almost all plants had emerged ahead of average.
• About 95 percent of the corn crop had silked by Aug. 1, compared with a five-year average of 60 percent. Harvest began in mid-September, two weeks ahead of normal. Nearly 90 percent of the corn had reached maturity by Oct. 1, well ahead of the average 50 percent. By Nov. 1, the harvest of corn for grain was three-fourths completed, about two weeks ahead of normal.
• Soybean yield, at 39 bushels per acre, was up 1 bushel from last year. Soybean harvested acres were up 10,000 acres, at 1.99 million acres. Production, at 77.6 million bushels, was up 3 percent from 2004.
• Sugar beet yield, at 21.4 tons per acre, is a record, slightly exceeding the previous record of 21.3 tons per acre set in 1970.
• Dry bean production was 3.91 million hundredweight, 24 percent higher than 2004. Ninety-five percent of the crop was harvested by Oct. 9, about 18 percentage points ahead of normal.
• Spearmint production was 56,000 pounds, down 22 percent from the 2004 crop. Peppermint production was 35,000 pounds, down 22 percent from last year.
• All hay production, at 3.29 million tons, was up 1 percent from last year.
• Potato production was 13.92 million hundredweight, 2 percent more than last year. Potatoes yielded 320 hundredweight per acre.

"A firestorm of economic uncertainty, fueled by skyrocketing production costs, will hit many of America's farmers and ranchers this spring," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "With higher costs for energy prices, crop inputs and interest rates converging during our key spring planting season, this panel will consider steps that could be taken to provide relief during this expected period of extreme economic difficulty."

The 2006 Input Cost Review panel will launch its review in February and hold follow-up meetings at the discretion of the chairman. The group is scheduled to present its report at the AFBF board of directors meeting in March.

Contact: Jill Corrin, (800) 292-2680, ext. 6585

The poll shows, regardless of geographical, partisan and other demographic differences, Americans are unified nearly 2-to-1 against government use of eminent domain to take private property, except in limited circumstances such as when the public at large would clearly benefit from a new road, electric utility or similar project. Likewise, 83 percent of Americans oppose the use of eminent domain to further private development initiatives.

Farming, in particular, received solid support when respondents were asked to prioritize entities that should be off-limits to eminent domain proceedings. For example, 14 percent said farms with a portion of land set aside for conservation or environmental preservation should be protected from condemnation. This is directly in line with the level of support respondents said should be given to historical monuments, churches, schools and hospitals.

Likewise, 12 percent of those surveyed said family farmers should be exempt from eminent domain laws, compared with 9 percent who support exempting private businesses and 8 percent who support exempting all landowners.

The telephone survey of 1,076 adults was conducted by Zogby International. The nationwide survey, conducted Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, 2005, contains a margin of error of +/- 3 points.

Contact: Jill Corrin, (800) 292-2680, ext. 6585

Dairy is one of the five food groups in the official Food Guide Pyramid. An 8-ounce glass of milk provides a large percentage of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals, including:

• 17 percent of RDA for protein
• 29 percent of RDA for calcium
• 23 percent of RDA for phosphorus
• 23 percent of RDA for riboflavin
• 25 percent of RDA for vitamin D
• 15 percent of RDA for vitamin B-12

Regulatory standards for dairy products are higher than those of any other food product.

Source: Michigan Milk Producers Association