Congressional members from areas where dry conditions have damaged or destroyed crops have heard pleas for relief. But it is anyone's guess regarding how much assistance will be appropriated. Many look at any government assistance to farmers as helping them stay in business. But farmer spending spreads over a large area. Many banks, a vital part of our economy, have survived the past three years of distress in the farm economy due in part to federal farm assistance.
Many farm enterprises are currently economic break-even ventures, at best.
Farmers have repaid operating loans with funds received from off the farm.