BY TIM MAILHOT
DES MOINES, Iowa - More than 200 farmers and supporters
rallied here August 22, calling for government action to
relieve the financial crisis working farmers are facing.
Speakers included local and national politicians and
representatives of farm organizations, clergy, and labor
unions. The meeting was one of a series of "Rural Unity
Days" organized by the National Farmers Union (NFU) in 16
states across the Midwest.
Gene Paul, national president of the National Farmers Organization, pointed out that the Freedom to Farm Act of 1996 encouraged farmers to plant fence row to fence row. "But dumping our produce on the world market doesn't work for farmers. We don't export. The traders and processors that buy from us do the exporting, and they're making the money."
Jim Braun of the Friends of Rural America echoed this, stating, "I'm tired of hearing that exports are our savior. [Meatpacking giant] IBP has doubled its exports since 1990 and quadrupled its profits in 1998. Meanwhile, hog farmers are getting one-quarter of the price they did in 1990."
A number of speakers pointed out that the problem was that farmers can't get a price for their produce and livestock, but offered no solution. There were also calls for antitrust action against the big food processors and traders, who have increased their power through mergers and greater control of the market.
About 30 unionists attended, including members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) on strike against Titan Tire, as well as members of the International Association of Machinists, International Union of Operating Engineers, United Auto Workers (UAW), and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.
Doug Bishop of UAW Local 997 at the Maytag appliance plant said, "It's not just agriculture, it's a struggle for jobs. We have to stick up for each other."
Dave Neil, president of the UAW's Iowa State Community action program, was another speaker. He pointed out that the farm crisis was already getting its reflection in agriculture-related industries. At John Deere, which produces agricultural implements, workers have been laid off one out of four weeks for most of the year, and will be laid off one out of three weeks through October. Layoffs have also hit the Bridgestone/Firestone Ag Tire plant in Des Moines, with a few hundred on temporary layoff through November.
After the rally Jim Kalbach, a farmer for 37 years from Stewart, Iowa, said he was getting out. He'd gone over his finances with his banker and it just won't work anymore. "Íd be in better shape if Íd worked at McDonald's all those years," he told this correspondent. Upcoming rallies will be held in Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Colorado.
Tim Mailhot is a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 310.