BLOG ENTRIES
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 6:06 PM by: sg
Heimesharvesting I have been on harvest 4 times since I was 16 and been all the way to Canada, I do own a 9600 and farm 1200 acres amnd I was layed off work since August and cant find a job and wanted to work for myself if possible. If something dont roll around fast I might be willing to help you until your done I will be finished end of June. Just trying to weigh my options. Thanks
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 9:54 PM by: jim ashmore
deedra, i know wrights out of sidney, nebraska takes women to cook and clean.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 5:28 PM by: Anonymous
Does anyone know of any crews that are looking to take girls along to cook and clean? Please let me know of pass on my email address- Deedra2008spo33@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 5:21 PM by: heimesharvesting.com
I am going to wait until the harvest before pricing. With price of Iron and repairs and fuel going up it's tough to turn a profit in the teen's. S.g I would suggest you work with a grew before you jump into the business. I love it and you might too, but I think you need to know how much money it takes to get started. If you have to borrow it, interest will kill you. If you have it in the bank, you could live very well off the interest. Don't want to talk you out of it just research it. You might want to visit my web site www.heimesharvesting.com to read how I started.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 2:00 PM by: Anonymous
It seems like a guy mentioned something about wal-mart mentality among custom harvesters a few months ago. Maybe he was right after all.
Monday, March 29, 2010 - 9:31 PM by: Anonymous
I think Texas Tom and CW are both right. I just think the two of you have different business models, and obviously approaches. I guess it comes down to what works for you, it might not work for the next guy. Walmart and Target do things totally different.
Monday, March 29, 2010 - 8:23 PM by: cw
Well TT, maybe I have alot to learn about the "game". I'm only 32, 2000 was my first year south, I was 21, I still cut for the same guys as I did that first year. The day that I have to worry about bigger and better and not have relationships with my farmers is the day I quit.
Monday, March 29, 2010 - 1:30 AM by: Texas Tom
cw..."I wouldn't cut for a farmer that would go behind my back"...really? So, you signed the morgage with them? Fact is, you are a service provider, just like me. We cultivate relationships with clients and build on our reputation as an ongoing process. We keep one eye on mother nature and the other on caller i.d. The prospect of a new and larger client is why I get up in the morning, and that's what turns my world. The only "happy" in our line of work is found when the job is done, the bill's paid, and the phone is ringing. And if you think your customers will keep you until you quit, I'll have what you're drinking.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 11:34 PM by: cw
I can spell, entertaining.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 10:46 AM by: Anonymous GH
I think CW pretty well sums it up. We harvest for the most part for the same farmers that we were 20 years ago. They will wait for us to get to their crops and are willing to pay the rate that is necessary for that particular year. As far as the $18 in west Texas that keeps being discussed, south of Lubbock thats pretty much the going rate even in the fall for milo. Keep in mind some of the areas south have a wheat crop this year because of all the rain and snow this winter, it might be years before those acres will be harvested again. We bid a job in west Texas earlier this year and didn't get it. I firmly believe it was because of the price (we quoted 3-20's). Today we would be quoting more than that because of higher fuel prices.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 8:40 AM by: cw
If this farmer is entertaing other offers is he happy with you. I wouldn't cut for a farmer that would go behind my back. Most of the guys I cut for will have me cut for them until they quit or I do.
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 5:56 PM by: JB
THE BENFIT OF THE DRAPERS IS IN WET(EARLY MORNING OR WHEN THE CONDITIONS ARE TOUGH) THE DRAPER WILL OUT FEED THE FLEX HEAD
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 5:10 PM by: Kent Braathen
We run some of each, in weedy or really tough conditions the drapers will do much better. Most of the time you will run round for round.
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 2:43 PM by: Anonymous
does anyone know how a 635F rates in wheat compared to a 936D or 635D?
Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 6:41 AM by: Texas Tom
Cody...my farmer brother traded his 9500 for a 9650 a year ago and shaved off almost one third of his seperator hours. I believe he wants to be buried in it...when the time is right!
Friday, March 26, 2010 - 5:21 PM by: MK
Were thinking of staying in that three 21 range ,looks like feul is gonna be higher and equipment+repairs are sertainly more than last year.
