[rubadubdub]

Hey chaps,
bit of a fork in my life at the moment (pardon the pun). I won't go into it as you would all probably fall asleep and none of you would get to the end of this post and read my question.

Opportunity has arrisen to buy a small plot of land. I am a keen gardener but nothing on the scale of a smallholder. I was thinking I could maybe let the majority of my land out to the locals whilst I get started on a market garden. The soil is well drained fine silty over clay, and is in the south west. I would really appreciate it if any folk from around these parts could give me a rough figure of how much I should expect per acre if I allowed sheep to graze. I'm expecting this to be a big project and to take a bit of time to set-up, so any small return of investment would be ideal. I appreciate it the prices will be totally different from location to location, and toil type to soil type, but I cannot find any material of the sort online, and a start would be much appreciated.

Cheers all,
Tudor

[doganjo]

Hiya
You don't say what part of the world you are in, nor how much land you have, nor the state of it.  lots of folk on here with ideas but that info would help I think.  Crossroads in life are positive things so good luck for the way ahead!

[Rosemary]

Hi and welcome! Can't help with the query but wish you well with your new project.

[rubadubdub]

Sorry all. I'm in the UK. South West in the UK. Somerset.

I described the type of soil above. Looks quite productive. Haven't had it properly tested yet. I was wondering on a per acre return of investment. But its around 20 acres.

[Wizard]

And you talk about me getting past it Annie

[doganjo]

And you talk about me getting past it Annie

Would I do that, Wiz?
Anyway, 20 acres is not a small plot of land!  As to the state of it, what I meant was, is it overgrown as I was going to suggest pigs to clear it not sheep.

[Wizard]

Yeah if you thought you could get away with it Yes Pigs will plough it beautifully wont they.Make sure the fences are stock proof though :farmer:Sorry corrected now

[doganjo]

If it's clay underneath it might need more than pig manure though

[Wizard]

as I said yesterday Annie they will rip concrete up.I have had them do it

[doganjo]

Yeah, I know but what I meant was that pig manure might not be enough for a clay soil.  I've added suff yo mine but it's still pretty heavy.  Might need horse manure too having more vegetable matter in it

[rubadubdub]

Thanks for the tips so far guys. I'll keep them in mind. The land looks quite well looked after. I'm assuming its had something or other already grazing on it, but it does not look lush enough to have cows, which I imagine will bring in more cash. Do you guys know what I might get (very roughly) per month per acre for having sheep on the land? I'm only looking for a ballpark figure really.

[doganjo]

I think it varies by area but when I had a croft in Aberdeenshire we let the land per acre for the season from May to October that was for cattle and up to 2003 it was £85 an acre.  We let the farmer put sheep on it from November to February to crop the grass for winter - for nothing.  But in return she kept the fences for us.  Sorry I can't help in monetary terms.

[CameronS]

helo, welcome from fife

[Daisys Mum]

Hi and welcome from the Scottish Borders, I am renting grazing this year for 6 months and am paying £60 per acre, the field is about 5 acres so I will be paying £300.Hope this helps.

[little blue]

hello and welcome