Is It Time to Plow it Under?

[pat_k]

1. kick 'n' rec - Very important article!

Emphasis is mine:

Since 1996, agricultural policy has received more minor updates and any “major” changes have largely been band-aids on the programs originally constructed during these landmark bills. It’s been more than 30 years since agricultural policy was truly updated and nearly 40 years since the industry has needed a “bailout”.

Today’s agricultural economy is in free fall. Farm bankruptcies are up, production is being consolidated, markets are unstable, and farmers and ranchers are unable to earn a living wage while they are expected to provide for the rest of the United States. While some might believe that eventually the market will rebalance, there is also something to be said for the government ensuring that the agricultural industry is strong, food continues to be produced, and people stay employed. Expecting policies written before the iPhone was invented to work in a society that can milk cows from an app is nothing short of insanity.
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