Decisions

The powers that be called this morning and said that we would be closing on this little piece of western Nebraska dirt sometime next week.

I can't make up my mind whether to just quietly run away from home, claim permanent/total insanity, or should I just stand and take it like an old, beaten man.

Looks like it is about time to either fish or cut bait. My feet are really feeling cold. :>(

Allan

I've known the previous owners since I was 2 years old, so instead of pro-rating this years crop, I told them to take it all and that I would just come in behind them. I want them to have the fruits of their labors; we think this is only right.

Susan wants to run the whole she-bang thru a few head of Cows (which I think is wise) so eventually, we want to have the cropland all in a pure oats/alfalfa rotation.

Since there are 130 acres of roughland pasture, we think it will make a nice balanced operation with the 190 acres of tillable cropland.

The crunch is gonna come this summer after the combines are done. I've gotta get that 70 acres that is in wheat now into alfalfa and then upset another 120 acres of sod, which is planted in pasture now.

In addition, we have to keep this business running because we have no illusions about that old farm ever making any money. :>(

This is what I wished for and this is what I got, so if you hear me moanin', cryin' and whinnin' in the background, just ignore me. :>)

Allan

How soon can ya be here? All of a sudden, I am wayyyyy y behind and way broke. :>(

Forget the tickets, ya get in free. :>)

Allan

I noticed on a post down below you were looking for a baler....what kind? Big round or small square? I have an older small square I'd part with cheap...Massey I think but I'd have to go look at it..it's red is all I can tell ya at the moment. Worked good a few years ago but needs wheel bearings in one wheel....I have some stuff up your way I need to come pick up sometime and it'd sure be better going up there with a loaded trailer. Just let me know(start a new post if ya want since this one is getting down the list aways).

Was wondering where you were. :>)

I need a good servicable hydro swing and a big round baler that will stick together for a few years. Don't care what kind they are either.

Allan

Yeah, I thought someone had put the darned 18.4s on the little tractor as an after thought, but guess not. Book says it came from the factory that way.

Same rim as the 966, but the wheels and axles are different of course.

All I know is that the single step on the 686 will just about give ya a hernia when crawlin' up on the thing. :>)

Allan

Believe you me, I certainly know how lucky I am. The wife and I are adaptin' the phrase "Who'd a thunk it?". :>)

Are you sure you can't come anyway even tho it is a bit of a trip? Added it up and there are 114.5 acres of sod that needs to be tipped upsidedown either this fall or next spring.

I'll buy your fuel, but you gotta promise to use a 4 bottom spinner plow. :>)

Allan

That's why I bought 'em. :>)

Fertilizer has been ordered and I've got a handle on a sweet little John Deere drill from an old landlord from whom I used to farm one of his farms.

Should have a dirty face by the 15th of August anyway, I figger.

Allan

Still has all the old-time box feeders, the hay mow and the whole nine yards. Old and rotting bridles and hackamores still hangin' right where the guy left 'em. Surprising that it has stood the test of time this long.

A few lengths of siding on the outside and a window here and there, then she is gettin' a coat of paint right off the bat.

Allan

Another poet amongst us! You and Sloroll ought to compare notes. :>)

Everynight for the past week I've been aboard that 686 doin' this or that in my sleep. Don't know what ever happened to the 966; kinda like real life I guess, 'cause I haven't ran it for over an hour since I got it home.

It suddenly dawns on me that the little 686 is my favorite tractor. Now, how in the heck did that ever happen? I've been belly-achin' 'bout missin' that 966 for years now. :>(

Allan

Good luck and congratulations!

your not done until you"ve failed three times in life and the way i figure it you"ve only failed once so far so you got two more tries! i failed myself here 7 years ago and it has only made me stronger this second time around. i am glad to say i"m doing much better and don"t regret a thing. go get your land and be happy!

casey

That's a mouthful. Heck, even I'm gettin' tired of my bitchin'. :>)

P.S. Please help me find an excellant swather and baler on the cheap. I'm gonna be so broke, I won't be able to walk upright. :>(

Allan

If you wasnt so dern broke I would offer my services as consultant and farm manager. Good luck and play safe.

steveormary