Letter to the Editor: Concern for farmers

To the Editor:

I’m writing this letter because I’m highly concerned about our farmers; the markets are below or almost below break-even, and if this Chinese tariff thing causes corn, bean, beef and pork prices to drop more, that would be a disaster.

If the farmer is hurt too long, we all will suffer. When the farmers do well, we all do well.

We are competing in manufacturing worldwide, and the Chinese are the true competitors. The Chinese came to the USA and were famous for doing laundry - their charge per shirt was two cents and they lived well with their family.

The unions took over our labor force and they did some good regarding working conditions, but they became totally corrupt, demanding higher wages that they did not earn, making it hard for our companies to compete.

Right now, our businesses are stifled because they cannot hire qualified workers. The economy seems great right now, but to me something smells not right, and that causes deep concern. Our Congress with a very low rating, 11%, is proof.

Right now, we are having a late spring and I’m sure it is a great concern for our farmers. We just experienced one of the coldest Aprils ever. If weather temperatures even out, that would mean a hot, dry summer - just another concern for farmers.

Kindest Regards & God Bless,
Osmond (Ozzy) Quandahl
Waukon