Associated Press / James Hannah, Associated Press Writer
WEST CHESTER, Ohio (AP) -- Farmers urged a congressional committee Saturday to boost exports to counter low market prices for corn and soybeans.
"We can't stand these low commodity prices much longer," said farmer Wayne Kilpatrick of Frazeysburg. "There's just way too much production out there."
Kilpatrick was among nearly 20 farmers from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky who testified at hearing before the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Charles Stenholm, a committee member and Texas Democrat, said farmers and rural America aren't sharing the economic good times.
"The question we're looking to answer is, 'Why?'" he said. Farmer Thomas Spellmire of Lebanon told the panel that farmers would get more money for their crops if the government did more to help them export the commodities, such as develop a permanent trade agreement with China.
"But the lack of a trading agreement with China is no excuse for the lack of an aggressive export program," he said. "There are plenty of other countries we could be exporting to."
Spellmire suggested the government turn over its export-enhancement program to the private sector. The hearing, one of 10 scheduled around the country, was held to gather suggestions from farmers on how to improve the nation's farm policy.
Farmers also voiced concern about the rising cost of fuel.
"This is going to really put a hurt on the farmers for the spring planting season," Brown said.
He suggested the government increase funding to develop alternate sources of fuel such as ethanol and soy diesel.:
