48 FARMERS' UNION AND FEDERATION 



Personal Experience in Overproduction. 



I published some of my experience in overproduction of 

 farm products in a local daily and had it printed on a card 

 to mail to Congressmen and government officials, and it 

 may be of interest here : 



The Tribune: 



"It might be of some value to President Wilson and other govern- 

 ment officials seeking the cause and remedy for the scarcity and high cost 

 of farm products to get a little inside first hand information on the sub- 

 ject from an ex-farmer. 



" In a nutshell the cause is too low a price when a good crop is raised 

 and ready for marketing. The remedy is to unionize the producers of 

 each product into a separate union to fix in advance a minimum price 

 on it at maturing time and a gradual monthly increase throughout the 

 coming year. The minimum price to be based on overhead expenses 

 plus skilled union wages while producing it. The monthly increased 

 price thereafter to be based on cost of holding. 



"Now for personal experience in detail : 



"CASE 1. Broom Corn. Seeing broom-corn quoted at $200.00 a 

 ton when in the possession of the speculators, I thought there would be 

 a good price for it and raised a crop. But I found quite a difference in 

 the price when the same speculators came to buy it of the producer, when 

 I had to let them have it at their own price of $25.00 a ton. I then and 

 there said good night to broom corn, and never would plant nor allow a 

 seed of it planted on my farm again. 



" CASE 2. Cattle. I bought a few cows and calves with the intention 

 of raising cattle for the market, thinking I could in that way utilize my 

 otherwise waste rough feed and give myself and family remunerative 

 employment in taking care of them. 



"Result: My cattle increased twenty-five per cent in number an- 

 nually and decreased in market value at the same rate. After three 

 years' experience in working for nothing and boarding myself, I con- 

 cluded I had enough of it in that direction, and sold out the herd for less 

 than its original cost, and never would try it again through fear of a like 

 experience. 



"CASE 3. Hogs. I had been taught that to be a successful fanner 

 I must keep at least a few hogs on the farm. This I did for several years, 

 though I could see there was nothing in it for me at three to five cents 



