Farm until I'm 80

[John Walter]

Hey, folks: I just worked up a little item over on my blog, Farm until I'm 80, about a seeming trend in which more farmers are farming past the usual retirement age. Obviously, this could have some implications for the generational transfer of farms and ranches. Do you see this kind of thing happening in your family or neighborhood? Also, I wonder if it presents some opportunities for younger farmers to work with the old folks as a transitional phase or apprenticeship? Thanks for any feedback, here or on the blog. -- John

[Michael]

We dont have too many 80+ year olds around here, though most did farm into their 80's they have passed on. Some younger guys have taken over some land, others has been farmed by the 60+ year olds that have alot of equity and can pay higher rents. I wish there were more older guys willing to work with young people who really want the opportunity to farm.

[K2]

Farmers that go that long tend to have a stopping point. IE they stop replacing equipment and updatying technology if they are farming on thr own with no heirs. Now, I know a number of 70+ year olds that sare still part of family operation. Those operations, of course, dont need any new bee's. My wifes grandfather cultivated well into his 80's. The other thing I see is the 60 year old farmer with a 40 year old son that is basically a hired hand. That tends never to end well.

JK

[Nick]

We have 2 next to us still going at it beyond 80. If it is your way of life I do not see it any other way. Transition to a younger generation in our area are limited, I am one of those fortunate ones to have gotten such an opportunity, but here it is the exception, not the norm.

[Fred Kunkel]

Have a few of older guys around dont know of any in 80's but alot 65 + still at it. Those guys just dont want to give it up but who can blame them.

[Thomas Spink]

Our farm has pretty much been pasted to my dad and uncle, but that doesn't stop my Grandpa from getting out there. Couldn't get him out of the combine last fall. He'll probley be chisle plowing and planting this year as well. He just turned 75 this last year as well.

[Curt Elmore]

I agree with your sentiment regarding 60+ year olds and their sons being not much more than hired hands. It's really kind of a sad situation to a degree- The son's never make any of the decisions and when their father's pass away they really aren't prepared to take over things, and all they know is what their father has taught them. While I do love my dad, I have tried to branch out and gain as much outside knowledge as I can. I am greatly appreciative for what my dad gave me, but I also realize that maybe he didn't have all the answers. There are a few older gentlemen in our area that do still farm. Most of the other guys in my area are in their mid fifties and I really don't see them wrapping things up in 10 years or so and moving to Florida. My retirement age for myself is around the age of 60. While a lot of things may change, I want to have a chance to enjoy retirement and if I play my cards right, I will have the funds to do so

Jeff Kazin said:

Farmers that go that long tend to have a stopping point. IE they stop replacing equipment and updatying technology if they are farming on thr own with no heirs. Now, I know a number of 70+ year olds that sare still part of family operation. Those operations, of course, dont need any new bee's. My wifes grandfather cultivated well into his 80's. The other thing I see is the 60 year old farmer with a 40 year old son that is basically a hired hand. That tends never to end well.

JK

[Adrianne]

Nope. Most of the farms around here are just folding up. Most of the younger generations could care less about the farm. Am one of the far and few in this area. Thank god for the family farm. BTW, I intend to farm until I'm dead. Its not a way of making a living, its a way of life.

[Katy Spears]

I hope to have alpacas until they cart me off to the nursing home. And then I want them to keep raising them and bringing me pictures and yarn to knit with! I know many alpaca farmers who raise alpacas into their 80's even 90's! The animals are smaller and not as difficult to handle as horses and cattle.

Will go check out the blog!