Farm Updates
Let’s just say the enormous swings in temperatures is not easy on our livestock, or should I say, the people working with the livestock. Yes, our pigs are housed indoors which protects them from weather elements, but there are adjustments that need to be made to the barns based on outside temperatures. We have literally went from 70 degrees to 0 degrees within 48 hours.
On one site, we have curtains on our barns. Curtains are closed during cold temperatures and open with warm temperatures. It kind of feels like we are constantly adjusting our barns. Open—Close. Open—Close.
I attended our county’s caucus last night. It seemed the attendance was down, but I think the weather had an impact. It was extremely windy yesterday - gusts up to 40-45 mph and dropping temperatures, which meant below zero wind chills. Just not a nice night to be out. The other thing I noticed—where are the young people? We need to have ALL people involved in our government.
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I am putting the final touches on our farm’s year end, which happens to be February 29. Yes, I have a plan. But like many best thought out plans, things change. This year was no exception. So I am trying to make adjustments so we can still be close to the estimates our tax accountant has advised us on. And I am down to deadline.
We are taking a few days of R & R soon. It is much needed. It has been quite the year . . . But with all that has been happening, I feel blessed and thankful.
In the News
Food Costs Up
No surprise here. Our food costs compared to income are the highest in 30 years. I need to think twice about eating out.
What I found most interesting is the only food item that dipped in price in 2023 was pork. Yep. I can account for that as we have lost money raising pigs for the last year. We have too many hogs.
The highest increases?
“The prices for fats and oils increased by 9% while the cost of sugar and sweets spiked 8.7%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of price increases for cereals and bakery products was 8.4% in 2023.”
Will It Be Okay?
We are living in unsettled and stressful times. I struggle to find ways to process everything that is going on in our world. I resign to the fact that I can't figure it out.
We, as farmers, are not only affected by higher food costs, higher home heating, and the price of filling up our gas tanks; we also face volatility in costs for fertilizer, higher seed, chemicals, utilities, livestock feed, insurance, repairs and supplies. In other words. Everything.
I don't think there is one aspect of farming that has not been affected. Corn, soybean and hogs prices are all down. It’s a rollercoaster. What decisions should we make or not make? It is to the point where I just want to hang tight until things settle down. But when will that be? For me, It's the stress of my "planner" mentality. I am always trying to figure out a plan going forward. I know prices will change, but it’s the uncertainty that is draining.
So what can be done?
As a country, we need to have more control over our borders. The amount of “giveaway" money and services to non-citizens is unbelievable. We cannot continue running our country in this manner. I am not against immigration. It just needs to be under control and we need to follow the steps for someone to become a legal immigrant.
The US also needs to open up its oil pipeline capacity and other fuel sources as a start. We were oil-independent up until the last election. We should not depend on Russia or any other country for our energy needs.
But perhaps the most important part of our plan is to turn it over to God. As a farmer, so many things are not in our control. And when we start obsessing about it to that point of mental anguish, we need to turn it over to God.
And it works.
I can't tell how many countless times I have done this. It keeps me sane and lifts the weight off my shoulders. Maybe the outcome isn't how I preferred but it's part of God's plan and . . .
I BELIEVE, it will be okay.
The Minnesota Traveler
If you are in Georgia, I recommend stopping at “We’re Nuts Pecan Farm!” We love that place. And, if you feel so inclined, follow the Minnesota Traveler Facebook page.
Have a great week and I will talk with you all soon!