Sheep grazing in my field, fair deal?

[Limbo1]

Just a question really. Having only just moved into a house with land we are novice with grassland etc. We have some sheep on one f our fields (26) that belong to a local farmer. In return we have negotiated the hedges to be cut - need a big tractor to do. 4-5 bales of hay with the promise of more when needed and a leg of lamb. Does this sound like a good deal?

The benefit for us is the field was calf high with grass so we don't need to top it. Also building a relationship with a neighbouring farmer. But don't want him to think we are suckers!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Maybe I am a sucker, but I welcome sheep onto my land (7acres) for free. They do so much good, that honestly I would pay to have them. They are only part timers, though, and go on after the hay is cut, and off by Jan 1.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I think that sounds ok and building friendships like that is valuable in a new area .how big is the field ?

 

[PorkChop]

I'm with Tiddlypom - we "borrow" some of the farmers sheep. They are fantastic for the land, and it will be me who will take him a gift to say thank you

 

[YorksG]

Anything is only worth what someone will pay But sheep do so much good for the land that it would be worth having them on for nothing IMO. We have three who run with the horses all year round and so have all the jobs that go with them ( their haircuts are never stylish! ) they do wonders for the grass.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Sounds a v good deal for u. I used to have a friends sheep for free. She used to cut my hay and keep half and the sheep would go on after to thicken and fertilise the grass for a few months. I used to have a few (usually tups) in with my horses moat of the year too. Sheep are awesome.

 

[Limbo1]

Field is 2.5 acres approx. and he does all the checking etc. So looks like I am not being hoodwinked.

 

[DD]

sounds a good deal to me

 

[WelshD]

If your horses can cope with good grass then yes its an excellent deal. they will do the fields a lot of good

My sheep fields are like bowling greens, my small ponies field....not so much.....

 

[fatpiggy]

Definitely a good deal. Sheep will even up the grass and gently fertilize the ground, plus horses seem to like them, and they don't act like fools very often. I grew up in Cornwall and there farmers hire a flock to tidy their fields, and the flock which is generally pregnant get a few weeks of best grazing.

 

[happyclappy]

I would have sheep on my land for free, no charge of any kind on either side. Anything else is a bonus - to either side!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Do you think sheep pick up and eat sycamore seeds when grazing?

 

[Polos Mum]

Very good deal, I have them on mine for nothing, they level out all the ruts, top the grass, fertilise in a very horse friendly way - don't tell the farmer but I'd pay him to have them there !

 

[laura_nash]

I got €100 an acre for the year from our neighbour for our big field (about 3.5 acres with automatic water). He said that was the going rate, sounds like I did well! Of course that wasn't specifically limited to sheep and he does have cows, donkeys and Connemaras too, although he has actually had sheep in there all year. He also spread my poo-picking muck heap out over the field first which saved me moving it.