Chasing Rural Rainbows   Special to The Progressive Populist
Farmers have been occupied chasing rainbows or illusions. An
illusion is a false idea or conception: belief or opinion not in
accord with the facts. An example of an illusion is when someone
thinks that the rock he found is made of gold, but further
scientific investigation indicates that it is only quartz or
some other shiny rock. Farmers today have many illusions. The
media, the creditors, and those who sell products to farmers and
those who purchase farm commodities from farmers promote these
illusions.  Illusion No. 1: There is a free market in the
agricultural economy.  Illusion No. 2: If a farmer works hard
and manages well he will succeed as a farmer in the free market
economy.  Illusion No. 3: The road to prosperity on the farm is
through the credit process. A farmer must obtain huge amounts of
credit in order to succeed. Borrowing does not dull the edge of
husbandry.  Illusion No. 4: The bigger your farming operation
the higher your chance