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Brandon, MS | I'm in a similar situation. 43, in town job. Wife that tolerates the cows. Two teenage girls that have no inclinations toward ranch life.
I think the sweet spot for me is 40-50 cows. I can handle that on my own most of the time. I still drag the girls out to help when I need it, and the youngest one doesn't whine as much as she used to. I do it as much to teach them how to work as to teach them how to work with cows.
First thing I would do is tweak the herd to be less labor dependent. Ditch the heifers. Calve in the warm season unassisted and come to terms that you may lose one. Get out of having to chore every day. If you have to feed, then put out enough for 2-3 days. Sure it's less efficient to put out that much feed, but at this point we're about time and not efficiency.
Second thing I would do would be look to sell out. NOW is about the best time in history to sell out. Rent out the place if you're not fully ready to throw in the towel yet. Look at it again in five years if you're getting an itch to get back in.
I do the cows for me. It's polar opposite of my day job and I enjoy the stress relief. In 20-30 years, I will give other folks a stronger consideration in my plans.
I still make ALL the important activities for both kids. And try to help taking kids to practices as I don't feel my wife should bear that burden alone. Did I mention they are busy? It can be done, but you have to find a balance and a system that works for your situation. | |
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do you miss the cows?
