Last pass….ever

[blackpowder]

I might add, it's always better to make a decision on your terms rather than the Reapers'.

[LEP]

Congratulations on your retirement. Hope you wear out your motorcycle.

[Crestliner]

Congratulations Crusher! That is a big decision to make.
In my travels I have not come across one retired farmer who has regretted the decision to hang it up.
The common theme from them is that they did not realize how much stress they lived with for so many years.
So enjoy your new stress reduced life!

[furrowtickler]

Congratulations Crusher! That is a big decision to make.
In my travels I have not come across one retired farmer who has regretted the decision to hang it up.
The common theme from them is that they did not realize how much stress they lived with for so many years.
So enjoy your new stress reduced life!

Absolutely ???? true , I can say the same with anyone I know

[makar]

Congratulations Crusher! That is a big decision to make.
In my travels I have not come across one retired farmer who has regretted the decision to hang it up.
The common theme from them is that they did not realize how much stress they lived with for so many years.
So enjoy your new stress reduced life!

My problem need something to do. No I am not going to learn to knit sweaters.

[tubs]

Good luck crusher and congrats on retirement.

[fjlip]

Good Luck!
In my case (66) I don't have kids who want to take over either. they have good jobs, very good jobs actually and work places now seem to be very accommodating. I do not believe for a second that the 4 previous generations slaved for me to become wealthy so the kids will get the farm eventually. hopefully enough cash/inventory to pay the taxes owed. I don't have anything else to occupy all the time that would be available if I fully retired. Golfing and fishing/hunting only goes so far. So for me fewer acres and a hobby mentality is why I'm keeping farming. Plus i can keep writing off stuff! I'm sure the "fun" will dissipate if we get a sustained period of low prices and high inputs. I hope I can stay healthy both brain and body to keep on doing what I'm doing.
all the Best Crusher

72 here and can agree with your assessment, wrongway

Compared to those around us, WE are a hobby. 3rd generation.

Incorporated, wife and I, plus 2 sons minor shareholders.

They both love to help, fix stuff, drive stuff.

We all take pride in our spot, quiet, clean, with friendly rural people. Not city lovers.

Till I can't, or don't feel like it, intend keep playing. No need to sell financially.

Most common question by retired relatives and friends...are you still farming?

Sons both have careers but live close, can decide on playing after work in future.

Any decision made always feels better than before deciding. Good luck, but be sure to have a purpose. It healthier.

[Stormin]

Way to go Crusher on your retirement decision. I can relate to your situation because I also don't have a child who wishes to continue the farm and I'm not going to wait around to try to coerce one to take over. This was a good year to end because it was a difficult year but average results. That's the thing about farming, we don't get paid extra because it was extra work...tell that to the mechanic trying to diagnose an electrical problem that he's on a fixed rate. It's funny even though it was a difficult year if was fun because I like to solve problems, not saying I want to try to find a way to get the air seeder out of mud up to the axle, or a broken shaft at 6 p.m. on a Friday night, but I built a business with equipment that can deal with most situations to get back in the field. That I'll miss, are the machines I use and the results generated in the end product. That was fun but the stress of every potential cloud bringing hail, a late or early forst, no rain or too much rain, low prices, high inputs, that part I won't miss. But it's happening, home quarter sold, auction on Oct 29 and we're done, off on the next adventure and maybe help family and friends if they need some extra hand knowing my livelihood doesn't hinge on the next rain cloud.

[Old Cowzilla]

Good luck with retirement when I took over the farm dad got 10 years younger. He stayed on the home 1/4 as long as they could get around and there garden grew twice the size. Still loved to grow things and lived on healthy vegs and fish he caught when camping.Time goes so fast wife tells me I need to be doing the same thing.

[crusher]

Stormin,

All the best in your future endeavors. The drop in stress load will be the big victory.

I was hoping to fade into the sunset but got hired on by friends who are taking over their uncle's operation. The farm is the same size as mine and I'll only be managing without any skin in the game. See how that goes. I'll have no trouble keeping busy.