The Economy is Bad, affecting people's attitudes, modifying behavior...

[Land_Owner]

I have done nothing more than mow the fields since last hunting season.  I cut the Dog Fennel and weeds down with the "lawn chariot" two weeks ago to allow the clover some sunlight.  I have not started the tractor in months.  The battery needs to be charged.  According to the Trail Cameras, the deer and turkeys remain active but my allergies to dog fennel are giving me fits.  The cost for seed is still climbing.  Feed corn is now over $12.50 per 50# bag.  It used to be under $7.00 per.  Iron and Clay Peas are over $45.00 per 50# bag and used to be under $25.00 per.  The price of fuel and the diversion of grains into fuel additives, which HARM rather than help, is driving production, maintenance, and grain prices higher.

I know this isn't the political commentary Forum, but politics are affecting Wildlife Management just as it affects every other walk in life.  It is raining outside.  Plants are still growing...mostly the weeds, and I am spiritually drained by the cumulative effect of politics, the economy, a-ho business associates, rising prices, diminishing assets, Summer heat, growing older, and the most damaging of all: out-of-hunting-season-Blues. 

[Dixie Dude]

Yep, government says we only have about a 2% inflation rate.  Of course they don't include food and fuel because "they are to volitile".  Yet they include the cost of a new home, like everyone buys a new home every week.  If they figured it by 1980 methods, inflation would be about 12%, and unemployment would be about 10.9%.  Government uses inflated money to pay back debt.  My food costs are running 25% more than a year ago. 

[keith44]

I feel ya Brother. 


We have not seen the hyper-inflation predicted yet, and my family (parents, siblings, and wife) are concentrating on food gardens for ourselves, the cattle, and just as you are trying to maximize the pastures by clearing weeds.


As for those blues, I get through by hunting coyotes.  You may have the same opportunity to hunt pigs year 'round.  Then there are the invasive pest birds and the pellet rifle. 


Check the prices for turnips, cow peas, and soybeans.  If you buy Heirloom seed (non-hybrid types) you can save your own seed back and not have that annual expense.


As for the co-workers / associates, well you have few choices there I'm afraid.