Building Fire Causes Total Loss On Farm

[@TimeBucks]

I hope he is able to rebuild and recover from this

[@Aseal223]

Good

[@morellatovar4151]

Bien

[@koushiknaskar26]

Nice

[@ajsweety4077]

Very nice

[@Wannabefarmerinmn]

But, can you rebuild the memories, sweat and blood, that has been put into something like this devastation?

[@2ndAmendment-Jeffrey]

Discussing the value of farm equipment is not bragging. 99.9% of people have zero knowledge of farming, the cost, the work required, and the risk. I worked on a farm in my teenage years and I learned alot. I wish everyone could have a better understanding of it all. I think your channel is helping greatly in that respect.

[@kenhofer8063]

Why don’t you say I instead of people

[@threynolds2]

@@kenhofer8063 because he means people (non-farmers).

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

The vast majority of people do not understand the costs of farming.

[@piquat1]

Cole the Cornstar has a video going over rough costs for one year. IIRC they had 1.1M in expenses and sold the grain for 1.05M, loosing $50k that year. That's how the margins are. You're dealing with huge money and just scrape a little off the top to live on, if you're lucky. You can see how easily having to fix one broken machine could sink a year.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

@@piquat1 Just subscribed to Cole, thanks for the mention.

[@cursedf7429]

She's fighting back tears, that's compassion..

[@glentomkins8044]

Thank you, Laura and Grant for bringing Mike's loss to our attention. My prayers are with him and his family.

[@GavinPye-kn4kv]

Fire has no master. One thing about a catastrophic event is that the human condition comes into play,

[@johnensminger7675]

Ouch!! Sorry for the loss!! Glad they are bodily ok!! Praying for them!!

[@herbhouston5378]

I'm almost 80 years old. A good portion my life was involved with farming. Not owning anything, but helping and working for farmers that I've known all my life. What happened is awfully sad. Thank God nobody was hurt. Physically hurt. I'm on Social Security and I don't have much money, so I can't send anything, but I can pray. I can earnestly pray... and I will do that. I wish Mike and his family all good fortune in the days to come.

[@flatoutt1]

if you know how to pray to get god into gear and on the job.that will make you the champ contributer

[@Ray56z]

@@flatoutt1 Don't disrespect your God by taunting, and using lower case on His name. You're one of those ol' beelzebub is waiting for with a red hot poker-enjoy, he will.

[@sethirwin1610]

@@Ray56z. I think God will forgive not capitalizing his name considering the emotional nature of this incident. I was a member of a volunteer fire department and have seen how emotional a fire can be.

[@sethirwin1610]

Any thoughts or comments on having a fire surpression system in the buildings?? Might even get you lower insurance rates.

[@dontrend5956]

@@sethirwin1610 Or at least a smoke alarm.

[@Klaatu-dn7ic]

Credit to Laura and Grant for putting light on this tragic loss. I can't imagine the stress. At least there were no injuries. I am not a farmer but live in a semi-rural area in NY. Farms all around. Hope my small contribution helps.

[@timford6019]

Prayers to Mike and his family on getting back to normal as fast as possible. Cudos to you guys for helping. From a long time Volunteer fireman - look into a fire supression system in your building. Sprinklers can put out a fire before anyone even notices. Your insurance agent can help as well as your local or state fire marshal.

[@scottfink6471]

Amen to that. Do not forget to learn from tragedy.

[@hotbug597]

and, in many cases it lowers your yearly insurance bill.

[@danielnelson6360]

Get in touch with Farm Rescue.

[@lonvansickle2863]

Glad no one was hurt prayers to the family

[@handyandy7706]

Thank you Mike, and thank you Laura for helping me feed my family. Without You farmers , America wouldn't be so GREAT.

