Last pass….ever

[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.

[mcfarms]

I suppose last pass ever is a better title than.
Going broke can't compete and have to get a job.

Lol

[crusher]

Ouch. Lol. Pretty sure even my wife can't spend the nest egg.

[Stormin]

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.

I'd be careful with a management role if you conscientious, and I'm sure you are, managing someone else's affairs could leave you frustrated when it comes to making fast and hard decisions and there are no shortage of those to be made, specially if you are spending someone else's money. Just saying.
Pursue another passion, even if you don't make much money, try something else, life is short.
I think I am going to go back to building houses for myself, as manager. I've already got one in the works and sailing in the winter and I do have a bike for the summer I want to use more, I'll find stuff to occupy my day. I'm also much more politically involved since the scamdemic. Cheers

[rumrocks]

Farmers are problem solvers, but I've also found the further I'm outside my comfort zone when I accomplish something the more rewarding it is.

I know a guy who built his own cylinders for his Harley, bought two big blocks of aluminum and went to work on his lathe, I think he used Chev pistons, lots of cubic inches which looked impressive.

But he also built the heads which is more amazing when you consider angle of valves, combustion chamber, steel inserts, ports and saddles for rocker arms while keeping the cooling fins where they needed to be.

He spent a lot of time on his milling machine.

Another guy restored an XKE Jag, did a beautiful job even painted it but couldn't find anybody to do the upholstery to his liking so he bought the proper sewing machine and did it himself.

These two guys made lot's of mistakes but the feeling they had when finished would have been off the charts.

If you're not making new mistakes your comfort zone is shrinking.

[SASKFARMER]

Congratulations ????

[westernvicki]

Great timing to retire.
We know you will make the best of the future!

[STRNGR]

Congratulations crusher & Stormin on the decision to retire with Health intact to keep moving forward! I’m in last year of farming and retiring with no big plans yet , but still active in sports and spending more time with family and friends! Feels good not stressing what needs to be done before freeze up & other usual jobs!

[SASKFARMER]

Great run all.the best and enjoy your retirement its fun

[kANOLA]

Congratulations to the two of you , happy for you and make the best of it.I retired ten years ago ,when our eldest son decided he had other plans going forward. It was a bit of a shock at first , but decided at the time it might be best to retire.If I have any piece of advice for younger farmers it is to stick with it through tough times cause things will get better.It seemed like we spun our wheels for twenty years , my dad passed away at 65 when two years of drought come about. I was ready to call the auction and end it all but after having serious discussions with the family we continued. The following 12 years were the best I had seen ,which allowed us to retire.