Winter turnout

[Oberon]

What could one say to a YO/farmer to try and persuade them to offer this facility?

 

[AmyMay]

I'm leaving if you don't...?

 

[Oberon]

I'm leaving if you don't...?

Not moved onto the yard yet

 

[coss]

if horse(s) don't have shoes - make far less mess than cattle do. They are "good" for the ground

 

[Bikerchickone]

The only thing stopping you from moving on is that they don't offer this facility? I'm afraid I couldn't be on a yard that made me keep my horses in all through the winter, I just don't think it's good for them or fair on them. Good luck. x

 

[Oberon]

That's why I want cohesive arguments to persuade for winter turnout. I'm having to make some tough choices and doing the best with what I've got.....

 

[Jesstickle]

It's grass. It doesn't matter how chopped up it gets it will regrow. That is why the modern world revolves around it?

Logical, true and impossible to argue with

 

[Holly Hocks]

Offer a bit more money if he can offer turnout.....most farmers will snap your hand off to get a bit of extra money, especially when it involves getting money for nowt!

 

[AmyMay]

What reasons does the yo have for no winter turnout?

 

[CBFan]

It's grass. It doesn't matter how chopped up it gets it will regrow. That is why the modern world revolves around it?

Logical, true and impossible to argue with

This! Plus you could mention that in the spring and Autumn months you won't be able to graze as much due to sugar levels and he could therefore ptentially still get a hay crop off mos of it?!

 

[coss]

if horses aren't likely to harm sheep you could offer for them to be turned out with sheep thus not churning up the ground anymore than the flock of sheep. and saves some field for summer for hay/cattle/summer grazing
ETA mention cross grazing is good for worm control?

 

[Littlelegs]

If he makes his own hay tell him you'll still buy it & feed in the field. And less muckheap to move.

 

[Oberon]

What reasons does the yo have for no winter turnout?

Small working farm - suspect farmer mindset of 'save the field'. It's always been that way around here - not many yards offer winter turnout.
Talking to him - he seems interested that some other yards do it and I sense a chance at negotiation....

 

[Parker79]

I know its extreme - but could you offer to help fence off some smaller paddocks for winter turnout?

Does he have to clear muck heap? that would be smaller.