ating huge surpluses and sending prices even lower (United 32). The lower farm revenues brought great distress throughout the plains while calling for repeals on the Freedom to Farm Act (Brue 663). The government responded by supplying emergency aid and temporary price supports out of the seven-year transition program. Recently, the House of Representatives passed a farm bill approving the payment of $173 billion over the next ten years (roughly $70 billion more than had been budgeted for) (United 31). Ironically, the government is now back to subsidizing the farming industry at costs much higher to the taxpayer. However, this time it is too late for many who have already lost their homes, land, and lives, as they know them to be. The Freedom to Farm Act has evolved to the Freedom to Fail Act for many farmers across the country (Wirtz 2). Many stay because they have nowhere else to go. Others stay out of sheer stubbornness and family pride. Some are smarter and urge their children to flee while they can. One father said, Theres no reason for the kids to stay. Even they can see why were pushing them off. Theres no need in the world for farmers (Williams 9). Although the after-effects of the Freedom to Farm Act have produced better crop prices for consumers, for farmers, it has been devastating. In the United States today, the suicide rate among farmers is now three times that of the national average (Williams 10). Farm stress hotlines have been set up and suicide watches created amongst friends. Local farmers call each other every day to check in and talk about their fears (Williams 9). Anecdotes about farmer suicides have emerged. There was the rancher in North Dakota who shot himself and his last ten cows after a recent blizzard. Other farmers walk in front of combines, trying to make their deaths appear accidental so their families can receive life insurance benefits (Williams 10).These tales are now a reality...
