30 acres not being used

How lost am i

Hello

I have 30 acres going to waste, and currently have mental health issues

I was wondering is there any easy way of putting the land to use and at least generate some income. Would a solar farm be an option or something along those lines?

148multi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363758/30-acres-not-being-used

Are you near a substation or have any neighbours going with solar

emaherx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363758/30-acres-not-being-used

I don't think a solar farm would be an option on a block that size unless there is a neighboring bit they are interested in too, it woul also need to meet other criteria including how close it is to existing infrastructure.

Renting out the land is the simplest option, while it won't make a fortune it's better than going to waste. Of course selling may be an option too but I presume you'd rather not.

How lost am i

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487221#Comment_122487221

Yes I have one neighbour (wouldn't know him very well now) and he has set up a solar farm recently

How lost am i

Would rather not sell tbh. How much would I get per annum for renting out?

How lost am i

I'm 31,am I too old to learn how to farm? I think self employment is the only option for me as it would drive me on

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487312#Comment_122487312

It's not too old in general to learn …….. but you won't make a living off it unless you are able to do something very niche and intensive on it.

epfff

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487245#Comment_122487245

Depends on demand and quality but more so demand.

The fact it hasn't been farmed for a while wouldn't be adding value.

Chat with a local auctioneers.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487312#Comment_122487312

Farming is like mose modern business as in it needs access to capital and scale so although you are not too old to do anything I'd be more afraid of not having the scale or capital to lose for the first few years mistakes.

Definitely worth finding out what company is involved in the adjacent solar project and hearing them out.

Another option is forestry. Once again worth contacting and hearing them out.

Remember when chatting to any of these you have no obligation or commitment to them or have they to you. The all just want their cut on the deal.

So do what suits you best.

How lost am i

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487399#Comment_122487399

I'll try and get in touch with the solar company thanks. Who would I speak to with regards to forestry?

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487426#Comment_122487426

Make sure you understand the permanent implications of putting in forestry.

If you rent land on a lease of more than 5 years, you can potentially receive that income tax free. Obviously this is more advantageous relatively speaking to those on the higher rate of tax. The scheme changed this year which means there is a "waiting" period after you first acquire the land before you can qualify. I think that is maybe 7 years.

BorneTobyWilde

What part of country is this 30 acres in

How lost am i

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487503#Comment_122487503

Midlands

893bet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122488083#Comment_122488083

Forget farming it yourself.

Good land or marginal?

Is it the family farm that you were reared on.
Its worth 150k-450k. A lot of money. If you could use it to proceeds to improve your mental health it would be the best investment.

How lost am i

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122488095#Comment_122488095

Sorry now I've no idea what shape it's in I wouldn't be an expert. Wouldn't want to sell. Would you have any idea how much it could be rented out for say?

893bet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122488154#Comment_122488154

Depends on the land hugely, 100-400 per acre per year.

tabby aspreme

What type of farming are neighbouring farms being used for.

older by the day

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122487312#Comment_122487312

Jay's, don't start farming, hoping it will cure mantal issues. Being Self-employed is a pain, if you aint already motivated.

Ask about the solar, and if its a non runner, ring the local auctioneers and find out about rent prices and there fees . Try a few as they are about as twisted and crooked as you will ever come across

Good loser

Definitely don't put it into forestry - that would halve the value of your land.

Water John

30 acres would be room for a 5Mw solar farm. That's handy and viable. It's all a question of is their room in the substation for the extra capacity. Would be good if you could talk to someone you trust. That could be a friend or a legal/accountant person. Leasing as farmland is the other obvious option. I'm from Cork so not in the market but numbers of people would love to have or add such land to their organic enterprise. Brendan Guinan, Fiorbhia Farm, if he's fairly near you, would be worth having a word with, genuine guy.

n1st

Sell it if you are not tied to it emotionally.

Dint bother trying to farm, would do you more bad than good and you'd need to be prepared to lose a lot of money.

.

Forestry would be the second option.

Long term lease could be an option. Get a solicitor and an agent, don't deal with a farmer yourself.

Keep an acre for yourself maybe, vegetables and gardening can be good for the health.