Walk in farmer’s boots

Robert Boynton’s July 29 letter refers to farmers’ “free” crop insurance. I would remind him that the farmer buys this insurance, just the same as his auto and home insurance.

His reference to a being paid to grow nothing program has long gone away. There was land set aside, but there was land still in production.

With efficiency, the American farmer is able to supply the nation with food that requires only 11 percent of its disposable income to purchase, for which he should be thankful.

With his comment about farmers being the greatest beneficiaries of public welfare, he should realize 80 percent of the farm bill goes for food stamps, school lunch programs, food for the needy, etc.

There have been problems with some farms getting outrageous subsidizes. That problem has been addressed. Farms with larger incomes don’t qualify.

Since I have received too much “welfare” for helping feed this nation (all of $574 this year), I will be glad to return it if Boynton will pay for my feed and fertilizer bill for one year.

He should walk in a farmer’s boots before he make these accusations.

Jim Cole

Spokane