Friday, March 26, 2010 - 2:45 PM by: Cody
I was thinking of upgrading from a 9600 to a 9750. Any thoughts on this machine? How much more could I cut in a day if both machines have a 30' header?
Friday, March 26, 2010 - 7:56 AM by: Pam
I agree with LH, calling people out by name is not going to solve anything. Any personal names on this discussion board will be removed. It is perfectly fine to have conversations, that is what the discussion board is for, but if you won't even put your own name on here, why would you want to trash someone elses name?
Friday, March 26, 2010 - 7:04 AM by: LH
Is it fair that you name names? Apparently Mr. ?? feels he can cut a job at 18. Unfortunately, I certainly hate thinking of going backwards, too. But, look, it's like JB said.....know what your costs are and the margin of profit YOU need. There's no need to run someone else in the ground if they think they can do it cheaper. Yeah, it gives us all a feeling of "cut throat" but I don't think it is, it's competition and if your customer feels like he needs to hire someone who's cutting cheaper - PROVE to him that he can't afford that! Calling people out by name on this blog doesn't fix anything.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 10:05 PM by: JB
This is the same thing I was talking about on here about a month ago.It is just march, bids a being placed. Who can see what diesel prices will be, what wheat prices will be or even if the crop will be made. I know my cost and what my margin of profit will be. Free enterprise see yall in the fields.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 9:57 PM by: Anonymous
When you customer calls and tells you the bid from the other cutter, its clear.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 9:47 PM by: Anonymous
hey anonymous how do you know who is charging what? Are your rates that you put down what you are going to use all through the run or just kansas, texas and oklahoma.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 6:20 PM by: Anonymous
I do not know about everyone else but we are going with 21 an acre 22 cents for over 20 and 21 for freight. That is up 1 cent on the overage from what we charged last year. We also put a fuel surcharge on when fuel breaks 2.50 farm and 3.00 for road.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 3:42 PM by: Anonymous
here it goes again, for a fact some of our up standing members are bidding on Jobs cheap. why don't we wait and see what harvest is going to bring before we bid. WE FINALLY GOT the rates up in the 20's and ?? bid 18 and lower for the hauling come on now think.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 6:57 AM by: TZ
I got an email from Michael Roberts (PHMSA) telling me several of our members have signed up for his free seminar in Tulsa on March 31st. YAY!!! Thank you for realizing that we can't just wish this away!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 9:18 AM by: CHAMP -- Kevin Dhuyvetter & Terry Kastens
2010 CHAMP
The 2010 CHAMP forms are now available for download at USCHI’s CHAMP site. If you’re interested for 2010 consider taking a look at them before you head to the fields in May. You will notice that we have added a new question in 2010, “What percent of grain is going through your grain cart?” At that website you’ll also find RevenueTrackerG.xls, a nice spreadsheet for tracking the revenue from your various jobs.
We ended up with 30 members of CHAMP in 2009, indicating a renewed spark of interest in CHAMP. Don’t overlook the benefits of CHAMP for your operation. If you have reservations, talk to any current CHAMP member.
Good luck in 2010,
Terry and Kevin
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 9:49 AM by: TZ
*************** A REMINDER ***************
For those of you who attended the seminar on Friday afternoon of the convention, featuring Michael Roberts with the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, I am supplying you with a pamphlet (found on the homepage) to view which tells you how to register for the Hazardous Materials Training Seminar in Tulsa, OK on March 31, 2010. This seminar is FREE and is designed to help you and your business to be in compliance with the Federal Regulations regarding the transportation of fuel. Until we get any changes, you DO have to follow their requirements to be in compliance. Again, this is a FREE seminar and will go into detail of what's expected from us as business owners who are trying to abide by the rules. If you think you're interested in attending, Mike told me to have you email him at Michael.L.Roberts@dot.gov and he'll get you registered. He has other free seminars scheduled throughout the country and at later dates but they will conflict with harvest.
We all HATE changes and more government regulations don't make our job an easy one. But as I said before, UNTIL(and IF)we get changes made, you DO have to be in compliance. Do yourself a favor and become knowledgeable in what is expected to avoid problems on the road!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 9:45 AM by: JB
I own some and then I rent some. We will be running at least 4 to start then add a few later on when we need them.
