that was cool to hear from other farmers with passion - they all said it - we need farms, we all need to eat and clothing. thank you to your friends and thank you for putting this great video out. Take care.
I'm working part-time for a farm and running my own operation on the side. I'm also coming to it without an Ag background growing up. My advice is similar. Find a job in the area where you hope to end up farming and get plugged into a community of farmers. It's been 12 years now and I'm still drawing on the wisdom around me and probably will be my whole life. One of the best parts about farming is you never stop learning. No need to be shy, farmers love talking about farming.
That’s exactly right! I’m so glad that you have been able to do this as well. I sort of forgot to mention it but maybe the best place to find farmers is the coffee table at the local gas station at 5:30 in the morning!
@JOSHWONDUDE In my case my friend worked for them and I came out and volunteered working along side him during some busy parts of the year. He decided not to stay on the next year and they called me. I think the thing to do is put yourself out there. Ask around, if the farms you approach don't need help they'll probably have a lead for you. If you can demonstrate you are willing to work and have a good attitude the right situation will come along.
@JOSHWONDUDE Something else I should have mentioned, if you don't have experience to point to, ask for a working interview. Tell them to give you a couple days to show how quickly you can learn. Know that in addition to working hard the guys they're going to want around are smart, have good judgement and situational awareness. Always be thinking about what you're doing, always be observant. Good luck
Great video. When i was 10 my father passed away and a farmer across from my house was growing produce took me under his wing and between him and his father taught me how to work drive tractors right from wrong took me to church, and i have never forgot what they did for me
My grandparents had a small farm, loved spending weekends there as a kid. I became a trucker and now I haul farming equipment from the factory to the farmers. My job depends on ag.
I was thought that would be a cool job too! Whenever I’ve seen a semi loading up a combine or unloading a tractor at the farm it seems like it would be kind of fun…
This was fantastic. Thanks for helping people learn that there are ways to get into in these fields besides growing up in them. Much love to everyone involved!
Really well done, combining the stories of Meredith and Brenae with the "closer to home" stories of Keegan and Breanna. Really love that both Keegan and Brenae were in FFA.
Thanks! I thought that was pretty neat too! I’m so grateful to these friends of mine for participating in this. Excited for the next installment as well!
Excellent interviews and the positive attitudes of these four people is truly wonderful to hear. I grew up on a farm and I know there are always farmers looking for hired help. Don't think it's a cake-walk though. You have to be ready to work hard, listen and learn from the person in charge. Like any job I suppose. You won't get rich farming but if you have a passion for farming, you will be as happy as the richest person alive. Probably more. Great advice from all four of these people. Love the southern accent from Meredith.
Thanks John! I couldn’t agree more. That was a good way to put it. You won’t get rich but you will be happier than the richest person… I’ve never heard it said quite that way but I like it. I was really happy that all these people agreed to do this. We all agree Meredith is fantastic!
Carl , you picked the special young lady Meredith to share her story , about family & farming , they are the father knows best America story , please watch , you will enjoy daily ! Bob
What a far better world be would experience if we all had such attitudes and lived daily with such compassion and joy. Thank you once again, and everyone of these amazing people, who simple do and find reward in that effort. What a lesson for us all on how to live our lives.
Thanks Brant! The people that contributed to this video are some of my favorite friends in ag! I love them dearly and I’m excited for you to see the next video!
I have chickens and a garden and I love it. I have a well paying corporate job that I don’t mind but don’t love it, like it yes but not love. Thinking about my future both excites me and scares the poop outta me. I just hope I’m strong enough to ignore the fears and move forward. As someone with autism I love not being around all these corporate bosses all the time and dealing with crappy co-workers. I want to start with aquaculture and vermiculite next with the addition of aquaponics.
Found this channel a few days ago, subscribed, love it!!! First off I just want to thank you for what you do! I’m 62yrs old, always been interested in farming. Wish I’d gotten into it earlier in my life. Message to all the young people, if you find farming interesting don’t hesitate to follow your dream!! Open space, fresh air, hard work, good times, hard times, sense of accomplishment, live the dream!!! Wishing you and yours all the best friend!!! 🚜…🌽 👍🏻✌🏼🙏🏼
I loved hearing about the background of the farmers out there and looking forward to hearing more. I’ve always been interested in Agriculture and was in FFA in high school and took Ag classes in college but my path didn’t lead me into the industry (joined the Army). But with the help of your channel and many others, I’ve learned more in a short time and my passion has been renewed. Thank you Carl for educating me and the many people out there that don’t know that much about farming!!
Thanks a lot Carl! Have I ever mentioned that you have a really cool name? Ha ha! It would be really cool if you could find someway to help a farmer part time to get involved and experience it for yourself!
