HAMILTON, Mo. - The tough economy is eating into farmer's wallets.
It's been particularly bad for Missouri dairy farmers.
Farmers say milk prices have slid to that of the late 70's and early 80's.
Sean Cornelius says he's the last existing dairy farmer in Caldwell County, Missouri.
The collapse in milk prices has driven some farmers out of business and others to slaughter their herds.
It's why farmers are urging people to purchase food in the grocery store that has proceeds going directly back to local farmers.
"By cooperating with the other farmers and getting together we're able to pool our resources and be able to market good food and products that tastes good", says Cornelius.
Your grocer can help you identify food from local cooperatives.
This month, Missouri dairy farmers asked the Governor for a one time payment of $16.5 million from stimulus funds.
Farmers worry milk prices won't improve until the Spring.
