Two years ago, Congress gave farmers the freedom they demanded. Now they can grow as much as they want, and some say that is increasing supply and hurting prices. Economists don't expect things to get better for farmers any time soon. Henningfeld's 900 acres in Wauconda, Illinois, aren't making him rich these days. Henningfeld is storing some of his corn and soybeans, hoping prices rise in the months ahead.
Farmers are the eternal optimists.
Henningfeld says he's cutting costs and struggling through, but he's not ready to give up. A hot line established by Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska has received four suicidal calls just since August, compared with two suicidal calls in the previous six years. I have to keep reminding them that that is not for a long-term solution. Hansen said he has heard of at least four possible farm suicides this year in Nebraska. The Associated Press contributed to this report.