The Rural Voice, 1979-09, Page 22The Voice of a Farmer
by Adrian Vos
Debt and the Rural lifestyle
In this time of inflation an ever growing demand for higher
income plagues urban and rural consumer alike.
Particularly when the family is still young and growing, the
need for expansion of the farm in order to keep up with the rest
of society and inflation is often the only way the young farmer
has open to him.
The burden to make the decision to go deeper into debt lies
squarely on the young couple, for they have no union that gives
them more, regardless of their production.
In all cases this means borrowing from lending institutions.
This increased debt burden puts an enormous load on the
shoulders of the young farmer and his wife, but there are few
alternatives if they insist on a life like their urban friends with
their frequent holidays.
Quite often the quality of life suffers under the stress and hard
work that go together with a larger debt and a larger farm.
Does this mean thatthereshould be no borrowing? Of course
not. Borrowing is a necessary tool of all businesses.
Most of the time, a higher investment doesn't immediately
lead to a higher income, as the debt service in the early years can
be quite high.
Expansion, be it in land or in buildings and livestock demands
more work from the farmer and his wife, which contributes to a
loss of family life. When the farmer works all hours in order to
pay the mortgage and the bankloans, there is little inclination to
talk about higher things than just money.
The tired farmer and his wife are also more likely to develop
short tempers, which doesn't aid in maintaining a good
marriage.
On the other end of life, it may be necessary for the business to
expand when a son wants to farm with his parents in order to
prepare for the takeover of the farm when the parents retire. For
a limited period the farm must bring in enough profit to sustain
two families.
Many a farmer would do well to see if there is no possibility of
increased efficiency with the means available now, in order to
keep the cost and scope of the expansion to a minimum.
Can the production of the cows be improved, so fewer cows
give the same amount of milk?
Can a greater number of pigs be produced from each sow in a
year?
Can a soil test give more efficient crop returns?
Can better record keeping show the weak points of the
operation, so an improvement in the feed formula for fat cattle
can be made?
Does the seed go into the ground at the optimum time a%d is it
harvested by an efficient operator with well adjusted machinery?
Can a 60 HP tractor be used instead of a 100 HP tractor?
Thyre comes a point in everybody's fife when a choice has to be
made between appearance (big farm; big car) and family
happiness.
Many a family would be a lot happier if they didn't try to keep
up with the Jones's.
PG. 20 THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1979
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Brodhagen, Ontario
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After hours 345-2243
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Spraying with CARBOLA
whitens and disinfects as it dries
*CATTLE SPRAYING
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•Dublin
Mitchell