1971 - trial and error

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Nineteen Hundred and ~eYentv One was a year of trial and error. The Administration had its

chance to try its set-aside land retirement scheme-- il has yet to admit the error. Tacit admissions were evident, however. A crude attempt t_o hide the disaster was made by creating a new "paper parity." Agriculture Secretary Cliffor<l Hardin resigned as the political backlash became more apparent. The year started in what was to become typical style:

JANUARY-FEBRUARY: Agriculture Conservation Program (ACP). change<l to Rural Environ-mental Assistance Program (REAP)--Farmers Union presses for continuation of exemption of farm truck drivers from federal regulations--Farmers Union urges increased hog prices through government purchase, bargaining power and incentives for lightweight marketing-- parity index "jumps" 23 points overnight as USDA reports figures based on 1967 rather than standard 1910-14 period. Farmers Union National President, Tony Dechant, calls for an investigation and condemns action as "i\ladison Avenue gimmickry." --Nixon proposes abolishment of the Agriculture Department in State of the Union Message--Sen. Herman Talmadge (Ga.) replaces Sen. Allen Ellender (Ala.) as Senate Agriculture Com-mittee Chairman--USDA announces 1971 set-aside program. Dechant predicts its failure and calls for increased price support loans. --Farm bargaining and marketing bills introduced in Senate--Farmers Union national convention convenes in Washington. Delegates demand full parity, strong government farm programs, and bargaining legislation. Dechant unveils proposal to increase markets in developing nations. Strong support voiced for health, housing, environmental, and consumer legislation . .

MARCH-APRIL: At Farmers Union urging, Administration restores Farmers Home Administra-tion Rural Housing funds--AdministraAdministra-tion's Rural Revenue Sharing Plan disclosed. Farmers Union voices strong objection. --Hardin first refuses, then yields to raising milk price supports to 85% of parity--Following Farmers Union appeal, USDA begins providing aid to drought-stricken southwest farmers and ranchers--SST funds refused by Congress--Congress passes 18-year-old vote amendment --Department of Transportation re!eases revised truck driver regub.tions- - Ha.rdi:~ sign.s Inter.rlational Wheat Agreement. Farmers Union board of directors urges Senate to attach "Sense of the Senate" resolution sending U. S. negotiators back to conference to obtain minimum prices.

MAY-JUNE: Nixon holds White House "Salute to Agriculture." Dechant says farmers need more income, not more gimmickry--Farmers Union Ladies Fly-In supports National Health Legislation --Farm bargaining and marketing bills introduced in House--Nixon lifts embargo on trade with China --Nineteen farm groups, spearheaded by Farmers Union, unite to protest Revenue Sharing and demise of Agriculture Department.

JULY-AUGUST: Senate attaches resolution to negotiate minimum prices to ratification of Inter-national Wheat Agreement--1972 wheat program announced--Rural development and emergency wheat and feed grains bills introduced--Congress begins summer recess--School Lunch Program funds cut--Nixon announces wage-price freeze. Dechant says farmer's income already frozen due to 1970 farm pro-gram.

SEPT~MBER-OCTOBER: Congress reconvenes--Farmers Union board of directors urges e~rly announcement of 1972 feed grains program--California Supreme Court rules local property tax, as finan-cial' base for school systems, unconstitutional--Farm leaders meet with Nixon on Phase II. Dechant tells President he questions any adjustment that does not increase farm income. --1972 feeu grain and cotton programs announced--School Lunch Program funds restored--Dechant calls for increased financ-ing for Rural Electrification Administration and release of impounded funds.

NOVEMBER-DECE:\IBER: Secretary Hardin resigns. (Farmers Union had called for his resigna-tion in Oct. 1970.) --Farmers Union board of directors breaks precedent to oppose Butz confirmation. Butz confirmed by 7-vote margin. --U. S. exports feed grains to Soviet Union--Emergency wheat and feed grains bill passed in House and reported out of Senate Agriculture Subcommittee .