Is he mad?

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

Recently spoke to a mate of mine from University, he is currently working in an office job earning around 60k per year in his late twenties and is talking about packing it all in and renting a dairy farm local to him in the South West! The farm is 200 acres and he says he has enough savings to buy 100 cows.

He has a regular steady income with holidays etc. and maybe earn more in the future? He is adamant he wants to get back into the countryside working. His parents keep sucklers but it isn't a viable unit for him too.

Is he mad?

Granite Farmer · Jan 11, 2017

Yes. He should wait until after 2020 at least.

Also 60k a year is ferking good money for someone in there twenties.

7610 super q · Jan 11, 2017

Hello,

Yes,

Goodbye.

Campbell · Jan 11, 2017

After seeing all those zombie like city commuters stressed out from the current transport problems, I can see his point. Must be more to life than that for some folks.

gone · Jan 11, 2017

These are uncertain times for farming in the UK, I would wait till after Brexit is sorted out to see what it's effect will be.

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

Granite Farmer said:
Yes. He should wait until after 2020 at least.

Also 60k a year is ferking good money for someone in there twenties.

He might actually be thirty now, in around that age anyway!

Pasty · Jan 11, 2017

Problem is that I was the 'clever' one in our family so brother went on to the farm and I was 'lucky' enough to escape. I was endlessly encouraged to be an accountant or banker. That's despite him being more interested in tech and me in shooting, fishing, animals etc. So I didn't get a go and when we did up a barn on the farm as a base for one of my businesses I used to watch Dad out there sorting hedges and fences and whatever and thought 'Crap, that's what I want'. So I made that happen and couldn't be happier. It's all very well saying you run a million pound etail business but it doesn't matter a bit if you are bored, stressed and unhappy.

Money doesn't really come into it. It's happiness. You can get by on little money if you are happy in your work and have a loving family. I would ask all the farmers who think he's mad why they don't sell up (assuming they own) and get a 9-5 job? Do it or don't. There is your answer.

Janovich · Jan 11, 2017

Pasty said:
I used to watch Dad out there sorting hedges and fences and whatever and thought 'Crap, that's what I want'. So I made that happen and couldn't be happier. It's all very well saying you run a million pound retail business but it doesn't matter a bit if you are bored, stressed and unhappy.......Money doesn't really come into it. It's happiness. You can get by on little money if you are happy in your work and have a loving family.

What he said...

7610 super q · Jan 11, 2017

Pasty said:
Problem is that I was the 'clever' one in our family so brother went on to the farm and I was 'lucky' enough to escape. I was endlessly encouraged to be an accountant or banker. That's despite him being more interested in tech and me in shooting, fishing, animals etc. So I didn't get a go and when we did up a barn on the farm as a base for one of my businesses I used to watch Dad out there sorting hedges and fences and whatever and thought 'Crap, that's what I want'. So I made that happen and couldn't be happier. It's all very well saying you run a million pound etail business but it doesn't matter a bit if you are bored, stressed and unhappy.

Money doesn't really come into it. It's happiness. You can get by on little money if you are happy in your work and have a loving family. I would ask all the farmers who think he's mad why they don't sell up (assuming they own) and get a 9-5 job? Do it or don't. There is your answer.

This is true.....but.....he's used to getting £60k. Another milk price crash, or god forbid something like F & M again, and life trying to make a go of it on a rented farm may not be so rosy.

Janovich · Jan 11, 2017

But I'm sure he's factored all of this into his decision... it's obviously not about the money,...its about being happy in his work, as well as having a bootiful view to wake up to every single morning, with no commute (other than a walk over to the yard!).... and perhaps just being 'his own boss'.

hindmaist · Jan 11, 2017

If the guys smart enough to earn £60k a year in an office he'll no doubt be able to go back to a similair job if the milking doesn't work out.I don't think he's mad.People should be happy in their work,if at all possible.

Pasty · Jan 11, 2017

That's it. Plus 1000 possibilities of what you could do today.

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

Janovich said:
But I'm sure he's factored all of this into his decision... it's obviously not about the money,...its about being happy in his work, as well as having a bootiful view to wake up to every single morning, with no commute (other than a walk over to the yard!).... and perhaps just being 'his own boss'.

To be fair I think his commute is only about 15-20 mins and he says he quite enjoys his job but it is just not farming and he would rather be his own boss.

oldoaktree · Jan 11, 2017

I'd tell him to think very carefully about it remaind him of hidden cost :- accounts fees bankers fees insurance on just about everything and they'll be more than those the list will go on and on and I'll dare say he may be left with a bit at the end of the year but it will be like pushing water up hill .
It's alright to say money's not everything but you can't live without it .
To be happy in your work is great but I dare say that less than 50% of people are and that's been generous , so sometimes you've just got get on with it .
If it were me I'd as someone has said wait until it's clear what will happen come 2020 and save a bit more .

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

oldoaktree said:
I'd tell him to think very carefully about it remaind him of hidden cost :- accounts fees bankers fees insurance on just about everything and they'll be more than those the list will go on and on and I'll dare say he may be left with a bit at the end of the year but it will be like pushing water up hill .
It's alright to say money's not everything but you can't live without it .
To be happy in your work is great but I dare say that less than 50% of people are and that's been generous , so sometimes you've just got get on with it .
If it were me I'd as someone has said wait until it's clear what will happen come 2020 and save a bit more .

What difference will 2020 really make? Don't think he will get SFP anyway as he has no entitlements?

Janovich · Jan 11, 2017

Does he have an OH @Steakeater ?... just thinking that her wage would go some way to supporting the change too if he were to do it.

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

Janovich said:
Does he have an OH @Steakeater ?... just thinking that her wage would go some way to supporting the change too if he were to do it.

Yes, but don't think he is factoring that in! He reckons he should be able to make close to 50-60k from milking 130 cows?

topground · Jan 11, 2017

Steakeater said:
Yes, but don't think he is factoring that in! He reckons he should be able to make close to 50-60k from milking 130 cows?

Not currently an Accountant then!

Baling Hay · Jan 11, 2017

topground said:
Not currently an Accountant then!

Engineer

oldoaktree · Jan 11, 2017

Steakeater said:
What difference will 2020 really make? Don't think he will get SFP anyway as he has no entitlements?

He could buy some. I also think rents will come down

Is he mad?

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100% I’ve had enough of farming!

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