[@randyjones1352]

Laura, My wife and I have been watching your channel for about a year or so. We are not farmers, but find your channel very entertaining and informative. We live in Lincoln NE. The episode for Mike was so well done, and in no way did you come off as bragging about the cost of farm equipment. I am sure your subscribers will be very generous to help Mike through go fund me. Both you and Grant are very caring and compassionate people. Thank you both for taking the time to help out a fellow farmer and Nebraskan.

[@steveperyer4850]

Any time your livelihood goes up and destroyed, no matter the life you have or the business you rely on, it is very devastating. I am sharing this to people, to try and help this man, and his family. Prayers for him, and thank you for making us aware of this family😢

[@MrDavidlfields]

My heart is broken seeing this. Thank you Laura and Grant for using your platform to help call attention to this situation. I pray Mike and his family find peace. The only blessing is that no person was harmed physically. But that is little consolation. Stay safe out there and Stay Gold.

[@chocolateopurum]

thank u Laura and Grant for bringing Mike's loss to our attention. My prayers are with him and his family.

[@orchidhouse297]

I saw a video recently by Zak Johnson (Millennial Farmer) about an organisation called 'Farm Rescue' or something like that. I don't think they provide funding, but they offer practical help to keep the farm business alive. From the videos you have put up on KZbin, that I watch from the UK, I can appreciate the pain of the loss.

[@roberthakeman9822]

I watched that same video by Zach and what FARM RESCUE does and how the farming community come together and help out the farmer who has a disaster. My thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to your neighbor Laura and Grant that he gets through harvest from everyone that can help. Atleast he and his wife have a roof over there heads.

[@raymondcarl1804]

Laura and Grant....you both are so humble and genuine. God be with you and your neighbor Mike

[@DISCMANJEFF]

You are really Good People.... Americans don't think about where we would be without you... Our Family salutes you all... God Bless

[@chrislovett6120]

My heart goes out to him and his family. That is a massive loss, the replacement costs and timeframe to actually get it all replaced is going to be a real pain right now. Thanks for sharing, I hope what little I can help makes a difference. If everyone who subscribes to your channel gives him $2 he will be so blessed and able to recover that much faster. We need you farmers. Thanks Laura

[@davidfitwe]

My Uncle's Dairy barn burned down years ago, it was devastating. He rebuilt and recovered but it took years. This is a tragedy, but the farming community is strong and Laura and Grant have a big heart for putting out the word for help.

[@JerryHernando-o1y]

​@@UncleSam7.62❤

[@briannelson6173]

​@@UncleSam7.62you really have no clue

[@gregeiler6755]

Laura & Grant - Thank you for sharing this story. I grew up enjoying visiting and helping with my grandfather's farm. In the mid 60s there was a fire that took all the buildings and scalded a good portion of the field nearby. Even with insurance there was not enough to replace and recover. As you said it takes generations to build the infrastructure to have a successful farming operation.

[@WayneOsenga]

I grew up on my grandpa's and uncle's farm in Illinois and even though I have been away from what I consider my true passion for more than 50 years now, I will never forget how EVERYONE would come to the aid of a fellow farmer when bad things happened. I have been subscribed to your channel a couple of months now (since I found you) and I really appreciate what you are doing to share what being a farmer really is! I've done what little I could to help MIke and that is only possible because you shared his story and from the memories I cherish of my family's farms and living with the principles learned to help each other in so many ways. Those principles have guided my life even though I am literally thousands of miles from the farms I grew up on and loved so much. Thank you!!! I hope you'll keep us updated on Mike!

[@tomdunn7147]

Sorry for your Loss, thanks for Laura farms to get this out to all. Laura and Grant = Great people.

[@joannbjorkman5399]

Great job Laura and Grant. I farmed 40 years in your area. I know you are being truthful and accurate along with compassionate. I gave and shared. I am confident your followers will come up with the half mil. and we and Mike's family will be blessed. You are a great example of using your talents for good.🤗

[@tjake490]

My small donation has been sent Laura and Grant. Thanks for bringing the Schutte family's tragedy to light so that, we your viewers, can help too. I live in G.I. and this is the first I've heard of this. Your KZbin channel is not just entertaining but it can be a powerful tool to help a friend. Good job you guy's.

