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Wheat growers face dire economic conditions

The president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) says farmers in wheat country are facing dire economic conditions.

Gordon Stoner says there have been significant declines in farm incomes and operations are showing signs of stress.  “We are seeing the possibility of LDP’s – Loan Deficiency Payments – where the market price has dropped below the reference price set by Congress and the USDA,” he says.  “As a result there are some payments there.”

Stoner says as Farm Bill discussions begin Congress needs to know safety net programs are critical to survival as farmers face a challenging agriculture economy.  “As we look at a tax on crop insurance in the Farm Bill it gives us great concern,” he says.  “When the Farm Bill was written – prices were good and much of the country was seeing good yields.  But it’s a much – much different outlook today.”

He tells Brownfield to better prepare for the next Farm Bill debate NAWG is surveying their growers to outline priorities.

So far- Stoner says crop insurance is at the top of the list.

AUDIO: Gordon Stoner, National Association of Wheat Growers


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