Calls pick up on rural concerns hotline

The “Iowa Rural Concerns” Hotline received over 50 calls yesterday — and hotline coordinator Margaret Van Ginkel says farmers are more anxious aboutbad livestock and crop prices.Van Ginkel says farmers can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.Van Ginkel says the constant drumbeat of good economic times elsewhere istrying for farmers.The Hotline was created during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. Van Ginkelsays there are some differences between the two down cycles.The Hotline’s number is 1-800-447-1985. It’s answered 24 hours a day.