Thread: Rubber trees 101

Originally Posted by thaimeme

Originally Posted by jamescollister

Originally Posted by ltnt

^I think its called "Fad Farming," in most countries...saw a huge plot last week being turned into what else...Dragon Fruit Farm.

Not heard the term [Fad farming] if it means going for the latest, in thing, that's the Thai way.
Hope lot's go for it, chop there rubber trees down, grab their lumber and Gov. money, plant dragon fruit.
World will have plenty of fruit, but not enough rubber, can only hope. Jim

Just curious Jim, who do you deal with directly [selling/marketing] regarding your raw product??

That's a then and now question, don't have workers now, price so low we are just selling cup to the local buyers.

Back in the days when I thought I was on the road to riches, we produced very high grade RSS, sold the good stuff to a company that provided rubber for high grade seals, tires etc

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, depending how you look at life, GFC saw me with a shed full of 5 or 6 $ a kilo rubber, that suddenly was worth one $ a kilo.
Wiped me out, could start again, have Chinese, Malaysian etc wanting to buy, but you need the money up front, and it's a lot, $100,000 US say, don't have a 100,000 Baht.

Bank will loan money, but I'm hesitant, burnt one, twice shy, have kids to think about.
Rubber prices go up again, can trade our way up, if not I'll be a poor Issan farmer.
Have kept the company, small factory, licenses a live, always hope. Jim