Do farmers ever retire? If so what at what age? Looking for your opinions!

[blackpowder]

I try not to think about retirement. After my divorce I need to bring an income till I'm 65. No kids gonna take it. Dad was gone at 68.
But every year the list of 'things I wont miss' gets longer. Would make an interesting thread.

[fjlip]

close to 60 now and jumping from one truck to another all day is kinda wearing thin.
but after 40 years I am beginning think I finally have farming figured out. hate to quit now.
guess I still do not have it figured out completely , I am not sitting in the combine or a supervisor truck

That is close for me, everything is just about perfect..so now QUIT? Possessions/comfort/convenience wise, never will figure markets out. Same here, servicing, carting, trucking, drying, busy active but get tired quicker. Lose weight at harvest. Some days just feel like f*ck it, I give up. Wish I had all this shit 20 years ago. Dad let us sons do the thinking, he just enjoyed the driving, still drives out to check at 94. But timing exit however is just dumb luck. Neighbor widow and non farming kids sold out in 2013, 2 million split up, everyone happy, debt free kids, she travels the world. Was the correct decision.

[westernvicki]

That's the beauty of farming: you can retire when you want to. And it all depends upon what your personal, family and life objectives are. I talk to a lot of farmers everyday, my generation and older may die behind a wheel, the younger generations, appear to have a more defined idea of life after farming. They have a plan for the block of life after the working time.

Farming is a business and a lifestye, and unlike a job you got to, you live the farm, and so for many it is not something they need to get free from. So from what I see, talking to farmers, living with one, there is not right age, it is what works for you and your farm, and your family... but this I can say guys, from my view, most wives are ready for a change earlier than most farmers...and there is life after the farm.

[westernvicki]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/ambulance-convoy-victoria-to-moose-jaw-1.3750571

I thought this was an interesting article. How for many, even when they retire, their heart is forever on the land.

[fjlip]

"most wives are ready for a change earlier than most farmers"

absolutely, hear it all the time....