Congress Ignores Argricultral, Small Town Consumers Embrace It

When the farms of the United States are in trouble, they turn to their own sources, not the governments.

U.S. farmers receive a higher percentage of their gross income from the marketplace rather than from government supports, compared to other nations.

In fact, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in the U.S., just 8 percent of gross farm income comes from government support, compared to 14 percent in Canada, 18 percent in the European Union, 52 percent in Japan, and 53 percent in Canada.

According to the 2007 United State Department of Agricultural census, the average government payment to farms is approximately $9,532 whereas the average farm income is $15,133. The 2013 census is underway and won't come out until February of 2014.

Government support isn’t there as much as it has been in the past for farmers across America. Madison County isn’t any different. 212 out of 450 farms in the country have a sale value of less than $10,000. This value is drastic compared to expenses Madison farms make which are around $210,191.

Where do they make their money? It is from the small town effect of knowing and helping out each other. Most Madison county farms sell their produce to local grocery stores and farmers markets. The friendly atmosphere of the county helps them stay afloat, while the government worries about other issues.

Backing out of government funding and trusting on the neighbor in the community is one of the best ways to help out the American farmer. 

Without it, farmers would lose even more money, while Congress keeps backing away.