Combines black farmers

[tstar]

I am not looking to turn a otherwise sensitive issue into a "war of words", but I believe all farmers should look at what has happened to the Black Farmers. First look at the overwhelming loss of Black owned land. Then look at the overall declining numbers of farmers in general. In the South and especially in the Delta region look at the scarcity of jobs. The Delta region decided years ago that agriculture would provide a way a life for the majority. For some reason politicians especially on the local level could not see the trend to larger more efficient farms. So when industry tried to move into these areas, they were told to go elsewhere so as to not jeopardize the cheap and abundant farm labor source. So now what do we haveIJ We now have a large area with a large population that is highly underemployed coupled with nearly every aspect of industry in some phase of "downsizing". First of all the government did not give every Black farmer $50K. For I certainly did not recieve mine. Was I discrimnated againstIJ I will give you the facts, I was not treated in the same manner when it came to information, lending practices, or allowing me to expand at times of opportunity. But I yet farm and in the last twenty-seven years I have expanded without FmHA. The question maybe, how has this happenedIJ Well first I was educated by a Black Mother and Father that held on to there land. They taught me to work and to work for what I want. They taught me to farm and work a full time job. Along witht the education, they taught five kids to work together. That is there are two boys and three girls that seek to keep our operation going. Then we have reached back and brought up three nephews and and two nieces to included in our continued farming activities. We do not farm 5000 acres and we will never be nominated for the "County Farm Family of the Year", but we yet farm and we enjoy doing it. The Black Farmers lawsuit was a class action suit that was ruled in favor of Black Farmers. To qualify for the settlement you had to proved that you were discrimnated against by indicating that you were treated differently than "similarly situated White Farmers". Now tell me how would I know how another Farmer was treated when he enetered into farm lending agencies. A large number of "Black Farmers" never saw a dime. The lawsuit was a "slap in the face" to a lot of good farmers that were struggling and yet continue to struggle.

 

[tstar]

For individuals that fall into the chacteristics that you describe, being sympathetic is not suggested. However, for those that sought assistance and were denied due process being sypathetic or not does not right the wrong. Whether one believes or not, there was and stilll remains a policy to displace "Black Farmer". That has been admitted and proven. That policy has shifted with a new emphasis ,it will be the smaller and seemingly inefficient farmer. If you ( I am using you in the plural sense) do not believe that then look at equipment that is offered to farmers. How many small to medium size farmers can afford to upgrade, especially in the harvesting arena, with new equipmentIJ Additionally look at the number of major corporations that qualify as "family farming operations" and how they get around payment limitations. I am not looking for controversy, I am just stating the facts.

 

[rightsaidfred]

I imagine the FSA operates a little differently in some parts of the country, but around here they bend over backwards to help minority and small farmers. I don't accept your premise that machinery prices and selection reflect a bias against small farmers. My mailbox is full of ads for used machinery of all sizes at reasonable prices. Custom cutters are knocking down my door looking for acres at prices less than most people can operate their own machinery. And then there are auctions: I bought a Super 92 Massey in working condition for $50 at an auction. I agree that large corporations getting huge subsidy checks is problematic. It is bad public relations, for one thing. And in a competitive industry, if a subsidy is given to everyone it defeats the purpose of a subsidy, because if you are working for a marginal dollar, added revenue just bids up the price of machinery, rents, and other inputs. I.e., the subsidy is capitalized into input costs. (When talking about the FSA loan program, I'm reminded of a neighbor, who was talking about a local scoundrel. He said, "it is one thing to cheat the government, because they ask for it. It is another to cheat a neighbor.")

 

[tstar]

Your statement, "I don't accept your premise that machinery prices and selection reflect a bias against small farmers", Is somewhat out of context. My reference was to new farm equipment. Additionally, the price of new equipment is not bias, it is extremely high for all that can afford. Currently equipment lines no longer reflect someting in the small , medium, and large categories. Combines come in large, super-size, and the behemoth classes. I too, sift the auctions and classified ads looking for upgrades. I seldom look at a dealer when it comes to equipment purchases. Fortunately I have partnered with a neighbor who farms what is considered large in scale to procure some of his inventory when he upgrades. This has worked well. I get equipment that I am aware of the history and he and his brother take care of their equipment. Oh yeah I once bought a nice 510 Massey for 100 bucks, cut a 150 acres of soybeans with it and sold it for $450 six week later. I probably spent $75 on it. Not bad if I say so myself. For the truth of the matter, I only use FSA for program compliance. For as bending over backwards, I would be skeptical even if I had a feeling of comfort, in my part of the country.

 

[rightsaidfred]

I agree with you for the most part. I got the implication from your first post that the high price of new farm machinery was some kind of continuing FSA policy to drive out small, inefficient farmers.

 

[wheatman]

FR... better watch your self..He might call his buddy Jesse Jackson...Then every white american farmer will look like a racist..lOl