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Latest snow storm forecast maps show fresh predictions for where winter weather will hit hardest CBS NewsMassive storm's snow and ice now span 1,300 miles as power outages mount and roads close CNNWinter storm blankets US in snow and ice. See its path in maps. USA Today
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Box Office: 'Mercy' Eyes $12M , But Big Winter Storm Slows Business DeadlineBox Office: Chris Pratt's ‘Mercy' Toppling ‘Avatar 3' as a Brutal Winter Storm Threatens Moviegoing hollywoodreporter.com'Mercy' Review: Chris Pratt must prove his innocence to AI judge in forgettable cyber thriller Fox NewsChris Pratt, the chairman of action in sci-fi 'Mercy' USA Today
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Many farmers are facing a critical retirement decision. The traditions of yesterday are often changing, and their children may no longer want to follow in their parents' footsteps. The challenges are many. However, there are options available.
In 1971, I began my farming career at the tender age of 9 in the Skagit Valley, 60 miles north of Seattle. Crop farming was my gig; rouging spinach, sorting tulips, picking strawberries, raspberries and cucumbers alongside the migrant workers from Mexico. When I was old enough, I was driving picking machines with a dozen kids lying on boards over a conveyor belt, or driving an open tractor pulling a green pea combine while traveling about 1 mile in four hours.
SEE MORE Keeping Property in the Family with LLCs and Partnerships
Today, at the age of 59, I realize that I've been preparing this article for 50 years. During 12-hour shifts on the open tractor, it rained, often. My family could not afford proper rain gear, so a plastic lawn bag with holes punched out for my head and arms provided quite well. Working six of these shifts every seven days gives a teenager time to reflect. That's when I decided farming was very hard and I wanted an easy office job someday!
Challenges for Farmers Today
A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the men and women who feed the world. You face unprecedented challenges:
Mother NatureInconsistent commodity prices
Lack of access to labor
Global competition with lower costs of operations
Lack of resources to compete with larger corporate farming technology
Next-generation (family) choosing a different career path
You are at an age where you need to slow down or retire completely
Potential income tax law changes
Inheritance and estat
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