Advice on 2 acres

clint_eastman

Hi,
I've just moved into a house and there's around 2 acres of a field that came as part of the deal. It had animals grazing last year but nothing since and its time for it to be cut. What's the best way to go about this? I know a farmer up the road that I'm sure will be able to cut it (i've seen him do is own) so I suppose I'm wondering, what sort of deal should I do with him? If he cuts it only what would he charge (generally/acre ) and is there any money in selling the grass left over, to be baled or taken away, I suppose I'm asking what are my options?
Thanks.

lakill Farm

maybe he might let a few quiet cows into it to graze it or he might take the silage off it . i suggest not to bale it and try selling the bales. best to get it cleaned off this year and rent it next year. €130 an acre

Username John

clint_eastman wrote: »

Hi,
I've just moved into a house and there's around 2 acres of a field that came as part of the deal. It had animals grazing last year but nothing since and its time for it to be cut. What's the best way to go about this? I know a farmer up the road that I'm sure will be able to cut it (i've seen him do is own) so I suppose I'm wondering, what sort of deal should I do with him? If he cuts it only what would he charge (generally/acre ) and is there any money in selling the grass left over, to be baled or taken away, I suppose I'm asking what are my options?
Thanks.

Hello Clint,
Hard to say without seeing the place - I mean, is it good grass, or is it old poor stuff?

I would say call up to the farmer and ask him has he any interest in baling up the 2 acres (and taking the bales). At this stage he would be doing you a favour if he did really - bales are not cheap to make, and it costs the same to make a low quality bale, as a high quality one.

But next year, if you spoke to the farmer early enough (Spring time) he might be interested in taking the field, and paying for it. As then, he could manage the grass (Assuming the field has good grass anyways) fertilize it, etc.

If you are just after moving into the area, I would advise taking a long term view.

Have a chat with the farmer, see what works for both of ye.

clint_eastman

Thanks lads.
Yeah, the land is very good, but the grass is overgrown at this stage so probably not the best quality. To be honest, I'm not worried about the money side of things, its not like I'll make a fortune. I just wanted to know what to expect before I talk to the farmer. I'd be quite happy if he came and cut it and took away the grass and no money changed hands, we could look at next year then after that. I suppose I was wondering whats involved cost wise, him charging me for cutting and baling, how much are bales worth, this sort of thing, just so I'd an idea before chatting to him.

lakill Farm

minimum cost to cut, bale & wrap €8.50
silage wrap €2.75 so price of €11.25. . on 2 acres there could be 20 - 26 bales so €292.50.

i say let him put in 2 or 3 cows.

9935452

You shouldn't have a problem getting someone to cut it and take it away for nothing. Everyone loves something for nothing.

I wouldn't put a couple of cows on it with the weather like it is cause they will poach the ground badly.

As regards cutting it for bale silage yourself and selling them , it will most likely cost you money.

Whatever you do make sure that the ground is insured. ie contractor breaks his mower on a rock, or animals break out and cause an accident, someone trips on something

clint_eastman

Thanks, I didn't even think of insurance, I do not have any. Appreciate the advice, at least now I can chat to him and see what we can agree on.

Farmer Pudsey

ask around is there anyone around that cut it or took bales off it before if ther is they will be familar with it any expssed stone etc and they will be willing to cut it