The work repairing the rundown greenhouse coops was exhausting. Using all our savings, it was operational in four months.
2am starts broke our resolve. Picking and packing herbs under floodlight; driving to market; the rush to set-up by 5am.
Tired.
Unwitting customers pulling faces at $2 for fresh basil, mint, comfrey or dill. No mind for the effort in producing it ready for sale. Herbs an extravagant extra they could easily do without.
Was this our future, our retirement dream?
The farm sold in three days for double the price we paid.
A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word.
Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, I enjoy photography and craft, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.
View all posts by Forestwood
53 thoughts on “Buying a Farm”
Nice work. If only I could buy fresh herbs for $2.
They made their money; just not how they envisioned. People have no idea when they give farmers a hard time on prices. I refuse to barter with them, knowing…
No, I didn’t but I know some who did and really, while it does give a little heart attack when you pay, as soon as you bite into whatever it is… bliss!
Quality doesn’t come cheap so if the market forces bring down fruit and vege prices, perhaps we should tip those market stall holders? Australia does not have a tipping culture but, that would be a situation when it seems warranted.
No, it does not. The ones who irk me are the obviously affluent people who will bargain like the dickens with the farmer, then go out for a $200 lunch. Lady (or gent) – priorities!! 🙂
Oh Dale. I am so with you there. Some wealthy splash money around like there is no tomorrow, whilst others are miserly to the nth degree. They appear truly insecure where money is concerned.
Yeah, it takes a lot of research and a palette of potential customers for something like that. Good for them that they get their money back and more, but the dream’s gone. Great take.
The dream is gone for those two farmers indeed. Unfortunately the real characters on which the story is based, did not quite double their money. They did receive a dose of life experience.
No, Neil. The market forces never appreciate the hard labour and background to growing a product. Especially your time. Can you imagine how much the $2 herb would be if that was factored into the price?
We’ve been enjoying the summer produce from local farms. It’s definitely hard work, and they cannot compete with big business farms in terms of prices, but the taste is so much better.
I agree, smaller, fresh farming produce is often higher quality, Merrill. The larger farming concerns yield more and probably make more money but lack that extra ?finesse and personal touch that small growers appear to invest in their crop. Often the small farmers follow more sustainable practices and offer organic produce, which always seems to taste better.
You pretty much nailed it as for the work of nursery people. Add the demands of geography (like Aussie outback?), and it seems impossible to me. It is a tough business requiring dedication and perseverance I can only imagine. Well done. 🙂
You are correct, Bill. Perseverance, dedication and even perhaps a dose of pig-headed stubbornness is necessary for some regions of farming to make ends. It is never an easy life for many in the Aussie outback unless you have one of those massive leasehold properties. You are always beholden to the forces of weather and the market economies, neither of which is under your control. Not my choice. Although I once considered it.
The romantic dream was totally smashed but I did give them some hope in the end. Although the real life couple the story is based on, were nearly bankrupted by it.
Well done in 100 words or less. I couldn’t have. My husband and I took over his parents farm that they leased out. The old folks grew milo and corn until they died. We could write off the loss most years until we sold it to hunters. The only offer on it ever. No one can make a good living farming other than the corporations. Just too sad. What will we do when there is no food or clean water left?
It is a sad thought that our food might be grown by corporations who are more interested and driven by profits than nutrtition, or quality. The Moth’s family had several very lucrative vege farms on alluvial black soil. It was a licence to print money but mind you, they worked so very hard 8 days a week for almost 50 years. A corporation bought their farm when they retired….
The concern for me is food security. If there are no more sole farmers trading and our food supply is completely controlled by corporations – how safe is our food supply?
I’m in full agreement with you. The cook for Meals on Wheels here says when they start making him take hamburger with the green slime in it he’s quitting. They use a lot of liquid eggs etc. I hate what’s happening to our food here too.
I hate it too. While there are moves to more organic foods, it is by no means mainstream and in some areas, there are only generic offering which are always poor in quality. Another sign of a sick sad world (as the cartoon Daria, would lament).
Seems to me farmers are getting less and less credit these days. Shutting down their production in order to save the planet is the height of irony. Growing up in the Midwest has given me a great esteem for farmers.
Only receiving a minumum wage must be difficult for the farmers, especially if they operate a family owned farm. I suppose if they grow grapes, that doesn’t apply?
Some farmers, a very small minority make a lot of money. But most barely survive… If you grow wine, it better be a very good wine, and even then the plots are small.
