what a farmer fears: finances, health, and legacy 

I’m 18 years old and I go around and help out all the old small farms in the area because everyone is 65 years old or older and no young people want to work really hard and just don’t have a passion for small farming.

"Getting old is like slowly getting injured." I'm going to use that at some point!

Watching you and other farmers has given me a new appreciation for what it costs to get my food to the market. Thanks for what you do.

You are fast becoming my favorite farm youtube channel. The transparency with your fears and the money is greatly appreciated!

Invest and buy the butcher shop or talk to him about selling you the business after he retires. Keep his employees and the way he does things. Custom butcheries are fading but will always be needed. Just my 2 cents.

I’ve only started farming 5 years ago and I’m still at my regular job. Seeing your videos really sheds light on the other side of a small family farm. These are issues I’ve been struggling with as time goes on so I really appreciate your candor and willingness to share your journey. God bless!

All of those are valid points and worries however you are still ahead then most of us in this country. Your self sustainability is truly inspiring, love watching your videos. Thanks for sharing.

This was a brave video to make Pete!! I try to think of all my fears and worries as an invitation to gain more freedom. But your right in using freedom to stay clear, awake and on your toes. So great with a farmer who talks about these things

Hey Pete, I’m a small time, family owned and operated electrical contractor and I have all of the same fears and worries as you, just as they relate to my business. I take comfort in the knowledge that people like us, who decide to make our own path and eschew the traditional ways of doing our respective businesses, are forced to think outside the box due to our choices. I believe that we are better prepared to weather the storms and changes that come our way because that’s what we’ve always done. Just like with your butcher, I am loyal to my local wholesale supplier and I worry what will happen when/if they close down. But people like us will always find a way to make it happen because we are “doers”. A healthy amount of worrying will keep you prepared for the unexpected and allow you to overcome problems and challenges. I truly enjoy and am inspired by your “farming business” videos, because I apply many of your principles to my business. Keep your chin up and God bless you and your family.

"Slowly getting injured" just became a new phrase on our farm! Haha. Brilliant and true.

I have had my farm for over 50 years it does not get any easier for small farms . The only bright spot is that some people willing now to pay the price for quality food . keep well I enjoy your comments.

All so true and enlightening!! I am just starting 60 and while I have farmed in some degree most of those years.......refocusing on making a living from it, is nerve racking! I am so happy you had the courage to discuss things that most farmers just keep to themselves.........Bravo

"We need bravery in the way we make decisions". So well said. God Bless.

“Getting old is like slowly getting injured....” 😄 I love it. That is very quotable. I’m stealing it.

Pete as always a super video you touch on things that really concern all of us. Some of it more so the farmer but the life lessons and fears and concerns we share them all. May your life always be filled with joy and your family always healthy and happy. Bless you and keep up the great and inspiring work and videos that you do again thank you very much.

That was a great and loaded video!! I had to take a chair and watch it twice to absorb all that honest information. If you are the stubborn type of person that always try to land on his feet, I think you will be ok with whatever is thrown at you. The farmers I’m worried about are all the old traditional guys who lives religiously by the farmers almanac, and livestock sales barns. God bless you and your family brother, and thank you!!

i just love this...Its the common fears and worries that everyone go through. and yet you are probably the most honest and genuine person on youtube. you and your wife have built a life with integrity and hard work. God bless you!

You have kids! LABOR! I worked hard manual labor every summer on my grandpa’s farm!

I appreciate your candidness. Thank you for the post. I always enjoy watching your farm working.

Hi Pete...I agree with your concerns. I too have had many concerns like yours. I find when we become too dependent on others for satisfaction or in your case financial existence, it becomes frustrating. I rely on the faith and the self assurance that my life is valuable and things will work out. Take calculated risks, become aware of other sales opportunities. Create new opportunities and markets. You will do fine because you and your family have laid down a strong foundation.

