starting out farming the hard way

[Dammann Farms]

I have heard many young people say that they want to farm, but they can not afford it. Well, I truly feel that if you want something bad enough you will find a way, it may not be easy but it will come. What makes me say this, is our neighbor was not raised on a farm, but has always wanted to farm. He works in town, but this summer he started a custom hay baling and just bought some cows. He is putting a calving shed in across the road from us and we could not be more excited for him. He is starting to acheive his dream of farming. I heard the old cab less John Deere start up and he just finished after dark. I have no doubt that this young man will succeed because he is not afraid to work. I just say encourage any person that you hear wants to farm tell them they can do it!

[Rachel M. Fishback]

Thanks Jennifer! I will be the first to say there is so much negative out there, along with plenty of skepticism. Nathan has watched every dollar coming in and going out. We've owned the same 1688 Combine since its used purchase in 2001, but we have rented a second combine the last couple of years to help with bean harvest. This season, we did finally purchase a second, USED CAT combine. We've put plenty of rental hours on some equipment to run, used USDA Young Farmer programs, and some years wondered where the money would come from. We wouldn't be where we are today if we had listened to everyone who said, "You'll never make it in farming. Your stupid for doing what your doing....." The list goes on.

Nathan has always been on top of his finances, bank statements and has VERY good record. That is the first step I can suggest for anyone. He knows how much something is costing him. He keeps everything in binders, NO Piles (except small organized ones in his office during planting/harvesting) and anyime his banker needs info, is a finger flip away. He pushes his pencil to find the most ecomical way of affording something. And thinks of three other ways of doing it before even presenting it to anyone.

Nathan also has great respect for his equipment, so he services them regularly, replaces worn parts before heading to the fields to advoid known breakdowns. He definatly runs his business, like a business. And thats some advice I can give to you. Happy farming, keep your heads up and on top of the ball. Hope you all get to experience your "Cinderella Story." Good Luck everyone!