I seem to get the thought every year about this time. I think it's a product of winter, and organizing my receipts.
Thoughts I have, on cutting it in half:
1. CON.......I don't think cutting my herd in half, would reduce my expenses but by 1/4th.
2. PRO........I could make enough hay here to feed half as many
3. PRO........More free time
4. CON........As long as the ground aint saturated, I'm perfectly happy out working.
5. PRO.......I got to this size, to stay busy in retirement (that's in 2 years)
6. CON.......The opposite is I could change to a new profession, and work 15-20 more years
7. PRO........Keeps the kids plenty
8. CON........There just kids, maybe they need more free time
Thoughts about cutting way back. To like 25 cows, and 1 bull, and just buy 100 rolls of hay every year:
1. CON......Thats going to generate some gross income there. Be shame to give that away.
2. CON.......I'll have quit a bit of unused equipment, and under utilized land.
3. PRO......Possible pure enjoyment. Just set out hay a couple times a week in the winter.
It was a long road to get to here. Tough decision to actually cut back.
I don't farm with my father, but me or the kids do all of his physical work. He rides through my herd once a day, while I'm at work. It's not a bad arrangement actually. He swears he's selling out by winter of 2018. I'm not sure what percent of my/our time is spent on his place. Just seeing to my own stuff, may sweeten me up a bit. I actually hate to see him quit. I'll probably try and get him to partner on some stockers and run them at his place, from April-October.
Thoughts I have, on cutting it in half:
1. CON.......I don't think cutting my herd in half, would reduce my expenses but by 1/4th.
2. PRO........I could make enough hay here to feed half as many
3. PRO........More free time
4. CON........As long as the ground aint saturated, I'm perfectly happy out working.
5. PRO.......I got to this size, to stay busy in retirement (that's in 2 years)
6. CON.......The opposite is I could change to a new profession, and work 15-20 more years
7. PRO........Keeps the kids plenty
8. CON........There just kids, maybe they need more free time
Thoughts about cutting way back. To like 25 cows, and 1 bull, and just buy 100 rolls of hay every year:
1. CON......Thats going to generate some gross income there. Be shame to give that away.
2. CON.......I'll have quit a bit of unused equipment, and under utilized land.
3. PRO......Possible pure enjoyment. Just set out hay a couple times a week in the winter.
It was a long road to get to here. Tough decision to actually cut back.
I don't farm with my father, but me or the kids do all of his physical work. He rides through my herd once a day, while I'm at work. It's not a bad arrangement actually. He swears he's selling out by winter of 2018. I'm not sure what percent of my/our time is spent on his place. Just seeing to my own stuff, may sweeten me up a bit. I actually hate to see him quit. I'll probably try and get him to partner on some stockers and run them at his place, from April-October.