Trying Week
This week has been one of the most trying times I can remember. We were rolling right along with the excavation on the chickenhouses until I noticed something in the siting requirements that has us stopped until we can figure out who’s right. According to the siting regulations given to me by the company, we were within spec, however according to another siting guide we are too close to a house on the county road adjacent to the house site. My contacts at Cobb tell me that the siting requirements are merely recommendations and that a lot of their houses are not the recommended distance listed in the siting guide. The siting guide does list them as recommended distances, however the Ky Poultry Federation and an Extension Professor in Poultry at the University of Kentucky both say they are legal distances required by law. I am waiting on a written legal opinion from Cobb’s attorney and someone higher up at UK before proceeding. It has us in a holding pattern so to speak. I don’t know how long I can expect the excavator to sit idle while we sort this out, but I certainly don’t want to build $700,000 buildings that are not in compliance with the law.
We got a chance to attend another rodeo this weekend at the Southeast Ky Horseman’s Arena in Strunk, Ky. This one was much better than the one we attended earlier this year. The kids enjoyed all the bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and bronco busting. They participated in a boot race too. It was neat all the kids took off one shoe and the clown scattered them all over the arena. Then the kids had to race to find their shoe, put it on and run back to the clown.
Madison and Garett both went to the dentist this week. Garett to get a cavity filled and Madison to be fitted for a device that will keep her from sucking her thumb. I have felt sorry for Madison ever since. She says the device is hurting her mouth and it has affected her speech. I am afraid with school starting Monday the kids will make fun of her. Hopefully in a month or so she will be able to have it removed.
I’ve used the 6000 to haul crossties to my friend James and moved a bunch of topsoil with the bucket this week. I’ve got to find the time to do some more cleanup at the rental trailer and spread several loads of topsoil for neighbors that want to buy it.
I noticed a used 7010 cab Mahindra on the local Deere dealer’s lot. It has 700 hours and has obviously been used kind of rough. Depending on the price though it might be a good buy. I’m going to try to talk to the previous owner. Who knows I may end up with another Mahindra. Its just tough to justify buying used with financing rates as low as they are and the warranty you get with new.
Well there’s tons to do so I better get at it………..Check back soon and thanks for reading!
August 13th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Joel,
Good thing you noticed the discrepancy, and are looking into it before pouring the foundation. It would be hard to justify a 700K hay barn! Besides using Cobb’s legal counsel, check with your county Planning & Zoning people (if you have one) they can tell you what is acceptable.
Too bad Maddie is having a hard time adjusting to the device. It should hopefully correct the thumbsucking and aid in allowing her teeth to come in straight, which is the most important part.
Kevin
August 14th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Kevin,
You’re right about a $700,000 hay barn. Unfortunately we have no Planning and Zoning folks here. I’m mostly relying on the University of Kentucky and their extension services. The tough part is knowing who to believe. I geuss I shouldn’t be surprised to find out that a lot of the poultry houses built for the intergrators here don’t meet the recommendations/guidelines that were issued in 1998. Today is day 4 that we have asked the excavator to wait on the excavation. I don’t know how long he can afford to sit idle.
I think about a month will do it for the thumb sucking device. I don’t think Madison wants to go through this again. You’re right the most important thing is to get her teeth in straight.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Joel - keep up the good work. Sounds like chicken houses are coming along. What size are the houses going to be. I have been off the computer for a while and have not kept up. I have just finished financing some that are 50 x 500 - they seem like monsters and they are when you consider what they cost.
10-4 Willy
Hillbilly Willy – Fun – Food and Politics
The Rural Life is a Great Life
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August 16th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Hillbilly,
I hear about the monster cost. Mine will be 40 x 400 built 40 ft apart with a 20 x 120 work area on one end. Does the poultry industry seem strong from a lenders point of veiw? Glad to see you back on the computer.
August 18th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
are you building layer houses?
August 19th, 2007 at 8:02 am
David,
Yes, I’ve heard them called breeder barns. The eggs will be for the hatchery here, not to eat. I couldn’t see myself with caged layers.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Good luck with the layers. Personally i feel sorry for you on the layers, we raise broilers for Koch Foods out of Chattanooga, Tn. I’ve met a lot of people who raise the layers and there is no way that i would do what they do. but like i say, good luck on everything
September 14th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Definately more work in layers, but also pays more. I would prefer to go the pullet / broiler route due to work, but too far away from company. Seems they have no trouble getting people to go that route, but do have trouble getting folks to do the layers.
September 28th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Joel — Got to read some of your blog. My brother runs a produce farm and this year, I decided to get away from accounting and help my brother on his farm. Wow - what an awakening — but I love it…I mainly take care of the tomatoes in the three greenhouses but occasionally Harry will let me drive the big tractor around when he needs harrowing done. I never knew how hard he worked until I started working with him this year. Anyway, my brother had a couple of farm t-shirts printed a few years ago and we have since expanded the designs. We would like to send you one - our compliments. We have sold in 30 states so far. Check it out and let us know which one (and the size) you would like. Keep up the good work (the memories your children will have will be priceless). Martha
October 6th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Martha, I would love to support you and your brother!! If you email me lilbitandme@yahoo.com , let me know the price and where you/brother are located I would be happy to buy and wear a shirt that supports a farmer!!
Brooke
January 18th, 2008 at 1:08 am
is it the blue grass? My daughter had that installed last march, after a few months she was able to talk fine. We tried to take it out to early after only 5 months and had to have it put back in ( and they charge you for that) but she just got it out last week ( after a total of 10 months) and has not regressed. Good luck to your daughter with hers!!!