WOW! This homesteading hobby ain't cheap!

[Beeman]

It's always been more expensive then most think and I've always been aware of this. I am generally a scrounger and will take or buy anything used I might need or can resell. I've got a load of used lumber that was used before I got it used and I'm slowly getting all of the nails pulled out and trimming it to useable size. I've scrounged pallets and stell and everything else to make things from. There's just times though when you need to buy something like metal fenceposts and such. I just got back from my Co-Op and I'm in shock over what some hog panels and a pasture gate cost me. To say nothing of the fact that metal fenceposts are out of site and don't even come with the clips to hold the wire, they charge extra for that!
I don't know where this is all going but in the last year between the price of feed and supplies I just can't believe it. Even buying used isn't as good as before since it costs so much in fuel to go get it.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

You need to come around to a new way of thinking...homesteading is a way of life, not a hobby. Remember Schedule F Part II...

RF

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by Rocky Fields

Hey.

You need to come around to a new way of thinking...homesteading is a way of life, not a hobby. Remember Schedule F Part II...

RF

I showed that form to the Co-OP, they still charged me!

I know what you mean but it still takes money before you begin with deductions. Also not many want any connection to gov't interference with NAIS and all coming down the pike.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey Beeman,

USDA has aerial photos of my farm...getting a head count wouldn't be hard. Kinda like an episode of Bally Kissangel when Eamon was putting out sawhorse style livestock for the satellite to get a headcount;-)

RF

[fordy]

Originally Posted by Beeman

It's always been more expensive then most think and I've always been aware of this. I am generally a scrounger and will take or buy anything used I might need or can resell. I've got a load of used lumber that was used before I got it used and I'm slowly getting all of the nails pulled out and trimming it to useable size. I've scrounged pallets and stell and everything else to make things from. There's just times though when you need to buy something like metal fenceposts and such. I just got back from my Co-Op and I'm in shock over what some hog panels and a pasture gate cost me. To say nothing of the fact that metal fenceposts are out of site and don't even come with the clips to hold the wire, they charge extra for that!
I don't know where this is all going but in the last year between the price of feed and supplies I just can't believe it. Even buying used isn't as good as before since it costs so much in fuel to go get it.

................In texas , and it's for an AG purpose , you just tell them it's for "farm" use , sign the ticket and nothing else is involved . No telling how much sales tax revenue is uncollected due too farm use sales !! But , any politican who would be stupid enough to endorse a change , would be Tared and feathered in short order . fordy...

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

"In texas , and it's for an AG purpose , you just tell them it's for "farm" use , sign the ticket and nothing else is involved . No telling how much sales tax revenue is uncollected due too farm use sales !! But , any politican who would be stupid enough to endorse a change , would be Tared and feathered in short order . fordy..."

YUP - not many in the rural areas care to challenge this at all. Some of the legislature clowns from Houston, Dallas, and Berkeley Central (Austin) haven't figured it out yet. Its just like the crap I posted about Farm Use trucks.

[Tricky Grama]

Our 20 ac-we don't live there yet-is classed as Ag & taxes are only about $30/year.

Patty

[Beeman]

Somehow I think my point is being missed. People come on here all of the time asking about fencing. A 10' panel gate was $94, hog panels were $23 ea., 5' metal posts without clips $3.22 ea. I'm going to need some combo panels for a project, $28 ea. I didn't even bother pricing 6" wood corner posts but I need a couple. Chicken feed is up to $9.75 for 50 lbs.

The Ag use thing has long been a bit of a joke, but with states needing money they eventually look everywhere. Off road diesel used to be no big thing to purchase and even use in your truck. They now want you registered to purchase it.

[MELOC]

you could use osage orange or hawthorn for fencing and save some cabbage. it is horse high, bull tough and hog tight...but it requires pruning to keep the big stuff from shading out the small stuff.

[Rocky Fields]

Beeman,

Quit complainin'...it only averages out to $15 per chicken. Think of the bright side...in about 20 years you'll break even.

RF

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

I buy all of the extra used T-posts, partial fence rolls, gates, cedar posts, treated posts, used roofing tin, etc that I can find and stock pile them. There is always a use for them.

For instance the other day we were going to San Antonio and a truck and trailer passed us on the freeway. DW said look at all the roofing tin. We pulled alongside and asked what they were doing with the roofing tin - it was going to the scrap metal yard. They pulled over and we pulled over and I bought 11 pieces of 12 foot long roofing for a dollar a sheet. I buy it all - always. Sometimes I run a wanted ad in the newspaper and always ask at yard sales. One mans trash is anothers treasure.

[Farmerwilly2]

That's funny. My wife used to give me the evil eye whenever I drug "junk" home. After several years and several successful projects she now does a double take when we pass cans on trash day. She is not blessed with being able to envision a completed project but she knows I am. Now she is a full fledged materials scrounge and knows she can tell me what kind of project she wants done and I can do it. What I can do with used steel, stone, or lumber she can do with people. She has a 'healing touch' as I call it. Just her touch or voice calms down critters or people, a nice thing for a nurse.
I'll agree that prices are high but I help soften the blow by reminding myself that at 49 yo most of these projects are 1 time deals that will last me the rest of my days, that they are part of that old age/retirement prep.

[Junkmanme]

Beeman IS RIGHT !Stuff that used to be a couple of dollars is NOW 30- 100 $

NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO DO A "SIMPLEPROJECT"!

I had more "used stuff" STOLEN from my Junkyard than most people can "make" in 5 years!

Had warehoused it for my own projects!

GONE!

There it is!
Junkmanme

[nehimama]

Yep! Unfortunately, the prices of anything metal is going up drastically, and soon. (The feller who did the roof on my old barn told me, and so did the workers at several local Ag stores.) I remember when a 6-ft tee-post used to cost less than $2.00. They're over $3.00 each now.

Whenever I run across a sale on fencing materials, I try to stock up on as much as my wallet will allow. Used or new.

NeHi

[menollyrj]

I've found that our Co-op isn't the cheapest price. Shop around a bit for the lowest price... Yes, there is some out-of-pocket expense up front, as with any business (or hobby, for that matter).

-Joy

[prairiedog]

Steel went up a lot over the last couple of years since china has been buying so much of it

[pointer_hunter]

An oldtimer told me the other day that his cows got out. They went around the fence to see where they broke through. Someone decided to stop along the back road and borrow several of his T-posts We're not sure if they are using them for their own fence or if they just ran them right back to the scrap yard.

[Nette]

Well, isn't anyone else curious?

Beeman, tell us about your project and just what are you trying to fence in?

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by pointer_hunter

An oldtimer told me the other day that his cows got out. They went around the fence to see where they broke through. Someone decided to stop along the back road and borrow several of his T-posts We're not sure if they are using them for their own fence or if they just ran them right back to the scrap yard.

Pretty interesting! I would say pasture gates would be worth stealing to rogue types if they are almost $100 new. Scrap metal is so high they're taking everything they can. Around here meth is such a problem they steal anything they can get a buck for.


Around me the Co-Op is the best price for supplies, there aren't too many choices without driving 50 miles.

[Jolly]

If you've got the timber, you can always make your own fenceposts. Mulberry makes some of the best, but post oak is fine.

All you need is time, a saw, a maul, wedges and gluts....and a couple of cases of red Watkins liniment...