What is everybody so scared about..CWB be gone

[blackpowder]

Dogpatch
It is quite clear to me that of the 9 farm families with my surname actively farming one generation ago, my generation has 1. And I will be the last. There will be some who own land and farm on paper but none that have a single income.
I can't blame the board for this evolution. I can't see how anyone else can either!
Actually it might be easier for the smaller ops. to grow niche grains.
I can think of several scenarios that were quashed in the past.
Of course you're entitled to your world view, however I am very glad I'm no longer your business partner by force!

[TOM4CWB]

Farmaholic,

I was not saying at all that a farm had to be 5000ac... just that the efficiencies are often better found in larger volumes... so working together with others... can mean better returns for all.

Volume buying of inputs... and selling by quality... carefully segregated and sampled... can all bring increased bottom line returns.

Cooperation and hard work made western Canada the great land it is today... and I do not see that changing no matter what happens to the CWB! It is part of our heritage!

[farmaholic]

Tom4cwb:

I can't argue with that logic. Unfortunately the cost/size of machinery almost dictates the "increments" of farm size. Being over equiped costs money, it would be nice but it comes at a cost.

[wakopa]

i farm 1000 acres // i will make it// farming is very cheap for me //bought a very good 7200 drill last year for 3 thosand// i compete in sports not new machinery

[farmaholic]

Wakopa: with that attitude, mentality and determination you will succeed!!(if you haven't already)

[freewheat]

I take a bit of offense to Toms comment
as well. I farm 1600 acres. I have had a
struggle lately due to weather. I
actually am from a region where there
are VERY few 5000 acre farmers. The only
way here to become a farmer that large,
is to either marry in, inherit, or hope
a neighbor with a couple thousand acres
dies. There are many young farmers out
here.

Yes I do it all myself. I have two young
sons, who I hope will help someday. I
certainly will not hire help at this
point. I have no wage expense, few
machinery payments, and am sure the
supposed volume discounts the biggest
farmer around here supposedly gets,
(though he disputes he gets any!) are
more than made up by no 40 000 dollar
salary, no multi-million dollar
machinery lineup etc.

Remember, we all start with a different
spoon in our mouths when we take on
farming. I have a neighbor or two with
silverware so far down their throats
they walk with a limp. I personally
started with a rusty old bayonet from
1941. Guess which farm "looks" more
successful?

Tom, I agree with almost all you say,
but I disagree on the 5000 acre or your
not much of a farmer attitude. It is WAY
too prevalent out there.

I hate the CWB, and I am a small farmer.
I appreciate all your posts Tom, but
this one was offensive to me.

[btjadenlepp]

what an awesome bunch of encouraging
posts. reflects my experience exactly.
there is no correlation between size and
success of farms on the prairies.

hear hear!

www.farmlinksolutions.ca

[DogPatch]

EBay.....

Who pays the freight, who arranges delivery, How do you take advantage of overseas markets? Where there is a will there is a way, but Ebay?

There was a fellow a few years ago in MB that tried to sell his seed production on EBay. I wonder how they made out. He was from the Russell area I think.

[BTOfarmallll]

Farm Link Solutions WHO???? Noone cares. Wouldn't take yous advice if yous paid me $10 per bushel. Nor any other advisor. The statistics show the farmer only stays with the hired advisor on average two years. Whats that tell ME??? Yous ain't know anymore than the next guy. & less than ME cause yous ain't connected to the farm like I am, got skin in the Game. Yous get paid no matter what. Stick it where the Sun ain't shine. It's a slim chance I Fall, Olive Aill...........

[DogPatch]

The line companies are in a better position to handle the grain, and they will give the larger producers a deal on their inputs, but can take it back at the pit without the producer even knowing it. By putting together the unit trains, they might make (just numbers) $10/T and give back $5/T for big deliveries by the same producers and make more margin themselves in the end.

[TOM4CWB]

Freewheat et al,

I was concerned that you didn't get what I was trying to say.

How many families does a 5000ac farm support? Different areas and operations allow for many differences

A diversity of; family arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, working together in whatever structure... was the point... that help to make a prosperous farm 5000ac ... it helps break through some barriers.

Standard economics on gross incomes... risk management... spread out management and human resourse skills to best use the strengths of those working together.

Margins and increased income allow more flexibility... with equipment sharing... etc. if; pick and number; say $2M in gross income average, can be attained.

We participate in volume and good will relationships that hopefully meet the needs of those who work together by choice.

There are synergies that are created... when we work effectively together... more diversity... ideas... make a stronger farm.

Have fun... enjoy what you do... especially with family... only one shot at it... make the best possible outcome for the group that chooses to share strengths!

[TOM4CWB]

Dogpatch,

There are 101 ways to do a job... some use E-bay... but change is the only constant even though we resist it.

Whatever platform you use to buy and sell it is a management style... just like the harvester or seeding system we choose.

What we grow... rotations we choose...

That is the point. What works today... may well be obsolete in a couple of years! For others... they may find opportunities in the changes we make... like buying drills others think obsolete.

If it works for you... and you can sleep at night with integrety... GREAT!