New addition!

The cost of doing business or changing careers is mind-boggling! The purchase of the real estate is only the beginning. Before even looking for stock, there's lots to be done with the land! We need grass, both for grazing and for winter feeding so that we won't have to purchase hay AND feed for however many animals we end up with. This involves soil testing ($), fertilizing ($$), weed eradication ($), plowing and sprigging (Bermuda)($$) or planting seeds, and then hoping for rain so it will grow (PRICELESS). None of these steps are free except for the hoping for rain! Fortunately we have encountered some very kind and helpful people to guide us and refer us to those who can help us out. We have found wonderful friends in our new church and in the local area. Pictured here with Mike is David Sandlin. (The road in the background is Walker Road, our road). Sam, our border collie, is one of David's pups, plus that big 'honkin' tractor (new = $125,000) we previously borrowed to plow fields, belongs to David as well. The County Agricultural Agent, Brad Morrison, recommended plowing one of the fields again, so once again David came to the rescue and brought us another disk with the same big 'honkin' tractor. Right now the disk is in the process of being repaired so that Mike can finish the job. He's repaired 4 flat tires (2 on the first disk and 2 on the one that's out there now) and he broke a rod on the disk a couple of days ago.
Like any job, there are always glitches! For example after having someone come out and dig post holes for the garden area and chicken 'coop', we've had 3 storms with wind, rain or snow, making it necessary to redig the holes before the poles can be installed. The soil has clay content which when wet, sticks to the blades of the post hole digger. Every job takes extra time, but the place is taking shape slowly but surely.
As for our new (used) Ford 4000, new it would have cost $30-35,000. We were lucky to get it for $8,500! Hopefully it will meet our needs. It came with a front loader and spikey attachment to pick up big round bales. It's not pretty, but it is a good tractor!
The thought occurs that we might open a B&B with the opportunity of a 'ranch' vacation. Be sure and get your reservations in while there are still openings. : )