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———°