Agriculture 1984, 1994 to 2004

[boone]

Geeze it's so quiet in here you could hear a jaw drop!

[cakadu]

For many, the true rewards of farming do not come in the shape of folding bills in one's wallet. That doesn't pay the bills, nor does it give you much on the plate, but it does bring some peace and a sense of self-actualizaton.

To me, there is nothing better than watching my young ram lambs trying to be like the big fellas and butt heads. Here they are 3 weeks old, barely weighing in at 10 lbs each and they are fighting like the bighorns out in the Rockies.

What I do wish is that we as producers could get paid a fair price for what we do and that we have the opportunity to truly value-add.

There have been so many changes in the past 20 years and a push to bigger is better. I have to ask - has it been worth it all and has it worked for us?

[pandiana]

Back at corporate farming. A year ago I made the argument too that no corporation in their right mind would want to take over the grass roots primary producer. Corporations, pay union wages, holiday pay, overtime, sick pay and many other things that farmers could only dream of. Even smaller companies, feedlots etc have to pay competetive wages. But what I see this past year is interesting. Two of my close neighbors have sold their 100 plus cow herds in the fall of 2001. Both are now working for large ranchers who have 350 - 600 cows. As some of you have pointed out, you are trying to farm while still working with off the farm income. In a way, you are making it easy for the large, 'corporate' farms to take over. Large herds have less overhead costs per head, therefore more efficient and profitable. But not by any measurement, necessarily better. This is the beginning of the end for the small, ecologically aware, land loving and profitable farm as they must compete with 'economy of scale'. There will always be room for hobby farms that have off farm income that support a lifestyle.

[cowman]

I just picked up a sweet heart deal that will put some real money in my jeans! I guess I can now classify myself as a real hobby farmer?
When you make the majority of your money in something else what else can you call yourself?
Boys, be farmers! But for crying out loud do something else, besides, if you want to have all the toys!

[boone]

Cowman: congrats to you and yours but remind me if we ever meet your buying the first round.[:<{)