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 10:50 PM by: Anonymous
Jb, how many machines do you run
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 10:23 AM by: JB
SG,
SOUNDS LIKE YOU WANT TO START HARVESTING FOR A NEW CAREER. i HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYBODY THIS YEAR. iT ONLY TAKE SOME MONEY TO START YOUR OWN. TO BUY IN SOMEONES OPERATION THAT HAS 1.5 MILLON IN EQUIPMENT WOULD COST 10% TO GET 10 % PLUS CUSTOMER BASE IS WORTH SOMETHING. JUST A THOUGHT FOR YA.
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 8:56 AM by: s.g
Hello, Is there anyone out there running a couple of machines that is going to retire and would be willing to work with a family to help them get established and eventually take over the business?
Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 10:10 PM by: Anonymous
Wow... JB, sounds like there might be alot of cut throating going on again this year. I sure hope not.
Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 9:14 PM by: ps
JB... I sure hope that story isnt true. I personally would not want to work for an individual like that. You might have a chance to cut his wheat this year for free, but you might not get to next year.
Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 5:22 PM by: JB
This is the best we can do? After the convention I thought more people would have things to say. I have heard some crazy talk of farmer meeting with 4-6 cutters at a time to take bids. Who is going to be the cheapest cutter?
Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 9:40 AM by: Pam
There are 346 members who have renewed for 2010 and 115 associate members who have renewed.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 8:22 PM by: Anonymous
Does anyone know how many custom harvesters are members of USCHI? Just curious.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 4:43 PM by: jim ashmore
hey ohio, ya that was my brothers house. we got a phone call from a neighbor saying the roof was on fire. the house was not a complete loss but it does have a couple of holes in the roof now, from the fire dept putting it out. nobody was in the house. we had a lot of friends and family around to help pull everything out of the house and stuff into stock trailers. they were completely moved out before we even got home. very lucky nobody was hurt.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 1:13 PM by: Pam
LAST CHANCE!!!! If you want to be included in the 2010 Directory, you must renew your membership NOW! If you have not renewed and would like to, please fill out the form here on line, out of the magazine, or call the office and I will be happy to take your information over the phone. Don't be left out of the loop for 2010. Not only will you not be included in the Directory, your magazine subscription will also end. All memberships not renewed by March 30th will not be included in the Directory. Don't Delay, Do It Today!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 7:53 AM by: Pam
Sorry A-Team you can't advertise on the discussion board. You have to advertise through the classifieds and that must be paid for. However watch the discussion board for guys looking to be hired. There is a guy by the name of Cliff on there that has several years of experience and you can contact him.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 6:56 AM by: ohiocutter
A team, I heard during the convention in Texas that you had to run home due to a house fire. What was the outcome? Hope everything is OK
Friday, March 12, 2010 - 12:58 PM by: TZ
For those of you who attended the seminar on Friday afternoon of the convention, featuring Michael Roberts with the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, I am supplying you with a pamphlet (found on the homepage) to view which tells you how to register for the Hazardous Materials Training Seminar in Tulsa, OK on March 31, 2010. This seminar is FREE and is designed to help you and your business to be in compliance with the Federal Regulations regarding the transportation of fuel. Until we get any changes, you DO have to follow their requirements to be in compliance. Again, this is a FREE seminar and will go into detail of what's expected from us as business owners who are trying to abide by the rules. If you think you're interested in attending, Mike told me to have you email him at Michael.L.Roberts@dot.gov and he'll get you registered. He has other free seminars scheduled throughout the country and at later dates but they will conflict with harvest.
We all HATE changes and more government regulations don't make our job an easy one. But as I said before, UNTIL(and IF)we get changes made, you DO have to be in compliance. Do yourself a favor and become knowledgeable in what is expected to avoid problems on the road!
