The Nation - News from Aug. 4, 1985

Agriculture Secretary John R. Block said in St. Louis that he would recommend a veto on any attempt to extend current farm laws and stressed the importance of Congress passing new legislation by Oct. 1. Block said the best farm bill will not necessarily be the one spending the most money, and he chided Congress for increasing federal funds for farm bills before it recessed for the August break. Block predicted this spring’s death knell for farmers will not be repeated, but he estimated about 5% of current farmers will be forced to go out of business.