The capitol gains tax and its result on farming and ranching operations across Missouri and this country is to force us to make investments and retain investments in ways that aren't always in our best interest. Investments in breeding livestock and the production of seedstock for your own operation have become a nightmare. The result is a shrinking Missouri seedstock industry and less than optimal business decisions on the part of the producers that support that industry. Again, we believe the lowering and eventual elimination of the capitol gains tax will allow those dollars to freely move in our communities, generating jobs, economic development and improved stability in the farm economy at every turn. My purchases of seedstock, equipment, inputs and supplies and my investments must be based on sound business principals, capitol gains does not help me accomplish that goal.
Agriculture is a business.
MCA believes that congress should address our needs and our industry just like a business. We hope that continued efforts to give agriculture the same benefits as traditional business are successful. Our health insurance and other business related expenses are just important as any other small business. We don't believe our sole-proprietor oriented structure should preclude us from the same deductibility levels that a more traditional small business may operate under. All of us in agriculture know that we will have both highs and lows in the market.