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 6:39 PM by: dk
I would like to thank every one who voted for me.It was a great time.Tracy u will do good job as president if there anything can for an u an all the members let me know thanks you all
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 2:26 PM by: Cliff Jacobson
I have 33 years experience driving trucks and combines. I won't drive grain carts but have no problems with any other work. I am available for hire immediately and my wife would be available to help with cooking and other chores. My number is 270-465-3170
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 1:55 PM by: Jordon
I'm a 22 year old guy looking for a job out west. I can operate semi trucks and tractors. My step brother is a farmer who taught me alot. He is headed to Oklahom and I enjoy the farm life. Im looking for a job on a crew. I figured I would try it while I'm still young. My phone number is 419-559-7699. My email is holman1979@aol.com Thank You
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 1:43 PM by: TZ
Jim & Suzy:
We have two individuals who take their entire time from the convention to record our annual history - Dave Jordan and Larry Schroeder. I'm so thankful for them because I never have my camera in my hand! Hope Jim's feeling somewhat better - we MISSED you!!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 12:00 PM by: beh
LOC,
It is true that those of us who willingly participate in the CHAMPS program have our information analyzed and compared to 'industry averages'. The industry averages are the averages computed through the champs program. Those averages are public knowledge as are industry averages almost any industry. May I ask why you have a problem with that?
Brad
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 7:45 AM by: Jim and Suzy Orr
We want to thank the photographer for the photos of this year's convention. Since we were unable to attend this year, it is great to be able to look through the pictures, and feel like we were there. Nice to see faces we met at other conventions, and to see new faces. I am sure this took a lot of time to both take the pictures, and to post them online. Thank you!
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 11:58 PM by: LOC
Is it true that the CHAMP information is public knowledge...they could go on the university website and this one and see our profit margin? I have a problem with that.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 11:13 PM by: TZ
Ohiocutter - care to expand on how the days just "zipped" by?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 10:00 PM by: TZ
I'm in agreement with KB - it was a GREAT convention! It takes so many people working together to make it all work and the "behind the scenes" workers are certainly the ones making it happen! We had a couple of new faces in that category who put in 110% and it showed! And....of course....it wouldn't be possible without our sponsors and exhibitors! The trade show was OUTSTANDING! Many thanks to the speakers who shared with us some very necessary information!
For those of you in forage harvesting interested in the CHAMPS, I have some information to share with you. Per Kevin Dhuyvetter..."Terry and I visited with several forage harvesters about the possibility of CHAMP for them and this is what I told them we would do. Once we have 10 sets of forms filled out, we will look at them and analyze their results. We are not going to revise the 2008 forms, but that shouldn’t matter as there really would be little to change other than the date. The hardcopy and Excel spreadsheet files and corresponding instructions needed are on the AgAnalysis+ / CHAMP website (http://www.aganalysisplus.com/champ/champ.htm)".
I'm sure Larry will have his photos uploaded and ready to view soon. Watch for them and relive the days! For those of you who missed this year, plan on the 2011 convention in Grand Island, NE!
Congratulations to Taff Hughes, Dean Karau and Kent Braathen!!
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 9:00 PM by: RH
Would like some feedback on the current scholarship criteria and the possibility of outsourcing the selection process to a professional company who will do it based on the criteria that USCHI determines. It's paid for..any thoughts?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 7:39 PM by: KB
I would like to thank all of you that attended this years convention. I hope you enjoyed visiting with all of our vendors and seeing what they have to offer. I would also like to thank all of the people that provided us with all the necessary information that we need at our seminars. As a whole it was again one of the best conventions we have had. The event gets bigger and better every year thanks to our membership,vendors and everyone that works so hard to make it possible. Thank You!
Kent
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 5:35 PM by: ohiocutter
KB forgot to mention that Kent Braathen was elected as the new vice president.
Monday, March 08, 2010 - 8:03 PM by: KB
The Board positions were filled by Taff Hughes and Dean Karau.
Monday, March 08, 2010 - 7:30 PM by: Anonymous
Who got the two board postions?
Monday, March 08, 2010 - 5:45 PM by: ohiocutter
I agree that was once again a great convention! Most everything came off without a hitch. The three days just seemed to zip by. Thanks to everyone who attended, I feel the socialization or networking is the most enjoyable part of it for me. Already looking foward to Grand Island 2011!!
Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 10:00 PM by: Anonymous
Great convention. A big thanks to Pam, our board, our vendors, our presenters, our majors and everyone else who was involved in the process!
Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 2:17 PM by: S.P.
What a great organizations it is! After last night's auction, we left withouth our child's Nintendo DS, but because we were among friends--it turned up today. Proud to be a part of such a trustworth organnization.
Friday, March 05, 2010 - 11:40 AM by: Chris m
Great website . I currently have a Class B CDL and recently found out our contracts wont be renewed.No combine exp or any trucking exp.Is this industry hard for a person to get into?Hard worker and willing to learn the ropes,just a career change after doing something after 20 years is very bothersome.
