The closest farm to the scrap yard is 40 miles away one way. The furthest is 75 miles. I will start hauling the unsightly metal when unprepared reaches $ 130 a ton. Three advantages allow me to take this perspective: First I have unlimited storage space as my clients allow me to store metal on their property until the prices improve plus I have my ranch as a backup. Second is a large shed filled with non ferrous that needs to be prepared. Since I do not have the fear of theft, I can take my time. Third, my business focuses on farm restoration which includes projects like this one. I have enough work to stay busy through the fall.
The trailer is an old stock trailer that was cut down, reinforced, and pressed metal is used for the floor to make it lighter. The prototype of this trailer ended in a disaster when it fell apart in the middle of the highway loaded with six tons of iron. This story was posted on the forum to help others avoid the mistakes I made.
I realize this strategy of scrapping is not for everyone. I believe a person looks at their assets, subtracts their liabilities, and uses the total to develop their business plan. For me diversity plus unlimited storage space minus distance to the yard equals sit it out.