Page 180 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

State Policies – Page
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judgments.
Reform prejudgment interest rules by reducing the interest rate, which would start accruing the day the judgment is awarded.
Arbitration boards should be used to settle cases. A person who uses a product in a way other than was intended should not be allowed to bring suit. Court ordered mediation shall not be scheduled before the defendant in civil litigation has the opportunity to file a motion for summary disposition. Court ordered mediation shall take place only if
both parties agree to mediate. Any agreement reached in this mediation shall have a waiting or cooling off period of 48 to 72 hours to afford the defendant the opportunity to change his mind after weighing the consequences of this agreement or contract. 
#73 AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE
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Michigan farmland is enhanced by an adequate and well-managed drain system. Over half of Michigan's farmland requires drainage to produce food, feed and fiber.
Land use changes are affecting drainage systems. Michigan Farm Bureau highly encourages members to obtain and record a drainage easement for all private drains which cross neighboring properties.
The Michigan Drain Code is the legal vehicle by which landowners may organize to solve mutual drainage problems for their benefit. Urbanization, agriculture and technology have increased the need for water resource management. As they exist today, institutional structures, such as the Michigan Drain Code, Subdivision Control Act, and Wetlands Protection Act, lack the necessary uniformity to provide water management standards that meet today's demands and tomorrow's needs.
We support legislation that would revoke the 1982 Department of Environmental Quality Rule 8 under Part 31 Rules for Inland Lakes and Streams, designating several drains as mainstream portions of eleven natural water courses. If the rule is not revoked, DEQ should be responsible to pay for all maintenance costs of the waterway according to the County Drain standards.
Virtually all potential agricultural lands worth the initial investment have been drained. Emphasis has now shifted to maintaining or reconstructing original drainage systems, or improving drains to provide more intensive drainage of existing croplands.
We support the following provisions as found in the