I was leasing a 20 acre with barn, water, electric for $400./month for years ($4,800./year). You ARE correct...the smartest people in Farming are:
1. Leasing their barns and land to people with horses.
2. Cutting hay off lands for free, bailing it, selling it.
Being a cattle producer is rough, the small producer is usually in the Red or just break even. You must have (at minimum) over 300 acres and over 150 head to get close to turning a little profit for your labor. For myself, it's a passion of love...the land and cattle. A challenge and a Honor to be working our Forefather's cattle land and leasing more...so close to the city of Dallas. Not about the money, rather keeping the old ways of Our Forefathers intact. Everyone is quick pump and dump with sad faces. I prefer honoring (God) land and cattle with happy face. HE'LL take care of me.