Risky business, this farming

Risk — it entices teenagers, worries bankers and gives actuaries a reason to get up in the morning. Farmers seem a bit more attuned to the omnipresence of risk because much of what contributes to our livelihoods remains beyond control. There’s just something about burying money in dirt that screams – NOT A GOOD IDEA! Of course, if farmers were as risk-averse as bankers, the world would starve.

Becoming accustomed to living with risk is one thing; enjoying it is quite another. If you asked me to name risk, I’d call him Tilman, after a neighbor who perpetually wanders onto our property whether he’s invited or not. Living with risk is like living next door to Tilman. You can try to get used to him but, really, you never will.

We’ve drawn up our vineyard plan and measured off each row in the grass. That was our last outdoor task to accomplish before the snow flies. Now the work turns indoors as we search for the best (meaning least expensive) source for trellising materials. The trellis posts will go in as soon as the ground thaws and firms; the vines will go in next May as the last threat of spring frost passes.

Thinking about vineyard establishment probably is why my mind today settles on risk. The grape growing business requires us to dole out lots and lots of money up front, then wait three to four years before any possible return on investment. That’s a long time to wait and a lot can happen – weather, illness, death – in the interim.

Why would I take such a risk? Just thinking like a teenager, I suppose.

Then again, why not take such a risk? Why not bury money in the soil and pray for the right mix of sun, wind, rain and heat? In this the corn and soybean portion of the state, why not cultivate a bit of fortitude just to mix things up?

There I go, thinking like a teenager again.

Don’t fret. I’ve already decided if the pressure gets to be too much, I’m going to rationalize the entire investment. This year for Christmas, we’re all getting high tensile wire and grow tubes!