Why is it so offensive to want better for farmers?

[Zephyr]

Most farmers make more off a couple quarters of canola than the average city wage slave will make in a year. Let me tell you honestly, there are few allies in the cities. There will be some business types and people with family history in ag who are sympathetic mostly on the prairies, but on average 90% of city people hate farmers.

And one drought... Or flood... Or wind storm... Or hail storm...

And the farmer has lost way more in a year than the city worker has made in 10.

[hobbyfrmr]

And one drought... Or flood... Or wind storm... Or hail storm...

And the farmer has lost way more in a year than the city worker has made in 10.

I agree with both comments.
The younger generation of farmers talk rather brazenly on social media. I look at it thinking they are doing great. Its a mixed message. I am pretty sure I had a similar presentation at that age. Now I am older and usually avoid conversations about “the farm”. My presentation sucks. It always sounds like I am complaining when I should be at least a slight bit positive.
City folk do not necessarily hate farmers, they are living the grind, goto work, have the same weather/current events conversation with coworkers, pay mortgage go home make meals, rinse and repeat. There is nothing wrong in gainful employment and raising a family. It is something to be proud of.
Farmers have fragmented work hours and timelines. You have to be a business manager, a millwright, electrician, plumber, heavy equipment and passenger vehicle mechanic. There is never a dull or inexpensive moment farming/ranching.
Those are skills to be proud of but they do not pay as well as they would individually.
Its a mean world out there for everybody.
No politician is going to help you. After all, they get their salaries on other people’s money.

[Partners]

Very true FJ and they are healthier, and better physically.

Correct.stress kills.

[Partners]

All comments are true.
BUT with all the weather crap..shit prices for our crops .
Rip off input prices.
How many on this site have called RB auction?
Thinking zero..
The ones that have retired their land is absorbed.
No loss to anyone that depends on us..

[farmaholic]

......the ones that hate farmers the most are probably the ones who had the opportunity to do it but didn't!

And last time I checked there IS NO BARRIER.TO ENTRY into the Industry.

Borrow and giver!

[LEP]

......the ones that hate farmers the most are probably the ones who had the opportunity to do it but didn't!

And last time I checked there IS NO BARRIER.TO ENTRY into the Industry.

Borrow and giver!

There is also no barrier to get out.

Make a choice. Because everyone has to look after their own interests.

[grefer]

I have spent all my adult lifetime farming and dealing with the weather. It often is a real PITA but I expected that when this farming thing started for me. There are programs offered that I have access to that will help mitigate some of the risk weather presents. I know we could argue about that also but they are what they are each year when i am making my seeding plan. The one thing that I dont think we as farmers should have to shoulder is when our Government screws up our markets by their mistakes and incompetence. I would argue this is where all our governments and farm groups have let us down and they all need to be hammered on this. If a solution isnt already in the works then cash should flow back to the farm gate where most of the damage comes home to rest. I dont care how big or small you farm. It has hurt and is hurting all of us. This isnt the first time this has happened in my lifetime farming. I can deal with the weather but not political screw ups I cant see coming. JMO.

[furrowtickler]

I have spent all my adult lifetime farming and dealing with the weather. It often is a real PITA but I expected that when this farming thing started for me. There are programs offered that I have access to that will help mitigate some of the risk weather presents. I know we could argue about that also but they are what they are each year when i am making my seeding plan. The one thing that I dont think we as farmers should have to shoulder is when our Government screws up our markets by their mistakes and incompetence. I would argue this is where all our governments and farm groups have let us down and they all need to be hammered on this. If a solution isnt already in the works then cash should flow back to the farm gate where most of the damage comes home to rest. I dont care how big or small you farm. It has hurt and is hurting all of us. This isnt the first time this has happened in my lifetime farming. I can deal with the weather but not political screw ups I cant see coming. JMO.

Very well said 👍

[Zephyr]

What makes farming so much different than any other small/medium sized business?


How is it any different than Forbes Brothers, or Elmer's Manufacturing, or Meridian Surveys?


You are your own boss, beholden to markets, financiers, and customers.


Weather and politics affects some of these businesses just as much as farming.


Big difference, many in general business have a wider scope... You can't just focus on Ag. Ag is a professiona and occupation. It is not the be all end all in life.

Go out, have experiences. Try new things. Travel the world. Mexico or Vegas for a week or two isn't traveling the world, either.

Farmers nowadays have gotten so laser focused on one thing. Many aren't even jack of all trades anymore. Dealer needs to maintain, repair, and configure machinery. Agronomist tells you how to grow the crop. Marketing specialist tells you how/when to sell it. Banker tells you everything else.

You? Well, you take all the risk, a minor portion of the reward, and all the stress.

The worlds knowledge is at your fingertips. Use it. Think out of the box.

Our kids were told they needed to go out, get a profession, spend some time seeing the world, and then they can decide if they want to farm. Hard for them to make an objective decision when this is all they have seen.


Don't get me wrong, farmings a great way of life, but it sure isn't the easiest.... and it isn't for everyone.


Also, I don't get comparing a farmer (business owner) with a joe schmuck office jockey.

Compare a farmer to business owner - thats what you are.

[chuckChuck]

I always get a kick out of farmers who think they are the only ones who work hard.

Zephyr hit the nail on the head in terms of comparison with a small business owner. Many of them work long hours for little return and a lot of uncertainiy. Many small businesses are stressful and many fail.

Lots of professionals including accountants, lawyers, doctors work hard many hours a week all year long. Lots of oil workers put in endless hours on the service rigs or battery operators work seven days per week.

Grain farmers get a lot of flexibility and time off in the winter if they want it. Many travel south for long periods if they want too. Its a great life if you are lucky and a play your cards carefully.

Poor weather and poor markets have been a regular occurrence over most farming careers.

The extreme stress of farming in this crappy harvest season is real and dangerous. Take care of your self and your family and friends because in the end those are the only things that matter.