Value versus Reliability and Requirements

[tool172]

New to the forum and farming. I've been researching options and debating in my head how to tackle the obstacles ahead.

Buying a farm. A little over 35 acres. Current owner will sell 2013 NH tractor with cab and loader for 30k. I know he wants 12k for a veneer round baler with 2 hayrakes.
I know little about farming, but am reading a ton and know I will make mistakes and learn from others.

My questions are: are these fair prices? Should I just buy older or at auction or pickup the baler and buy a new tractor since I can depreciate that over time? I'm thinking I'll need a 70hp tractor with loader, spears and a bush hog for land maintenance, cattle feeding, etc.

Any advice is appreciated.

Rye

 

[tool172]

Almost forgot. I have driven and used a Kubota with HSTs growing up for land work. But no haying.

 

[Turbys_1700]

What is the tractor and loader? How many hours? Overall condition?

 

[tool172]

What is the tractor and loader? How many hours? Overall condition?

I am gathering that now. It's in very good condition.

What is the lowest powered tractor I can get away with on 36 acres that can pull a round baler without wearing out the tractor? Is 60 to 70 hp enough or can I get away with a 40 to 50 hp one? Or is it truly a question of how valuable is my time due to capable tractor speed?

 

[jeff9366]

In Florida, where hay farmers can count on two hay harvests per year, with some getting three harvests some years, 35 acres would not be enough land to make a profit farming hay.

I would study the economics of potential hay production on your land before buying haying equipment.

Feeding cattle may have better profit potential but there is a lot to learn about large animals ~~~~ and you have the stink.

 

[tool172]

In Florida, where hay farmers can count on two hay harvests per year, with some getting three harvests some years, 35 acres would not be enough land to make a profit farming hay.

I would study the economics of potential hay production on your land before buying haying equipment.

Feeding cattle may have better profit potential but there is a lot to learn about large animals ~~~~ and you have the stink.

That's my conundrum. I want to start with 2 cows maybe 3 and take my time to learn. That means I still have grass growing on 20 acres that I need to cut. So why not store it for wintering the animals and grow over time. Goals are grass fed meat without outside feed.

 

[tool172]

What is the tractor and loader? How many hours? Overall condition?

T475 , 2013 with factory loader. Very good condition.

Any issues out there with this tractor?

 

[bcp]

We used to have 30 acres of alfalfa. We cut and raked, but hired a custom baler for the baling. That was too little land to buy and maintain a baler for.

Bruce

 

[Texasmark]

New to the forum and farming. I've been researching options and debating in my head how to tackle the obstacles ahead.

Buying a farm. A little over 35 acres. Current owner will sell 2013 NH tractor with cab and loader for 30k. I know he wants 12k for a veneer round baler with 2 hayrakes.
I know little about farming, but am reading a ton and know I will make mistakes and learn from others.

My questions are: are these fair prices? Should I just buy older or at auction or pickup the baler and buy a new tractor since I can depreciate that over time? I'm thinking I'll need a 70hp tractor with loader, spears and a bush hog for land maintenance, cattle feeding, etc.

Any advice is appreciated.

Rye

Tell him to keep his tractor.....FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS. You are right on.