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| The programs have done far more to keep people in rural communities than you give credit. Without them there would be far fewer farmers, far fewer rural communities, and far fewer taxes collected to support rural schools, hospitals,etc. I might add there would be far less retirement income for many exfarmer landowners.
In the 1930's every quarter section in our area had a family on it making a dirt poor living. By the end of the 30's there were few families left, and it wasn't because of some extravagant farm program. Among the farmers left ,the cycle repeated in the 50's and 80's. We lost a lot of farmers and it wasn't because the farm program led a few greedy farmers to drive them off. And it wasn't bad management. It was low prices too long or too many severe weather events.
When the price of soybeans gets high and the president decides to halt exports, or when the state department decides to cut off sales to a major buyer to punish them for their behavior and prices drop like a rock, they have an obligation to have some compensation through a farm program.
If your land is inherited and dad left you lots of money maybe you can claim a high moral position and refuse subsidies. But don't think you would have your current high prices if it weren't for an ethanol blenders credit and mandates for alternative fuels. And don't think the banks would be lending money without repayment guarantees.
If it makes you feel better just remember the government will get it back in taxes. | |
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Govt payments...
