49 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | November/December 2023 er, had a big collection of ranching and brand histories. Maybe you like collecting cars or tractors. Many retired people do this. However, if you don’t have the cash for the real thing, maybe you can collect model cars or tractors. They are easier to store and cheaper to buy than full size cars. Hobbies Another fellow we knew became an accomplished woodworker after he retired from farming. He could take a piece of ordinary wood, laminate it to another piece, turn it on the lathe and make the most beautiful things. His intarsia sculptures (sculptures made of various colours of wood) always sold for very high prices at the community auctions. Another retiree we met from Manitoba when camping gave us several items he made from wood. He used to sell them at trade fairs but that became too much work so he just gives them away now. The bowl and stirring paddle are made from maple. Another occupation Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. One couple we know retired early and bought a coffee plantation in Costa Rica. They seem to be enjoying the life there and have dual citizenship. No need for winter coats and snow shovels. Other people take part-time jobs in their retirement or make some spare cash with odd jobs or selling things at trade fairs. I met an interesting fellow who drove me home from a car dealership. He had been retired for years and spends his time as a shuttle driver. Volunteering Back in 1994 we spent two weeks doing repair work with the Mennonite Disaster Service in Alexandria, Missouri. The town was flooded in 1993. It was a great experience and a great working holiday. The couple who ran the crew of 20 or so were retired dairy farmers. The man organized the work and helped with the repairs and the woman cooked for the crew. We all stayed in one house and it was an unforgettable good time. We met people from many places and helped make the world a little bit better. There are many opportunities to volunteer all over the world or right at home. If you don’t want to travel, I’m sure there are seniors needing rides in your town. Many of our museums, parks and other public places are kept running with the help of volunteers. One of the retired farmers from our area volunteered at the Western Development Museum and helped with the restorations. Athletic activities I have absolutely no experience with sports or exercise, but I know people spend lots of time in their retirement playing sports or being physically active. I was telling one customer that I hadn’t run in years and he informed me that he started running marathons. He had just done a half marathon and walks 10 km a day. He is 78. Another couple we know travel the world to bike and run in different places. And if you like golf or curling, you Tractors, Trucks & Growing Grain Developed for the producer who wants the Bale King Durability, but prefers the chain style feeding system. NEW 7400 Bale King Processor 5300 Bale Processor “Total Rotation” is an upgrade with a 40 bushel bolt on tank and a side mounted 6”: auger. Bridgeview Manufacturing Inc. Box 4, Hwy 22 Gerald, SK S0A 1B0 306-745-2711 · bmi@sasktel.net · www.bridgeviewmanufacturing.com Ad-On features compatible to all Bale King Processors BACK-UP CAMERA KIT Take the guess out of loading. FINE CHOP KIT with adjustable Knives THREE BALE KIT carry 50% more product ·Effortless feeding with Triple chain conveyor with deep, full width slats · Patented X-Rotor with easy access door for simple twine removal · Robust gearbox drive A bowl and serving paddle made from maple. Ron Settler photo
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