BB—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 21,1980 BY PAT KAUFFMAN LANCASTER - In preceding weeks we have looked with Lancaster dairy agent, Glenn Shirk at what makes an outstanding dairyman, dairy management, and routes for young dairymen to take. Today we are looking at the dairy in trouble. According to Glenn, with inflation increasing faster than the price of milk, those heavily borrowed and financially overcommitted are being killed by the high interest rates. Glenn, how do they know their dairy is in trouble 9 I think, Pat, that while this can be obvious to some, there are many who are in trouble and perhaps don’t realize it. Perhaps the dairyman should ask himself several questions For instance, is his production satisfactory? Are he and his family physically and emotionally fatigued’ Is he enjoying it and is he timely meeting the goals he has set for the business and his family’ Is he behind on payments or financially strapped’ Even if the operation is in trouble, there’s usually hope. However, some families can most be helped by getting out of dairying Some fellows stubbornly hang in there and are dragged down hill farther when there’s really no way out And others recognize the eventuality of their situation but are afraid to face the reality of finding other employment and making the necessary steps involved m getting out of dairying. They wrestle with fear of the future and with the stigma they feel such a move bears I think when the situation indicates, it’s best to get out while the getting is good and you still have something left. Fourth in a series o Is your dairy in trouble? Glenn, what are the methods to use if you recognize your operation is in trouble and feel that it’s wise to continue dairying’ I think the first that comes u.. to mind is usually to attempt negotiating partial payments. Where this is not possible, the next step is often refinancing. But this needs to be looked at ‘ interviews with Glenn Shirk 44 Failure to allow flexibility helped cause his problems ... carefully. over the term of a longer Many times refinancing is note. Care must be taken not done on a short term note to to overextend on short term avoid the higher mterest notes Bolens D ' ESEL mmP tractors Enjoy a full range of Bolens developed matched add-on accessories 3-point rotary mower dozer. blade rotary tiller center-mount rotr.ry mower ALSO DISK HARROW. CULTIVATOR, PLOW. SNOW BLADE AND MORE 1 R.S. HOLLINGER & SON INC. 113 W MamSt., Mountville STORE HOURS PHONE 717-285-4538 Mon. Thru Thurs. 7 to 8 Fri. 7 to 5.30, Sat 7to 3 In York County Call Our Salesman CHARLES M LEHMAN - 717-755-6486 Compare: Features & Stop by your Bolens Dealer now and look over the complete line of powerful, eco nomical diesel tractors Available in 15, 17, 19 and 24 HP - 2 or 4 wheel drive - and turf or AG tires Select the one that suits your needs and make your best deal Ask for a FREE Demonstration snowth rower rear-mounted box , scraper | While it will cost more in the long run on a longer note, the dairyman needs working capital now It’s important that he understands what he is doing managing his way out of difficulty and that he utilizes sound management tools such as planning flexibility into his program He must ask himself if he can still meet the notes if inflation increases and his milk check does not Has he allowed breathing room for family emergencies’ Frequently it’s a lack of MARTIN’S BARN-DRI Use in any stable or animal pen that has a tendency to become slippery when wet a Cow Stables and Runways a Hog Pens • Sheep Stables • Dog and Cat Kennels • Chicken Houses • Other damp areas See your local dealer MARTIN LIMESTONE RUC. Prices 3-gang mower (Turn to Page B 9) 9
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