PROSPECTS REMAIN GRIM FOR FARMERS

Missouri's $5.5 billion farm economy provides the source for another set of statistics, this time from Federal Reserve economists in St. Louis and Kansas City. These statistics aren't bright. But most of the state's farmers knew that before the Fed's recently issued report. Farmers are facing depressed prices the likes of which haven't been seen since the 1930s.

So far, no one has a quick fix. Congress is holding hearings. The governor is asking state agencies to use more pork. Others are being encouraged to stock up on soybean-based products.

As far as most consumers are concerned, there is no crisis. Supermarkets are well-stocked. Groceries are still more affordable here than anywhere else in the world.

It is likely to take a dose of pain for consumers -- higher prices or less supply -- before most Americans give the farm crisis any serious thought.