Re: I was wondering.

Posted by Matt E. on August 25, 2016 at 14:57:07 from (173.216.243.47):

In Reply to: I was wondering. posted by mb58 on August 25, 2016 at 10:06:13:

Here is my story or view. I'll be 45 next week, only son with 3 older sisters. Grew up on a small farm in Minnesota until I was 11. I honestly don't remember the first time I was on a tractor. Dad said he would take me to the field to plow when I was a couple years old. I slept in a box he made in the cab of an International 650 while he plowed at night. He also had a repair shop, worked on just about everything. I was his shadow in the shop or I was playing in the sandbox with my tractors "farming".

We moved to Montana when I was in 6th grade. We started literally from scratch. Built the house, cleared the land. Raised a few critters to eat and farmed as time would allow since Dad had to work in town to pay the bills. But we always farmed some way, grew oats and made hay. I learned a lot about everything that could be done or built with your hands and back.

I turned 18 and couldn't wait to leave. I wanted nothing to do with tractors, dirt, grease or swinging a hammer. Burnt out on it I guess and the world was bigger than a 700 person town in Montana. I was smart enough, went to college and moved away when I was 20. 1600 miles away. Got a Masters Degree in Biology and have worked a desk job in an environmental firm as a project manager for 17 years. Didn't go back to Montana until 2011 when my Mom passed away. Saw my parents on a regular basis but either they traveled to us or we all met up in Minnesota at the lake cabin.

In 2010-11, I went to Afghanistan as part of an agriculture development team. The National Guard picked me out because I know about water wells and drilling. In the process over there, we worked with whom we call county Ag extension agents here working to improve their farming abilities and technology. Those people still harvest with hand sickles. I built 15 scythes from scratch and showed them videos of how it works to stand up and harvest. That experience and going back to Montana started the bug again, I'd like to farm a little somehow again.

I have a great job working for a great employer but I'm tired of the rat race. Money isn't everything and no matter how much you make, you need more. I'm tired of it. Why we want/need to make things so complicated is beyond me but I went down that road because I thought it was better. Its not. It is so peaceful on a tractor just raking hay. A person doesn't need so much and can live on much less. I believe it can be more fulfilling by backing off and doing more things the simple way.

My Dad couldn't be more excited to see me taking an interest in farming. We have also collected a few old Farmalls and got them running again. He has helped with that. He lives with the 2nd wife about an 1/8 mile off the Montana farm in her house but he jumps in the truck and messes around at the farm everyday. He has told me, if I want it, I can have it. Just move in the house and its yours.

I'm not to the point where I can do that just yet, my son is a senior in high school so have to get him on his way first. Dad is 76 and his time is limited. His health has been betraying him lately, dealt with prostrate cancer last year and two weeks ago was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I hope we've caught it early enough but you never know.

I'm not sure where this will all go, the stars and moon have to line up to make this happen. I know I won't be able to make a living farming in Montana but I have other ways to make money to pay the bills. But I want to work at something that I really want to do, not something that I'm doing for a paycheck. I'm not afraid of work, that is one thing that Dad instilled in me no matter how much I thought I hated it at the time. But the desire is there in me to farm. Just need to make a dream a reality.

Replies:

• Re: I was wondering. Retired Farmer 16:08:54 08/25/16 (0)

Add a Reply Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial # List  Return to Post

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]