I have a Theory on Land!

[Old Cowzilla]

I think it might be Chinese over the libs ( libs not that smart ) but in this area it's mostly local . Huts, Amish,Dairy farms , BTO's ,and quite a few young pups. One farm in area got split 4 ways my son and I where able to snag a 1/4 ( classic 1/4 next door ). Seemed like a lot of money 4 months ago but looks like a bargin now. Strange times indeed.

[foragefarmer]

We need more farmers, not fewer and fewer. To get there, we need to think outside the box. Trouble is, only about seven of us western Canadian farmers do, so I guess it is what it is. Bigger and better forever!

Here is an example. On my little farm, rather than panic and act like with my land base it’s impossible, I look at different options. If my four kids wish to farm, which may well be the case, we will find a way.

It will not involve over priced land, iron, and will certainly not be at the mercy of a few input and mass commodity buying conglomerates.

I have been planning to start a thread about this idea of farming differently. Especially in the sense of generational transfer. But I presume it will die due to lack of interest. Long live the cookie cutter farm. Ugh.

We would all like to see the rural population grow whether it be small towns or more farmers, but it certainly not the fault of the family farms who want to continue to farm and for what ever reasons to expand in size.

The farmers who are retiring or selling out have their own personal reasons as to why they are going the route they are. Maybe they want to enjoy a different life style who knows. But at the end of the day in Canada you have that choice.

No one farmer is being forced off their farm or being pressured to sell if they are financially sound.

If you choose to remain at the current size you are using the current equipment you have, so be it.

But, don't call the rest of us humble family farms with a couple of extra yard lights, a "cookie cutter farm"

You have no idea what each of our family farms goals and contributions are to our local areas or how we have come up with our own ideas how to make our family farm unique and prosper.

[SASKFARMER]

That's nice forage but your missing the big picture these mega farms arent like the rest of us when in a drought they double in size and had no crop. Think about it.

[jazz]

That's nice forage but your missing the big picture these mega farms arent like the rest of us when in a drought they double in size and had no crop. Think about it.

If you took in 5 free and clear rental properties in the city, wouldnt the bank say the same thing?

Thats a huge amount of leverage and would trigger some risk alerts at the bank I assume.

[SASKFARMER]

If I took 5 clear homes in Regina at 375000 a home and said to my banker ill give you all 5 what will you give me he would say go buy a 1.5 mil home.

[jazz]

In comparison, there is about $115B in farm mortgage debt in the country. There is $2.2T in home mortgage debt. Land still a pretty small player in the credit markets in this country. Banks certainly favour home mortgages over any other debt. Huge lending on an unproductive asset. Tells you whats wrong with the country.

[foragefarmer]

That's nice forage but your missing the big picture these mega farms arent like the rest of us when in a drought they double in size and had no crop. Think about it.

You've come on here a few times stating that if the right offer came your way the family farm would be gone.

Just who do you think that buyer would be, a couple of dozen city dwellers want a new lease on life?

[SASKFARMER]

I joke lots but the truth is like anything if someone came with 50 mills why wouldn't you sell or even half why not.

You can always farm some place else. Maybe grow oranges for a living and golf.

[Sheepwheat]

But, don't call the rest of us humble family farms with a couple of extra yard lights, a "cookie cutter farm"

You have no idea what each of our family farms goals and contributions are to our local areas or how we have come up with our own ideas how to make our family farm unique and prosper.

If my kids hit a moose that is on the road that they can’t see, because of idiotic white blazing yard lights shining at the road, I could care less if the owner of the lights farm seven acres, or 70 000 acres.

As per usual, my post flew well over your head. And as usual, you single me out to call an idiot.

[Sheepwheat]

You have no idea what each of our family farms goals and contributions are to our local areas or how we have come up with our own ideas how to make our family farm unique and prosper.

By all means, share!

[SASKFARMER]

I love to stir the pot and get guys thinking but were all farmers farming in western Canada it's us against the east remember that.

Trudeau has big plans for us and that's what scares me.

Have a great day it's awesome to be back in Sask and I cant wait for crop 22 and then just like every fall the goose will flap its wings and get the **** out of dodge.

[LEP]

Long live the cookie cutter farm. Ugh.[/QUOTE]

I am glad you found a niche that you love and you make money doing.

But you do realize if everyone did what you did, no one would make money.