Dodge Brothers Farm and Ranch We both have the BEST name out there!! I’m looking into helping a farmer out here but watching your videos have boosted my motivation and I thank you for that
Thank you so much man! Glad to know you’re a fellow brother in Christ! I’m moving to Texas in April from here in Las Vegas Nevada however I grew up in the suburbs of San Diego, California my whole life! I’m super super interested in farming and I feel passionate about it! I hope I can find something out in Texas! Thanks for sharing!
Can definitely get into farming even if weren't born into it. Finding niche markets, working for other farmers that will help mentor would be a good start. Building good relationships in your community goes a long way too
G'day Carl, nice video and so true, i was born on the farm started by my grandfather, best advice he gave me was "listen to your land" and also if you believe in something "it will work". My dad was different, to hesitant but i still learnt a lot he said to me "don't work for the banks, make them work for you". I heard two old timers commenting on females entering the Ag industry, they were not complementary. So i gave this some thought, i have hired six females some with Ag backgrounds some with none, age range 16-24. They are learning everything, cattle, haymaking and silage all of them are so eager to learn and have made me so proud of them. I often sit on the back porch with a rum at night and get emotional (just a little) at how well they're going.
G’day John! You are absolutely right. It makes me sad to see people denigrating young ladies trying to get into ag fields. I have a good friend that I graduated high school with and she was an agronomist with an independent agronomy firm for about eight years. She was the consulting agronomist for the farm that I work at, and she did a fantastic job! We were all very sad when she took another job somewhere else due to life circumstances. I think it’s pretty obvious from all the people that I worked with on these two videos that men and women alike can be fantastic farmers. I’m excited for you to see the next video!
Born in a farm in El Salvador, but we don't have farming equipment like tractors to farm, everything is done by hand, in the future i hope to get the most advanced tractors and all the farming equipment and buy a slot of land to start my farming adventure
FFA is the foundation that any young person can build on... regardless of background. Even the parliamentary procedure and debate programs within FFA help establish an understanding of how things work. Those who grab on to what FFA offers are almost guaranteed success in their lives regardless of vocation.
I agree Bill! Sadly my school did not offer FFA when I was growing up. I did participate in 4H and that was pretty good. But I really think the FFA program is amazing from what I see in today’s young people.
Great video I really enjoyed the stories of each guest you had Carl. Keep up the good work . I’m a retired farmer but I stay young by listening to young folks and get excited hearing their stories!
I had no experience with Ag when I got out of the Army in 06 and I had no intentions of getting into Ag but bills had to be paid I ended up getting a job as a farm hand for a large hog farmer and fell in love with Ag. I worked my way up to farm manager worked for them for four years ended up moving to kansas and getting hired as a weekend milker at a local dairy worked my way up to herdsman learning AI vaccines and fieldwork. Hopefully early next year I will be purchasing 20ish head of cattle to begin my own farm while still working my current position. Its hard work but I enjoy every day of it
You can if you can find a farmer willing to work with you. Good luck with that. No one hires around where I live, I keep getting the run around from the few farmers I know and I have no idea how to start without millions of dollars.
Love the videos you do...love the passion I see in the guests in this session. I worked as a hired hand on my cousins dairy farm for several years and loved it. I attribute much to what I am today to those days some forty odd years ago. Farming is a wonderful vocation that is needed to keep America successful.
Thank you John! The people that contributed to this video or some of my favorite individuals that I feel privileged to be able to work with and to be friends with! I’m glad you got the chance to work on that dairy farm. I think everybody needs to experience farming at least once.
My family owns a ranch and farm, but my parents moved to the city before I was born. Now I work on the farm in the summers because I enjoy the country life more then the city
I think it's so great for you to host this little forum to inspire others to get into farming, for sure you should do more and contact Pete at Just a Few Acres Farm and get him on your NEXT installment.
That's a very interesting videos. I don't know about farming, but I wouldn't mind getting one of those farm girls! :) Seriously, if I was 40 years younger, I might consider it. I think I would start by just getting a job in a rural area and build from there. You could make some contacts and perhaps eventually work in some specialty service industry such as spraying or equipment repair, or just work as a hired hand somewhere. Save your money and eventually buy "40 acres and a mule" and go for it! Question: how large of a farm do you need to make enough to live? And, what type of farm makes the most from an initial investment?
David that’s a really good question. In our area the average single family is operating 1500 to 2000 acres of row crops minimum. I think you’re going to get your fastest pay back on specialty farm crops, however there is a lot of risk involved and it’s harder to market.
Dodge Brothers Farm and Ranch Thanks. The idea of having a vineyard would probably be my favorite idea if I was in my twenties. But that is probably the MOST risky plan since you not only need to grow the grapes but you need to turn them into a good wine. I appreciate you answering my questions. You make great videos.
Excellent video! Very inspiring. Even though I went in a different direction, I recognize the importance of 4H & FFA. I realized I was interested in teaching and the experience I gained in FTA (future teachers of America) in high school launched me into the future. Really enjoy your channel!
