State budget axe making farmers nervous

LAINGSBURG (WJRT) -- (11/02/09)--The state budget axe is making many farmers across the state nervous.

The Michigan State University agricultural extension program was spared during this last round of vetoes. But many rural areas like Lapeer and Shiawassee counties are still worried.

"Agriculture, certainly within Shiawassee County is the largest industry that we have here," said farmer Charles Scovill, who owns a farm in Laingsburg.

It's a peaceful setting, but one that he fears might soon be in jeopardy.

"Tthe governor's office isn't always as appreciative of what the agriculture industry brings to the state," he said.

Scovill opposes the governor's plan to consolidate the state's Department of Agriculture and shift its oversight from a panel to a single gubernatorial appointee.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm did score some points with farmers by not vetoing more funding from MSU's extension offices, which run popular 4-H programs for kids.

Still, they face budget cuts at the local level. The office in Corunna could see its county funding slashed by two thirds. It would have to close two days a week and lay off support staff.

Scovill worries that a $70 billion-a-year industry will lose out as lawmakers prepare for next year's budget shortfall.

Scovill says local legislators understand how important farmers are to the local economy. But he says it's hard to compete with business lobbyists from Detroit.

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