Combines BIG Farms

[T3]

Heard a comment one time at an annual Co-op meeting that said "Bigger is not always better, it is just bigger". Keep in mind that this comment was made when Farmland(IJ) was buying other regional Co-ops up by the truckload. See what happened to themIJ I know some big farmers that do a very good job. I guess it really boils down to the farmer. Some do a good job farming 5000 acres and some can't do a good job on 50 acres. Just my 2 cents worth. T3

 

[Ilnewholland]

T3, You are very right. I have nothing bad to say about most big farmers here, as most have many family members farming together. I think in this country if you want to farm big and can make it work then good for youIJ But also if you don't want to farm big I think you should have that chance also. I don't want to farm any more than what one combine can harvest, that is what I have set my goal at. Problem is they keep making bigger combines faster than I can add acresIJ Ilnh

 

[Unit_2]

I was at a seminar today at the AGCO plant in Hesston, KS. Dr. David Kohl Ag. Econmics University of Virginia Tech. was the speaker. He put farmers in four categories. "Achievers" They have positive wealth accumulation. "Hot Shots" They look like they're making money but they are acually loosing 5 to 7% annually. "Miners and Coaster" They are bad farm managers on bad farms and they have a negative wealth accumulation. "Strugglers" They are bad farm managers on fair farms but they are not taking advantage of marketing opportunities and slow to adopt new technology. They have no wealth accumulation. Does every community have farmers that fit into those categoriesIJ Have any of you heard Dr. David Kohl speakIJ Darn good speaker! K.A.

 

[Southpaw]

Yes I've heard him speak. He was one of my professors at Virginia Tech. I graduated in 1995. I had four classes under him in my economics program. I took everything they offered under him that applied to my major. I've still got some of my notes and refer to them on occasion. One of the best teachers I ever had.