To: Jeff Mizer who wrote (4267 ) 3/2/1999 11:24:00 PM From: C.K. Houston Read Replies (2) | Respond to
THE FOOD SUPPLY: WILL THE CUPBOARDS BE BARE? Statement of The American Farm Bureau Federation ARE FARMERS AND RANCHERS SECURE? Unfortunately, small REA's that serve rural America are the ones least capable of paying the huge costs associated with insuring Y2K compliance. Because of their high dependency on energy, farmers are particularly susceptible and vulnerable to massive power failures. Farmers would be particularly vulnerable because of the perishable nature of some crops and the amount of electronic communications associated with daily business activity. This is particularly true for the Sunbelt states that are at the peak of commercial activity in midwinter. From wiring orders to electronic receipt of funds, telecommunications is the fabric that holds agricultural commerce together as we enter the next century.We are particularly vulnerable because of our remoteness and the lack of technical support in many rural communities. Discovering this problem also may take much longer on farms because of the seasonal nature of the use of some equipment ...HERE ARE THE BEST IDEAS FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO FOLLOW: 1) Contact your local farm equipment dealer this fall and learn what suppliers are currently saying about the problem. Ask specific questions concerning your specific purchases. ''Will my tractor have a problem? Is it Y2K bug resistant? How do you know?'' 2) Develop a potential alternative source of heat and light over the next 300 days. Keep your fireplace, wood stove and flashlights in good operating condition. Make sure the diesel fuel tank is full and your tractor-powered electric generator is in good working condition, too. 3) Secure and file hard copies of important documents. This list includes birth certificates, marriage licenses, religious records, social security cards, as well as deeds/titles/mortgages/loan agreements. 4) Ask the Social Security Administration for an official copy of your lifetime earnings and payroll taxes paid. This transaction can be completed over the Internet with the information sent to your home within several weeks. 5) Retain loan statements showing exactly what you owe, including credit card statements and tax returns. 6) Build-up a short-term supply of water. Not just for drinking and cooking, but for ''flushing and brushing'' too. 7) Stockpile some food and common household goods. Canned and non-refrigerated food is best since it will last the longest. Also remember toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene products, soap, shampoo, batteries, matches and candles. 8) Prepare an emergency medical kit. The basics include aspirin, bandages, salve, prescription medicine, etc. 9) Keep some cash on hand , just in case your credit cards or checking account is temporarily unavailable. senate.gov
