[RonHolzwarth]

Well, here is a fact, right from an EX-farmer's son: Farming is NOT a profitable enterprise. Only at certain times of shortages, and resulting very high food prices, has farming been what you would consider "high profit".

Most smaller farms are simply being sold off to larger corporations who can afford more land and the much more expensive equipment that is used to eliminate the "farm hands" that used to be used.

The farm subsidies that we have now are the result of a very long standing U.S. government policy that has two main goals:

1) The United States is to be self sufficient in its food supply.

2) The price of food is to be low.

However, I think we could ditch the tobacco subsidies, but I am told (by the son of a tobacco farmer) that if you work a tobacco farm full time, using family help, you are lucky to clear $10,000 a year. Not even minimum wage.

[7.62 x 51mm]

I've heard the same thing, RH, and as a farmer/nursery owner-operator myself, I manage to keep 18 people employed and make a very comfortable living. Many of the farms here in southcentral Penna are being sold off for housing or commercial development. Sad to see it.