Cut Your Costs!

[cowman]

First of all Carebear: Also lets not forget the grainfarmer who also needs to make enough to grow the barley! Years of unprofitable barley prices have not been a good thing? Every year it seems we have less and less barley production...for a reason...low profitability!
Purecountry: My prices were a real general estimate done on the spur of the moment type of thing. Some could do it a lot cheaper, some higher. And if you can do it a whole lot cheaper then good for you.
I did read the article by Mr. Weder and it was interesting. One thing I laughed at was how he had a low cost for feeding by using an old used 3/4 ton with a bale picker...not here in Central Alberta my friend...the snow is up to your butt! You need a good reliable tractor, preferably with front wheel assist! But as I said I found it an interesting article.
The problem I have with "experts" is they seem to have "THE ANSWER" when in fact there are many answers? What works for you might not work for me and visa-versa? We all have to find what works the best for our own personal situation(and incidently that goes for life in general?) And I do believe it is a human tendency to think what we are doing is "THE ANSWER" and try to convince others to see the folly of their way of doing things? Which is okay, that's what makes for a lively discussion!
You seem to have found a plan that looks good for you and that is good...go for it! And you seem to want to tell people about how you see it unfolding and that too is good! Who knows we might all learn something and take some of your ideas and use them and that is good! I have always believed everyone I meet has something to teach me...whether it is the professor at a university or the bum in the street! And I also believe they have equal value as a human being...Sorry I couldn't help throwing in a little personal philosophy!

[jensend]

this (or any other) industry won't be healthy until profits are distributed along the supply chain. if the only way to do that is to be pasture to plate for each producer we are in trouble. that means a whole bunch of small co-ops and they will be squashed by the big boys as they emerge.

[k-way]

Never mind the fact that not all of us out there are ready, willing, or able to take that on. Many would rather leave the industry (or have no choice).

[cakadu]

The smaller guys don't necessarily have to get squashed by the big guys if you set it up so that you don't go head to head with them.

If you find the market that is willing to pay you for your product so that you make something for it, then you stick with them.

Keep under the radar screen of the big guns.

[k-way]

I'm not just talking about avoiding the big boys. There are alot of other issues besides that, at least for us. This has been a dream financed by a disability pension (from a farm injury). Finances and physical ability won't stretch any further than this. If that's what's required, then our days are done. Besides, never really had the interest in going further up the chain or would have in the first place.

[cakadu]

k-way you maybe wouldn't have to go further up the chain yourself, but you could support a chain with what you are already doing, couldn't you?

Not everyone has to go as far up the chain as possible, each link in the chain needs it's corresponding support as well. If as a producer you grow what you need to get into the chain, then that might be all that is required of you. A steady supply is needed, so if you are part of that, then you are doing your part to help the chain and should get paid accordingly.