Reagan to Talk With Farmers, Visit His Old Radio Station

President Reagan will travel to Illinois next week to talk with farmers in drought-stricken areas and make a side trip to radio station WOC, where he began his broadcasting career, the White House announced today.

Although exact plans were not set on which farms the President will visit during the one-day trip Thursday, presidential spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said Reagan wants firsthand information from farmers before he sends a relief package to Capitol Hill.

“We think that it’s important that while he’s there he visit a farm area and inspect the damage so far, let the farmers know that he is working on a package and that he intends to work with the Congress to seek relief,” Fitzwater said.

Reagan had a longstanding invitation from WOC in Davenport, Iowa, to help observe its 65th anniversary.