Absolutely Great Inspiration Videos ,If You Want To ,You Can Make It Happen ,Don’t Listen To The People That Say, You Cant Do That ,You CAN Roll A Rock Up A Hill If You Want To !!! Great Video !!!
People underestimate the importance of everyone in the ag service industry. Everyone is quick to say thank a farmer but sometimes I’d like to think a parts guy in the middle of harvest!
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206many late nights helping farmers get what they need, especially come harvest time. I always felt good when we had the parts so they could just keep going.
My grandfather used to be a farmer. My dad went into business (clocks) and I asked him about buying a farm and changing careers --- he was not amused. So, the closest I got was hanging with my friends who (their parents) were farmers. Still have the nostalgia.
I'm retired military and as a programmer. My current passion is supporting not only local farmers who may need help, but also FarmRescue.org as a volunteer for planting to harvest. Check them out at 'farmrescue.org' as we have a lot of volunteers from prior ag to even a NASA engineer. Another avenue to check out is the custom harvesting, haying, chopping, etc. - tons of options!
Yes definitely! I’ve heard of farm rescue before. Great outfit. And your suggestions are excellent. I almost joined the wheat harvest one summer during college.
This was very encouraging, thank you! I have been thinking about learning how to work/live on a farm for a year or so and haven't been sure where to start. I know people who work/live on farms so I will likely be looking into helping them out sometime! Once I graduate I believe I will study horticulture and animals. :)
This is great! I've been looking for ways to introduce agriculture to kids without any background and get them thinking about it as a career. I'm hoping your videos might help!
Paul! I actually put this video project together for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to use in their ag week lineup. They had me and Ron on a zoom meeting with the students and instructors after the video aired. I think more agencies are going to be using it now. I split it into be two videos to post on here for you all. Feel free to contact me if you want to do something organized.
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 I shared these videos with a person in our college who is helping with recruiting. So I/we might get back to you on this. I'm at Utah State University, College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences. Related question, can you point me to what sort of camera setup you frequently use? We are doing more virtual field day stuff and a setup like you use might be perfect for informal field tour video and commentary. Thanks!!! Happy 4th!
Great encouragement for people interested in Agriculture. I still miss my grandfather's farm north of Cedar Falls. My connection to farming in retirement has been through helping to harvest wild rice. Don't know if I can do it this year as the US Canadian border is still closed do to covid virus.
Outstanding video Carl. So can you do an interview with a farmer who has a corporate operation? My friend from Gladbrook used to call them BTO for Big Time Operator's. I guess these would be the farmers who have the $ and are not family sourced . Thank you again for producing great content.
Corporate farming versus family farming is a sticky debate. Some would consider what I do to be corporate farming, because the enterprise that I work for is technically a corporation. The only reason that corporations really exist within farming is to provide legal protection for families when it comes to liability relating to the farm. It is a way to make sure that the family does not lose their house and everything they have in some lawsuit related to the farming operation. I guess I’m not sure that I know any local corporate farms. We have some pretty big farmers in the area farming 20,000 acres, but they are still owned by a single family. Thanks for asking the question, and if you would enjoy it maybe someday I will do a video with a really big farmer.
To answer the question posed, yes. But you need A LOT of start up capital. Or a side job. And you work your way up. Unless you're a big business owner who can afford the big toys
Exactly! Some people get in slow like me, and some people go make a bunch of money and some other sector and then get into farming all at once. Everybody has their own path.
.... ive worked so hard and jumped through so many hoops to finally get a GREAT job that pays VERY well and im going to make as much money as possible to buy land and equipment and start up. Only been the olan since i was about 4....😂😂😂😂
That’s also a great way into farming! I would probably be able to buy my own land and equipment a lot faster if I would’ve gotten a different type of job, however I just love this so much and I’m keeping connected and gaining lots of valuable experience and insight along the way. Best of luck and keep me posted!
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 thank you! I just want to state, I am fully aware that farming is hard on you, in all sorts of ways, along with just generally being hard work overall all the time especially with animals. Im no superman like you all i just want to wrestle cornstalks😂. I got a taste of cattle and goats and prefer the crops haha. The gambles with seed, fert, weather, all of that, then throw life in to the mix and all the insanity that it brings, man I know its much easier on you physically if you just get out of it, retire early if you can, buy all the fancy things and friends you think you want, but at the end of the day, I choose not to die an old fat rich guy on his pontoon with nothing to show for his life orher than leaving his kids money, I want to die with a few acres to my name, and a 2588 ih and an 8400 deere in my fields among other machines. Though I am not from a farm, I grew up around them and went every chance I could. Ive grown up on farms, I fell in love with everything about it, the good times, the difficult ones, the happy times, the sad, but even going through bad and even horrible experiences whether in farming or life or both, the land and its beauty and connection to our creator is impossible to beat. I want to leave my kids something that they can be proud of, be a part of, bigger than themselves, connected to nature and beauty, humanity. But hey if they want no part of it, ill be sure to hand it down to someone who wants it for the reasons I did or they can sell it all to someone and do what they want in life. Im bery blessed to have already found my wife and started our family with our Daughter and Son, though they are little and exhausting, i really already have what I truly wanted in life, the Farm would just be true icing on the cake. Sorry for the long reply, but may this make your day better, thank you for farming, for being open with the world about your life and what you do to feed us, stay safe, and above all, always find a way to have fun out there! Jake.
