The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Marketplace => Topic started by: starcana on June 15, 2010, 08:23:50 pm
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We have 10 acres cut for hay. When we came here two years ago the previous owner told us he had a contra-deal for a local contractor to cut the hay and then take it away at no cost. In the Two years we've been here that's not happened - they've cut it, baled it, charged us and dumped it at the edge of our fields, saying there's not enough demand for it as so few people keep stock here now. This year, a neighbouring farm has agreed to take about 3 acres worth, if we get it baled with a small baler. So, does anyone want the other 7 acres worth. A contribution would be very nice, but basically, I hate the waste of it. Does anyone else have a similar problem. We're in West Cornwall (near Falmouth) by the way.
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Have you tried putting up notices in local feed suppliers and saddlers. If it is good hay round here you would pay £2-£3 a bale.
Pity you are so far away I spend a fortune on hay every year! :(
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That's strange as up here we are told there is such a shortage and that's why the price is creeping up. Shame you are not close by, I would be more than happy to buy from you. I think the idea of advertising is a good one, give it a try.
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In derbyshire, we have found it less than easy to get hold of decent hay at a reasonable price. So, like James - if only you were nearer!!
I would think smaller bales would sell better, with some good advertising. We wanted them when all we had was rabbits & had to travel quite far. we've just had 3 huge round bales delivered... at the cost of the front stone gate post. The farmers' trailer ripped the gate off & pulled down the solid stone post, resulting too in a lost pig who went up the road and into next-door's garden!!
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You should have people biting your arm off to get good resonably priced hay !!
As DM says advertise in agricultural stores or local free paper
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Hi Starcana -
Can't help with wanting the hay I'm afraid ::) BUT we do not to get contact details for a contractor who can cut a 3 acre field for hay, small bales, for us - we are near Helston so not a million miles from you ;)
Cheers
Tish
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Hi there
I'm also full of hay right now having just had my few acres cut but also know a brilliant contractor who can small bale - he also put me in touch with a guy looking for hay - he ended up paying for 8 of my acres to be cut and baled (large round bales), took them away AND gave me 100 quid!!!
I'm just outside of St Austell. Email if want his details any time (I don;t get on here as much as I would like!! ;D
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We had our hay baled into the small old fashioned horse size and could have sold it ten times over! We're not far from you between Helston and and Redruth and just put a sign outside the gate. If you can't find a contractor, PM me and depending on where you are I'll see if our chap is willing to come over.
regards
Sue
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I'm in Somerset, near Yeovil, and was told last night that small bale hay would be £4 a bale this year!!! Advertise it quickly. Again, wish we were nearer.
Di
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Thanks for that everyone. It's moved on a bit though - our contractor has now cut all the hay, (It's still 'green' so I think it's sileage rather than hay (don't quite understand the difference except the level of 'ripeness' - is hay and sileage used as feed in just the same way anyone?). They have been back to turn it once so that it dries well and will be back in next few days to bale and take away. Haven't discussed price etc yet as very happy for it to be used so hoping it's a contra deal - they do the work and keep the hay. Will keep you posted!
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Unbelieveable! Your man is getting a very good deal out of that!!! I've come to an arrangement with one of my 'tame' farmer friends. We've got 10 acres which we're getting a contractor in to cut, £10/acre, 'tame' farmer is then going to come in and bale it for me for 25p/bale (smal bales), I want 300 so we've come to an agreement that he'll take the rest but pay the discounted rate (he helps me out alot with advice on my sheep etc) of £2.50-£3 less the payment for bailing. All in all we should make a bit of money out of it - top tip of the day, get friendly with your local contractor and get a 'tame' farmer friend!