9-27 IAN Farmer Week

 What’s the American farmer doing for you. I’m David Sparks and I’ll let you know in a minute. Boise Farm Service Agency Executive Director Dick Rush and I had a chat and, not surprisingly, he reminded us all of the importance of the American farmer to our nation. But along with the great contributions come some surprising challenges. Listen in. “The Secretary of Ag was recently quoted as saying to a group of farmers that we represent 1% of the population but we have to convince 99% of the rest of the population that what we do matters. This week we’re giving out information about farmers. American supermarkets are amazing places. Fresh produce, meat and dairy products on the shelves. So many cereals and grains and breads that people haven’t even tried them all. It’s the American farmers, ranchers and growers that work everyday to produce this bounty of food, fiber and fuel. There’s about 2.2 million productive farms in the U.S., most of ‘em are small family run operations and if you look at their financial statements like we do in our loan program they have expenses that can consume as much as 90% of their revenue.” Which doesn’t leave a lot left over to raise a family and enjoy life, does it?