There is a really good channel all your subscribers can watch and that is the small farm channel called Just a Few Acres Farm where they run Dexter cattle and pasture poultry on 45ish acres.
my grandpa owned a john deere dealership so that led to my dad having his own farm before i was born but my dad sold the farm when his landlord passed away 3 weeks before my dad could buy his land...
This is a pretty hot soapbox topic for me. But you definitely need a lot of start up capital, a willingness to work your tail off, and you need to know how to live DIRT. CHEAP. It's been like this for many years. The pay prices were receive aren't much different than they were over 100 years ago, but we produce more than we did back then. In 1900, you just needed enough pork, beef and milk to feed your family. Any extra produced was sold to a creamery or locker. Now we have this "need" to feed the world that's been so engrained into us for over 50 years it's causing lots of guys to run ragged trying to keep up with current trends with outdated machinery, high taxes and consumers who think we're trying to kill them. It's a truly unique occupation if you have the mental sanity for it. Farming used to be a great way to make a living. Then Rusty Earl Butz in the 1970's said "fence row to fence row" and "get big or get out". And it affected independent poultry producers right away. It really hit pork producers hard in the late 90's. Dairy folks have been under pressure since 2015. And nothing is getting any easier. Kudos to anybody who wants to try to start. If there's any time to start, it's now. Throw yourself into the fire right away so you know what hard times are like and how to appreciate the good times
The contributions in the second video are going to hit on a few of the things that you mentioned. Steady income is key. I wouldn’t be able to do any of my own cattle business or hay business if I didn’t have a good job to provide my living expenses.
What do you think an average start-up cost for a cattle farm would be? My grandparents owned a large farm in Ireland but it’s gone now, I think I could muscle the Ford tractor off my uncle bc he’s got 4 including that one.
Well, here you would be looking at about 1400 per cow, plus you need a place to put them. Feeding and watering equipment and fencing is hard to quantify because it depends on how many cows you have snd how much land you have access to. My advice is start small and avoid debt.
Damn ima have to go find a farm and ask for work I'm 26 so I think I'm to old to be in 4h I did join 4h almost got my own pig just didn't follow throw I have ADHD and the outdoors and working around animals is therapeutic for me
that was cool to hear from other farmers with passion - they all said it - we need farms, we all need to eat and clothing. thank you to your friends and thank you for putting this great video out. Take care.
Thanks David!
I'm working part-time for a farm and running my own operation on the side. I'm also coming to it without an Ag background growing up. My advice is similar. Find a job in the area where you hope to end up farming and get plugged into a community of farmers. It's been 12 years now and I'm still drawing on the wisdom around me and probably will be my whole life. One of the best parts about farming is you never stop learning. No need to be shy, farmers love talking about farming.
That’s exactly right! I’m so glad that you have been able to do this as well. I sort of forgot to mention it but maybe the best place to find farmers is the coffee table at the local gas station at 5:30 in the morning!
@JOSHWONDUDE In my case my friend worked for them and I came out and volunteered working along side him during some busy parts of the year. He decided not to stay on the next year and they called me. I think the thing to do is put yourself out there. Ask around, if the farms you approach don't need help they'll probably have a lead for you. If you can demonstrate you are willing to work and have a good attitude the right situation will come along.
@JOSHWONDUDE Something else I should have mentioned, if you don't have experience to point to, ask for a working interview. Tell them to give you a couple days to show how quickly you can learn. Know that in addition to working hard the guys they're going to want around are smart, have good judgement and situational awareness. Always be thinking about what you're doing, always be observant. Good luck
Great video. When i was 10 my father passed away and a farmer across from my house was growing produce took me under his wing and between him and his father taught me how to work drive tractors right from wrong took me to church, and i have never forgot what they did for me
That’s awesome Ken! So many life lessons learned during that period of time…
My grandparents had a small farm, loved spending weekends there as a kid. I became a trucker and now I haul farming equipment from the factory to the farmers. My job depends on ag.
I was thought that would be a cool job too! Whenever I’ve seen a semi loading up a combine or unloading a tractor at the farm it seems like it would be kind of fun…
Number one is MARRY A GOOD WOMAN !!
Well I already did that!
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206
I know MANY mothers who would SCREAM in delight to have Brianna as a daughter in law !!
This was fantastic. Thanks for helping people learn that there are ways to get into in these fields besides growing up in them. Much love to everyone involved!
Thanks for watching! I am honored to be able to work together with these people!
