Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: The Surprisingly Unboring Story of Farm Subsidies
Jul 8, 2025
Dive into the complex world of farm subsidies and discover where billions in funding really go. From historical policies like the Homestead Act to the modern crises faced by farmers, the podcast unpacks the true impact of these programs. Explore the unsettling realities of crop diversity, pricing, and the unequal distribution of funds that favors the wealthiest farmers. Witness the connection between subsidies, public health, and the fate of farmers in developing countries, all while enjoying a frank yet humorous conversation about agriculture's future.
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Subsidies Control Crop Supply
- Farm subsidies pay farmers to reduce crop output to prevent price crashes.
- This controls supply to keep farmers profitable despite lower production.
Few Crops Get Most Subsidies
- Only five major crops are subsidized: corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice.
- These crops dominate both farming subsidies and a large part of human caloric intake.
Family Farms Are Large Scale
- Nearly all U.S. farms are family-owned but often large-scale operations.
- Many family farms span hundreds or thousands of acres, not just small plots.
