This and That

October 20, 2016

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by John Deere and the National Corn Growers Association. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you.

And now for today’s commentary—

I will cover a list of issues today. I am encouraged to note that Secretary Vilsack made a wise suggestion to the House and Senate Ag Committees. He said they should change the “Farm Bill’s” name. He is right. We need to broaden support. I would go even further. The U.S. Department of Agriculture should have a name change. Call it the U.S. Department of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry. USDA provides all kinds of services and support.

Last week, at the 30th anniversary of the Dr. Norman Borlaug World Food Prize meeting, Secretary Vilsack said that agriculture in its broadest sense is about national security. In his speech, he pointed out that his concern is whether we are prepared “to embrace science.” “It’s not just about food security, nutrition, or poverty reduction, it’s about national security.” I believe it is time to give the USDA the respect it deserves.

In the paper yesterday, I was reading about the devastation from Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina where 1.8 million chickens and 4,800 hogs were drowned, farmsteads and livestock housing were under water, and crops were destroyed. While that was happening, I was in Illinois, driving our corn combine and bringing in a great crop. Sometimes, we are not grateful enough compared to others who suffer.

Another good step in U.S. Cuban relations: if you go to Cuba now, you can bring back as many Cuban cigars and even Cuban rum as you can carry. We have had a restriction of $100 worth of cigars, but President Obama lifted that.

Last issue – this is worth noting. Our fiscal year ended October 1. We closed out last year where our national debt soared 34%. Our debt just keeps piling up. Revenue rose less than 1% and spending shot up 5%. I don’t know how long our country can keep living like this. I know my farm couldn’t.

Be careful and be safe on the farm this harvest.

If you would like to review my radio shows going back more than 20 years, just go online to www.johnblockreports.com. Have a great weekend. Until next week, I am John Block from Washington, D.C.