As adoptive parents we have to have regular contact with our social worker to check on the progress of No5. The social worker is a lovely woman but I cannot help feeling a bit " on trial" much more so than any farm assurance or SGRIPD inspection. Our new daughter is doing exceptionally well and growing in every possible way so there is nothing to fear but it is still an ordeal, which after the next meeting will be over for ever.
Farm wise we have been busy loading out cattle and bringing in their replacements. The soil is too wet for much in the way of fieldwork so we have a lot more muck to spread and then ploughing to start. Dry weather would be very welcome but the days are noticeably longer and I hope it is not too far off. No 1 son is now a big help and still enthusiastic enough to enjoy mucking cattle courts with the telehandler, so far both court and handler have escaped serious damage. He is actually looking forward to spring work and hoping to get his hands on the Fastrac. We will see what happens nearer the time he has exams and a car driving test to sit so study must come first.
I attended another meeting where people were shown farms in Canada. My family has been there since the 19th century and my brother and cousin are citizens. The salesman did not oversell the country but certainly did not bring up all the bad points (not much of a salesman if he did) I would like to say some things to those who are thinking of going.
I admire your courage, I could not do it but a small dose of my families cynicism and greed might be helpful.
1 There is no cheap land in Canada especially for immigrants you will pay too much, most pay 3x local price the smart pay 2x and only the very ruthless and cynical pay the real local price.
2 Be hard hearted, the seller may be a great old guy but it is not your job to buy him a house in Florida. Start at $200 an acre stop at $450 and these are productive acres not sloughs bush or scrub.
3 Get your own realtor and lawyer, do not allow one to represent both buyer and seller.
4 You may have many reasons for going but despising change and immigrants here should not be one of them; you are about to become one yourself.
5 Hopper bottom bins are essential unless you really really like shoveling.
6 Buy a good comfortable second hand car you will spend a very long time behind the wheel 7 or 8 hour drives are common.
7 Houses, these are often worthless insist they are up to code and that furnaces, heating ducts and sewage are all in tip top condition. Not too mention wells water systems etc
8 Cellars (basements) flood and then collapse. Be warned!
9 -40c is not a dry cold, it is bloody torture.
10 You can only really expect 100 farming days a year. Work accordingly, this is not a place for a relaxed lifestyle.
11 Do not borrow money
12 No, I mean it, do not borrow money.
13 Homesickness can literally break your heart.
14 Do not buy the machinery, sadly most of it is crap and after all if it was good why are they selling?
15 The kids will be Canadian and will look at you as if you are nuts when you talk about the old country.
16 Do not start every conversation with the words "when we"
17 You will be laughed at in the coffee shop for your mistakes, accept it you will make plenty.
18 Finally I admire your courage tenacity and sheer bloody mindedness you will need it and when you are used to it Canada is the finest place in the world.
I hope I have not offended anyone or put them off
PS I went to the meeting to see who was thinking of selling so I can offer first