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Hi All, just starting out coming from a background of IT and Civil Engineering but always been yearning for the "good life". Finally got 25 acres of land in Bledlow Ridge. Have PP for 5 stables, no power or water yet but hopefully by Mid May 2010, about 10 acres flat enough to cut hay and 10 too steep thus graze it?? and 5 deciduous woodland. All fences are shot and land only split into in 3 sections, 2 paddocks and woodland..all will need re fencing. Where do I start???!!! Last year wasted all the hay but this year want to cut and bale whatever the farmer will cut and graze the rest. Sheep and Dexter's??? Live about 10 miles from land so keeping away from poultry till I can get closer to land....any ideas, great web site with a lot of positive encouraging and experienced people around. How do I store & sell the hay as I don't have any barns yet? Local stables and studs?? 

[doganjo]

You lucky thing - all that land - wonderful.  I used to have that amount in Aberdeenshire with my late partner, but we just let it out and didn't really use it well.  I've moved south to be near my kids and only have an acre now - I'd love more land.  Keep us up to date on your plans.  With that amount you have lots of scope.  You can bale the hay in the field if you get dry weather but I'd put an advertising board up in the fields(or nearby if off the road) to sell it as soon as it's cut. or even before - horse owners will probably be glad of it, many would have some storage of their own.  I'm sure your local farmer would help too. (Like the different font colour btw)

[Annie22]

Hi and welcome from Australia.  Ask the person who will be baling your hay as to how much you are likely to get and pre advertise it just before you cut the hay and you may have it sold before it's cut.  We have people ringing us up asking us how much hay we want before they bale.  In time you will get an eye for how much there will be and your regular customers will be on your doorstep.

[Hilarysmum]

Welcome from Brittany.  I know out here horse people particulary, but others as well are desperate to find small bale hay, and will pay a premium for same.

[JulieS]

Hello and welcome from Devon.   

[doganjo]

You need to look at price too - if you are selling it virtually as it comes off the field you have no storage costs so can sell it cheaper (allowing for the costs of growing, cutting and baling of course)  I buy my straw from a local farmer from storage at £2.50 for a square (well rectangular really) bale, and it's lovely stuff.

[Rosemary]

Hi and welcome from sunny Alloa!

[Hilarysmum]

Perhaps you could consider pigs for your woodland?

[little blue]

hello and welcome

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Thanks everyone for your ideas and will start talking to people with horses and overwintered cattle/sheep to get precut tentative orders for small bale hay