[@flatworm00]

What a loss, my prayers go out to him.

[@robertstibz9506]

Prayers won't bring anything he has lost back.

[@deepwaterfarms]

@@robertstibz9506it might in the form of a blessing of the money to help with the purchase of new equipment. The lord works in mysterious ways. He tells us that as long as we have a good relationship with him he will bless us beyond all other. we owe it to our fellow farmers to at least pray for him.

[@Divedown_25]

@@robertstibz9506 Laura posting here has raised around $50K in 4 hours. Prayers won't get anything back, Laura posting will!

[@matttipple9066]

@@robertstibz9506 you have a terrible attitude.

[@mattdillon4398]

@@robertstibz9506 Nobody that prays ever thought that they would bring anything back. Only a snarky atheist would mock someone praying for this man. The Lord only promises that He will bring us through hardship. He also promised that we would have hardship.

[@notconvincedsmith4316]

He hit his goal Laura and it was all because of you. Great job and very noble of you

[@calquick]

Thank you Laura n Grant for letting us help out with money n prayers - thank you for the opportunity to be part of the healing ! Blessings! 🙏

[@jimmyjazz9014]

Millions of dollars of equipment is bad enough but then there's the emotional impact for their family and the recovery to pre disaster condition. Thoughts and prayers to this unfortunate family. Top marks to you guys for what you're doing to help.

[@helpforaname]

I'm not a farmer but have worked in the agriculture industry for over 20 years now and have HUGE respect for farmers. I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's (and families) loss. Thank you Laura for leveraging what you can to bring attention to this cause. I have made a donation to the GoFundMe campaign. It's not much but I hope it will help.

[@cliveklg7739]

Not much still helps a LOT, if even half her subs just donated $1, that is over $250,000. If half those that viewed donated a $1 it would be over $350,000

[@rodfaragini7110]

What a loss so sad for that family. Watching this from Alberta with a face of tears. Thank you Laura and Grant fof what you are doing to help this family

[@andruslish9504]

This has to be one of the most emotional video you have done , stay safe and a good crop year

[@peterbart4430]

It's absolutely heartbreaking to watch this video God bless and tack care

[@joelhenderson5404]

Oh my thank you guys for helping! God bless I pray many come to help him!

[@BenKlassen1]

What a devastating loss! Hopefully everyone can pull together to help out locally and nationally.

[@jakecrib9971]

How terrible. I feel for this poor man. It's so kind of you and Grant to help this fellow farmer and neighbor out. You two are such a fine young couple. God bless you both. I hope this dear fellow can recover soon.

[@LydiaHaddon]

When I heard the sadness in your voice my heart shattered and I live on a farm and seeing this just helped me be grateful for what we have and to always help someone who is out there struggling with something . Thank you for sharing this story so we can help him .☹️

[@caseyfiedler2848]

Sorry for Mike and his families loss. Never have liked to see people loss there lively hood. Praying for them to help them with their needs. God bless what you Laura and Grant do to show people what framing communities do and go through.

[@mikecalhoun2732]

Thanks for sharing their sad story. Our prayers go out to them

[@michaelmijatovich8983]

Thanks Laura & Grant for letting people know

[@ruggedcctv]

I cried. It just went straight to my heart. Prayers to him and his family.

[@gnmatsu]

I was burglarized a number of years back. Insurance covered the items. But that didn't even come close to the headache of having to replace the items. I cannot even imagine the overhead to get replacement items on those items. Aloha to you and Mike!

[@danielsirman8865]

this is utterly heartbreaking. there was a lot more lost here than just tools and equipment. the amount of blood, sweat and tears, not to mention all the stress and sacrifice are things no amount of money can replace. God bless this family.