Really well done, combining the stories of Meredith and Brenae with the "closer to home" stories of Keegan and Breanna. Really love that both Keegan and Brenae were in FFA.
Thanks! I thought that was pretty neat too! I’m so grateful to these friends of mine for participating in this. Excited for the next installment as well!
Excellent interviews and the positive attitudes of these four people is truly wonderful to hear. I grew up on a farm and I know there are always farmers looking for hired help. Don't think it's a cake-walk though. You have to be ready to work hard, listen and learn from the person in charge. Like any job I suppose. You won't get rich farming but if you have a passion for farming, you will be as happy as the richest person alive. Probably more. Great advice from all four of these people. Love the southern accent from Meredith.
Thanks John! I couldn’t agree more. That was a good way to put it. You won’t get rich but you will be happier than the richest person… I’ve never heard it said quite that way but I like it. I was really happy that all these people agreed to do this. We all agree Meredith is fantastic!
Carl , you picked the special young lady Meredith to share her story , about family & farming , they are the father knows best America story , please watch , you will enjoy daily ! Bob
Meredith has an amazing channel! She has a real gift for sharing stories and making people feel encouraged. She is my family’s favorite you tuber!
What a great idea, Carl. I loved all the stories, can't wait for the next installment. Thanks to everyone who is partnering with you on this.
Thanks Dave! This was one of my favorite videos ever to make. I love these people and I’m excited for you to see the next one as well!
What a far better world be would experience if we all had such attitudes and lived daily with such compassion and joy. Thank you once again, and everyone of these amazing people, who simple do and find reward in that effort. What a lesson for us all on how to live our lives.
Thanks Brant! The people that contributed to this video are some of my favorite friends in ag! I love them dearly and I’m excited for you to see the next video!
Great video, just anyone out there considering getting into farming, farming is hard work, teaches you responsibility and is so rewarding!!!!
I like how Brenae put it. “You won’t get rich farming, but I’m richer than I ever could be because the place I call work doesn’t feel like work...”
Love her passion for the farm life!
I agree Fred! I’m not sure which friend of mine you were talking about but they are all great!
I have chickens and a garden and I love it. I have a well paying corporate job that I don’t mind but don’t love it, like it yes but not love.
Thinking about my future both excites me and scares the poop outta me. I just hope I’m strong enough to ignore the fears and move forward. As someone with autism I love not being around all these corporate bosses all the time and dealing with crappy co-workers.
I want to start with aquaculture and vermiculite next with the addition of aquaponics.
Found this channel a few days ago, subscribed, love it!!! First off I just want to thank you for what you do! I’m 62yrs old, always been interested in farming. Wish I’d gotten into it earlier in my life. Message to all the young people, if you find farming interesting don’t hesitate to follow your dream!! Open space, fresh air, hard work, good times, hard times, sense of accomplishment, live the dream!!! Wishing you and yours all the best friend!!! 🚜…🌽 👍🏻✌🏼🙏🏼
Thanks Ted. Glad to have you here 👍
Yep, i have a clear idea now, i need to find a farmer to adopt me.
The option would probably be the best idea! It would definitely be the least strenuous route.
I loved hearing about the background of the farmers out there and looking forward to hearing more. I’ve always been interested in Agriculture and was in FFA in high school and took Ag classes in college but my path didn’t lead me into the industry (joined the Army). But with the help of your channel and many others, I’ve learned more in a short time and my passion has been renewed. Thank you Carl for educating me and the many people out there that don’t know that much about farming!!
Thanks a lot Carl! Have I ever mentioned that you have a really cool name? Ha ha! It would be really cool if you could find someway to help a farmer part time to get involved and experience it for yourself!
Dodge Brothers Farm and Ranch We both have the BEST name out there!! I’m looking into helping a farmer out here but watching your videos have boosted my motivation and I thank you for that
Carl DenTandt awesome!
As usual one of the best ag you tube Channel. Always looking forward to see your videos. Greetings from tony in Belgium europe
Thanks Tony! How is the growing season going in Belgium?
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 here is in a dry periode. High temp. And not much Rain but we can not complain. Thx for the reply. Grtz Tony
Thank you so much man! Glad to know you’re a fellow brother in Christ! I’m moving to Texas in April from here in Las Vegas Nevada however I grew up in the suburbs of San Diego, California my whole life! I’m super super interested in farming and I feel passionate about it! I hope I can find something out in Texas! Thanks for sharing!
That’s great! There is definitely lots of farming to do in Texas 👍👍
Can definitely get into farming even if weren't born into it. Finding niche markets, working for other farmers that will help mentor would be a good start. Building good relationships in your community goes a long way too
Definitely! You don’t want to develop a bad name.
I’ve always had a love for farmers/ranchers and wanted to become one. thank you for this video
G'day Carl, nice video and so true, i was born on the farm started by my grandfather, best advice he gave me was "listen to your land" and also if you believe in something "it will work". My dad was different, to hesitant but i still learnt a lot he said to me "don't work for the banks, make them work for you".
