Dear Editor, I read the very well written article on retiring at 62 by John Schwarz (Farm estate and succession planning – going backwards?; page 5C, Farm World, Jan. 10). I am now 75 and still reasonably healthy. Our son started doing part of our farm three years ago. Each year he farms more and more of our farm. This year he will be farming it 50-50. One of my many issues is everything on our farm has been improved by our family – clearing fence rows, keep up the fertility, remodeling the house. A new kitchen and bathroom has been added, plus all new windows. We replaced the wood siding with newer wood of the exact same style as when it was built in 1904. Two new barns and a large new garage complete the farm. I have watched men retire who are dead in two years. Farmers who retire, I will admit, have never had a plan for retirement. We have visited Florida many times. We realize we aren’t old enough for Florida. I don’t need to farm for the income. I love to plant and spray and fix or restore machinery. My joy is watching a crop grow. I can’t sit still! My son and his wife are very understanding. They know I need to be busy. They have decided if I want to do some of the work, I can. I know our other three children want no part of farm life, and it will be sold to get their share when I die. In 1960, when I started farming, it was an Oliver 77 and a two-row corn planter. The total of our farm machinery was less than $3,000. Today, even buying used farm machinery, it can easily be $20,000. Why would any young couple want to farm and deal with all the problems with farm programs and all the rules and regulations? The big operators are willing to pay more for rent, and there is very little chance for a young farmer to get a toe-hold in farming. We have a revocable trust, plus living wills and both types of power of attorney. I know that we have had some poor advice on how to put all things in our trust. I know from going through my father’s estate and then my mother’s estate that there are many things you learn too late in life to do you any good. Anonymous Ohio farmer Travesty for family farmers Dear Editor, A travesty is happening in this country to the family farmer. Family farmers are being paid prices for the food they produce that are the same as 30-40 years ago, with cost of inputs increasing weekly, and all of this without a cost of living raise. If you like getting food from other countries, where their inspection standards are subpar, then stop reading this letter right now. There is so much being imported that we could produce here, if it wasn’t for the multi-national corporations that want to get rid of the family farm. We are tired of some of those in “officialdom” telling us to get “more efficient.” Farm Women United (FWU) was formed to fight for the family farms that normally do not have a voice at the table. You may say that there are other organizations out there that are fighting, and you are right, there are a few, but there are more that want to get rid of the small to mid-size family farms than keep them. FWU is unique because it is made up of women who present the farm woman’s point of view about the farm and food crisis that threatens our nation’s rural communities and, therefore, our food supply. We stand beside our family, our spouse, or significant other, doing the farm work, only to see how the low prices are making them depressed, some to the point that they take their own lives. This needs to stop! Spread the word about Farm Women United. We can use all the members that we can get to help us fight this fight. It is not going to be easy. The more voices we have making the chatter, the more seriously they will take us. If you would like to help, check out our website at www.farmwomenunited.org We are currently running a “Green Ribbon Campaign” to support the family farms. If you would like a ribbon, let us know and we will send you one. Stand with us in getting fairer prices for our family farms. Our co-ops aren’t doing it. Our milk processors aren’t doing it. Our food handlers aren’t doing it. We are no longer going to stand by waiting for something to be done or for a federal farm bill to be drafted without any input from us. Most Americans do not realize how much food we import or from what countries we are importing. Support your local farmers by visiting and buying from local farms or farm markets. They are in most of the larger cities around the country and in smaller towns, too. The time is now for us to take control of our food again. Visit our website and check it out. Feel free to contact FWU through our website under Contact Us. If you are not a farm woman but would like to support FWU, you can wear a green ribbon to support family farms. We lose our family farms; we lose our nation’s domestic food supply. Tina Carlin Communications Director, FWU The views and opinion expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. |
