"Programs that pay farmers not to farm often devastate rural areas. The reductions hurt everyone from fertilizer companies to tractor salesmen"

This quote by Dick Armey is describing the economic impact of programs that pay farmers not to farm. These programs can have a disastrous effect on backwoods, as the reduction in farming activity impacts lots of other services in the location. For example, fertilizer companies might see a reduction in sales, as farmers are no longer buying their products. Similarly, tractor salespersons might see a reduction in service, as farmers are no longer buying new tractors. In addition, the local economy may suffer, as the money that farmers would have spent on products and services is no longer being distributed. Ultimately, these programs can have an unfavorable impact on the whole rural neighborhood.