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Strategies & Market Trends : Bob Brinker: Market Savant & Radio Host -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Kirk © who wrote (6469)	8/6/1998 5:59:00 PM
From: Alan Whirlwind	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 42834

Keep in mind Kirk that the government has mandated many changes for farmers. Some of these subsidies were probably only meant to off-set the mandates. Dairy farmers here in Wisconsin for example had no choice but to spend lots of money and upgrade in the late '70's (when interest rates were outrageous) with bulk tanks and new wells because the government said the wells they'd used for the past 20 years were no longer safe, etc. or go out of business. The government has repeatedly raised the standards of for instance allowable bacteria in milk. I'm not saying this is a bad idea, but it costs more to lower that plate count--only the Amish can get by with the old milk cans. Things are probably working out as best they could, but certain subsidies have actually hurt the farm community and I certainly wouldn't advocate one that pays not to produce as was also brought up. I believe we are ready for a more libertarian approach now. --Al

To: Kirk © who wrote (6469)	8/6/1998 10:00:00 PM
From: Trebor	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 42834

>Bob, first, all in good fun....and I enjoy the pleasant, friendly debate.< Same here! This market has me so befuddled that I was in need of a good rant. I feel much better now. But before I get off my tirade completely, just a couple of points: Re: Subsidies -- There isn't a thinking nation (I'm not sure our's still qualifies) that doesn't protect its food producing sector in some manner, i.e. subsidies, price supports, restrictions on imports, etc. Most nations do so far beyond what the U.S. does. Re: California water -- If I'm not mistaken, agriculture is far and away California's largest industry and largest employer, and it's all dependent on water. You really want to mess with that? What would we do with the San Joaquin, Salinas, Napa and various other valleys if we couldn't grow crops there? Not to mention Mendocino's "alternative agriculture" which is reputedly the largest cash crop in the state. Personally, I hope all this prime farm land stays planted to crops, not houses. Once it's gone, it's gone. Gotta go. Supper's ready. More cheap food!