I get the worry part of farming. Our farm was 1/4 section raising beef, chickens and hay. About 35 years ago the farm was offered to me but I couldn't see the economic feasibility of it and continued working off the farm. Now I miss the farm life but can't farm due to permanent chronic work injuries. 20/20 hindsight, we all have it.

Love your videos and how open you ae bout everything. You have a great day also.

You mentioned about paying for your children’s collage education that’s nonsense, it’s their education that they will use to finance their life and raise their children, buy their house and their cars. It is your responsibility to teach them to study hard and make good grades so that they can get scroller ships and grants to pay there way through their education, it’s the first steps of your children’s independence. In Michigan high school children can take collage classes at the same time as they go to high school, the classes are free and they get the full credits towards their degree starting in the junior year of high school, that means they graduate High School and have earned an associates degree at the same time and it was free, that means for the next two years they can get a good paying job and save up the money that they earn to pay for the next two years of their college education, your children will study harder, party less and mature faster than their contemporaries because they were responsible for their education and future lives. I also think people should go to a junior collage to get an associates degree because it’s cheaper than a four year university and your kids can live at home saving on living expenses. I might buy some of the used books they will need but that would be a treat. I feel the same way about weddings, have a limit on what you’ll spend and give them a choice between this dress or a washer and dryer. It’s not mean it teaches good stewardship.

Very informative video, Pete! Thank you for sharing your concerns and experiences. I’m a 62 year old regenerative farmer in Southside, Virginia. My ancestral farm (Circa 1790) consists of 300 acres and I currently have 50 South Poll cows and 50 Katahdin sheep. I’m a single person operation. My only son is in medical school and isn’t interested in farming. So far, I haven’t found any young person that’s interested in taking over after I’m gone.

Your giving your children the best education, far better than any secular instation, could ever give them.

i certainly hope that Missy and her new litter make a video so we get to see how she and them are doing.

Great video! You have the same worries we do being self employed. Hubby repairs tractors the kids and I run the small farm, they are 16 and 20. I am working now while they are still home to build chicken tractors that are lighter so I can move them by myself and putting up semi-permanent rotations for out few cows. Some of the work though is just going to keep us strong. Blessings

Hang in there, you’re doing great! As with anything or anybody we all worry. Just take a logical and systematic approach to every problem and try your best to hedge against concerns

Do you ever worry about maybe something breaking on your farm? Possibly animals getting really aggressive and escaping? I plan to open a farm one day and that is why I watch a lot of farmers on RU-vid such as you. So far your channel has taught me the most because of how in depth you go. Very Nice video. Thanks for giving out this content! :)

اللهمَّ إني أعوذُ بك من الهمِّ والحزَنِ وأعوذُ بك من العجزِ والكسلِ وأعوذُ بكَ من البخلِ والجبنِ وأعوذُ بك من غلبَةِ الدَّينِ وقهرِ الرجالِ

Pete,you just described life for most of us,retired after 44 yrs in medicine,life is steadily changing for everyone.Really enjoy your honesty and your devotion to the land and farm,keep your children involved in the work,prepares them for life even if they decide to pursue another interst.Love watching your adventures on the farm,you are obviously a very intelligent caring person and enjoy the farm challenge with its outside environment.Most office workers are envious of your lifestyle.

Tells us what we need to think about as a country. Small farmers like this gentleman have been one of the legs this country stands on. With big corporations buying up more and more mom and pop operations we can't be sure the quality of our food and the character of our nation will survive.

You're a brilliant guy who has prepared his whole life to handle anything that life can throw at him. Don't worry, be happy!

I hope none of that happens to you, and I hope the weather next year will be normal instead of these droughts and floods every month or two.

Thanks for this video Pete! These honest expositions are great. Having grown up on a farm, I'm sure these are some of the things my parents worries about when I was growing up, and probably still worry about. I think honest videos about the hard parts of farming and the kinds of things that people worry about (not just farmers) are healthy; they help let people know they're not alone. Thanks for taking the time to do this Pete!