I heard two old timers commenting on females entering the Ag industry, they were not complementary. So i gave this some thought, i have hired six females some with Ag backgrounds some with none, age range 16-24. They are learning everything, cattle, haymaking and silage all of them are so eager to learn and have made me so proud of them. I often sit on the back porch with a rum at night and get emotional (just a little) at how well they're going.
G’day John! You are absolutely right. It makes me sad to see people denigrating young ladies trying to get into ag fields. I have a good friend that I graduated high school with and she was an agronomist with an independent agronomy firm for about eight years. She was the consulting agronomist for the farm that I work at, and she did a fantastic job! We were all very sad when she took another job somewhere else due to life circumstances. I think it’s pretty obvious from all the people that I worked with on these two videos that men and women alike can be fantastic farmers. I’m excited for you to see the next video!
Born in a farm in El Salvador, but we don't have farming equipment like tractors to farm, everything is done by hand, in the future i hope to get the most advanced tractors and all the farming equipment and buy a slot of land to start my farming adventure
FFA is the foundation that any young person can build on... regardless of background. Even the parliamentary procedure and debate programs within FFA help establish an understanding of how things work. Those who grab on to what FFA offers are almost guaranteed success in their lives regardless of vocation.
I agree Bill! Sadly my school did not offer FFA when I was growing up. I did participate in 4H and that was pretty good. But I really think the FFA program is amazing from what I see in today’s young people.
Great video I really enjoyed the stories of each guest you had Carl. Keep up the good work . I’m a retired farmer but I stay young by listening to young folks and get excited hearing their stories!
Thanks, It was a great lineup! They made my job easy.
Thanks Carl , your GREAT 😀👍🏾🚜🇺🇸🌽
So are you
We need to do more farming in 2022... And GOD BLESS all the farmers 🙏💙🙌
I had no experience with Ag when I got out of the Army in 06 and I had no intentions of getting into Ag but bills had to be paid I ended up getting a job as a farm hand for a large hog farmer and fell in love with Ag. I worked my way up to farm manager worked for them for four years ended up moving to kansas and getting hired as a weekend milker at a local dairy worked my way up to herdsman learning AI vaccines and fieldwork. Hopefully early next year I will be purchasing 20ish head of cattle to begin my own farm while still working my current position. Its hard work but I enjoy every day of it
Hey cool story! I love hearing about people like you. I could have had you in the collaborative videos I did on how to get into farming!
Would of loved to my 3 kids and I watch your videos darn near everyday when I get home from evening milking. Keep up the great content
You can if you can find a farmer willing to work with you. Good luck with that. No one hires around where I live, I keep getting the run around from the few farmers I know and I have no idea how to start without millions of dollars.
Pretty cool. I wish I heard this 40 years ago.
Thanks Roger! It’s never too late to find someway to experience farming.
Love the videos you do...love the passion I see in the guests in this session. I worked as a hired hand on my cousins dairy farm for several years and loved it. I attribute much to what I am today to those days some forty odd years ago. Farming is a wonderful vocation that is needed to keep America successful.
Thank you John! The people that contributed to this video or some of my favorite individuals that I feel privileged to be able to work with and to be friends with! I’m glad you got the chance to work on that dairy farm. I think everybody needs to experience farming at least once.
My family owns a ranch and farm, but my parents moved to the city before I was born. Now I work on the farm in the summers because I enjoy the country life more then the city
I think it's so great for you to host this little forum to inspire others to get into farming, for sure you should do more and contact Pete at Just a Few Acres Farm and get him on your NEXT installment.
I’ll have to take a look at that!
That's a very interesting videos. I don't know about farming, but I wouldn't mind getting one of those farm girls! :)
Seriously, if I was 40 years younger, I might consider it. I think I would start by just getting a job in a rural area and build from there. You could make some contacts and perhaps eventually work in some specialty service industry such as spraying or equipment repair, or just work as a hired hand somewhere.
Save your money and eventually buy "40 acres and a mule" and go for it!
Question: how large of a farm do you need to make enough to live? And, what type of farm makes the most from an initial investment?
David that’s a really good question. In our area the average single family is operating 1500 to 2000 acres of row crops minimum. I think you’re going to get your fastest pay back on specialty farm crops, however there is a lot of risk involved and it’s harder to market.
Dodge Brothers Farm and Ranch
Thanks. The idea of having a vineyard would probably be my favorite idea if I was in my twenties.
But that is probably the MOST risky plan since you not only need to grow the grapes but you need to turn them into a good wine.
I appreciate you answering my questions. You make great videos.
David Messer actually I believe Tara is selling her grapes to Gallo winery
Excellent video! Very inspiring. Even though I went in a different direction, I recognize the importance of 4H & FFA. I realized I was interested in teaching and the experience I gained in FTA (future teachers of America) in high school launched me into the future. Really enjoy your channel!
