Thanks everyone for your comments. They are very interesting.
Despite the weather, potential poor yields and low grain prices, cost of fuel and equipment, insects, pesticides (that will get a rise out of some), fertilizer, taxes, seed costs, etc, I think farming is something that's just in your blood. Its not for everyone but what would we do without the American farmer? Just my opinion, but I think agriculture is one of the things that have made this country great.
I'm not a farmer. I work for a farmer for a few months a year. I'm around farmers year round and some are good friends. They have helped me with projects on several occasions and have opened their land to me for recreational purposes.
Like a lot of things the agricultural industry is not perfect and advantages are taken by some, but in general I have a soft spot for farmers and admire them for what they do.
To operate and manage a modern farm today the farmer must be an agronomist, have computer skills, mechanical ability, accounting expertise, and not a little bit of patience. I wish I could exhibit half the ability of some of these men and women.
Farmers do get some breaks on things like taxes, fuel etc. But every time you fill the combine or tractor with diesel and DEF it can be 500 to a thousand dollars and you wouldn't believe fertilizer and seed cost. My guy bought a new combine and draper head last year and it set him back one million plus.
The man I help farms a little under 3000 acres. Not large by some standards, but big enough to raise his family, and his son works for him full time. I'm fortunate to have a good retirement so I don't do this out of need I just like being outdoors, being around farmers, and operating the equipment
Got to sign off now, should be dry enough to cut some beans
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