828 GENERAL FARM PROGRAM 



It is an impossible goal. In our humble opinion, the Government 

 should adopt the principles of the flexible price-support program, 

 with price supports set at a level which will do nothing more than 

 help check the producer's losses in time of surpluses. 



You've got to make him accept certain risks, just the same as any 

 businessman accepts risks in every transaction he makes. This risk 

 will control production. 



The flexible program takes into consideration changing markets, 

 development of new products, and the recognition of progress. 



The executive committee of our organization feels that the Brannan 

 program has one good goal which might well be incorporated nito 

 any new program that is developed. Some way should be devised 

 to pass along to the consumer the benefits of the low prices which 

 should result from abundant production. We do not feel that a com- 

 pensatory payment program is right, for it involves production con- 

 trols, a tremendous bureaucratic set-up, and a terrific March 15 

 headache for the entire citizenry. While consumers might swallow 

 the sugar-coated pill for a time, it could only produce new afflictions 

 within our economic set-up which would destroy the Nation. 



Gentlemen, let us not dodge the facts: Government aid of this type 

 smells like socialism. Let's be strong. Let's look at the issues 

 clearly. Our Nation is drifting steadily toward socialism. Some 

 even are resigned to this fate. 



Let's begin right now to check the trend. 



A flexible support program ranging between 60 and 90 percent of 

 parity on all farm commodities is a step away from production con- 

 trols and a step toward putting the individual back on his own re- 

 sponsibility. I have just mentioned that the support price apparently 

 determines production. Why set up a big bureau to control produc- 

 tion? Why not let a lower price guaranty handle the entire job for 

 you? 



One gentleman has said that the flexible program takes aid away 

 from the farmer when he most needs it. I disagree. It's a simple 

 procedure to force the farmer into line with the Nation's needs. 



Mr. Pace. Thank you very much, Mr. Shaver. 



Who is your next witness? 



Mr. Hubbard. Our next witness will be Air. Todd, managing 

 director, Northeastern Poultry Producers Council. 



Mr. Pace. We are glad to hear you, Mr. Todd. We are glad to 

 see you before the committee again. 



STATEMENT OF LEON TODD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, NORTH- 

 EASTERN POULTRY PRODUCERS COUNCIL, TRENTON, N. J. 



Mr. Todd. Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen of the committee: My 

 name is Leon Todd. I live at Trenton, N. J., where I operate a 

 65 -acre farm and serve as managing director of the Northeastern 

 Poultry Producers Coimcil. 



The Northeastern Poultry Producers Council is a nonprofit organ- 

 ization representing the producers of eggs and poultry meat includ- 

 ing broilers and ducklings, the breeders and hatcherymen, the turkey 

 growers, and the egg and poultry marketing organizations of the 13 

 Northeastern States. For the past 1 8 years, we have had the privilege 

 of working with and speaking for the northeastern poultry industry. 