[@briannelson6173]

​@@UncleSam7.62you are a complete troll

[@giangtran-to6tb]

ok

[@larrycaughron1321]

I'm 71+years old and I cried watching this. Talking about the enormous amount of money that it takes to make it as a farmer is not bragging just a matter of FACT. I've not farmed sense 1975. I left the farm 🚜 in Gaines Co, Texas, but it's never left me, and the the feeling of the community coming together help a fellow farmer. May God bless everyone that can help in whatever way they can.👍🇺🇸👍

[@eddyd8745]

That is heartbreaking. Best wishes to Mike from England; and I'll contribute to some to his GoFundMe site. Please keep us updated as time passes. It puts our own troubles into perspective.

[@stephenward5681]

Great video explaining to everyone the cost of farming. You were not bragging only stating the truth. So sorry for the farmer that lost everything, but like he said no one was injured and he still has his family and a place to lay his head at night. Love your videos and so proud of you and Grant for y’all’s hard work.

[@kroadie3936]

There is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals all around helping the customer,Laura farms.

[@joelrust6647]

Thoughts and Prayers to this Family ~

[@romainkoudlanski6860]

In french, bon courage Laura, de tout coeur avec toi .

[@samelewis]

Put a call into Farm Rescue. They could probably help.

[@LauraFarms]

They have been contacted 👍🏼

[@MrAnderson5157]

@@LauraFarms Please tell me you and Grant have a fire system in your garages.

[@darkiee69]

@@MrAnderson5157 And make sure to be fully insured too

[@extcatgas]

Farm Rescue is from my home state of North Dakota

[@justbe4481]

Sorry for this tragic Lost .. we have experience this same lost but we recovered slowly and with help from our local area. One thing we learned was to never keep all our equipment in one shop...

[@Ed_in_Md]

What a tragedy. Prayers for him and his family.

[@johnbillman6365]

We've been through a fire, didn't loose nowhere like him but it's still is devastating. Prayers go out to him and his family, God will help be there for them.

[@Larryn7luf]

I am so happy to be able to help and thank you for sharing. I can only imagine the pain that the family is feeling. I just wish I could do more.

[@elite1erin]

Our thoughts and prayers to you and your neighbors and pray for his recovery!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@paulws58]

This is so heartbreaking. Laura I have been watching your videos for years and I feel that I am your biggest fan. I donated and I shared it on Facebook and I stated that you are my friend and that you brought this to my attention. I asked my friends to donate any amount that they can afford. Laura you and Grant are a fantastic couple and seem to be spiritually grounded and are hard workers. God bless you both and the whole family that experienced this great loss.

[@danielpittijr6283]

Prayers going out to the family and friends. God bless those who are able to help. 🙏🏻

[@hunthomasjr]

I know, expensive. But in the EU, automatic fire extinguishing equipment is mandatory. Not by chance. The sensor detects the smoke and the fire extinguishing system is activated. Let everything be wet, but don't burn everything...

[@karelmarx8899]

👍👍

[@m.weston7114]

People help people, God has nothing to do with it except for he watches it all happen, then gets the credit for it when neighbors actually do the help.

[@scottycollins1829]

This is one SERIOUS NIGHTMARE 4 ANYONE that has a shop with EQUIPMENT,TOOLS,ELECTRONICS, etc!!!!!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😬🥺🤯😢

[@Bendejo-lm8wo]

@@hunthomasjr I have seen plenty of buildings burn to the ground with fire suppression systems. this could happen to anyone at anytime.

[@bobwilliams3634]

Prayers lifted for this family

[@michaelscannell27]

Heartbreaking story. We love you Laura. You have such a huge heart.

[@dcw1540]

Laura I’m 76 and opened my eyes on insurance.thank you for what you are doing.😊

[@roymyers8575]

Having family and generations of hard work……it’s nice to see young people that have that understanding.

[@adamcrookedsmile]

I clicked that gofundme link and it is really heartwarming to see all those donations to help out this farmer in his time of need. The world isn't all bad after all. Props to Laura for using her channel to help him out.

