Went to my banker today...

[ado089]

Wow, that was hard to read knowing that with a turn in the grain prices I would have been in that situation this year. The combine never went under 6.5mph this fall so you can imagine how good my crop was. But what I learn't starting out with no backing was not an easy task. But here's what I learnt; have solid off farm income, that will keep your mortgage issuer happy. The less you can deal with FCC the better, they will throw up road blocks every chance they get, PHI, Scotia and TD will lend alomost anyone money. Third find that farmer in the area that always seems to get just as good of crop as the rest but only spends 75% of what the rest with fancy toys and big input budgets, pick his brain, these guys usualy have modest one or two man operations but have more wealth than farms 4 times their size. Finaly make a detailed plan, budget/forecast, lenders will be more inclined to lend money to someone that comes in with a 10 page buisness plan with detailed break downs of income and expense than someone that just walks in and asks for a $50k line of credit.

I hope this doesn't sound preachy, I feel your pain and as a young "new" farmer I've learnt alot of this the hard way in the last few years. Keep fighting, good luck buddy.

[btjadenlepp]

we have clients in similar situations.
they're holding on and i think they'll get
through next year. let us take a quick
look at your books and pencil out some
scenarios before you give up.

www.farmlinksolutions.ca

[burnt]

Just one thing to add - no matter what the outcome of your situation, it does NOT change your immense worth as a person. Don't tie your personal worth to your net worth - they are two separate things.

You are the most valuable part of your operation, no matter if your business fails altogether or succeeds beyond your wildest dreams.

You are NOT defined by the success or failure of your business - you are much, much more than that. Grab hold of that and take it to the bank and you will come out with your chin up. No matter what!

[hedgehog]

when your soil is so wet, will broadcasting seed work?
what about disc ploughing?
i have broadcast seed onto swamps before, it worked mostly.

[SASKFARMER3]

Canola we floated on in early June did very well it was so wet that day floater stuck every 15 min to 30. Harrowed the crap out of it then waited and sprayed. Did go 7lbs an acre on floated stuff. only problem green content is up a bit not problematic but up. you do what you have to do.

[hedgehog]

what is a floater?
i used to spread canola with a 4wd motorbike with a spreader or a 100hp 4wd tractor. harrowed it in where possible.

[hedgehog]

freewheat, i just want to wish you good luck. try and hang in there, remember ,its not over till the fat lady sings.
i have been down more than once, paying wages on my credit card, not answering the phone to creditors , remortgaging tractors etc.
but i thought the weather had to turn, and it did.
i came to sask in 04 to look for a farm, but the wife didnt like the lack of hills, and we had no cash anyway, so we went home and toughed it out.
going organic helped, as i didnt have to borrow for chem/fert etc.went into sheep.
remember, its only money, there are many things more important.
All the best.
H

[ALLFARMER]

I started in 1996 with nothing but one quarter and a whole lot of debt. Dad didn't have a farm so I had some very good neighbours. Grain farming never worked for me because you have to stick your neck out so far every year. crop insurance, seed, spray,crop advances, fertilizer, companies that don't have room to take delivery of crop you contracted with them, machinery payments, land payments,repairs, fuel, crops that they always find something wrong with Heat damage or frost damage. The last 4 years I have switched to cattle. As long as the sun shines and it rains some time grass will grow. Rotating cattle daily will triple your yields, No interest ticking away on crop input bills.

Cattle prices are not always perfect but you don't have to put nearly as much money on the table to play the game.

4 years ago I had to go trucking away from home all winter to pay off my crop debts I have been there.

If you never give up you are never beaten.

[bluefargo]

Freewheat
I don't know if the Stress Line still exists or not. There is a Sask Ag office in Tisdale which I think is likely in your neighbourhood. Check with them to see if it is still in operation.

Don't let the name fool you. The line was staffed by people who in many cases had been through the financial mill themselves. They had lots of good contacts and advice.

If they are still around give them a call. You have nothing to lose. It sounds to me like you need some impartial advice and soon.