To rent field out or not...

[BlackIrishBeauty]

Hi all,
I currently have access to 6.5 acres of land. I only use 3 acres due to only having 2 ponies (I don't want more) so the remaining 3.5 acres are "rented" out to our local farmer...

The farmer, instead of paying us, gives us 12 bales of haylage off it and cuts our hedges... To me, I've worked this out around £660 a year plus around £50 for the hedges... The farmer does do other work for us to which hes paid for though.

My question is- could we get more money renting this out for an alternative solution and buying our haylage in? If so, what would you suggest- there are no field shelters on that section.

I'm just looking at options really but well aware that we have a good relationship with our farmer and he often fits us in for things like harrowing relatively quickly.

 

[94lunagem]

I'm just looking at options really but well aware that we have a good relationship with our farmer and he often fits us in for things like harrowing relatively quickly.

I can’t really help with how much you might get from alternatives, I’ve been at home too long to be in the current loop on going rates. But unless something else generated a significantly higher income for you (I’d be talking double) I think you’ve already hit the nail on the head with your last sentence. I wouldn’t risk that for the sake of a couple of hundred quid (after tax…) and a potential PITA.

 

[SEL]

If you rented it out to someone else then it would be (say) £30 pw x 3 ponies = £4,680

So yes quite a bit of room to make some more money depending on what pure grass livery / field rent is on your area.

Personally I find the hassle far outweighs the extra money!

 

[blitznbobs]

Haylege it all and sell the surplus? Better than other people on your land

 

[dorsetladette]

People are a PITA to deal with in my experience. I'd stick with what you have with the farmer if I was in your situation.

I won't bother with liveries anymore.

Out of interest - do you take 12 bales as that is all you need or what you agreed with said farmer?

 

[BlackIrishBeauty]

People are a PITA to deal with in my experience. I'd stick with what you have with the farmer if I was in your situation.

I won't bother with liveries anymore.

Out of interest - do you take 12 bales as that is all you need or what you agreed with said farmer?

He gets more but says this is what it works out as for us... Plus the hedge trimming.

 

[dorsetladette]

He gets more but says this is what it works out as for us... Plus the hedge trimming.

I think I'd want enough haylege to cover my horses FOC if he was getting the field FOC but of course from 3 acres it would depend how many bales he gets out of it, before you could have that conversation.

 

[cauda equina]

It sounds as if the farmer is possibly getting the better deal but if it's working for you I'd stick with it

I currently have 3 acres of knee high grass which will just have to turn into foggage, and getting my hedges cut is a right struggle
I'd love to have someone reliable to deal with both

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I get 24 - 30 bales off 3 acres.

 

[limestonelil]

Presumably you are getting enough haylage for your own use. Farmer is doing a good job and is reliable,using his own equipment for everything. Really, I'd stick with it unless you want to run the risk of finding reliable grass liveries and also a cheap hedge cutter. Will try and finish this on computer.

 

[Abby-Lou]

Personally I would not want to rent out own land and think the farmer help is best way forward

 

[Ditchjumper2]

I'd stick with what you've got tbh. A good farmer is like gold dust and liveries are a PITA. Last year my farmer had all the haylage off my 7 acres for free. Why, because for the last 30 odd years he has supplied all my hay and straw. He has always charged me the same even when hay in short supply. He has been brilliant. Field needed topping now I don't have horses so to me it was almost a thankyou to him for alĺ he has done. Will do same this year.

 

[Orangehorse]

When we make hay for people its usually 50/50. Plus he is cutting your hedges without the hassle of finding someone to come and do it.

If he is making it for himself too, then he will try to do as good a job as possible. You might possibly make more money, but think of the hassle.

I would stick to the current arrangements.

 

[Dam1]

I'd stick with the farmer x

 

[Lois Lame]

So would I.

 

[SantaVera]

The convenience of having the farmer inside outweighs any potential increase in rent IMO.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Last year, haylage went to £50 a bale round here. You appear to have a good relationship with your farmer, and that is worth a lot. Maybe ask him if he wants to use it for grazing for a short while in exchange for extra haylage if that is the issue.

 

[BlackIrishBeauty]

Thanks all - I thought this was the case! I'm going to stick with my farmer. He's a good guy and always helps me out when I need it.

 

[Squeak]

I'd stick with the farmer too.