More chatter on Stamp Farms etc.

[Hopperbin]

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/12/from_the_comments_intelligent.html

This farmer of the year wiped out his neighbours by bidding up land rent only to go bankrupt, what a fricken hero.

[furrowtickler]

This is happening all over right now. The very same B/S all over this area. And yes one has already fallen after out bidding evryone in his path to greatness. Several others will be done very shortly. The main reason we are sitting out the shit show for now.

[Hopperbin]

Interesting any one read the last 2 posts about these farmers using seasonal workers that do not contribute to the community? Are these farms just hiring custom workers? Living off USA subsidies. So communities suffer?

[ColevilleH2S]

What is the purpose of these farmer of the year awards, and what kind of message do they send?

Recently on another Ag forum, a young guy farming for the first time, asked for advice from long time successful farmers. They for the most part suggested prudence with money was the trait that helped them be successful over the long term.

Contrast that with the long line of over leveraged, flash in the pans, that have been featured in many a publication. Spectacular while they last, but not a template to model your farm on, At least not if you want to pass it on to your kids.

[hobbyfrmr]

While imposing their greatness on everyone, they
leave a void of real farmers questioning their own
ability and landlords with artificially high
expectations.
No worries for the great Stamp farm, even if
bankrupt, they get to keep their big house! And
hey, that's what counts in America. Lots and lots
and lots of big stuff. People don't matter, stuff
matters.

[freewheat]

B-I-N-G-O, hobby.

[wd9]

Well in fairness to Living Skies Winery, they exemplify what i would consider to be the inspiration of the YF award in Sask.

[sumdumguy]

Hey, what about an old fart award? I can
nominate someone we all know.

[gustgd]

Just a question. Why do land rents not fall when
the "Big" guys go broke?

[wd9]

Same reason canola seed price won't go down if canola went to 9 bucks.

[ajl]

Land rents did fall in the 80`s when
people were renting from the bank.

[bluefargo]

I can't seem to get this Stamp character out of my mind. I watched the Top Farmer promo several times.

Maybe they have a different arrangement in the US for irrigation but what this guy was doing just seemed crazy to me. He was sticking pivots up right and left in an area where irrigation would seem iffy at best. My experience (limited I admit) is that irrigation needs to be thought out well. Seems to work good where there is a feedlot industry nearby or some higher value crops to be grown. But simply "turning 130 bu land into 200 bu land" may or may not cut it in the short run.

Spending big bucks on the car spot didn't seem well thought out either.

Ofcourse running around out bidding his neighbours on all the rented land could have contributed to his downfall. Won't make him the most popular guy arouind either.

His wife appeared completely overwelmed by the "growth". Maybe she should have been more involved in running the place. She might have injected a little restraint.

[farmaholic]

Hope this "High Roller" can maintain his
lifestyle and house He's allowed to keep
while flipping hamburgers at Mc.Donalds.
But aren't these the types that get hired
by the land investment companies to
"manage" their holdings?

[SASKFARMER3]

This is the shit that is happening all over. BIG BIG BIG fast fast fast use other peoples money. Run over every neighbour out their. Promise the world,
Finally WIn Canadas outstanding farmer of the year and then Call in Richie Brothers.
THis is happening Around Regina, 3000 a acre or 125 acre rent!
Hm that kind of farm will last!

[SASKFARMER3]

When the World is insane sit back and watch then take them out when they fall.
Simply get your ducks in a row, get cash ready to go, clean up your operation, wait, patients is virtue, then buy the idiot out!
I got my sites on 10 quarters I need after the pyramid scheeme ends.