Dechant says White House is responsible for farm programs, and nation is at ‘dead center’ By DIETER KRIEG CAMP HILL Tony Dechant, president of the National Fanners Union, says “whether we like it or not, farm prices are made in Washington, D.C.” At least the issues that are formulated there have an influence on farm pricing , he explains. He made the remark Monday evening during the annual convention of the Pennsylvania Farmers Union. Dechant, who has served as NFU president since 1966, also proclaimed that the place to talk to get action on farm programs is the White House, not the Department of Agriculture. While characterizing USDA Secretary Robert Bergland as a fine, capable, and knowledgeable man, Dechant argued that he can’t do much for farmers because his hands are tied by the White House and the Office of Management and Budget. “That’s where it’s going to start,” the farm organization leader said with reference to agricultural project funding and policy making. In talking to the group of some 200 PFU members and their guests, Dechant also lashed out at government * > * X. /% py '■'- *' " ' y A MUST Vs. RUST Hot-dip galvanizing gives you extra years of pro tection. Jamesway barn equipment is totally immersed into molten zinc to protect it both inside and out. Jamesway does not sell painted barn equipment. We also install cups, stanchions, stalls, pens, and ventilation systems. AGRI-EQUIP. RD2, Farmersville, Ephrata, PA 717-354-4271 I. G.’s AG. SALES Rt. 113, Box 200 Silverdale, PA 215-257-5135 ERB & HENRY EQUIP., INC. M. S. YEARSLEY & SON 22-26 Henry Avenue w 19380 New Berlmville, PA w esi Cheste^PAlOSS 0 215-367-2169 215-696-2990 J.M. HORST SERVICE CO. ■■ 'd l &i '/•?, iff't! J ;> | Box 231, Quentin. PA 717-274-1242 Pennsylvania Farmers Union Convention economists, the Yellow Sheet beef pricing system, and the nation’s lack of pride and initiative. Bom and raised on a Kansas farm, Dechant proclaimed that the Umted States has always been at its best when it is on the move. Likening the country’s present state to “dead center” on a steam-driven piston engine, the farm leader says the U.S economy is not progressing. “We have to get off dead center,” Dechant pleaded somewhat for cefully. “What’s it going to take to get America back to work?” he asked. Critical of government planning (or the lack of it) Dechant is particularly disappointed that this country does not do anything to protect its farm population. As president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, an organization which consists of 60 mem bership organizations and represents 35 million producers in 45 countries around the world, Dechant says other nations protect their farmers. He points out that world agricultural leaders frequently express amazement that the United States does not follow suit. “Europe doesn’t allow agricultural products in unless DEPENDABLE MOTORS HARRY L. TROOP Honey Brook, PA 215-273-3131 215-273-3737 HENRY S. LAPP RDI, Cains, Gap. PA 17527 717-442-8134 Rt. 1 Cochranville, PA 19330 215-593-6731 TAM SYSTEMS CORP. RD 1, Mountain Rd. Dillsburg, PA 17019 717-432-9738 J. A. SWOPE Box 121, RDI Myerstown, PA 717-933-4758 ROVENDALE SUPPLY RD 2, Watsontown, PA 17777 717-538-5521 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, January 20,1979 National Farmers Union president Tony Dechant was in Camp Hill this week lashing out at the White House, government economists, inflation, and Yellow Sheet meat pricing. He says the country is not moving and that some other nations around the world are taking advantage of America’s idleness. their own farmers have been taken care of,” Dechant explained. In this country, however, he said, imports are let in regardless of the impact they may have on domestic prices paid to farmers. Also, U.S. farm goods are often sold overseas at below the costs of production. John Deere “Between Season” SPECIAL Buy now and save! No finance charges till March Buy a new John Deere Riding Mower, Lawn Tractor, Lawn and Garden Tractor, or an 850 or 950 Tractor now and save Buy now and no finance charges will accrue until March 1,1979 This between-seasons offer applies to any of the new equipment listed above And to any John Deere matched implement purchased with those products mowers, blades, dumpcarts, baggers, etc A small down-payment is required See us now for complete details Offer expires February 28, 1979 AOAMSTOWH EQUIPMENT INC. Mohnton,RD2, PA 19540 (near Adamstown) Ph0ne:(215)484-4391 A. B. C. GROFF, INC. LANDIS BROS. INC. New Holland, PA Lancaster, PA Ph0ne:(717)354-4191 Ph0ne:(717)291-1046 (Turn to Page 124) 99
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers