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NW KS/ SC ID | Im only 34, but ive been taking care of our Idaho harvesting customers my late father had taken care of since before I was born, and watching them handle getting old definitely makes a guy ponder what to do.
Farmer 1) sold farm with the clause that he gets to live in house till he dies. Unfortunately I think his mind wanted to keep farming but his body wouldnt let him, didnt seem to be happy after the farm sold, didnt do much with retirement, died recently.
Farmer 2) rented out farm while still in the shape to run farm, still does a small sideline manufacturing business, bought a motorhome and he and the wife do quite a bit of traveling,seems very pleased with their plan.
Farmer 3) still farms, but has seeded alfalfa so his only workload is moving water, everything else is hired out. wife has major vision problems, so he is her eyes, they do get some traveling done in the off season.
Farmer 4) wife passed unexpectedly from a fast moving cancer, he got brain cancer and is now in a nursing home, thankfully they seem to be on top of the cancer, and he has been out to the farm a few times to see how things are going. Grandson has taken over the farm, has the drive and the physical skills necessary, though a few fear his fiscal skills might put the farm in danger (big new and shiny...)
Not harvesting customers, but the one parts customer, he has pretty well let his son take over, but he is still one of the equipment operators, he loves to farm, but his body cant handle any shop work anymore, seems rather content being the "gofer" and tractor and swather driver, very friendly outgoing type who used to be an equipment salesman, so he is immersed in the local community and is happiest doing "farm stuff" amongst family and friends. He trained his son well and he seems to be managing the farm very well. He needs to get on top of his health or that will be what sidelines him.
So no one person has it all figured out, but a few things stick out to me, do everything you can to stay healthy, and find something to keep you active and happy, as positive mental health is a major aspect of overall health, and make sure the next generation is well prepared in all aspects. | |
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Retirement meeting with my accountant
