Squeezed by a Tough Economy, Many Farmers Are Relying on Decades-Old Machinery

By Emma George-Griffin

Knee-high soybeans cover hundreds of acres of Kellogg Family Farms, and century-old barns dot the homestead.

But the most striking part about the farm in Ithaca, Michigan, are the piles of old machinery scattered across the property.

“Some of this equipment we’ll never use again,” said sixth-generation owner Dennis Kellogg. “But it’s amazing how if I need a part of something that’s similar that’ll work on even a different brand, I’m able to go and find something that’ll work.”

Whether it’s a pulley, an old truck or tillage equipment – Kellogg has it on his farm. And he’s proud he can save money by flexing his mechanic skills.

“So here's a piece of equipment bought at scrap price that'll do the same job as a $40,000 or $50,000 brand new piece of equipment would do,” he said.

While the soybean farmer enjoys fixing up old equipment, he admits he would welcome some new machinery.

But right now, that’s just not possible.

“We only have so much money to operate with,” Kellogg said. “And then we need to have a reserve in case we won't have a harvest this year.”

Farmers across the country are tightening their belts in the midst of a tough farm economy. With high fertilizer and fuel costs, it’s becoming more difficult for farmers to turn a profit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates farm income will decline this year.