Hi pete we all have worries in life hope one or all of your kids keep on the family tradition life is a worry these days one way or another keep up the good work love your videos.

Hi Pete, I truly believe you should charge for a 1 week course during summer to show a select # of people how to run a small farm. How to budget, how much land they will need, etc... To supplement your income. Plus you get free help with the chores.

Farmers are some of the smartest people in the world. They have to know about gardening, engineering, veterinary care, etc

Excellent video Pete. Farming is a chore.

I think most of us share your worries regardless of what we do. Plan ahead as you always do and what will be will be. Carry on.

Pete, sage advice. My wife and I grew up on farms. She was on a hobby dairy, for a few years. Me, I grew up on a crop and livestock farm. My dad retired in 1977. I started in 1978. My dad kept cows and I started with cattle. By the time I was in high school, I was turning dirt too. At the peak, I had 525 acres. I also had 550 calves and a few cows too. This was in 1985-1991. I went to school and got a degree in Beef Production and Management. That wasn’t all, we had hands on cattle, pigs, sheep and crop instruction. I left the farm in 1995, with the last 4 years paying someone else to do the work. My wife and I agreed that we’d homeschool the kids. That ended last year. We also agreed that they would not have any college debt, have to buy their first vehicle or question how they would live. So far, two are through school and the third will finish undergrad in 3.5 years. Between us, I have two BS and 1 MA. My wife, just finished her third BS this week. Our son has one BS and a minor. Our middle daughter has two BS degrees and a minor and our youngest, should have a BS and a MD. My goal is still no debt for them. My middle daughter just called to say, my truck is broken. She is 1700 mi away. Looks like $1500. But hey, she’s so worth it. Like you, I quit my corporate treadmill and moved to a 21 acre place. Our son lives on the farm and we have a townhome 1/2 mi from the place. This year, cattle, pigs, chicken and hay are on the docket. You just can’t beat farm life, but it is not for the faint hearted or those who didn’t plan. It takes capital and time. I truly enjoy your vlogs. Thank you.

Hello Pete my name is Joe damiani , I live on long Island here in NY. I have been watching your videos and have subscribed to your channel. I am a retired carpenter now 57 years Young,. I have all those fears and worries every day, but I keep praying and relying on my confidence to get me threw. I think your a great guy and living the life you love is really great to see,. I have been living my life my way and I have no regrets.I am looking forward now to getting property and starting my own farm. You are a great source of inspiration for me and my girlfriend. Keep doing what you love,don't stop just keep going :) all the best Joe and Karin,...

Spot on, as usual. For us, September started with a man made wildfire only a mile down our valley. High winds pushed fast. Our ‘culture’ is one of action. Neighbors evacuated. Livestock brought to our ranch and others. A 12’ disc set cutting fire breaks on stubble fields, field irrigation wetting down ambers, community members seeking temp shelter and comfort as homes were lost... but we still Farm and Ranch. So many challenges, from the mundane to the horrifying, but we adapt, survive and rebuild. All of us share in equivalent challenges. Hopefully, we succeed financially, ultimately we all succeed for facing the challenges and taking them on. (Ok... enough of the Hallmark Moment... stock to feed and turn out, barn has a leak above the hay, stubble fields need to be disc’d!). Thanks Pete for the excellent channel and personal perspectives!

I have some of the same worries, especially just starting at 55. Thanks for sharing

I think this is the best video you have ever made.

Another great video, Pete. Keep up the good work. We're all rooting for you and all the other small farmers/homesteaders out there!!

Just stumbled across your channel,,, We are farmers in the UK, not a big farm just 120 acres.. We used to be a diary farm but the industry went backwards.. We are now beef farmers, have been for 20 years now.. Don't miss getting up at stupid o'clock,, we now have time to do the jobs that while we were diary farmers never did... I totally agree with you on being brought up on a farm,, it makes you see the sheer hard work needed to be a success... When we were younger, we did some terrible jobs,, Walling in the winter,, throwing boiling water over the stone so we could move it... Great Great video.. 👌👍🚜👍👌

Well said Pete.

