Farm Subsidies: Do They Sustain Dependancy?

FRANKLIN COUNTY- It's a debate that's been going on for years.
Farm Subsidies and whether they sustain dependency. Are subsidies helping or harming American Agriculture?

Here in Southern Illinois, three generations of farmers we talked to Wednesday say without assistance everyone suffers.

Down Long Prairie Road You'll find it. This farm in Franklin County actually dates back to 1856.

There are three generations farming this land. Darren Drew from Drew Farms says, " Even with this boy here to keep him on the farm one mess up sends him off the farm."

And that's a mess up the Drew Family admits wanting to avoid instead opting to be part of the government's farm program.

Paul Drew says, " They need to take care of food producing family farms to sustain our food supply and our quality of life. "

Subsidies and crop insurance help to keep operations like this up and running.

In addition to the Drew Family there are thousands of others receiving farm payments the Government argues some people shouldn't be. Paul admits," We still live in a free country if it's legal you can do it."

They are doing it taking into account all losses and gains.
Drew says," The good Lord has sustained us and I hope he will continue doing it. "

By: Angie Wyatt
awyatt@wsiltv.com