Thanks Brian! The cool thing is I never told any of these people what I wanted them to say, but the message was so unified!
Absolutely Great Inspiration Videos ,If You Want To ,You Can Make It Happen ,Don’t Listen To The People That Say, You Cant Do That ,You CAN Roll A Rock Up A Hill If You Want To !!! Great Video !!!
Thanks Greg! You’re absolutely right.
From pigs to wine. This is really awesome
Great job,Carl... a much needed message...for sure!👍
Thanks Curt! It was so fun working with these people :-)
Wonderful video. Great insights. I worked for 6 yrs at a CaseIH dealer... Parts dept. But I lived in town.
People underestimate the importance of everyone in the ag service industry. Everyone is quick to say thank a farmer but sometimes I’d like to think a parts guy in the middle of harvest!
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206many late nights helping farmers get what they need, especially come harvest time. I always felt good when we had the parts so they could just keep going.
Great video Carl! Keep up the great work!
Thanks Allen!
My grandfather used to be a farmer. My dad went into business (clocks) and I asked him about buying a farm and changing careers --- he was not amused. So, the closest I got was hanging with my friends who (their parents) were farmers. Still have the nostalgia.
I certainly love it! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
I'm retired military and as a programmer. My current passion is supporting not only local farmers who may need help, but also FarmRescue.org as a volunteer for planting to harvest. Check them out at 'farmrescue.org' as we have a lot of volunteers from prior ag to even a NASA engineer. Another avenue to check out is the custom harvesting, haying, chopping, etc. - tons of options!
Yes definitely! I’ve heard of farm rescue before. Great outfit. And your suggestions are excellent. I almost joined the wheat harvest one summer during college.
This was very encouraging, thank you! I have been thinking about learning how to work/live on a farm for a year or so and haven't been sure where to start. I know people who work/live on farms so I will likely be looking into helping them out sometime! Once I graduate I believe I will study horticulture and animals. :)
Very cool Alexis! There are so many different job avenues available in ag!
This is great! I've been looking for ways to introduce agriculture to kids without any background and get them thinking about it as a career. I'm hoping your videos might help!
Paul! I actually put this video project together for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to use in their ag week lineup. They had me and Ron on a zoom meeting with the students and instructors after the video aired. I think more agencies are going to be using it now. I split it into be two videos to post on here for you all. Feel free to contact me if you want to do something organized.
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 I shared these videos with a person in our college who is helping with recruiting. So I/we might get back to you on this. I'm at Utah State University, College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences. Related question, can you point me to what sort of camera setup you frequently use? We are doing more virtual field day stuff and a setup like you use might be perfect for informal field tour video and commentary. Thanks!!! Happy 4th!
Absolute GREAT video... Keep it up
Thanks Joe!
Great encouragement for people interested in Agriculture. I still miss my grandfather's farm north of Cedar Falls. My connection to farming in retirement has been through helping to harvest wild rice. Don't know if I can do it this year as the US Canadian border is still closed do to covid virus.
I really hope you can! Otherwise you should find a farmer that needs help on this side of the border.
Outstanding video Carl. So can you do an interview with a farmer who has a corporate operation? My friend from Gladbrook used to call them BTO for Big Time Operator's. I guess these would be the farmers who have the $ and are not family sourced . Thank you again for producing great content.
Corporate farming versus family farming is a sticky debate. Some would consider what I do to be corporate farming, because the enterprise that I work for is technically a corporation. The only reason that corporations really exist within farming is to provide legal protection for families when it comes to liability relating to the farm. It is a way to make sure that the family does not lose their house and everything they have in some lawsuit related to the farming operation. I guess I’m not sure that I know any local corporate farms. We have some pretty big farmers in the area farming 20,000 acres, but they are still owned by a single family. Thanks for asking the question, and if you would enjoy it maybe someday I will do a video with a really big farmer.
To answer the question posed, yes. But you need A LOT of start up capital. Or a side job. And you work your way up. Unless you're a big business owner who can afford the big toys
Exactly! Some people get in slow like me, and some people go make a bunch of money and some other sector and then get into farming all at once. Everybody has their own path.
.... ive worked so hard and jumped through so many hoops to finally get a GREAT job that pays VERY well and im going to make as much money as possible to buy land and equipment and start up. Only been the olan since i was about 4....😂😂😂😂
That’s also a great way into farming! I would probably be able to buy my own land and equipment a lot faster if I would’ve gotten a different type of job, however I just love this so much and I’m keeping connected and gaining lots of valuable experience and insight along the way. Best of luck and keep me posted!
