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Farmers Union calls for livestock producer reliefMissouri Missouri Farmers Union is urging congressional action to assist independent livestock producers facing higher production costs. The National Farmers Union Board of Directors meeting recently in St. Louis passed a policy position calling on Congress to provide relief to independent livestock producers and the less fortunate who are facing rising food costs and will confront high home heating costs this winter. Missouri Farmers Union president and National Farmers Union board member Russ Kremer said record high energy prices have had a negative effect on both producers and consumers. "Everything we do on the farm requires energy," Kremer said. "Farmers do not set their own prices and have no way of passing these increased input costs on." Kremer also pointed out that the farmers share of the retail food dollar is less than 20 cents. While much has been made in the media about agriculture's role in higher food prices, the facts don't back up the claims. "I am proud that the board came to this decision here in Missouri and hopeful it will lead to action in Congress," Kremer said. The NFU Board, recognizing limited budget resources and congressional pay-go rules, said assistance could be provided by offsetting or reducing previously approved tax incentives to large oil and gas entities that are posting record profits. 7/14/08 Date: 7/10/08 Advertisement
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