• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

For Older Folks Who Are Where I Want To Be

mytfarms

mytfarms

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
1,488
Location
Where I Am
How'd you get your start? I'm kind of looking for the post high school/college story of how you made it on your own. I have a few more months until my bachelor's is wrapped up and a young lady waiting in the wings to be my bride, and I'm honestly a little stuck on how to get rolling.

I'd like to have a little property and pens where I can ride my green ponies, trade a few cattle, and raise some hogs and chickens to pay the grocery bill and stash in the freezer. I have no idea how long I'd like to reside in the Panhandle, but if I kill another scorpion next summer, I may leave for North Country at a high lope.

My curiosity is what did y'all do to make ends meet? I have plenty day work to do as my apparent work ethic has gained me some respect from local guys who can give me intermittent work. I know the easy answer is to buck up and go to town and work under a roof like I did this summer, but with a WiFi connection and my two hands I find more enjoyment in making my money and usually end up creating a little more profit, even if it only comes a few times a year. (That's why I write a budget around my spring and fall cattle checks.)

Another thing is do you know of some older, or just more established people who'd be willing to lease me a shack and some pens and a garden where I could have just a smidgen of room to work my entrepreneurial magic in return for some cash and help around the place? Is that even a possibility anymore these days?

Thanks in advance for the insights, y'all always have been helpful when it comes to one of your younger members on here. Also, here are some recent photos of myself and the crazy woman that puts up with me.

DSC_0046%202_zpsjzle6nzn.jpg


DSC_0093%202_zpscq7qcofr.jpg


DSC_0068_zpsyv9iuahr.jpg
 
Got a friend that started out from university with a Masters in Range Management. Worked for various government agencies, did contract work on range and environmental jobs as well as some livestock work. All the while putting together a nice place custom grazing cattle and building a herd of his own. It takes time but can be done. He has kept his machinery to the bare minimum bought hay when needed.
He bought grazing land and never tried to compete for farm type land.
Guess it still can be done,maybe an older couple would look at a lease to own or self finance program.

Good luck
 
I went to the Marine Corps and served 4 years then worked in a factory for 15 1/2 years while renting ground and farming as well as working as a deputy sheriff on weekends. After my son was born I left the factory and expanded my farming by doing a lot of custom baling and combineing. The first farm I bought had gravel in the hills and I have been selling gravel for about 40 years now.

Either plan on a long trip or win the lottery or marry money.
 
Sounds like a little time is involved for most certain. I certainly have some work to do between now and starting wherever I'm going to start, but I appreciate the insights.
 
I'd ask myself why I went to college if it wasn't to get a job afterwards.I'd get the best paying job I could and build a place in the future. Without an income marriges don't last and dreams don't come true. Takes a lot of time and a lot of money just to get close to making a living running cows 200 cows would be a marginal living at best.
 
Would have to agree with Denny, not knowing more of your situation. What degree will you be graduating with?
 
Big Muddy rancher said:
First of you need to get that girl a horse :!:

Before she wrecks your back. :lol: :lol: :cowboy:
Click to expand...

By the looks of it, I don't think he minds too much... :D

MYT - It takes time, even if you are stepping into an existing operation. Depending on life stage, an existing operation can take even longer. Patience, math skills and the understanding that you don't necessarily have to own every asset to start ranching. Custom grazing can help cash flow, losing money is the best way to make a lesson stick, and old guys usually know what they are talking about (from personal experience this is really true - even if you are too dumb to understand it - look up Kondratiev wave). Keep working on your skill set, especially the stuff you hate doing as they are usually your greatest weaknesses.

Find some good mentors. Also, there are folks looking to pass on ranches where family may not be interested or no family exists. I know of one case in AB where the producer even advertised looking for someone to work with him and offered to start someone out. I still don't think he has had a bite.

Or marry someone with a good job!
 
Denny/Traveler - I will get a degree in Agricultural Communications. I more or less went to school to judge livestock get a degree that taught me how to use my writing skills better and get a more solid understanding of the technology that exists today and how to use it properly for business. I wouldn't mind at all having a job that fit up with exactly what I went to school for, but the great thing about my degree is flexibility and that it has way more practical value than a liberal arts degree. Finding an ad for an Agricultural Communications expert with salary and benefits would be fine, but I simply don't have the mentality to be working behind someone else's desk forever.

But I think the general theme here is that it takes time. I've read "No Risk Ranching" a time or two over, and leased ground and custom grazed cattle seems like a pretty solid way to earn the income doing what I like to do without assuming all the risk. That of course allows for the desk job.

I appreciate the good reality checks from y'all.
 
I perhaps should also mentioned I've been offered some work most 21 year old kids ought to jump at the chance to do and am currently in the consideration process and finishing up my education and getting the whole personal life aspect planned out.
 
If you do custom grazing-carry liability insurance. I don't care what you and the owner agree on. Carry insurance and let your agent know what you are doing. You have any sort of wreck, that policy will save your rear end.
 
I've seen some really good starts decimated by Divorce. Treat your partner well and make sure she knows you appreciate her. I know this sounds simple and easy. If it really was, the divorce rate would be lower.

I think one reality is someone has to have insurance. That is why so many Ranch wives work as school teachers or at a bank for instance.

I started out renting. Truth is, ground is very hard to find in my country and living a nomad life of finding new ground can be wearing. But, the reality is you need to be good at finding that.

Look at your biggest costs. Feed... Learn to feed well and at the lowest cost... IMO, good equipment is cheaper than labor. But, have a good relationship with a good mechanic.

Be ready to be flexible and change. BTW, I am still on "My way" to where I want to be at 51
 

Latest posts

Back
Top