Retirement Dream

Old Bob · Aug 8, 2011

Been involved with farming all my life. I haven't been actively involved for the last 15 years. Got into the motel and real estate business, but still retain ownership of farms. I have them rented to other farmers. I am 58, live in Arkansas, and ready to retire. I would like to help put in a crop and harvest it. Don't need a full time job, would like to explore the area while we are there. We have a fifth wheel and truck so don't need housing. I have always been the "boss" and would like to just be a helper, not a slave, for once. How would I go about getting in touch with some farmers??? Would like to be in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, etc. May sound crazy, but would like to do this before I get too old.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 8, 2011

I have a somewhat similar story. I was born and raised on a farm, then spent nearly 33 years working for the state fighting forest fires and working recreation and as a supervisor. I retired the end of December 2010. I worked several weeks for a beef and crop farmer, then just finished 3 weeks helping a cherry farmer. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting back into the farming as a tractor operator and laborer. Both farms are somewhat caught up now, I am sorta looking for another outlet to continue. Good luck.

just another old geezer · Aug 8, 2011

consider getting connected to a custom harvester as a driver/ fill in person.

Old Bob · Aug 8, 2011

This is basically what I want to do. I have the ability to operate the machinery, as I still have tractors etc. I operated everything it took to do a good size farming operation. I also know how to take care of that machinery also, as I am the one who paid for repairs. I just want to do the work without the all the responsibility. I have never had a boss, I was the boss, and would like to enjoy not being the boss. May not make sense, but oh well!!!!

Anonymous-0 · Aug 8, 2011

It makes absolutely perfect sense to me. In my former job, I was a supervisor for 25 years. Lots of responsibility daily. Working for these two farms was great. I enjoyed the work immensely, but was not in charge of anything. It was a pleasure.

Russ from MN · Aug 8, 2011

Last fall I had the same thoughts, bought a newspaper and called a couple of farmers about driving truck for harvest, primarily sugar beets. I met a real nice guy, drove truck for a couple of weeks. Didn't make very much money, because of the weather getting too warm it stretched out and there was little overtime, but he really treated me good. I also have a camper so I parked it in the farmyard and his shop had a bathroom and a shower. I really planned on doing it again this year as it runs the first two weeks of Oct, doesn't interfere with fishing or deer hunting! But, a couple weeks ago the beet processing plant locked out the regular workers because they did not accept the contract offer, what kind of negotiating is that! So, unless the labor issues are settled I won't go back, I carried a union card for 40 years, I can't cross a picket line now, that would be hypocritical!

Anonymous-0 · Aug 8, 2011

I know what you mean. I am 62 and I have wanted to follow the wheat harvest since I was 15. That probably won't happen.

GordoSD · Aug 8, 2011

I'm sure one of your renters couls use some help. And you can see your land being worked.

Traditional Farmer · Aug 8, 2011

Keep the dream and the day job it won't seem as half as exciting once you do it.Dreaming about farming is a lot more exciting than farming.Anyway its way more to being a farmer than putting a crop in and harvesting it, you do that just so you can keep being a farmer.

Mike (WA) · Aug 8, 2011

Its still fun to do it for a little while. In 1995, I drove combine and my 15 year old son drove wheat truck for a friend of mine in eastern Washington, for 2 weeks. Some banter back and forth on the CB, dinner at 9 PM and off to bed, etc. Great time had by all, it was just enough to get a taste of it without it getting real old.

I grew up on a dairy farm- now, there's some steady work, if you're looking for it. I knew enough not to get into that!

kyplowboy · Aug 8, 2011

A buddy of mine skipped a half a year of college to do that. He said there were a few older guys on the crew, it ain't too late. He came back with thousands of pics (took his lap top and put pics on a jump drive every few nights when he had time) and alot of good stories. He joined wanting to be a combine operator but had his CDL so ended up drive'n a truck and still loved it.

Dave

Old Bob · Aug 8, 2011

I already saw that land worked all my life. We want a change in scenery.

Billy Shafer · Aug 8, 2011

Go for it while you can. Friend of mine had the dream of seeing Texas on the back roads. Took off a year traveled the back roads. Did odd jobs during his trip met some very nice people. Made new friends. Had the time of his life.

I hope to do the same some day.

Wilson · Aug 8, 2011

do it
I went on wheat run years ago wouln't have missed it

GordoSD · Aug 8, 2011

I have 4-5 neighbors that raise row crops, maybe 100 calves, lots of hay, and some wheat. They all need some help during the may-August and maybe beyond. Would SD work? email is open

Anonymous-0 · Aug 8, 2011

I feel exactly the same way have 31 trs as a plant supt next job don.t want tell anyone what to do

Paul from MI · Aug 8, 2011

I semi-retired my last four years. No more management responsibility, no more long range plans, no more being responsible for any one else's work(or lack of it), etc. Just found production problems and solved them. Designed and built lots of automation, inspection equipment, tooling, etc. Absolutely the best four years of my 45 year career!! Give it a go, you got nothing to lose.

ShadetreeRet · Aug 8, 2011

We all have dreams about something in our life. I say go for it! Just don't sign any contracts. Nothing like hands on experience. When I was in high school my ag. teacher told us, "If you're gonna farm, don't be afraid to get a little sh#t on your hands." 'Course most of us already had the experience.

55 50 Ron · Aug 8, 2011

Check out www.farmrescue.org, they may have what you are looking for.

ASEguy · Aug 9, 2011

I've been in automotive all my life and have always loved old tractors. A couple of years ago I offered to fix for free some tractors this older farmer has. Needless to say he didn't decline and the past two summers I have raked hay for round and square bales, worked with his cattle with him, tended to fences "etc" and loved it. I have told him I don't want his money when he has offered to pay, so he recently gave me this 1949 8n out of appreciation. Sure brightened my day. Gerard

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