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Dairy Farmers, tell me.....

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    Dairy Farmers, tell me.....

    I’m 37 and know nothing of the Dairy industry. My line of work has been military aviation maintenance for the last 20 years. I have a very rare opportunity to learn the business in hopes of taking over a 1400 cow/800 acre operation in the future. Is this too daunting? I know it’s a massive lifestyle change. At this point in my life, would I be taking on too much? Is the learning curve too steep for a rookie?

    #2
    Take over as in owner or manager?

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      #3
      Both, eventually. I assume some shoveling jobs running up through all levels until I’d be in a position to buy out. Family operation.
      Last edited by TXUSMC; 01-04-2018, 11:34 PM.

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        #4
        Originally posted by TXUSMC View Post
        Both
        I know very little about it but I would learn as much as I could from the ground up, especially the business side, and then hire the best dairy foreman I could when the time comes to manage the daily livestock operations

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          #5
          How long is the apprenticeship ?

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            #6
            If it's a family biz, then there is opportunity, but if this is an extended job offer thru a friend of a friend, then you'd be best to consider other business opportunities.

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              #7
              It’s family. Apprenticeship would last as long as I needed it to if I commit but still have bills to pay. It’s just scary not knowing what to expect. Drastic change, however welcome.

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                #8
                Breeding genetics is a big part of the business but not sure how much of that I would assume. I wouldn’t be left alone and afraid, just financially responsible at some point.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by TXUSMC View Post
                  It’s family. Apprenticeship would last as long as I needed it to if I commit but still have bills to pay. It’s just scary not knowing what to expect. Drastic change, however welcome.
                  Hell are they not going to pay you while ya learn?

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                    #10
                    It’s an opportunity I always wish I had. Now it’s here....kind of like the dog catching the car.

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                      #11
                      I’m not saying they won’t pay me while I learn, it just hasn’t been discussed. I make a solid living now and could continue on the same path in my industry after the military in six months when I retire. It’s just such a change, can someone learn the dairy business at 37 and be successful? I understand there’s no standard answer to that question.

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                        #12
                        Most of the dairy farmers on here have already hit the sack for the night. They’ve got cows to milk in the morning

                        I do know there is at least one dairy farmer on here. I’m sure he’ll chime in if he sees the thread. Good luck in whatever you decide!

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                          #13
                          Every dairyman I ever met worked 14 hours a day, and never got a day off......unless something went wrong, then they didn't sleep for a few days at a time.

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                            #14
                            I get that too. Up early to milk in the morning then a bit of a break until the afternoon session. There’s a million more things to consider in between. Green chop, meds, feed mix and distribution, no days off really. I guess nothing ventured, nothing gained. Looking forward to input from those that milk. Thanks everybody.

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                              #15
                              I'm not a dairy farmer, but I know a few and if there is one thing I know about them, they are married to their farms. Unless they make enough money to hire a REALLY good foreman, they miss more family events, hunting trips, vacations, weekends away, etc than anyone I know. Twice a day every day and it never stops. Your life will never be the same. Some people don't mind that fact and others can't last a month.

                              The opportunity to take over a family farm can be a giant blessing but unless you love it and it's in your blood, it might not be for you. In this day and age, there are a whole lot easier ways to make a living than farming. But if you love it and understand the sacrifices, it can be an enjoyable lifestyle. My 2 cents.

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