The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: betty02 on April 29, 2019, 08:27:43 am

Title: Arable to Pasture?
Post by: betty02 on April 29, 2019, 08:27:43 am

Hell All!

I have the potential to buy a bit of land (1.5ac) near by just not sure if it is right for my first plot. It's currently used as arable land, and had a small crop of what looks like turnips on it, it's also surround by rapeseed. I'd want to put some sort of miniature cattle, alpacas maybe on the land. Bit more info in my introduction thread.

Main reason for the question is... How difficult is it to change from arable land to something cattle can graze on? If it's going to be a royal pain and a lot of cash I know the land isn't right for me!

Thanks
SImon

Title: Re: Arable to Pasture?
Post by: Buttermilk on May 01, 2019, 02:27:01 pm

Grazing grass is still agricultural use so no change needed.

Title: Re: Arable to Pasture?
Post by: PK on May 01, 2019, 05:53:53 pm

I think the question is what practically has to be done to convert an arable field to pasture rather than the legalities of change of use. Presumably plough/rotovate , harrow/rake, seed with an appropriate seed mix and hope the weather is favourable. I guess it would be a year before it is grazable. Others might advise from experience.

Title: Re: Arable to Pasture?
Post by: macgro7 on May 01, 2019, 09:43:22 pm

Bare in mind on 1.5 acre you can only put one cow or probably maybe 5 sheep.