[@terrydarow8401]

I'm proud of you two of offering help with the family that lost there farm I wish I could help out as well it is very tough to farm now days our prayers are with you ❤

[@keithmaurer7082]

Been through something similar fortunately ours was empty at the time snd that was devastating enough. We were considering one big building at the time. But that event chg our minds. So my heart goes out to the Schuttie family.

[@islanderdraws]

God Bless The Farmers. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@traj00]

You should be very proud of yourselves for the deed done to help your neighbor. Just 24 hours after this video, the goal has been surpassed. It would never have happened so fast without your video and your fans. Great job!

[@virtuestreams2616]

If all 456k subscribers contribute $5.00 each, this will make a huge impact and probably get close to covering his insurance gap….this is an opportunity to make a difference in a family’s livelihood-let’s show the power of numbers today and together: let’s go! Love what you do Laura and thank you for this opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. 👏🏻👏🏻✌🏻

[@dethray1000]

did he set it on fire to collect insurance? my neighbor is asking

[@virtuestreams2616]

@@dethray1000 well, this is the point where faith comes into play. I have faith, based on what I’ve watched and listened to, that Laura is not going to solicit her subscriber’s help if she were to have the slightest inkling that these folks are scammers. I could be wrong, but am willing to risk a little for the potential of doing a lot of good. There’s my two cents worth of thought.

[@Syntappi]

@@dethray1000 She said in the video that even with insurance he's gotta spend at least half a million dollars out of his own pocket now. Does it look like an insurance fraud?

[@hughperkins707]

@@dethray1000 nobody wants what you have to burn up. There’s no way you can make money off of insurance. Obviously your neighbor doesn’t farm

[@richpelto248]

I’m trying to find his gofundme page.

[@harfmizinam6094]

Laura and Grant, you guys are awesome!! Sending donation and spreading the word. Give Mike a big hug, man it will be ok! Great people up there. Love from New Orleans

[@mwfarms]

I appreciate you drawing attention to this situation. I went through the same thing a year and a half ago. Woke up one morning to see my machine shed burned down. Had a raging snow storm that night and shed was some distance from the house and wind blowing smoke away so I didn't know it burned during the night. Lost 2 tractors, both balers, a pickup and several other things. Shed was fuller than usual due to the snow storm forecasted. It's hard to understand the level of devastation you feel seeing that. My equipment was all much older so not the same level of monetary loss but still, like you stated it was my livelihood. Best I can describe it as is it feels like being robbed except you have to clean up the mess after. I don't know how i would have managed if i hadn't had help and support from friends and neighbors. Thanks for using your platform to help. Y'all are decent folks. Tell him that he and his family are in our prayers here.

[@reinhartkornbrek5044]

You two did a fantastic job on your description of farming and equipment!! I grew up on a farm and can’t tell one tractor from another! Bless you and your family! Please all who read help support this farmer and all farmers we all would be in trouble with out them !!!

[@ld5714]

What a somber and sad time this is for Mike, his family, neighbors and loving and supporting people like you and Grant. I can't even imagine what they are going through but have faith that they will somehow get through this trial. Thank you Laura for focusing your effort on using your platform to play a part in helping Mike and his family; I know it will help a lot. Thank you for all you do.

[@jimbeetem7143]

This is a wake up call for many of us. We all need to talk to our insurance agent periodically to be sure that we have enough coverage incase of a fire or accident. Whether you are a business owner, home owner or renter. Thank to Laura and Grant for bring this to our attention. Farmers are good people. I expect that friends and neighbors will come together to see that Mike's crops get harvested. For the curious, look for a farm equipment show in your area. Usually they are in Jan- March. Just walk around and ask the price of new equipment. About five years ago we went to the Cotton Ginners show in Memphis, TN. A new cotton picker that put our to rolls of cotton was $750,000. But it eliminated the need for about 12 hired hands needed to do the module type of harvesting. GOOD farm hands are hard to get for seasonal work.

