1952. Because of a declining export of farm products and continuing high production totals, the new Administration may be fac ed with the problem of surpluses in 1953. The prospect of surpluses is blamed by some farmers for declining prices. In this connection. Southern cotton farmers and Western wheat interests are sure to plug for continuation of the ninety per cent parity price support on the so called basic commodities. Basic commodi ties, which have long enjoyed this support level, are corn, wheat, cotton, peanuts and tobacco. Northeasternefs ami Midwestern farm groups will probably favor flexible price supports which operate on the suppl.v and-demand theory. The new Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Benson, Utah, may have two years in which to work out a new support program. The 82nd Congress extended rigid support poli cies through 1954 and the 83rd Congress appears content to stand on this until next year, when a new agricultural bill could be worked out, to take effect in 1955.

73.3%