Prairie Sod's opinion

[silverback]

Just read a post from further down from prairiesod.

It is his opinion that in five years (maybe 10) that anyone farming less than 10,000 acres will be gone.

I am in disagreement with that. We have several different neighbors who are farming less than 1000 acres and are doing whatever they want. Debt free, decent equipment, good family life, happy.

Will they be around in 5 years? Sure looks like it from here. Will they be driving brand new equipment? Never, but who cares.

[sumdumguy]

I agree with you. Farmers have survived low
commodity prices. They Seem pretty comfortable
right now. New equipment isn't everything!

A good mechanical mind and a well-equipped
work shop can go a long way.

Don't want to spend my life paying for new steel.

[freewheat]

If I felt I had to farm 10 000 acres to survive, I'd quite this morning. This type of attitude is prevalent amongst those who have had dad's free labour, dad's free land, and dad's free machinery. The rest of us are supposed to suck it up and quit, cuz we aren't of any size that matters.

Regardless 10 000 acres in our part of the country, is impossible. There is basically no window to get anything done. You would need such a wicked line of machinery, and a dozen guys to run it all.

THere are a few who have some kind of need to be big, for whatever reasons. But there are many more who seem content, and have no ridiculous, unnecesary aspirations.

Whatever, to each his own, just don't belittle the little!!

[FarmRanger]

[PrairieSodBuster]

I guess we'll see won't we! Good luck to you all at any rate.

[TOM4CWB]

Silverback,

This is all about a 'state of mind'... just like will you 'feel old' in ten years from now.

My family farm only owns 1000ac.

Weather we have 2000, 4000, or 10,000ac in our permit book is totally irrelevant. 10 quarter section farmers can work together to have a Very successful grain farm.

How we organise ourselves... and deal with others... will be the

[charliep]

For what it is worth, here is a study MNP did for ARD. Farms above 2,000 acres - bigger than some are talking about here. Conclusion size doesn't matter. It is what you do with what you have that counts.

[URL="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/econ13638"]Study of Investment and COP 2009[/URL]

[Fransisco]

Or like my grandpa used to say, " its not how deep you plow, its how long you stay in the field."

[hedgehog]

i totally agree, running like a hare to pay for new tin is a mugs game. better to be the tortoise on a 25 yr old tractor.
found a cheap ford fw60 steiger 400 hp nearby, should i buy it?

[cottonpicken]

Farm 10,000 wife and kids hate you but local chem
and machinery companies lov ya,live rich die poor.

[wd9]

Interesting how many equate shiny new iron to success. Its an expense. Land is the real asset and that is where the value is.

[cottonpicken]

Why worry about his opinions,he cant even extrapolate
container movement?

[SASKFARMER3]

God guys its not the size that matters its what makes the individual happy and if they can handle it, go for it. If I wasnt having fun farming the acreage I farm I would quit. But as long as its still fun Ill continue. I also agree the land is the only real asset. We own most of our dirt and I wouldnt have it any other way. The equipment is nice to drive and use and with 10000 acres or more you need newer equipment.
Hey neighbor has fun with 10 quarters other does with three so do what you like and dont judge others. Remember the bigger you are the harder you fall or is it fail. HA HA.
Heading to lake have a beer and fishing rod with my name on it.