Possible New Business for Kansas

Windy in Kansas · #1 09/25/06, 11:13 AM

Each year there is a lot of rangeland and CRP (conservation reserve program) land that is burned of its old growth.

Seems there is need for those that would do this burning professionally. I envision a crew with several old fire/water trucks and LOTS of insurance should a controlled burn get away.

Old fire trucks are often sold on Ebay and water carrying trucks wouldn't cost too much if old ones are used. One would also need some ATVs, torches, and training to do the job properly and with cooperation of local fire departments.

It would be very seasonal for rangeland, and somewhat so for CRP. Some years no burning could be done because of fire restrictions, but otherwise might provide some nice income. This sort of thing might fit in nicely with a homestead to provide income.

Any takers?

Cat · #2 09/25/06, 11:43 AM

I wonder whether a person would even be able to find someone to insure them to do something like this.

sunflower-n-ks · #3 09/25/06, 12:06 PM

I saw ads wanting people to burn pastures this last spring. It was a bad year though and only a few really good windows to burn in. Way too many fires got out of control. Not good. I saw people out in pu's and on atv's working the fires. A small unintentional fire got out of control on my place and I am now minus 3 cherry trees. Could have been worse.

If anyone plans on burning pastures, KNOW what you are doing.

shelljo · #4 09/25/06, 03:06 PM

I was thinking that I wouldn't trust anyone unfamiliar with my pasture to do the burning for me. To many gullies, low spots, canyons, etc where the fire could go and I couldn't--except with a horse.

So, I wouldn't hire anyone else to do my burning.

And, it's really a moot point for me--we don't burn pastures in western KS. You know, west of Hays...farther west than Wichita

Cat · #5 09/25/06, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelljo

we don't burn pastures in western KS. You know, west of Hays...farther west than Wichita

That's Colorado, isn't it?

Actually some do burn pastures here in SW Kansas although the cases I've seen always rely on the fire department to do it. We also burn wheat stubble and the like which is always done by the farmer/owner and supported by fire departments if needed.

TedH71 · #6 09/25/06, 03:39 PM

I wouldn't mind except I would be jobless in the wintertime. I moved to Wichita, KS and am trying to find a job in or outside of Wichita but my main problem is the vast majority of my work has been in clerical or warehouse jobs that were seasonal in nature. Anybody knowing of a job opening near or around Wichita give me a heads up.

Has anyone considered a Kansas get-together?

Windy in Kansas · #7 09/25/06, 06:15 PM

Ted, you're supposed to shovel snow in the winter to make ends meet. What snow? Well you'll have to use your imagination for that. seems we really don't get much, at least not in Hutchinson which is a little different clime than Wichita.

I agree with the burning and not burning off of pastures as there is a great amount of difference between central & eastern Kansas and western Kansas.

Around here a couple of fire departments got egg on their faces when assisting with burns and giving permits for burns. The fires got away and burned off lots of acres before being brought under control.

I agree about burning ones own off if they can, but there are a lot of CRP owners in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and city folk that hardly even know where their land is, let alone how to take care of it.

Ted, another forum I used to visit tried to organize a get together but it really didn't work out. Too many were scattered too far across the state and a date that worked for all couldn't be agreed upon. Result, I went ahead and set the best date I could for those that could attend. The two of us had a nice visit at Old Cow Town in Wichita. Is it to remain open?????

If I hear of any jobs I'll let you know.

6e · #8 09/25/06, 06:53 PM

Ted: Try applying at SM&P Utility Services. They are almost always looking for locators.

TedH71 · #9 09/28/06, 02:48 PM

Hope it stays open. I've not got the chance to go there and what I really like about the Wichita Zoo is that they do have extremely rare breeds of livestock (pigs, cattle, etc). I hope to get to visit the Cow Town before it's shut down for good. I filled out an online app. for that agency. Thanks.

Ted

gccrook · #10 09/28/06, 04:07 PM

Ted, I think I heard that Con-Way Trucking down on South West Street was looking. Not sure if it was for drivers or wharehouse or what.