Government suspected of price CHICAGO, HI. - A poll, conducted by International Harvester’s FARM FORUM Magazine, indicates that almost three-quarters of farmers polled believe that the U.S. Government is actively involved in manipulating the prices farmers receive for the products they sell. A total of 46 per cent believe that the U.S. will have a serious shortage of food within the next two to 10 years. These and other conclusions are based on a random campling of 1000 U.S. farmers who voiced their opinions on a variety of questions concerning food prices Bxxllc Coolers | make me a bulk milk cooler that has everything! sa*' ■s^ QUEEN ROAD REPAIR Box 67, Intercourse, Pa. 17534 After 5 P.M. JOHN D. WEAVER 656-9982 GID DIENNER 768-8521 SAM STOLTZFUS 768-3594 OR Answering Service 354-4374 24 Hour Service We Stock Hess’s Farm Supplies. Check Our Prices on Animal Medications In response to the question, “Do you believe the U.S. Government is actively involved in manipulating the prices farmers receive for the products they sell,” 72 per cent responded yes. Another 22 per cent felt there was “some involvement.” Only 5 per cent'said there was little or no manipulation by the government. When asked whether they felt food processors, wholesalers and-or retailers were involved in price fixing, 60 per cent felt food processors did engage in price fixing, 54 per cent felt wholesalers did, and 47 per cent believed retailers were involved. And 56 per cent of those interviewed felt that processors and food manufacturers were receiving more than their fair share of the consumer food dollar, while less than one per cent felt the farmer was receiving a fair share. With the high price of food a major concern for most people, some 34 per cent of the respondents felt that in creasing prices of farm products has hurt the image of the fanner. More than a third (36 per cent) felt it had somewhat hurt the fanner’s image, and 23 per cent felt it had very little effect. Despite the fact that the farmers blame processors, wholesalers and retailers for price fixing and receiving more than their fair share of the consumer food dollar, 50 per cent of the farmers believe that consumers blame the fanner for increasing costs. The farmers believe that government officials have the greatest influence on food prices. Which one of the following do you believe has the most influence on food prices? Government officials Commodity speculators Processors Retailers Wholesalers Consumers Shippers free 600 GAL MILKEEPER TANK 4 yrs. old - A-l shape THERE IS A MUELLER BULK MILK COOLER TO FIT ANY HERD SIZE AND BUDGET!! NEW TANKS 400 Gai. Mueller M 400 Gal. Mueller MHL 500 Gal. Mueller M 500 Gal. Mueller MHL 500 Gal. Mueller MW 600 Gal. Mueller M 600 Gal. Mueller OH 800 Gal. Mueller OH 1000 Gal. Mueller OH 1250 Gal. Mueller OH USED TANKS (2) 425 Gal. Esco C-200 Gal. DeLaval (2) 300 Gal. Mojonnier (1 Sold) 300 Gal. Sunset (2) 300 Gal. ' Jamesway (1 Sold) 300 Gal. Zero Self contained 300 Gal. Esco - Sold 350 Gal. Esco 500 Gal. Dari-Kool 400 Gal. Mojonnier 500 Gal. Mojonnier 300 Gal. Esco (Sold) 425 Gal. Esco 400 Gal. Girton 400 Gal. Dari-Kool 600 Gal. Girton 18 can Can Cooler SPECIAL Phone 717—768-7111 manipulation Less than one per cent felt that fanners have the greatest influence. In most farmers’ minds, consumer boycotts have very little effect in lowering retail food prices. In response to the question, “Are consumer boycotts effective in lowering prices of food at the retail level,” the farmers answered as follows Definitely lower prices Somewhat Very little No effect No, they actually increase prices On the other hand, some 43 per cent of the farmers felt that consumer boycotts definitely depress the prices farmers receive at the farm level. And 34 per cent felt these actions “somewhat” depress prices. An alarming percentage (21 per cent) of the farmers said they were getting discouraged and might give up farming if the present trend for operating costs and market prices continues. Nine per cent felt they could only hang on for one more year. But almost half - 45 per cent - felt they would make it somehow, even though times are tough. When asked if they felt the U.S. would have a serious food shortage in the very near future, the farmers responded as follows: Yes, next 2 or 3 years 11 per cent Yes, next 5 years 17 per cent Yes, next 10 years 18 per cent Yes, next 15 years 11 per cent Not in this century 27 per cent No, U.S. always will have plenty of food 14 per cent Perhaps most important tor the consumer, when asked if food prices at the retail level would rise or fall in the next 12 months, the fanners responded Rise 21-30 per cent Rise 11-20 percent Rise 1-10 per cent Stay the same Fall 1-10 per cent Fall 11-20 per cent 38 per cent 19 per cent 18 per cent 12 per cent 8 per cent 8 per cent 1 per cent Yet despite the fanners’ distrust of government in fluences and policies in agriculture; their feelings that processors, wholesalers and retailers are involved in price fixing; and their belief that the farmer is not receiving his fair share of the consumer dollar spent on food; the majority indicated a desire and an intent to remain in farming and do their best to insure that the U.S. would not face a food shortage. Penn Willow elects officers, The Penn Willow 4-H club Lancaster R 6; Teresa recently held its first- Dagen, Lancaster R 6; and meeting of the year to Donna Walton, Conestoga reorganize and elect of- Rl. ficers. Jay Irwin, Lancaster The group’s annual clean- County Extension Agent, up of trash will be held May attended the meeting. 6. Members will meet at the The new officers are as Conestoga United Methodist follows: Sandy Dagen, Church at 6:30 p.m. They Lancaster R 6, president; plan to clear trash from the Teresa Dagen, Lancaster sides ef roads in the vicinity R 6, vice president; Donna of Conestoga, Marticville, Walton, Conestoga Rl, and New Danville. A 1 Goss, secretary; Lorraine Huber, Pequea Rl, is in charge of and Brenda Huntzinger, the project. Conestoga Rl, song and A game leaders, and Pam | |\Y A Goss, Pequea Rl, news _ reporter. CLASSIF ED Representatives of the Lancaster County 4-H Council are: Sandy Dagen, • jffl®ftoa®o 4 0dqsqoo’®dq€@ €®DDQ[p®[jD\y Ask about our new FARMOWNER'S policy It is designed to give you the very broadest coverage at the most reasonable cost We*believe it is the finest policy you can buy. See our agent in your area. BOWMAN’SJNSURANCE AGENCY, 13 W Main SI, Palmyra, Pa CULLEN INSURANCE AGENCY, R D. 2, Oxford, Pa PAUL F. DIEHM, 24 S. Broad St.. Lrttfct/Pa. ROY E. BAILEY, Box 26, Tower City, Pa. Lancaster Farming. Saturday, May 7,1977 Old Guard "I ru tni of I armcrs smc( ]8 ( )b " 93 17 per cent 27 per cent 33 per cent 10 percent 13 per cent 3 per cent 15 percent 55 per cent 13 per cent 11 per cent 1 per cent
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