With Iowa's overall economy so closely tied to the state's agricultural production, food processing and value-added farm exports, it comes as no surprise to me that the farm price crisis ranked as a leading news story in 1999. The bad news is, we could be looking for a repeat performance in 2000. If this prediction becomes reality, this year will be the third year in a row farm income has not equaled or exceeded 1997 levels. The bleak farm situation has provided plenty of political fodder for presidential candidates and politicians in Congress.
Farmers deserve more.
I don't want them being used as a political football during this election year, or any other year. When crop prices plummet with no relief in sight, it comes easy for politicians to push the panic button. Inevitably this turns into a blame game, with both sides seeking political cover. I say it is time to stop pointing fingers and move the ball down field. A group of 14 state lawmakers met last week in Omaha to consider solutions to bring prosperity back to Midwestern agriculture.