25 acre farm

Cavanshooter

Well, we have 25 acres which we rent to a local farmer the lease is up soon and I was wondering would it be worth keeping the the farm myself as I have an interest in farming. What would be the best way to make a bit of money???? The land is fenced for cattle. Would sheep or cattle be better? I have a small tractor which I could use. Would it cost much to buy a few bits of machinery. There is no shed on the land would I have to build one and how much would it cost or would I get away without one? Thanks.

Kovu

Cavanshooter wrote: »

Well, we have 25 acres which we rent to a local farmer the lease is up soon and I was wondering would it be worth keeping the the farm myself as I have an interest in farming. What would be the best way to make a bit of money???? The land is fenced for cattle. Would sheep or cattle be better? I have a small tractor which I could use. Would it cost much to buy a few bits of machinery. There is no shed on the land would I have to build one and how much would it cost or would I get away without one? Thanks.

Do you have a herd/flock number? There's a couple of stipulations that you need on application for one, ground (which you have) and a secure holding area. So if there's no shed you'd want to factor in building one, no idea about pricing, I'm hopeless with things like that. I would advise holding back on buying machinery unless you can use it elsewhere, it's just as cheap these days to use a contractor.

With 25 acres you've a few different options, have you much experience with stock? Rearing heifers for dairy/sucks to finish/culls to finish.
Have you spoken to the farmer leasing it yet? Make sure he hasn't that parcel included in a piece for GLAS/AEOS!

Capercaillie

Sheep fencing expensive. GLAS/NPWS farm plan if available.

Cavanshooter

Kovu wrote: »

Do you have a herd/flock number? There's a couple of stipulations that you need on application for one, ground (which you have) and a secure holding area. So if there's no shed you'd want to factor in building one, no idea about pricing, I'm hopeless with things like that. I would advise holding back on buying machinery unless you can use it elsewhere, it's just as cheap these days to use a contractor.

With 25 acres you've a few different options, have you much experience with stock? Rearing heifers for dairy/sucks to finish/culls to finish.
Have you spoken to the farmer leasing it yet? Make sure he hasn't that parcel included in a piece for GLAS/AEOS!

My father has a her number could I use it ? I have good experience in working on dairy sheep and beef farms and intend doing the green cert in future. The farmer that takes the land isn't stuck for land and dosnt really need it any more. He isn't part of glas or any other scheme.

Farrell

Cavanshooter wrote: »

My father has a her number could I use it ? I have good experience in working on dairy sheep and beef farms and intend doing the green cert in future. The farmer that takes the land isn't stuck for land and dosnt really need it any more. He isn't part of glas or any other scheme.

OP what age are you?
When you say your father has a herd No, is he using it currently?
My opinion would be summer grazing & sheep, no point starting with allot of overheads, lots can be done in time

Cavanshooter

Farrell wrote: »

OP what age are you?
When you say your father has a herd No, is he using it currently?
My opinion would be summer grazing & sheep, no point starting with allot of overheads, lots can be done in time

I'm 17. My father used the herd number he has another farm but he said I can use the 25 acres if I want to.

visatorro

Cavanshooter wrote: »

I'm 17. My father used the herd number he has another farm but he said I can use the 25 acres if I want to.

17 jesus christ will ya step back from the fire for another ten years!!! Your far too young to get tied to a few acres.

Timmaay

visatorro wrote: »

17 jesus christ will ya step back from the fire for another ten years!!! Your far too young to get tied to a few acres.

+1000.

rushvalley

visatorro wrote: »

17 jesus christ will ya step back from the fire for another ten years!!! Your far too young to get tied to a few acres.

+1
If your father said you could use it rent it out and enjoy the handy money. Go work for a farmer or contractor if you still want to work on a farm

Farrell

Cavanshooter wrote: »

I'm 17. My father used the herd number he has another farm but he said I can use the 25 acres if I want to.

I was thinking along those lines.
Farming can be a nice pastime. A few bullocks / heifers for the summer & see how it goes. If you like it maybe look to add other elements.
The best thing about dry stock is if you'd something on, anyone else can check them for you.

have2flushtwice

Set it for now. Use the rent money to save towards a few bits and pieces such as gates and a crush, transport box , topper etc. Work out a budget for each item, save it and put the money away for when you are ready to buy. tip away at a simple shed in the mean time. E.g. do a foundation now, pillars at end of summer, walls and gates next year , roof it the year after. Slow and steady and you will be fine and in no debt. You might decide to travel or college etc and if you do you will be ready to rock when you want to.

blue5000

Sheep are a handy way of building up stock numbers if you wanted to start with a few, and had some of your land fenced for them. They're not my cup 'a tae though.

J.O. Farmer

visatorro wrote: »

17 jesus christ will ya step back from the fire for another ten years!!! Your far too young to get tied to a few acres.

Relax the young lad has an interest and if the dad has let out 25 acres and has another farm it's probably a big one. if the op wants to try for a year or 2 I'm sure the dad can take over the land again or lease it out if it doesn't work out.
How many here started with a few stock in the parents herd myself included.
Farming the 25 acres sounds like a good introduction to the reality of farming. He's being given his head to a point anyway. How many wish they have the same even now.
Apologies op if you're a girl. My advice is to use your dad's herd number for now. Don't worry about machinery and the like. Focus on the land itself improving fertility fencing and handling facilities if need be but I expect profit to be small or even nonexistent from whatever you go at. What does your dad do as he'll understand that best and be able to advise you. Other than that something like summer grazing might suit you best if you decide to go to college or travel etc. You will have a natural point where you will be getting out of stock rather than say sucklers where cows are kept all year round.