LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SOYBEAN CHECK-OFF PROGRAM TOO COSTLY

In regard to the national soybean check-off referendum of February 9, there are areas of this proposed check-off program that concerns me.

First, it is stated there is no increase in the check-off rate. Although the rate does not increase, the cost per bushel of the check-off definitely does increase. At today's cost of $7 per bushel, the check-off cost if 3.5 cents per bushel. For example, a producer raises 45 bushels of soybeans per acre on 400 acres. At a selling price of $7 per bushel, the check-off cost to the producer is $630 for that crop.

Another issue that concerns me is the proposed new refund changes. State check-off boards will have to maintain a refund escrow account equal to 10 percent of the check-off collected. Also, if the referendum passes, refunds will be made at the end of the state fiscal year instead of when an individual request for a refund is made. Then, too there is the fact that the statewide refunds will be capped at 10 percent of collections. If refund requests for the fiscal year are less than 10 percent of collections in individual states, a farmer will receive a full refund. If state refund requests are more than 10 percent, a producer will receive a proportionate share of the requested refund. Refunds are currently averaging 21 percent to 23 percent.

It took floods, early frost, and poor yields to get soybeans to the $7 per bushel, not the soybean check-off program.

Soybean producers will vote February 9, at the County extension Office to decide if the current national check-off program will continue. Absentee ballots are available at the office now.

I am not pleased with the national check-off program at all. My concern is with the system of voting. I think it should be a mail-in ballot to all soybean producers, so everyone has a greater chance to vote. I question the motive for having it a one-day, walk-in vote. What is the weather is bad? The USDA expects 100,000 farmers to participate in the vote, about one-fifth of all soybean farmers.

The national soybean check-off program began September 1, 1991, replacing the program already established without the vote of the soybean farmer.

The soybean check-off program is entirely too costly to the soybean farmer. This is a problem that we must do more than talk about among ourselves. We must get out and vote. Nobody else will do it for us. Once again, it is past time that we, farmers, be treated equally and fairly.

Cape County Soybean Farmer

Gene Eftink

Cape Girardeau County