You are so right. Thanks for sharing. I've learned so much from your channel. Keep up the great job. George from Louisiana.

Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you Pete for your honesty and sharing your thoughts with us. I own a small business and have many of those same concerns, but I don't usually articulate them as well as you do.

Got my book in the mail today. Look forward to reading.

Thank you

We supplemented our ever decreasing farm income as i creep into retirement age and lack farm hand help with allowing people to camp and vacation on the farm in the woodland areas where the spring water creeks run. It gives us close to $700 a week during the spring, summer and fall and takes a great deal of pressure off of our finances and as a added benefit we get free volunteers to help out here and there and it helps assimilate people to the farm to learn what goes into making food available to their big city stores. We also are changing over with less back breaking labor intensive row crop farming to Aquaculture by converting our greenhouses to year around production. I Also contracted a farm disease call Leptospirosis from the cows dirty water transferring bacteria thru a cut in my hand. I Was in the hospital for 31 days and very weak for another 6 months.

Thank you for the video.

Indeed buddy be safe out there buddy see you next time

True awakening to the old myth and image of the Farmer, sitting in his porch rocking chair, with a corn pipe, and not a worry in the world. 😳 When I retire in a few years, my goal is to start a Hobby Farm, on my 10 acres upstate N.Y. Hopefully it works out. As you know, (We make plans and God laughs).

I have a soft spot for farmers. I can't listen to "The Farmer Song" (by Murray Mclaughlin) without it bringing tears to my eyes. As far as I'm concerned, farmers are the VIPs of the world. They feed us!!

Good going sir

Thanks for the insight. I just retired after almost 30 years as a firefighter and our plan is to move to west central Vermont and run a little farm in the area my father grew up in. You mentioned a lot of things I think about but didn't really know how to put the thoughts together. Please keep up what you do, it is helpful as we plan our future.

Thanks Pete i can understand some of your worries ,the answer to most of your worries you know better than anyone more land ,more water and more help all sounds so easy but in truth it is not 90% of small farms to day survive on a second income ,Keep safe you two still a lot of the virus about.

Another great piece of brutal honesty - thank you.

As grandpa and grandma aged, the chickens went first. Then grandpa got rid of the pigs. Kept the cattle after grandpa died, till grandma's health went down at 91y/o, so we got rid of the cows and went to just planting crops. Dad made the decision when he moved in grandma in with him to go to share cropping. We still own the farm, but keep no livestock. The tillable land is shared crop out and current plan is to keep that going for the foreseeable future.

I was once told try not to worry about what you can not change ,things always work out some how frank N. Ireland take care .

Great tips! Thanks.

Hello from VA enjoy watching your videos looks like your doing a great job I have raised chickens for 40 plus years really enjoy hope you have a good year keep safe .

Thank you for your honesty Pete 😃 allot of what u said I worry about too.

Bold brave chin up,and life goes on

We just bought 80 acres here in North Central Arkansas and I have already considered many of the same things you worry about. What else can you do but keep on going...

Farmers don't retire they just get too old to work

I’ve watched several of your videos now, I find your prospective honest, informative and very refreshing. Best of luck!

The best and most useful learning is farm work.

Great video. Love the honesty.

Thanks Pete for opening up and sharing your worries. My wife and I are planning on picking up in a few years when I retire from my current job and want to get back to the earth. I hope to get a small farm and work it on a part time basis at first and your wisdom has given me some things to think about. I really miss working the farm. Thanks again. Jeff

I was born into a farm family and it's only thing I know and I know I won't be a millionaire but I love the life the farm has given me and it's hard back breaking work to keep going but but I look at this way if I didn't love what I do I wouldn't do it and our farm is over 3000 acres here and everyday brings new challenges but I truly understand what u are saying about being a farmer and raising livestock

Great video. Nice dose of reality for any small business operation!

