A farmer is generating buzz this week after selling three-quarters of his drives during a unique moment in the tech landscape. This sale, comprised of approximately 50 units, comes amid dwindling interest in older farming equipment, often sitting unused in storage.
On August 13, 2025, the farmer shared insights into his decision to offload the majority of drives, originally intended for Chia farming. He noted that the leftover drives, which are shucked from portable enclosures and require specific modifications to use, deterred potential buyers. He stated plainly, "not many people want them." Currently, he is holding onto these units until a new plot format is launched, planning to transition them into a NAS setup.
"I still have 20 Chia left, one of my worst investment decisions, but also a fun memory," the farmer reflected.
Comments from local forums offer perspective on the farmer's decision and highlight community sentiments:
Pricing Strategy: One participant suggested selling on eBay for around $10 per TB, noting that storage prices have remained resilient despite market shifts.
Shared Experiences: Another user identified with the farmer's struggles, stating, "Thank you for riding! I rode the same ride and gave up roughly 1.5 years ago."
Industry Advice: A commenter recommended exploring running a Storj node, suggesting alternative uses for leftover hardware.
The responses exhibit a blend of kindness and caution, with some echoing their own regrets about past investments. A humorous note was struck by one user, who lamented their rig collecting dust for two years, reflecting a shared disillusionment with current tech trends.
The farmer intends to transition to more energy-efficient solutions as the market evolves. "I'll reclaim more money from the JBODs than the drives themselves," he remarked.
Interestingly, community discussions signal a growing concern around compatibility and waste in tech. While this approach showcases a desire for sustainability, it raises questions about the future of older hardware amidst rapid advancements.
Key Insights:
π― Pricing Resilience: Older drives still hold value, around $10 per TB.
π Shift in Usage: Farmers are looking to repurpose old tech in emerging setups.
π‘ Growing Interest: Users are sharing ideas to maximize legacy hardware potential, such as Storj nodes.
This evolving narrative not only invites tech enthusiasts to ponder sustainability but also highlights a pressing need for innovation within farming tech. As farming operations adjust to meet changes in consumer demands, the community looks ahead with both caution and curiosity about the next wave of technology.