There will be a new sheriff in town or a new president starting in 2017. The major candidates Hillary (the crook) Clinton and Donald (I can’t keep my foot out of my mouth) Trump are fighting feverishly over your vote. Hillary is still defending herself from her criminal activities while Donald is pouring it on at every turn.
Interesting enough, neither have been talking about farmers and producers and what they’re going to do about the problems that are plaguing the American farmer. The deflationary scenario that has been created by the government and the private corporation known as the Federal Reserve is driving some small independent farmers out of business. After all who can compete with corporate farmers, that have unlimited supplies and access to cheap money.
Corporations have an easy route because they are not taking care of their families and can hire numerous employees; these giant agribusinesses are not just involved in local farming, but also in the processing and distribution. Small family farms are being squeezed out while investment groups and equity firms are buying more and more land taking opportunity away from the family farmer.
The problems in farming are similar to problems in almost all small businesses; they are being squeezed out buy regulations. From the disappearing community bank, local gas station and the local grocery store all swallowed up by corporate America wiping out the entrepreneurs who built these little family owned businesses.
The onerous regulations that seem like they are designed to destroy small business, from the financial engineering by the Fed, the ridiculous regulations from the EPA and who could forget the tax deductions. Then there is the GMO food labeling, the farm bill and hundreds of other garbage regulations.
We can only hope that one of these candidates gets it and will do what it takes to restore the ability of the family farm and small business to once again become competitive. This country was built on capitalism and small business and under the current administration has done everything they can to wipe out the American dream.
Keep those stops tight!
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Pro Farmer.