♥♥♥♥♥ Five hearts for well done videos! 7th generation farmer ♥♥♥♥♥

Excellent viewpoint-extender. Re planning for climate variables - can you see patterns from past rain/heat records? Re planning for older years .. no telling what changes the next 20 years will see. Each generation on your farm has had a different reality. l always enjoy your videos .. best of luck.

Another GREAT. Video. You do such a great job.

Pete,,,, THE WAGONS ARE COMING,BLESS GOD, THE WAGONS ARE COMING!

Chin up Pete! That drought has you down! As a small farmer I worry too but making a life is better than a living and higher education is subjective in this day and age. Plan for a solar minimum and you will be ahead of the game!

I have found my worries this week. I was called back to work at half my pay ( due to this Covid stuff) and now I’m looking for a new job. I have been clearing fence and have plans for a man to come doze some woods and make pasture at our place. Wanting to get into some cattle. It’s all been brought to a halt until I can find a new job and be secure that I can provide for my family and for us to try and build a farm here. It’s hard to even get out and work, I think it’s depression I’m feeling. It doesn’t feel good to worry at all.

thats what happened to my great grand parents farm and my grand parents farm as none of my uncles or aunts or my parents didnt want to farm, now i`m working on getting back into farming

Pete great video!

Pete. I understand what your saying. I just bit off a huge venture that am trying to work through. I purchased just over 300 acres of forest land and newly established farm land. All bare ground has been put into cover crops and the first crop of grasses for late spring grazing. I Iike your keeping it simple approach

3 rd time watching, much wisdom! here, Thanx🤗

Love your insight, Pete. Your farm and approach are so well thought out. Please keep making these...I learn a lot from you. We are working on establishing a hobby cattle farm, and I would love to ditch corporate life someday to spend my days with the cattle and on the farm.

Pete thank you so much for your honesty and integrity It took a lot of courage to make this video I think you put out there a lot of the fears and worries that we all have raising our families, seeing what is happening in our country no matter what our profession is I think the best thing we can do right now is have faith in God try to be a little bit kinder to each other and stand by each other when times get tough

Really good, vital information on direct-marketing products. Thank you for sharing!

Great channel and info !

I am really loving your channel.

Pete....really enjoyed this video. Don't worry (just continue to adjust) to those things over which you do no have direct control. Have you ever considered bringing in local, young interns for some jobs? That may be easier said than done. Keep your clients and family first and the other things will fall into place. Keep rockin on with your plans.

You're inspiring!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift! Don't borrow worry from tomorrow for there is quite enough for today...😎

Another great video mate.

I alway enjoy your video, sometimes I think i can watch something more interesting and I find myself deep in thought and all of a sudden your done. For me the ageing thing is a problem or concern, my mind is running and my legs are aching trying to keep up.

Thanks for your insight. Recently retired n have a hay operation on my 45acre farm. My great grandfather bought 120 acres in 1919 my farm is a part of that. I do small squares with an accumulator and grapple. Put up over 2000 bales this year by myself but am considering selling it is a bit much n my kids have no interest in living here

45 acres is huge land, In India 10 Acres is very huge farmer. I think you should plant different fruit trees so that your physical work reduces after few years. I would love to see your videos as they give entire perspective of farmimg

We enjoyed a visit from a dour old Maine dairy farmer. He "surveyed" our pitiful little 5 acre "small diversified" " gardens and commented "Yeah, a little place like this'll work ya ta death!" I hear you about the diversity of learning and performing farm chores. "Teach your children well...the father's health will surely go by...." CSNY

Just found you on youtube. Love the way you present your videos. So down to earth, positive, uplifting, and informative. Really enjoy your content. Keep it up! from a city dwelling shlub in Arizona who has farm life in the back of his mind.