FARM FORUM Oub readers write J
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yard systems. This latter point is
of utmost concern considering that
in 1988 the U.S.D.A. found that
approximately one in every thirty
“fancy” veal calves slaughtered
contained illegal drug residues.
Residue violations in bob veal
calves were about half as many.
It is time for the A.V.A. to rec
ognize the problems associated
with the crate system and to deve
lop more humane alternatives.
The veal crate has been outlawed
in England and other European
countries. It is only a matter of
time before it is outlawed in the
United States.
Gene Bauston
Director Farm Sanctuary
Editor:
I would like to urge fanners
with highly erodible land who feel
they are doing a good job not to
get a conservation plan.
I have a 3SO acre dairy farm in
Somerset Co., Pa. Most of my till
able acreage is in pasture and hay.
All my cropping has been no-till
for three years. Yet I was told that
I might as well get a conservation
plan now because in a few years it
will be required by law whether
you participate in any USDA
programs or not
Farmers should go to their
county ASCS, SCS, and FmHA
offices and give a written request
to find out the amount spent on
salaries and office expense. You
have this right under the Freedom
of Information Act. If you think
too much money is being poorly
spent speak out Also write your
Representative and Senators.
I hope others feel as I do; that
the best way to protect our rights
is just say no to USDA.
David M. Jenkins
Myersdale (Somerset Co.) them to support legislation that
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Editor:
When our hospitals lose money
and have to close their doors,
when our doctors and nurses head
toward higher salaries in urban
areas, and when our health insur
ance premiums increase at rates
that we can neither pay nor con
trol, rural citizens have to get
involved.
It’s time we let our lawmakers
know that we expect high quality
health care in our communities.
The studies, committees, and pilot
projects that they have offered in
the past are no longer suitable sol
utions. However, several pieces of
pending legislation, such as S.B.
306 and H.R. 762, do offer solu
tions to the problems that face
health care providers in rural
areas. For example. The Equity
for Rural Hospitals Act, which
was recently introduced, would
eliminate a long-standing Medi
care reimbursement policy which
pays urban hospitals an average of
33 percent more than rural hospi
tals for the same procedures. The
legislation calls for a four-year
phase-in of one national Medicare
reimbursement rate for both urban
and rural hospitals. It would guar
antee payments that are equal to
the operating costs of financially
distressed rural hospitals that
depend upon Medicare for over
70% of their inpatient services.
The Pennsylvania State Grange,
which represents 42,000 members
statewide, is joining in a campaign
to fight for the quality of rural
health care. We, along with other
are urging all rural citi
zens to-attach an adhesive ban
dage to a postcard and send it to
their Representatives, Senators,
and President Bush, telling them
that we don’t want any more
A “bandaid solutions” for the quality
of rural health care and asking
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would improve rural health care.
In 1988, 43 rural hospitals
across the nation closed their
doors. If this trend continues, it is
estimated that up to 600 rural hos
pitals will close their doors in the
next several years. Rural hospitals
need help in order to provide the
services that we deserve. Let’s let
our lawmakers know what we
want: real support for rural health
care!
Michelle A. Snyder
Public Relations Director
Pennsylvania State Grange
Editor:
Hooray! On May 16, Pennsyl
vanians took advantage of a rare
chance to correct the state legisla
ture and voted down tax reform.
Belter than their representatives,
voters know a bad deal when they
see one.
Now we need a referendum on
federal tax reform.
Jeff Bullock
Phoenixville
A year full of fond memories
that will live with me forever. This
is the year that I served as the
1988-89 Lancaster County Dairy
Princess.
This past year I had the oppor
tunity to grow, mature and learn ~
an opportunity that few young
people have. Sharing my know
ledge and speaking for the Lan
caster County dairy farmers and
the dairy industry proved to be a
challenge along with many
rewards. Rewards such as smiling
children as they pet the newborn
calf, grocery shoppers nodding
their head for approval of the deli
cious dairy samples, and thankful
adults who remember the “good
ole days” as I visited them in nurs
ing homes and senior centers. The
rewards are countless.
To me. life on a dairy farm is
very enjoyable, as well as a learn
ing experience. Farm life teaches a
very important value-it teaches
responsibility-through the daily
care of animals, farm equipment.
and crops in the field. Being the
dairy princess for Pennsylvania’s
top dairy producing county is also
a responsibility that demands the
distribution of important nutrition
information to people of all ages.
Few industries can boast such a
variety of nutritious, low-cost, and
delicious products necessary for
healthy life, as can the dairy
industry. It was a great honor and
privilege to talk to many people
about the wholesome goodness of
dairy foods.
This year was made possible
with the support of my family and
friends. I extend my sincere
Thanks to my parents and family
for their loving guidance and
encouragement. Also, the continu-
PA
Junior
STATE COLLEGE (Centre)
Cumberland County’s Michelle
Cornman has been named a
national semi-finalist in the Hol
stein Association Distinguished
Junior Member Contest Michelle
became eligible to compete in
national competition after win
ning the Pennsylvania Distin
guished Junior Member Contest in
February.
Michelle is 20 years old and a
very active junior member. She
was named her county’s and the
state’s DJM winner in the Junior
Division in 1985. Michelle has
also been active in the show-ring
exhibiting many champions and
Junior All-PA award winners.
Michelle has been involved in
4-H events as well. She was a
member of Cumberland County’s
4-H Dairy Bowl and Dairy Judg
ing teams, which competed in area
and state competitions. She has
also served as an officer in the
county’s Dairy Club.
This fall, Michelle will be a
junior majoring in Dairy Science
Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, June 10,1989-A27
ous support of all dairy farmers,
local dairies and businesses is
greatly appreciated. I Thank You
all!
As my reign ends, I remember
vividly the people I met, the
places I traveled, and the many
friends, who I will cherish forever.
When I crown the next dairy
princess on June 17.1 will do so
with a feeling of accomplishment,
knowing that many people will
“make a cow happy,” and drink
that glass of milk. As your Lan
caster County Dairy Princess.
Farewell and God Bless!
Julie Greider
1988-89 Lancaster County
Dairy Princess
Distinguished
Member Contest
at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Vir
ginia. While she has been at Virgi
nia Tech, she has become a very
dedicated member of the Dairy
Club, holding several club chair
manships and working closely
with the club’s yearbook, The
Milky Way. In the fall, Michelle
will be representing Virginia Tech
in dairy judging competitions as a
member of the B-team.
As a semifinalist, Michelle will
represent Pennsylvania in the
National Contest to be held during
the National Convention, June
25-29,1989 in Minneapolis, Min
nesota. She is one of 12 semi
finalists who will be interviewed
by a panel of judges. Following
the interview, six will be named as
National Holstein Distinguished
Junior members.
Michelle lives with her mother,
Francis Comman and her brother.
Delmar Cornman, in Boiling
Springs, Pennsylvania.
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