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 problems. In some parts of the country, soybean farmers are facing 

 the deadly disease. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) , where soybeans 

 that have appeared to be healthy die suddenly due to rotten roots 

 because of high soil moisture. This disease has traditionally 

 plagued the southern portions of the U.S., but due to flooding and 

 standing water in fields, states in the Midwest are being hit by 

 SDS this year. Losses in soybean yields are common this year 

 across the entire production area. For example, in South Dakota 

 yields are projected to be down from 1992 figures of 28 bushels per 

 acre to 22 bushels per acre; Iowa projected yields drop from 44 

 bushels per acre last year to 35 bushels per acre this year; and 

 South Carolina's yields fall from 22 bushels per acre in 1992 to 15 

 bushels per acre in 1993. As you can see, even soybean farmers who 

 have a crop to harvest may suffer yield damage during this unusual 

 weather year. 



I commend you. Chairman Johnson, your colleagues in Congress 

 and the Administration for your responsiveness during these trying 

 times. You have been accessible, caring and helpful during a 

 period of crisis for many farmers. I want to thank you in 

 particular for the prompt response we have seen in Federal 

 assistance, and for the suspension of the 50.04 percent pro rate 

 applied to disaster program losses since 1990. ASA feels the 

 severity of crop losses this year justifies this action by the 

 Administration and Congress. Also, removal of the August 1 

 deadline for disaster declarations has enabled producers who 



