AGRICULTURAL RELIEF

603

would require. Then they can get all the money they need, and on
a fair basis with the lowest rates, because it would enjoy probably the
best credit in the United States, or equal to any. )

In a short time under nation-wide farm marketing these would be
among our most solid institutions, with hich standing and unlimited
credit. This would not only increase the farmers’ income, but it
would put agriculture on a solid business basis, as solid as manu-
facturing or any other great commercial business of the nation.
ve can not expect agriculture to prosper permanently until that is

one.

Farming, like other business enterprises, can not prosper unless it
is put on a paying basis. You can not expect the farmer to work for
nothing. You can not expect him to plod patiently along when
dealers get $2 out of every $3 paid by consumers for his products, and
the farmer gets only $1.

This injustice should be remedied, if there is any way to do it.
Systematized nation-wide marketing is the way, and I am convinced
that these farm commodities can as easily be organized and marketed
under Federal charters as the products of any other class of industry.

The two outstanding acts of Congress in our generation have been
those establishing the Interstate Commerce Commission and the
Federal reserve banking system. An act creating a nation-wide farm
commodity marketing system will rank with them in importance.

There is nothing complicated or involved in such action. This
would be merely an enabling act, permitting the farmers to form
marketing boards of control with authority to establish a compre-
hensive efficient marketing system in their own interest. But they
must control the merchandise. They must have this authority, the
million three hundred thousand farm producers, to work out their own
salvation.

Mr. FuLmer. May I ask you a question right there? What effect
would your marketing proposition have on the regular channels of
marketing farm products?

Mr. Yoakum. It would revolutionize them. No matter what plan
or bill any Congressman is advocating, I feel that they can consistently
support a marketing system of the farmers. And I want to say,
Mr. Chairman—1I believe I have said before—that I do not come here
to back or support any measure. You are familiar with them all,
and have your personal views regarding them. I am only bringing
this as a practical suggestion which I hope may be helpful. I have
no ready-made bill to submit, asking your support. You gentlemen
are experienced in legislation—the legislation that will enable the
farmers to relieve themselves. The farmers do not need any financial
help, except to get started in their organization.

Mr. MENGEs. Mr. Yoakum, may I ask you a question there? Ifl
understand you, you advocate cooperative commodity control?

Mr.YoakuMm. Yes, sir.

Mr. MENGES. 4m I right?

Mr. Yoakum. Yes, sir. } } i ]

Mr. MENGES. Now, here is a thing that is happening right now.
Over here in West Vriginia in the bluegrass region they sed bo Yun
duce catt'e. As you know, bluegrass 1s one of the best cattle feeds
that the Lord ever made?

Mr. YoakuM. Yes, sir.

W160—98——SER E. PT 8———°