farm life reality (farmers, house, cows, barn)

[purplepeach]

I live on a small family dairy. I always had the image of dairy farmers helping each other out, like you see on tv. You know, 'little house on the prairie".

Reality check. It may have been that way years age, but our experience has been- the big farms (dairy or cash crop) are just waiting around like wolves for the small guy to show weakness so they can go in for the kill. They may act like they are 'business associates' but really just want a foot in the door so when you go under and sell, they have first chance at your land.

Unfortunately, other small farmers will do anything to get ahead as well. We were new to this area 7 years ago and are still 'on our own' while the neighbors who grew up here help out their brothers and sisters when needed. We don't have family here to fall back on.

I welcome any farmers to share they're stories or experiences with this.

[Teddy52]

I was a farmer all my life and a dairy farmer most of my life.

I think the reason others are reluctant to help out is twofold...........

#1.......
in order to survive, many farmers already have more work than one person can handle

#2....fear that if they start loaning out equipment/tools or contributing labor it will be a one way street with more and more expectations.

Where I lived, many times brothers even quit helping each other for the same reasons I listed.

[purplepeach]

I get that. Equipment and repairs sure aren't cheap.

[purplepeach]

Ever witness or know of any farmers that would sabatoge another farmer so they would go under? Hence land for sale or a barn for cows.......

[tambre]

We moved to a farm four years ago. Our neighbors have been wonderful. We knew nothing about farming, and have had help learning the ropes and can depend on them for keeping on eye on the farm. This is a recipricol arrangement. We lend/borrow equipment, as well. The friendship and moral support is amazing.

[arctic_gardener]

DW and I just bought a farm and yes we are indeed on our own. Of course it doesn't help that we don't have siblings and all four of our parents live halfway around the world. To put the icing on the cake, we were both raised in urban environments. Most people think we're mad to enter such a venture but we enjoy it...

[purplepeach]

We bought into our farm in unfortunate circumstances- the owners son in law and the grandchildren had interest in purchasing this farm that was adjacent to the son in laws property. However, they would not/could not pay the asking price from the grandparents. So, we were definitely unwelcome here and bought the farm unknowingly to the family situation. There was one buyer before us who only lasted 6 mts before going under, we are the second ones to buy this farm. Alot of suspicious things happened here, then we got survellance cameras, which has helped. But I do not trust anyone anymore.

As far as family helping out- I want to add there are ways to help besides lending equipment. Help with picking rocks for instance, or emergency help such as when my husband was in the hospital unexpectedly and I had to milk and do chores ALONE, as my children were younger at that time (and my oldest son was away that night.)

[601halfdozen0theother]

There are so many posts in this and other forums about people longing for "farm life". But they don't have a clue what is involved.

As your posts show, farming is hard work, 24/7 365.

I don't know about the whole sabotage thing, though, that might be unique to your situation.

Have you asked for advice from your regional Extension people, FSA people, Farm Bureau people, and etc.? I know in the midwest states Extension has small farm advisors who are really helpful. I love Extension - it is a great support system.

[itsMeFred]

In my part of the world, people still help each other. "Neighbor" is a verb, as well as a noun.



You just have to have fewer people, I think, so you learn to appreciate the ones that are around!

[StealthRabbit]

Highly probably you have bitten off a BIG chunk (very common) It is not 'little house on the prairie', unless you read between the lines. We all face hardship, as did they. Have you farmed in the past? Are you new to the area?(7 yrs) New to the industry?

I trust there is not intentional sabotage, tho that happens. You can only learn to play well together, and that is NEVER easy. While we as neighbors we are very helpful... we all have a policy to only lend equipment WITH an operator. Thus we share machines and our time. It is far better to run your own stuff, since you have to FIX it!!

and we all know we can fail / go broke, just as fast as the next (and last) guy! We do get together and plan work for our neighbors who are in hospital or 'broken' in some other fashion. Often rural churches do that. (Community Churches are better at it than 'denominational' / family churches). NO ONE (<5%) is churched in the PNW, (we_tside) so we just take it on as neighbors.

Re-evaulate your expectations, skill, and commitment. Fortunately there are lots of 'helps' for farmers these days.

Get with the Extension Service and look over your whole operation; especially the finances, cash flows, and investments. THEN make up a farm business plan that illustrates REALITY and determine if you can survive, or need to augment or diversify. Or SELL! I didn't farm full-time (after age 20), so I worked nights (40+ yrs) to support the habit. Including in a factory since age 15. I LIKE working nights. Very ez compared to farming + I have LIGHTS at work and sun at home! (and no bosses at night in my position )
'OCD' Bosses and farmers are not often a good match!

Many of my farmer friends worked at the State Penn on nights. It paid VERY well (and for good reason). I took the 'ez path'.