" I understand that you can't section 179 anything to create a loss. "

That is not correct.  If there is other 'business' income on the return (including W-2 income) all of the §179 can be utilized.  And if not, it can be carried forward to the next year, to offset farm (and S/E income).

You can select any amount for § 179, but for bonus you would have to use either 100%, or zero.