Agriculture: Report from the Farm

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Ham-handed Illinois Farm Boy Howard Werkheiser, 21, came to Washington last week with five other 4-H Club members to make a "report to the nation." Howard wasted no time. He cornered Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman and told him succinctly: "The Government is no good for farmers." Said Howard later: "I didn't sass him or nothin'. I told him the Government should try to get out of the farming picture in ten or 15 years—slowly. The hog market has no price supports and they're doing fine, but the corn market has, and is messed up." A few minutes later, the visitor met President Jack Kennedy. "Howard, what do you think about the farm situation?" asked Jack. Howard made the same pitch —the Government ought to get off the farm. "The President looked a little disturbed," reported Howard, "but then I said, 'In ten or 15 years,' and he said, 'I agree.' "