SAGGING PRICES COULD FOREVER CHANGE HOW WE THINK OF AGRICULTURE

Like it or not -- and chances are we're not going to like it -- the face of agriculture in Missouri and America at some point in the future could be unrecognizable as the traditional family farming that we cherish.

According to the latest state and federal agriculture price statistics, total farm revenue in Missouri for 1999 declined 10 percent over the previous year.

While livestock sales rose slightly -- about $7.9 million -- revenue from row crop plummeted $506.1 million for a whopping half-billion dollar drop in overall farm receipts.

Although Missouri agriculture still produced $4.27 billion last year, depressed prices -- which show few signs of improving -- are a devastating blow to many family farmers.

The situation with agricultural prices highlights the downside of the free-market system. There is simply more supply than demand, which leads to lower prices for consumers but declining revenue for farmers. Despite government subsidies and price supports, the situation shows little sign of improving.

The idea of large, corporate farming in Missouri is distasteful and could quickly lead to the downfall of family farms, which large conglomerates would absorb. But government can do only so much, and farmers can't rely on taxpayer-funded subsidies forever.

Opening world markets for American farmers would help boost revenues, as would innovative ideas such as new-generation cooperatives that allow farmers to create value-added products. But such efforts may not be enough. Other ideas, perhaps some not even thought of yet, will be needed.

The state and the country long ago moved beyond being an agrarian society. But the family farmer remains the nation's backbone. As agriculture continues to change, let's hope we like what we see.