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 thank you! I just want to state, I am fully aware that farming is hard on you, in all sorts of ways, along with just generally being hard work overall all the time especially with animals. Im no superman like you all i just want to wrestle cornstalks😂. I got a taste of cattle and goats and prefer the crops haha. The gambles with seed, fert, weather, all of that, then throw life in to the mix and all the insanity that it brings, man I know its much easier on you physically if you just get out of it, retire early if you can, buy all the fancy things and friends you think you want, but at the end of the day, I choose not to die an old fat rich guy on his pontoon with nothing to show for his life orher than leaving his kids money, I want to die with a few acres to my name, and a 2588 ih and an 8400 deere in my fields among other machines. Though I am not from a farm, I grew up around them and went every chance I could. Ive grown up on farms, I fell in love with everything about it, the good times, the difficult ones, the happy times, the sad, but even going through bad and even horrible experiences whether in farming or life or both, the land and its beauty and connection to our creator is impossible to beat. I want to leave my kids something that they can be proud of, be a part of, bigger than themselves, connected to nature and beauty, humanity.
But hey if they want no part of it, ill be sure to hand it down to someone who wants it for the reasons I did or they can sell it all to someone and do what they want in life. Im bery blessed to have already found my wife and started our family with our Daughter and Son, though they are little and exhausting, i really already have what I truly wanted in life, the Farm would just be true icing on the cake. Sorry for the long reply, but may this make your day better, thank you for farming, for being open with the world about your life and what you do to feed us, stay safe, and above all, always find a way to have fun out there!
Jake.
There is a really good channel all your subscribers can watch and that is the small farm channel called Just a Few Acres Farm where they run Dexter cattle and pasture poultry on 45ish acres.
Good stuff
my grandpa owned a john deere dealership so that led to my dad having his own farm before i was born but my dad sold the farm when his landlord passed away 3 weeks before my dad could buy his land...
Boy that’s a bummer!
This is a pretty hot soapbox topic for me. But you definitely need a lot of start up capital, a willingness to work your tail off, and you need to know how to live DIRT. CHEAP. It's been like this for many years. The pay prices were receive aren't much different than they were over 100 years ago, but we produce more than we did back then. In 1900, you just needed enough pork, beef and milk to feed your family. Any extra produced was sold to a creamery or locker. Now we have this "need" to feed the world that's been so engrained into us for over 50 years it's causing lots of guys to run ragged trying to keep up with current trends with outdated machinery, high taxes and consumers who think we're trying to kill them. It's a truly unique occupation if you have the mental sanity for it. Farming used to be a great way to make a living. Then Rusty Earl Butz in the 1970's said "fence row to fence row" and "get big or get out". And it affected independent poultry producers right away. It really hit pork producers hard in the late 90's. Dairy folks have been under pressure since 2015. And nothing is getting any easier. Kudos to anybody who wants to try to start. If there's any time to start, it's now. Throw yourself into the fire right away so you know what hard times are like and how to appreciate the good times
The contributions in the second video are going to hit on a few of the things that you mentioned. Steady income is key. I wouldn’t be able to do any of my own cattle business or hay business if I didn’t have a good job to provide my living expenses.
First great vid I hope you join this I am a farmer to love you dodge brobrothers farm and ranch❤
Thanks for watching
@@dodgebrothersfarmandranch9206 your welcome
I want to have an organic pasture livestock farm. I come from a poor family and have no idea how to get the money for the land.
Good vid!
Thanks Jack!
I'm in highschool and my school doesn't have any agricultural classes so I'm not able to join FFA :(
So should I go to my local farms and ask if they need help?
That’s a good place to start
A family of TEN is a SMALL TOWN !!
Stephen Mortimer haha!
Great video
Thanks David!
Yo this is so inspiring! 🔥
Thanks!
One thing is for certain. You won't need a gym membership ever again if you become a farmer.
For sure!!
What do you think an average start-up cost for a cattle farm would be? My grandparents owned a large farm in Ireland but it’s gone now, I think I could muscle the Ford tractor off my uncle bc he’s got 4 including that one.
Well, here you would be looking at about 1400 per cow, plus you need a place to put them. Feeding and watering equipment and fencing is hard to quantify because it depends on how many cows you have snd how much land you have access to. My advice is start small and avoid debt.
Hello sir how are u which states is good to start?
Damn ima have to go find a farm and ask for work I'm 26 so I think I'm to old to be in 4h I did join 4h almost got my own pig just didn't follow throw I have ADHD and the outdoors and working around animals is therapeutic for me
Definitely go for it! If you can find a way to get to know some farmers they can point you in the right direction. Someone is always looking for help.
How many acres do u have now?
Only as a hired man.
Can you help my brothers n I starting out farming
I like Armenian farmers... 👍👍👏
Yeah I'm more of a farmhand yeah I'm only 12 and I also raise pigs
Nice!
Ain't Miz Meredith the CHIRPIEST gal you've ever seen ??
Is 35 too old to start?
If I buy a farm, you bet your ass that I'm calling it the Kent's Farm.
Get goin!
Do it
Yep!
Yes i am interested content me