— Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Malt 8, 1976 Drop in com -prices very possible By DIETER KRIEG Clark emphatically and repeatedly pointed out that he does not favor a crop reserves program which would hinder prices one way or the other. Such a recommendation does not meet ,his approval because they would “inevitably sur pluses.” _ WASHINGTON, D.C. “There has rarely been a time in our history when agriculture has been so much in the forefront of daily news. The problem of world hunger, together with the enormous increases in price of some scarce resources is part of the reason for the prominence of agriculture as an issue.” “The key to a successful system is how reserves are held,” he explained. “Consumers must be willing-to have high release prices (of stored commodities) to protect producers. We must not use reserves to hold farm prices down.'” That’s how Sen. Dick Clark (D. - Iowa) began his talk to members of the Newspaper Farm Editors of America organization last week. Speaking to the group in the National Press Club’s main dining room during the NFEA’s annual awards banquet, Clark came out in favor of a national food policy. Such a program, as envisioned and supported by Clark,' would eliminate the “whip” in prices. He also suggests that the government need not own'any reserves, if that’s a con dition which would be objectionable. But he pointed out he favors an approach whereby the government would own some portion of the reserves to facilitate rapid movement, if . necessary. The lowa Senator pointed out that a new farm bill would have to be hammered out in Congress for next year. He said he would like to see the government out 5f agriculture, “but whether or not the government is in agriculture depends on world trade. He sees the United States agricultural network as needing “adequate policies for farmers, consumers, overseas trade, and to some extent assistance programs.” “The reserves system is the basis for a successful farm system,” the lowa Democrat declared. Two major issues confront those connected with the 1977 farm bill, Clark told the reporters. On the overseas trade issue, Clark announced that tiie Senate had passed the grain inspection bill he helped spon sor, but acknowledged that President Ford would not accept “If all com grown this year comes up with average yields, fanners will be back to get their costs back,” the senator from the nation’s 1 largest com producing state predicted. “The grain reserves bill will be the key issue for the 1977 farm bill. I consider it absolutely essential if the new farm bill is going to be workable,” he added. “I want to see a program which works for the producer and consumer, as well as maintain export sales,”, he exclaimed. “Producers, customers ... they’re on the end of a whip which is snapping back and forth on a roller-coaster without brakes or shock absorbers. There ought to be a better policy,” he declared. Clark remarked that we should recognize events beyond our control which have significant impact on-farm produc tion. Secondly, the country should provide for a leeway or buffer a commodity reserve to counteract against “events beyond our control” which often hamper production. Such a program, he predicted, would be a major issue in the new farm bill. Know Where the Activities Will Be? Read the Farm Women Calendar. © You loved your house when you bought it. But things have changed since then. A couple of additions to the family, perhaps. A lot of additions to your belongs. Or maybe just an old fashioned need for room to breathe. Well, you don't have to move to get the extra room you need. You can improve instead. By adding the extra rooms you need. Or just sprucing the place up a bit. EPHRATA. ephrata north, intercourse, LANC. SHOPPING CENTER, LINCOLN. LITITZ, MARIETTA. NEFFSVILLE, PARK CITY Jt ~ -r? Clark favors grain reserves If your family is growing faster than your home.., A ofem,ftp ... FARMERS first V.ntnf f l» I The “great danger” Clark sees in having commodity reserves is that of having people think of it in “old terms.” He says the reserves should be isolated"from the market except in extreme situations. In that regard, the senator says the media can do a great deal, and is, in fact, already doing it. “Major newspapers are increasing their coverage now mid there’s a better understanding’of agriculture,” he stated. Clark was questioned about the long-term grain agreements which have been reached with' the Soviet Union, and he replied: “ ... I believe they will help stabilize grain prices.” ' . ' • r- ' 1 - On other topics the lowa politician declared that 26 per cent of all grain inspections were of a duplicative nature, andthat the majority of violations encountered concerned short ' grading,' rather than -short-weighing. That point, in cidentally, was directly opposite of what the farm writers ~ had been told earlier in the day by a USDA spokesman. The individual pointed out there was a conflict of opinion on that score between USDA officials and congressmen. - A bill which would Bond packers and'guarantee payments to meat producers was also briefly discussed by the lowan. He declared that the measure, which is being now, would impose s lien on carcasses until the farmer producer has received payment. In the past some farmers have been shortchanged, cheated, of waited'on payments for long periods of time, the legislator explained. .hi concluding his remarks on agricultural policies which may be in the works for the 1977 farm bill, Clark suggested that, more planning be incorporated into " each production year. He noted that some crops are on the “surplus” end this year, and such situations should be more carefully guided. e- - Of course that takes money’/ too. Which is where Farmers First comes in. We'll lend you the money you need , to bring the old place up to snuff again. You'll pay low bank rates and can take up to 5 years to repay in convenient monthly installments. ' Of course we make other loans, too. For vacations, education, cars, or any worthwhile purpose. Stop at any office of Farmers First where We Have More Than Just Money To Lend. COOKING OUTDOORS. 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Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers