CarbsRok said:jopar said:And so you should know better than I, that it doesn't matter how skilled or knowledgeable a farmer is, if he's hasn't got sound business skills he's knackered!
And you also know all the various scheme's that subsidise farmers, as well as milk quota's which can also curtail the dairy farmer's ability to make a profit apart from what various supermarket and milk processing companies are willing to pay! Wonder how much difference lifting the milk quota would make to farmers, after all if they sale more than their registered quota they get hit with a levy...
I don't pretend to know the in's and out's of a farming business, but living amongst them all my live, I do know that they are always bemoaning about hardships, even when they've got a wad of notes in their hand... A couple that I've know hit the wall, would have ended up bankrupt even if they been an employee, the money management was that bad and when the farm been sold or re-let to a new tenant farmer, the farm is turned around.. Same business different management!
Jopar,
if there were no subsidise either milk or crops would not be produced or it would be so expensive you and Jo public would not be able to buy it.
You have quite convieniently forgotten the cost of production in your very simplistic view on things.
You live in a town Jopar so unless there is now a city farm where you live then nope you don't live in a farming comunity or have any concept what so ever as to how to run a farm.
A wad of notes in their hands! dream on no one carries money these days. As soon as the milk cheque comes in it's gone out again to pay for all the feed and any wages for workers etc.
You obviously knew them well if you don't know if the farm was let or sold, there's one heck of a difference.A couple that I've know hit the wall, would have ended up bankrupt even if they been an employee, the money management was that bad and when the farm been sold or re-let to a new tenant farmer, the farm is turned around.. Same business different management
Perhaps with your management skills you could offers farmers your expertise, I'm sure they would be delighted to take advice from you.
Just a word of warning though don't what ever you do stand to close to a slurry pit when offering this advice :lol:
:lol: :lol: Sooo true!!
Of Course there are no running costs on a farm. Vets bill, corn bill, electricity that would put a domestic bill in the shade!! All the monthly payments for farm equipment ( Or hire of it if not on the never never. ) People assume that everything is paid for outright. Payments here there and everywhere more like. The economy has hit everyone hard with fuel etc, the thing noone considers is that these costs are probably tenfold on a farm so it hits hard there too.
Also you say about management, years ago my Hubby and his Dad employed a manager...........he was the reason things went wrong. Unrealistic targets!!! Its all very well sitting in an ivory tower, the cows dont read the business plan!!! Hilarious :lol: