Member of the Month: “BP” Fick

BP tends an organic garden as a hobby.

Your Name : Frederick “BP” Fick

Post Count: 4,055 (#54 of all-time)

Location: Beaver Creek, Northern Michigan

How long have you been a member of TBN?
I found TBN years ago, when I was garnering information about older iron, but I’ve been a member for about two years.

What do you like best about TractorByNet.com?
The community of folks, some who are incredibly knowledgeable and there is a camaraderie that I find interesting.

What type of tractor do you own?
I own a Kubota B2320.

How long have you owned or operated tractors?
All my life, I guess…I think my dad put me on his 53 Massey when I could hold the clutch in and let it out.

What do you enjoy most about tractors? I actually enjoy the work produced more than the tractor.  In other words, I like the gardening – the tractor is merely the tool.  I love the fact that the tractor can make quick work of 12 inches of snow.  I like what a tractor gets done.

How often do you use your tractor? Every week. There is almost always something to do in the garden during the summer – cut the grass, rake the gravel drive; and in the winter, push the snow.

Tell us about your property.  We bought our pre-retirement home two years ago.  We have 2 acres and I also lease two additional acres with an option of up to 10 acres.  I also help maintain the properties of our elderly neighbors, each who have 2 acre parcels.

Tell us about your vehicles.
My truck is a little 2005 Ford Ranger.  It gets 30 mpg.  I’m still waiting for a diesel compact truck, such as ones Ford sells everywhere else in the world.

What sort of tools, attachments or equipment do you use with your tractor on a regular basis?
FEL, middle buster plow, Rear Finish Mower, rear blade and field cultivator.

What do you mainly use your tractor for? Snow clearing, grass cutting, but most important to me is the gardens.

Do you maintain crops? Yes, I have 100% organic gardens – almost 2 acres.  I grew up on a  truck farm and now, at my point in life, I am enjoying it as a passion.

Do you keep livestock? I keep a few dozen laying hens and I enjoy it.  I also raise out a few dozen chicks a year. The manure is essential to our organic gardening operation.

What do you like/dislike about the area you live in? I love the remote nature of living this far “up north”, but we do have to drive a long way to purchase most things.

What sort of terrain is common in your area? Our area is rolling hills, broad valleys, deep forests, huge lakes and awesome streams – typical northern Michigan.

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