|
|
|
Saturday, August 21, 1999
By KEVIN SWEENEY Journal Editor NEW ULM -- Good weather and a full slate of activities and events brought big crowds to the Brown County Fair. While kids lined up to ride the bumper cars or the Zipper at the carnival, others tried their luck snaring fish in a trout pool, or rode on camels. 4-H members showed poultry, horses and dairy cattle on Friday, and their efforts were recognized at the 45th annual 4-H Livestock Sale. But the economic problems farmers are facing got a lot of attention, too, at the Ag Tent, where a variety of programs were held discussing topics of interest to farmers. The highlight of the day was a forum on the farm economy led off by Congressman David Minge, who with area legislators and other farm experts talked about the economic crisis facing today's farmers. Minge has been touring the District since Congress started its August recess, and he repeated his concerns about the prices farmers are facing in today's markets. While the rest of the country's economy is booming, farmers are struggling to survive. Minge pointed out that farm prices are hitting historic lows, as evidenced by the drop in hog prices this spring. Minge said the cause of the low prices is a combination of factors, ranging from oversupply here and decreasing demand in Pacific Rim countries, which have had their own economic crises. The strength of U.S. currency is also working against the U.S. in international markets. Those factors, along with yield problems like those in the Red River Valley, are hitting farmers hard. Minge also expressed concerns about the concentration in the agribusiness industries that purchase and process farm commodities. "In many cases, for all practical purposes there is only one place a farmer can sell," he said. The solution calls for bold action on the international level, said Minge. He said he has already talked to U.S. trade representatives, suggesting that future trade talks focus on working with major grain producing countries to prevent the problem of dumping their oversupply in other markets and driving down prices. Domestically, marketing loan programs need to be strengthened, and the loan periods need to be lengthened, giving farmers more time to hold onto their grain, and not being forced to sell in in a low-price market. Minge also identified ways to help young farmers get established, from lowering estate taxes and capital gains taxes on farms to rebuilding finance programs aimed at helping young farmers. Local legislators also spoke, including Sen. Dennis Frederickson, Rep. Howard Swenson and Rep. James Clark.
|