Something to Ponder About 
Nice work. If only I could buy fresh herbs for $2.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know. These days it’s more like $8
LikeLiked by 2 people
They made their money; just not how they envisioned. People have no idea when they give farmers a hard time on prices. I refuse to barter with them, knowing…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good for you not haggling at the markets. Its a pretty tough gig, farming. Sounds fun but rarely is. Did you work a vege or dairy farm?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I didn’t but I know some who did and really, while it does give a little heart attack when you pay, as soon as you bite into whatever it is… bliss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quality doesn’t come cheap so if the market forces bring down fruit and vege prices, perhaps we should tip those market stall holders? Australia does not have a tipping culture but, that would be a situation when it seems warranted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, it does not. The ones who irk me are the obviously affluent people who will bargain like the dickens with the farmer, then go out for a $200 lunch. Lady (or gent) – priorities!! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh Dale. I am so with you there. Some wealthy splash money around like there is no tomorrow, whilst others are miserly to the nth degree. They appear truly insecure where money is concerned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a farce, truly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely realised story, and so close to truth!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is very close to the truth, Margaret for a friend of mine. Unfortunately they did not quite double their money. That was my touch to their story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought that was the less-likely bit 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it takes a lot of research and a palette of potential customers for something like that. Good for them that they get their money back and more, but the dream’s gone. Great take.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The dream is gone for those two farmers indeed. Unfortunately the real characters on which the story is based, did not quite double their money. They did receive a dose of life experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The market’s invisible hand often doesn’t get it right
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, Neil. The market forces never appreciate the hard labour and background to growing a product. Especially your time. Can you imagine how much the $2 herb would be if that was factored into the price?
LikeLike
We’ve been enjoying the summer produce from local farms. It’s definitely hard work, and they cannot compete with big business farms in terms of prices, but the taste is so much better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, smaller, fresh farming produce is often higher quality, Merrill. The larger farming concerns yield more and probably make more money but lack that extra ?finesse and personal touch that small growers appear to invest in their crop. Often the small farmers follow more sustainable practices and offer organic produce, which always seems to taste better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You pretty much nailed it as for the work of nursery people. Add the demands of geography (like Aussie outback?), and it seems impossible to me. It is a tough business requiring dedication and perseverance I can only imagine. Well done. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are correct, Bill. Perseverance, dedication and even perhaps a dose of pig-headed stubbornness is necessary for some regions of farming to make ends. It is never an easy life for many in the Aussie outback unless you have one of those massive leasehold properties. You are always beholden to the forces of weather and the market economies, neither of which is under your control. Not my choice. Although I once considered it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not quite the romantic dream many think it would be! Great 100 words 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
The romantic dream was totally smashed but I did give them some hope in the end. Although the real life couple the story is based on, were nearly bankrupted by it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is not the type of work I’d like to do, and I so appreciate those who do it. Great job telling the story in 100 words!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is not for the weak, the disorganized, nor for those prone to lassitude. Like this pair of farmers, I couldn’t do it for long., Janis.
LikeLike
Brilliant story. Super insightful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So kind of you to say, Donna. It is actually non-fiction!
LikeLike
Well done in 100 words or less. I couldn’t have. My husband and I took over his parents farm that they leased out. The old folks grew milo and corn until they died. We could write off the loss most years until we sold it to hunters. The only offer on it ever. No one can make a good living farming other than the corporations. Just too sad. What will we do when there is no food or clean water left?
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a sad thought that our food might be grown by corporations who are more interested and driven by profits than nutrtition, or quality. The Moth’s family had several very lucrative vege farms on alluvial black soil. It was a licence to print money but mind you, they worked so very hard 8 days a week for almost 50 years. A corporation bought their farm when they retired….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know full well how hard farmers work for their money and it’s always a corp that buys them now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The concern for me is food security. If there are no more sole farmers trading and our food supply is completely controlled by corporations – how safe is our food supply?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in full agreement with you. The cook for Meals on Wheels here says when they start making him take hamburger with the green slime in it he’s quitting. They use a lot of liquid eggs etc. I hate what’s happening to our food here too.
LikeLike
I hate it too. While there are moves to more organic foods, it is by no means mainstream and in some areas, there are only generic offering which are always poor in quality. Another sign of a sick sad world (as the cartoon Daria, would lament).
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have shown us how much effort goes into producing greenhouse products and how a small business struggles. Good story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much!! Goal achieved 💫👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well it paid off, not maybe in the way intended but in a far easier way. Good one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your visit. It wasn’t exactly reality, as you probably suspected.
LikeLike
Realism at its best.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. Embellished realism it was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Amanda,
At least the farm was lucrative in one way. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Rochelle. That was the fictitious part of the story.
LikeLike
A tough life. Early mornings, small cost sales. I can understand the decision.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Laurie. You describe the life accurately in your comment. Farming is a tough gig. I think you have to be born into it to love it.
LikeLike
Seems to me farmers are getting less and less credit these days. Shutting down their production in order to save the planet is the height of irony. Growing up in the Midwest has given me a great esteem for farmers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many to do… 💪😄
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good story… I know, from childhood family friends, how difficult farm life is. It wouldn’t occur to me to pay less at a farmer’s market!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are in the know! It is a shame more don’t understand what is involved, Ruth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done. Having said that, France used to be a top agricultural nation, today’s farmers are barely at minimum wage… Something very strange and sad.
LikeLike
Only receiving a minumum wage must be difficult for the farmers, especially if they operate a family owned farm. I suppose if they grow grapes, that doesn’t apply?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some farmers, a very small minority make a lot of money. But most barely survive… If you grow wine, it better be a very good wine, and even then the plots are small.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stiff competition in the French wine sector? No wonder they stopped Aussie winemakers using their names for wine styles…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some wines command very high prices. Hence the battle to protect the names/brands… 🍷
LikeLiked by 1 person