A little bit panicked, need advice. PLEASE HELP!!!

[frustrated1]

Once you realize the panic attacks aren't a heart condition it gets easier. I was hailed out 100% my first year of farming about a week after I brought my first combine home. There have been other years that have been worse. Key here is you have a good track record and crop insurance(however minimal it may be). You are not the only one with crop out and the bank will realize that and that you have potential. There is no off farm job that could cover my debt BUT getting up and doing something to put food on the table every day is good for your mental state. Sitting in the house stewing all winter is not. I have never left crop out but this year it's looking bleak. I've already talked to the banker "just in case". Their immediate family farms and has over 5000 acres left. They know. Remember you are not alone.

[bucket]

Telling a farmer to get an off farm job. Yeah just brilliant. Have you ever heard any union member be told to go get another job if they don't like there wages. Farmers who work off farm to sustain the farm are technically financing the world. It makes no sense.

Go back to a full time job and enjoy your life.

[Burbert]

Spring combining is dirty and messy, at times, however, the longer days and very dry conditions are advantages. We've been snowed in a couple of times, heck in the Peace country they always harvest in the Spring. Feed grains are the order of the day. Sometimes these grains are in demand and you get better prices than Fall harvested. ** On one occassion, crop insurance made a snowed under payment, then there was a wildlife claim, then crop insurance paid to clean poop out of grain, feed prices had risen, and Spring crop was sold for more than Fall harvest. Then crop insurance paid for production shortfall, then we ran into income tax problems and got scured by the Feds** Don't dispare, lots of the big guys are in trouble this year, and their collective snivelling and whinning will prevail. It always does. Don't cound on house sitting though, that WILL NOT pay the bills, LOLing!!!!!!

[freewheat]

Man guys, I appreciate your suggestions and help.

I do run a seed cleaning plant in the winter, which will put food on the table. It is just that I have many upgrades I need to make to the mill to get it running well again, and no funds to do that. The other thing is the overwhelming fact that it would take about 10 of these plants running to have much affect on my farm needs. I am glad I have crop insurance, the thing is the WHEN of getting any cash flow.

Can't see the lawn again this morning for the snow.

I sure do appreciate the support. I gotta go now and make some calls, but I always look forward to checking this thread, as having guys who understand is a welcome boost.

[Choice2U]

There is a little truth in all that has been said:
1. Farmers should not have to have 2 jobs but I know non-farmers that work extra hours too.
2. Make-do with your plant as long as it is making money. $ spent to gain more business is good but $ spent right now to get people done faster and then wait is not $ spent wisely.
3. We know a job here or there will never cover one's farm bills but keeping yourself busy gives your mind something else to think about, may pay for some of the smaller bills and helps with the overall attitude.
4. Crop Insurance/CAIS/etc are all there to help but were never designed to fix problems. Communication with these folks can be frustrating but if you deal with them using a positive attitude, it should help.
5. Not sure if you have any equity in the operation or not but checking with other lenders (FCC, CU, or banks) and seeing if one can restructure loans with different repayment terms can help on the cash flow. Fortunately, you have all winter to consider a restructure. FCC has special financing for those under 40. Not sure if it is a benefit or not but I would suggest you check into it.
5. Get out of bed and get going every morning no matter how bad you feel. Surround yourself with people that have positive attitudes so you draw strength from them rather than being around those that drain energy from you.
6. Most importantly, take care of yourself and remember that most of us Agri-villers have gone through times that we would rather forget but we all are still here.

[bucket]

Look none of us are paying freewheat's bills. Its counterproductive to encourage someone when we all know better.

This is like those who believe in the cwb - equal price, equal delivery equal equal etc. But ask a board supporter to pay your bills because we are all equal and the discussion goes downhill quickly.

Freewheat needs a reality check. Get a job, forget about farming and be happy. When he's living off interest like alot of the posters here do then start the dream again.

[AG_guy]

Freewheat keep farming if you love it. I actually read how you got into this bind, take note for incase this situation comes again. If your crop insurance will squeek you by then thats a bonus. You have a seed cleaning bussiness so theres some income whenup and running. I see there are no farmers looking for truck driving or seed cleaning in your area so your on your own. It sounds to me you have everything you need your just off to a real crappy start. Most farmers have struggled one year or another wether they admit it or not. take a deep breath and yess make a few calls , call your bank go and see if there is some government funding Your not the first guy to be in this sitiuation and you sure as heck won't be the last. And keep making those calls before your phone gets cut off JUST JOKING you'll be fine but lesson learned for next time around.

[may-be]

Bucket. Your not a banker by any chance? You sound like the one I had years back when I had two bad years back to back. Glad I did not listen to him.
I'm glad you have something to do freewheat. Just sitting around would make you more depressed and decision makeing harder.
Good luck.

[bucket]

Just playing devils advocate. Do I believe what I am saying? It doesn't matter to any of you or to freewheat - its a differnt opinion that has to be considered. When I am having tough decisions to make I like all perspectives good and bad - it makes me feel comfortable with the decision I end up making and am good with it.

I am not a banker. Just a farmer who looks at all sides.

[bucket]

may-be

I didn't start calling you names so why the banker insult?