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The Rural Voice, 1989-10, Page 29Two — The good news about approved food additives is that they seldom have any direct or immediate effects on our bodies. However, the long-term effects are almost unknown. And research is rarely conducted on the combined effects of different chemicals over a long period of time. Fungicides, insecticides, and rodenticides on the farm have brought with them many benefits, but the responsible use of these chemicals is absolutely necessary, though difficult to guarantee. Each container of agricultural chemicals is a potential threat to the environment and to the farmer. The correct storage, use, and disposal of these chemicals and con- tainers is critical. Through repeated use and excessive exposure, these chemicals can built up in the fatty tissues of the human body, and can cause liver disease and damage the central nervous system. But the list of farm chemicals only begins with pesticides. Arsenic, for example, helps to increase egg pro- duction and speeds up the growth of chickens. Cattle feeds contain addi- tives that speed up growth, increase weight gains, and keep cattle free from diseases. These additives may include arsenicals, antibiotics, tranquillizers, and hormones. Today, penicillin is less effective in many medical emer- gencies because of the fact that it is given to cattle, which humans eat. And people who are allergic to peni- cillin can become ill after eating meat. Plant -growth regulators (the most newsworthy lately has been Alar) are used to control the rate at which fruits and vegetables mature. Sprout inhib- itors are used on potatoes and onions to delay ripening and sprouting. Follow, for example, the chemi- cally related life of a single potato through a possible scenario: the seed potato is dipped in a mercury -based fungicide before it is planted. Pesti- cides are sprayed on the potato plant and on the soil in which it grows. Sprout inhibitors are applied after the potato is harvested, and dye might be added to give the potato a more even colour. At the processing plant, the potato is either made into flakes, flour, or chips. Stabilizers are added to keep the lumps out of instant mashed ALL-PURPOSE AND FIT FOR THE FIELD The All -New American Series from WHITE FARM EQUIPMENT Dependable and rugged, White's all-new American Series has power for the field. Powered by a Cummins 4 -cylinder engine, both 60 and 80 hp models really get you through the field ... at an operating cost that leaves more for your bottom line. And the American Series is available in your choice of four historic colors: Oliver Green, Minneapolis -Moline Gold, Cockshutt Red and White Farm Silver. We've equipped the American Series with standard features that give you the best of the "utility" and 'row crop" worlds. • Cast iron main frame • 6 -speed transmission • Adjustable 3 -point hitch And you can choose from options that give you even more big tractor performance. • Posi-trac full power front axle • Electronic 3 -speed power shift • 2nd and 3rd remote detent valves Put economical field power to work for you. See the American Series at your participating dealer today. WHITE FARM EOUIVMENT C & G FARM SUPPLY Zurich 519-236-4934 RADFORD'S FARM EQUIPMENT Londesboro 519-523-4519 EDGAR S. MARTIN LTD. Wallenstein 519-669-5176 519-669-5661 STANLEY FARM SUPPLY Bervie Teeswater 519-395-2434 519-392-6825 RUSSELDALE FARM EQUIPMENT Mitchell 519-229-8975 CHRIS ZEHR & SONS LTD. Tavistock 519-655-2253 OCTOBER 1989 27