All,

  Not necessarily wanting to be devils advocate here, but before everyone goes out and burns down the local corn farmers crop, know that most of the corn farmers in this area (central IL) are against the use of corn for ethanol production. (I say most because there are supporters out there) But most oppose it and realize corn is a food source, not a fuel source. Yes it is true that farmers did well last year, and in this area look to do well again, but the subsidies are not paid across the board. Most farmers have not collected subsidies for three years now. When they did collect a subsidy, corn was under $2 a bushel. Also, before lynching the local producer, make sure you understand the futures market and how the traders on the Board of Trade affect the whole dynamic. They have the ability to put the American farmer in the poor house. And very often have. Importing food is not the answer, this country has become a nation of consumers. We don't make
 anything here anymore. Except agriculture. It all starts with being able to eat.
   Just make sure your frustration is correctly placed. It is not the farmer raising the prices on you or forcing ethanol on you. It is elected people in Government that are so removed from reality they have no idea how things really work.

   Sorry off topic, now afraid of the firestorm.

Ben Schneider

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