Thursday, March 04, 2010 - 2:08 PM by: mrf
we are looking for a trailer that would sleep 8- 10 people that has bathroom, w&d hookups, and kitchen if you have one call me 270-622-8957
Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 12:43 PM by: Chad Williams
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the convention this year. However, I am a Finance Director for Southwest Ford in Weatherford, Texas and have spoken with Ford Motor Credit Corp. and they are willing to extend a farm plan option to Members of USCHI. The Farm Plan offer is where you will only make a single payment per year, typically to accomadate for when the majority of your income comes in or when crops are produced. If you would like to know more, contact me at 972-880-2436 or Cwilliams@SouthwestAutoGroup.com for more information.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 9:54 PM by: Anonymous
There should be lots of room in Florida. I read over 100,000 people have moved out of Florida in the last year looking for work. Most of them moving to Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska. If things don't turn around soon, the mass exodus is expected to continue. Florda is a long ways away for most harvesters. I prefer the conventions to be closer to the majority of us in the wheat harvest.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 1:00 PM by: beh
Jon--
I understand that there are lots of POTENTIAL advantages along with many advantages that would be realized immediately. I am interested in the idea but for some of us, this is more difficult than a location move. Many members do not fly. Period. The location of the convention moves to reduce overall traveling distance for members. So,
My question still is this: What is the goal here? What will be considered a success?
Your efforts are appreciated AND I think this has potential but to go in blindly regarding what a successful outcome is makes little since.
I will be Wichita Falls and look forward to visiting with you.
Brad
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 9:40 AM by: Jon Orr
Young cutter, I dont think a rental car would be necessary. Any hotel that we would work with would have airport shuttles, and all transportation during the convention would be handled. At Ag Connect this year a vehicle was not needed at all. Dont give up on the idea yet, I will work to make it work for you.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 9:25 AM by: young cutter
I live in Missouri. For me I normally drive everywhere cause I never know when im going to need a pickup. Also im just figuring in with a flordia trip, I would have to rent a car aswell if I fly. So I know a flordia Trip would be defently out for me.
Monday, March 01, 2010 - 4:35 PM by: Jon Orr
Brad, no its not just a trip to Florida. The American Equipment Manufactures (AEM) set out to start a show that attracts the professional farmers, not tire kickers. At the same time they want to use a location that can handle many different meetings for many different associations. In there quest to get the show up and rolling they are looking for other groups to "co-join" this show. USCHI has been offered free meeting rooms for any and all meetings we wish to hold at the convention hall. Our vendors will be grouped in one area of the show floor with sinage that proclaims this area as the USCHI pavilion. IF all the details can be worked out, and IF (big If here) we can get people willing to try it once I really believe we could come out of a Florida convention with more money in USCHI's pocket than other shows since our expenses would be down. The connection to the AEM would also be helpful when we try to get thngs done in DC. Just one more group (a group that employees lots of people) on our side can never hurt. The flavor of our show would not change if we get the members to attend. Same people, same meeting concepts, same vendors (plus many more), same vendor representatives (plus CEO's or owners), same auction, just new place with additional options to enhance our convention. Our name will not be lost in the shuffle, should actually be highlighted more. Additional bonus is that silage cutters in Southeast will be much more inclined to join USCHI if convention everyother year is before their season starts. East coast cutters more likely to go South in winter than going West also. Many good reasons. I REALLY want to know, learn the problems conflicts so that we can fix them before we try it once.
Monday, March 01, 2010 - 9:58 AM by: beh
Jon,
What do we as a n organization expect to gain? What will be the benchmark for success?
I am not opposed to the idea if we can set a reasonable AND worthwhile goal and achieve it on a deadline. Set the goals in steps to benchmark it and go from there.
If it will help our organization and its members grow and prosper I am interested. If it is a trip to Florida, I will pass.
Brad
Monday, March 01, 2010 - 5:13 AM by: Jon Orr
Youngcutter, where do you live? Florida is one of the cheapest places to fly too. Secondly the show in Texas is well over 600 miles away from home for atleast 30% of our current members. I hope you can make it to Texas this year and hear all the great reasons for this to happen. Thanks for speaking up.
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