[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE ``NOT RAISING HOGS'' BUSINESS

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                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, this letter came from a young man 
in the 11th grade in Alabama, and I thought it was worth putting into 
the Congressional Record so everyone in America could see how some of 
our Government programs are being used.

     To: Honorable Secretary of Agriculture,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Sir: My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells Iowa, 
     received a check for $1,000 from the government for not 
     raising hogs. So, I want to go into the ``not raising hogs'' 
     business next year.
       What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best 
     kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed 
     of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this 
     endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would 
     prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good 
     breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise 
     Yorkshires or Durocs.
       As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in 
     keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't 
     raised.
       My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the 
     business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, 
     and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until 
     this year when he got your check for $1000 for not raising 
     hogs.
       If I get $1000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2000 
     for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale 
     at first, holding myself down to about 4000 hogs not raised, 
     which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can 
     afford an airplane.
       Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 
     100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay 
     farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for 
     payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed 4000 hogs 
     I am not going to raise?
       Also, I am considering the ``not milking cows'' business, 
     so send me any information you have on that too.
       In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will 
     be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and 
     food stamps.
       Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.
           Patriotically Yours,
                                                    Entre Prenuer.



     

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