The questions people ask

[Texas G@l]

We ran into some new folks in the "neighborhood" yesterday. After chatting a bit, the lady asked how many acres we had. I'm always surprised by those kind of questions.... Kinda like asking how much money you have in the bank.

 

[callmefence]

It's the first thing most people ask when they find out how you live.
Considered very bad manner's traditionally to ask or to tell someone. I usually answer enough to keep me busy, and when they ask what I do for a living..."whatever it takes"

 

[Texas G@l]

Exactly!

 

[kenny thomas]

Tell them something less than 100,000 acres. You wouldn't be lying. That is unless you have more than that.

 

[Mrcopier]

I just tell them it’s more than I can handle and leave it at that

 

[herofan]

It would certainly be strange if someone asked about personal finances; however, I’ve never payed any attention to being asked how many acres or cows I have. It seems like even locals will sometimes ask that if farming comes up. I guess I’ll have to remember this if I ever meet a stranger.

 

[shaz]

They’re just being curious. Why would you be offended?

 

[moses388]

They’re just being curious. Why would you be offended?

Because it is none of their business.

 

[sim.-ang.king]

"More than a lot, and less than enough."

 

[GoWyo]

Just say it's confidential information and the Code of the West says we don't talk about it.

 

[shaz]

Doesn’t bother me in the least. Sold a lot of meat that way

 

[Silver]

For some reason it does not bother me when people ask how much land we have. But cattle numbers is different for some reason.

 

[Lucky]

I think most people ask these questions out of curiosity and it doesn’t really bother me, I try my best not to answer them though. The problem comes when they treat you differently because of the how much you have or are perceived to have.

 

[Buck Randall]

Because it is none of their business.

Well, it is public information, so it's not like they couldn't find out if they really cared. It's mostly just small talk.

 

[Son of Butch]

For some reason it does not bother me when people ask how much land we have.
But cattle numbers is different for some reason.

Bad manners from rude, nosey people, who don't know better.
But cattle producers often see it as a social pecking order kind of thing.

 

[moses388]

Well, it is public information, so it's not like they couldn't find out if they really cared. It's mostly just small talk.

Some people use the name of an LLC or holding company on their land deeds. So if you are looking at records and see XYZ Land LLC, then you might not know who that is.

 

[Chevy]

It's the first thing most people ask when they find out how you live.
Considered very bad manner's traditionally to ask or to tell someone. I usually answer enough to keep me busy, and when they ask what I do for a living..."whatever it takes"

I like that. Good answers.

 

[Chevy]

I've never put much thought in to this. I always thought I can never own enough land. I'm blessed enough to have some but more would always be worth more than money in the bank long term. Just my 2 second. but what do I know.

 

[wbvs58]

Over here, how many cows or how much land you own would not be considered a nosey question. Most people would answer honestly. It is just a curiosity question.

Ken

 

[Ridgefarmer63]

Interesting thread. I get that question alot. I say "not sure, I just keep cuttin' trees and making more pasture and nobodies bitched at me yet". I had a non farmer neighbor ask me how much I make per head. I just gave a chuckle and stared at him. Maybe I'm old school, but I was taught it's bad taste to ask someone money questions like that.