[@2ndAmendment-Jeffrey]

Donation sent. I hope and pray that the family can get thru this emotionally and otherwise.

[@richpelto248]

Where did you donate? I’m looking for a GoFundMe page, but haven’t found it yet. Can you please send me information so we can help him out.

[@garyboss]

@@richpelto248 Go Fund Me information is right below the video.

[@dannyjones7181]

Laura likes to beg for the money maybe she will get a little percentage out of the proceeds raised ie who is in control of the go fund me page they usually take 10/20% of the funds!any ways a very sad lesson to learn even Laura and grant didn’t learn much by it look at the way they had all there machines in the same shed !! Should have moved tractors and combine out doors to be sure to be sure 👌

[@ONPASSIVEDarrellCook]

Praying for Mike and his family. Many thanks to your content, teaching, sharing and provisions you provide to our nation.

[@MarijanBegović]

Pozdrav Laura od ❤ mi je žao što Vam se dogodila takva nesreća nadam se da ste cijela obitelj dobro, zdravlje je najbitnije, nadam se da ćete se oporaviti i dalje nas oduševljavati svoim objavama pozz i sretno.

[@Meriphistimo]

I'm Australian, but I can't imagine what it must be like to have your entire living pulled out from under you like that. I donated and hope it helps. Thanks to Laura for sharing this with me.

[@misterj597]

First off, I’m gutted at this loss. I can’t even begin to imagine. I want to echo what a few others have said-as a fire alarm installer, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a fire alarm/fire suppression system in a commercial building. It can not only save your belongings, it could save a life. Praying for Mike and his family. Thanks for sharing Laura/Grant.

[@kenberscheit948]

such a loss , but I dont think you grasp the concept of water in the winter in an unheated building, most often there isnt even water into the building

[@robertbronikowski6728]

How does that petite body of yours contain your massive heart? You and Grant are the best friends and neighbors anyone could ever hope to have. God bless you both!❤

[@nwsvndr]

@jewsrbad Stop it. City democrats can have big hearts too. Your comment reflects neither a big heart nor a big mind, in my opinion. Country Republicans can have big hearts, and country Democrats can have big hearts, and city Republicans can have big hearts, and city Democrats can have big hearts. Let's stop this divisive nonsense. Thank you for considering to be part of bringing us together, rather than tearing us apart.

[@billnict1]

@jewsrbad - It's too bad some assholes have to bring politics into everything. People like you are what's wrong with America today...

[@ricky4673]

@@nwsvndr Democrats don't have a heart. They have a collective.

[@mikegarrett861]

This is a perfect example of how we start to take things for granted until you face the reality of how fast your health or wealth can go in a blink of an eye..! You all will be blessed and humbled when Mike's family and all involved get through this. Huge prayers to you all.....!

[@davidbetts480]

Hello Laura and Grant, I am so very sorry to hear about your friend and neighbour, I really hope that all goes really well for him and your very good selves.

[@michaelwilliams7481]

How sad to see a video like this, that must be so devastating for Mike and his family, to lose so much in such a short time must be heartbreaking. The only thing to be thankful for that it didn't spread to anywhere else, his house or fields. After seeing that, I would consider installing a sprinkler system. Love from Mike. ❤❤

[@davegoff6532]

It’s not only the equipment but also the supplies to maintain them the tools to repair them shop manuals and other materials needed to make them run

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

I could not imagine the pain.

[@classicalmusicdiscoveries]

Thanks!

[@dannydowns7104]

I love your channel, and your caring for others is so great. I have told many people and the youth at our church about it. The work ethic you and Grant show is a wonderful example for them. And the detail in describing what is very professional. My prayers are with Mike and his family. Look at the work you have done has helped him so far. GOD BLESS ALL.

[@charlotteedwards7540]

Laura I have been thinking about your neighbor Mike. He should check out his university to see if they might have any grants available. Maybe the local coops too.

