Chainsaw fellers / manual workers disappearing

[SwampDonkey]

Still lots of skidder and tractor operators around here and mainly family operations. Don't see as many horses as I did 30 years ago. These guys certainly can't justify $1.5M in equipment to manage their woodlots. Skidder and tractor on decent ground, everything paid for, makes for a good night's sleep. I know lots of farms where the owners never cut a stick themselves, but they still have dairy or row crops. Probably enough work. I know dad had to make a decision years ago, row crops or cows. Said he can't work 24 hrs a day for 7 days. Worked 16 hrs, I think that was enough time managing and marketing row crops and cutting firewood in winter to heat 4 structures and logs in July for a little $$ when the row crops were growing. ;) Me, I work hard enough these days swinging a clearing saw and mapping out thinning for 7 months, firewood in between and hopefully a little after the thinning shuts down. Take her easy for 3 months and go back at'r again.  Don't owe anyone anything. New house, woodlot to play on. Can't complain, not wanting for noth'n. Don't plan on changing a thing until it time to retire.