MMSA FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2001

The fall general membership meeting was held September 22, 2001 at the Pokagon United Methodist Church. The meeting was called to order at 1:15 PM following a lunch provided by the Church members.

President Haigh said the prayer. Guests from Indiana and Missouri were introduced. Pres. Haigh thanked Don Dodd and hosts for organizing the fall tour. Larry reported that he has been involved in the Commodity Executive group. The crop damage due to the drought is down 50%-70%.

The minutes of the January general membership meeting were accepted. Steve Youdes reviewed the Treasurers report and it was approved. The bus trip to Minnesota did not have sufficient people to travel. Anyone interested in attending the NAMSC in October will need to provide his own transportation.

The January 19, 2002 winter meeting will be held at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. Suggestions were requested for the program at the winter meeting. The Board will meet at the end of the tour today and on November 8. The paraformaldehyde issue was reviewed and 21 bushes in Canada were found to be using the pills. Four bushes are expected to be fined. Canadians are pursuing the use of denatured alcohol as a replacement.

Larry reported that block grants are available from the federal government to commodities based upon sales. Specialty crops include maple syrup. We need the agricultural surveys filled out so maple syrup can get a share of the block grants. Funds must be applied for by February 1, 2002.

Don Dodd reviewed the directions for the balance of the tour and thanked everyone for coming. He invited everyone to tour the Old Rugged Cross Church across the street. The Church was built in 1862 as a hops barn and sold to the Methodist Episcopal Congregation in 1876. The Church is undergoing restoration.

Meeting adjourned 1:50 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Maday, Secretary