Farms in McDowell County received $30,201 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Of the five subsidies provided, the largest was for Amanda Thorsnbury R H Enterprises, which received $25,694 for the claim of “Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program”.
The smallest subsidy provided to a McDowell County farmer was $188 to Timothy A. Foley.
There was one fewer subsidy than the year before, and the total value of the subsidies rose by $24,336.
Kimberly Amadeo of The Balance said farmer subsidies “help high-income corporations, not poor rural farmers. Most of the money goes toward large agribusinesses.”
USDA data analyzed by the Cato Institute found that “farmers (on net) have derived almost 40% of their income directly from the U.S. government” in recent years.
The U.S. has provided farm subsidies since the Great Depression to assist farmers who weather price fluctuations and disasters to help maintain consistent farming across the country.
| Farmer | $ Received | Reason for Subsidy | Total Received in Subsidies by Farmer ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda Thorsnbury R H Enterprises | $25,694 | Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program | $27,694 |
| Amanda Thorsnbury R H Enterprises | $2,000 | Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program | $27,694 |
| Connie Stanley | $1,806 | Conservation Reserve Program Payment – Annual Rental | $1,806 |
| Donald Ray Miller Sr. | $513 | Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 3 – Livestock and Poultry | $513 |
| Timothy A. Foley | $188 | Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 3 – Livestock and Poultry | $188 |