[@fitch8363]

That was a huge loss. The emotional recovery will be really tough. God bless you for trying to help them. My brother in law lost his 11,000 square foot woody restoration shop that had 50 years accumulation of tools, part patterns, and several almost priceless cars in it. Investigation concluded the fire was started by a rechargeable Lithium tool battery that caught fire and burned in the night when they were out of town. He was way under insured. Don't leave rechargeable batteries on chargers when you're not there. Reassess your insurance policy annually.

[@lynwessel2471]

Laura, I suggest contacting Farm Rescue on his behalf. The group Zach Johnson and the Larsons support .They do cover a wide area including Nebraska.

[@darrenjlobb]

The most sad thing about this sort of loss, is that even if you do gather up the money via insurance / help / whatever means possible to "replace" all the gear... Its still not the gear you had before, that you knew inside out, have looked after for years / maybe even from new... It sounds silly but that is un-replaceable, years of hard work allow shed to be full of machinery in excellent condition like that and my heart goes out to these guys. I really hope things work out , and you arnt wrong , farmers are a great group of people, around the world there arnt many that wouldnt drop everything to help another farmer in this sort of need. Best of luck from the UK.

[@RoryBlackburn-g4b]

Thanks!

[@boscobeans]

I would look into some kind of fire suppression installations. Foam, Powder or water, SOMETHING. I had them in both my restaurants and all the gas stations have them.

[@chrisallen3388]

I farm in the UK and this was a tough watch. I agree fire suppression and detection systems should be a thing to think about, especially as equipment gets more and more reliant on electronics.

[@BobbyP-ld9dh]

Go Fund page please?

[@Michael-ug9xu]

​@@BobbyP-ld9dhin description

[@DavidStruveDesigns]

That's the most devastating thing about a fire like this. It's not just about the _big_ stuff - the high ticket items like combines and tractors. It's all the _little_ tools you've collected and purchased over your entire working life. And maybe entire working life of your father and even your grandfather too. Especially the ones that are older, aren't made any more or even ones you've altered or custom made yourself to solve problems or requirements you've had over time. Those quickly add up in value and extra loss, not to mention the fact you can't even pull yourself out of the hole using those smaller tools to do smaller jobs to work yourself back up to being able to afford the big ticket items. It's the loss of the building itself, which is _no_ cheap thing to easily replace. It's all those memories and human interactions associated with every single on of the items no matter how big or small they may be, that all went into moulding the very person you are today that have now been lost or tainted by the fire. And yeah, insurance helps take some of the sting away, but it usually barely scratches the surface of repurchase costs let alone does absolutely nothing to help the emotional damage suffered thanks to the fire. My thoughts and prayers go out to that poor farmer, I'm just glad he has good people like yourselves on his side, who have his back and can help start building the ladder needed for him to climb out of this particularly painful hole. Farming is a tough enough life and career choice without adding a total-loss fire to the equation.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

some were the real good usa tools and probably his grand pa's

[@jimbetts5164]

Just the time and expense of clearing the site and hauling the debris to the scrap yard to get some money for their loss is adding insult to injury. More time being used when he would be harvesting his crops, preparing to bring to market. If our government can bail out the banks they sure as hell should help out our farmers with secured , interest free loans !!

[@countryboy9542]

Hey, Laura are a great farmer KZbinr

[@DoingitWrong]

What a gut punch! It’s not bragging talking about the costs of tractors, they are expensive capital equipment and necessary to produce and harvest a crop. They are not a luxury. God bless you for presenting this tragedy. Insurance, even if full replacement, does not recover all the costs associated with such a loss.

[@mpat100]

Blessings for Mike and all of you helping him

[@danielheathcote5625]

I can’t begin to imagine how heart breaking this must be. I thought both of you were so sensitive the way you portrayed mikes story. What is frightening is the terrifying power of fire. Regards to Mike. And I’m sure you’ll answer this, but where can I go to make some form of help.

[@psychopompous3207]

Well, the Gofundme link is in the description.

