The calves are growing up
The ground is ready for growth.
I guess when you think of the cycle of life on a farm, living things come to mind right?
Well, in this day and age, every part of the farm is vital, and we take care of all our equipment to make sure each piece has a long life on the farm. I'm not sure how many of my readers have priced tractors, implements, and combines, but if you have even glanced at the price of a riding lawn mower, you might have an idea at how much we have to pay for new equipment. I remember when we bought our new combine a couple years ago, I told someone, "There goes my new house down the road." I think the person thought I was joking, but I was dead serious.
If you go through our out buildings, you will see a mixture of old, kind of not old, and a few new things. Then there is also the parts graveyard where usable pieces of equipment are saved to be used again one day. We don't throw too much away around here; there is plenty of duct tape, bailing wire, and welding iron to help put parts back together.
I have heard so many kids say that they want to farm when they grow up, and I hope they get the chance, but I cannot imagine anyone getting into this business at a young age unless they either inherit ground or win the lottery. The start up costs for a new farmer would involve more money than I can wrap my head around. I don't mean to discourage anyone, but that is why each piece of machinery is valuabe to our farm, no matter what the age. We clean every piece after it is used,a nd put them away ready for the next time. Yes, we see the cycle of life or circle of life in our planing seasons and the calves that grow to market size, but behind it all is the old and new machinery that gets it all done.
Click here to see how my pals describe the cycle of life in their worlds.
Lana I loves the 4020 I drove working the ground many hours in days past Now the equipment is big It has been 5 years since I been in a tractor If needed I would be there Loved the smell of the soil in the spring when I would run the disk.
ReplyDeleteI love the dashboard comparison!
ReplyDeleteMy dad has been an ag mechanic for as long as I can remember and I know how much a new combine can cost! It may not look like it but even those old tractors are valuable.
Not sure the link to "Real Farmwives of America" takes me to the right place. Will you check? Loved the post...
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely a reality check for anyone thinking of getting into farming. I dated a farmer after high school and one of our favorite "dates" was driving down to the implement dealer on Saturday nights and window shopping for combines and planters and tractors, etc. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's almost impossible to get into farming these days. It's not like the days when 20 cows and 80 acres would support a family of four.
ReplyDeleteI admire you and your family for being such conscientious farmers, good stewards of your land, your animals, and machinery.
Hi Lana, If you think farming is hard in your area, check out my friend, Linda's blog from Canada.... Her website is:
ReplyDeletehttp://prairierunner.wordpress.com/
I also think that our govt. is doing everything it can these days to make farming harder for you all in the USA (with all of the rules and regulations).... Too bad!
Hugs,
Betsy