[@martijnrosenbottel3616]

What a terrible loss for him !😢

[@deanschubart6116]

A tragedy indeed. A $40k fire suppression system might have made the difference.

[@steveshay5364]

On a lighter day I’d love to hear details on why those tractors look so similar but with drastic cost differences, and why all this equipment costs as much as it does. The generational planning to build a farm is fascinating from the outside as well, and I’d love to learn more on that too. I appreciate you sharing this story and showing some of the harder parts of that life.

[@glentomkins8044]

I suspect that most of those differences have to do with the age of the equipment. Farm equipment is expensive to buy new (think six - seven figures for items like this), it does not last forever, and it depreciates very quickly. That is why insurance does not usually completely cover the cost of replacement, and why a workshop fire like this can be so devastating for a farmer. I really appreciate that Laura and Grant are reaching out to help this guy. May their tribe increase!

[@dutchvan4503]

I come from farm country in upstate New York. I have a deep respect for famers. It's an extremely hard job and unforgiving lifestyle. I don't remember many farmers having time for to waste. It seemed that they were always farming or preparing and repairing their machines. The farms were not as large as the farms in the Midwest but nevertheless equally as important to our country in suppling various products. It's a shame that our government hasn't a program to help in situations like this. I wish Mike all the luck in the world in recovering from this.

[@tomn7087]

Outstanding contribution to his loss, well done

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Farm Rescue is amazing organization in times like this. Could you possibly do a video on how to make sure the insurance covers losses like this? Did he.just not have enough insurance thinking he did?

[@x_ph1l]

Totally devastating! I hope the community comes together once more to help the guy! We can learn some lessons from every tragedy. In this case - if you have a barn full of very expensive equipment, price of which comes to millions, you should invest at least 10-20k into automated fire suppression system.

[@nickmcginley4570]

That thought was one of the first things I thought. And a fraction of that on a bunch of hard wired, not battery powered, smoke and carbon monoxide detector. If I did not have any, I would go to Costco and buy a bunch today, battery ones, just for the meantime. If one is conscientious about such things, battery ones are fine. But hard wired is better. The remote alarm aspect is a must. Never hear a smoke alarm inside a separate sealed up building. This could happen during the day while you are out doing field work. But get them hard wired, and connected to a very loud siren and flashing light. Not very expensive at all. A fire like that must have started with one thing gradually started to overheat and catch on fire. I bet they have smart phone apps connected to cheap smoke and CO detectors. But a loud alarm is a must, a bullhorn type thing outside on a pole. I have a siren and alarm light on my modest little house. I have spent a lot of time on safety meetings and equipment and insurance over the years, and most of it has never been used. But I have never sat around wishing I had not taken the time and spent that money.

[@tsmartin]

And maybe consider battery disconnect switches for the equipment. Would installing a fire suppression system lower your insurance premiums?

[@davidjohnston710]

Agree about the fire suppression system, but water sprinkler systems might actually be inadequate with fuels spreading across a floor. A dry powder or foam dispenser system might be needed. A CO2 or Halon injection system might be needed, but these require humans and pets to be evacuated prior to the injection, as they could be suffocated. Fire prevention and awareness is key from the start.

[@x_ph1l]

@@davidjohnston710 I think, at a minimum, a sprinkler system will considerably slow down the fire progression, giving much more time for barn owners to react. Don't know how it'll work in reality, but theoretically it seems like a good idea.

[@davidjohnston710]

@@x_ph1l Perhaps, but it depends on what is burning and how involved. Fuels and oils float on water. Rubber tires are next to impossible to extinguish. Water may only help cool and prevent wooden structures from ignition. Study up on fire extinguishers and their appropriate fire type ratings (A, B, C, e.g.). I’m sure that insurance companies and the National Fire Safety Association have their recommendations for equipment sheds. There shouldn’t be any guesswork. But if a sprinkler system is all one can afford, better than nothing, I suppose.