Interested in buying a farm - no experience

[Gareth Edwards]

With huge apologies to all farmers for the massively naive nature of this post, my wife and I are exploring buying (and farming) a livestock farm. I have the financial resources but no experience and I don't know any farmers. Any suggestions of where to go to get experience or any good courses, or is it an idea to volunteer on a farm a couple of days a week? I live in South Cambridgeshire but am looking to buy in Wales. I am in my early 50s and have run several businesses but my outdoor experience only extends to gardening!

 

[Mickeydredd]

Try speaking to a chap called Jeremy Clarkson......

 

[Grass And Grain]

With huge apologies to all farmers for the massively naive nature of this post, my wife and I are exploring buying (and farming) a livestock farm. I have the financial resources but no experience and I don't know any farmers. Any suggestions of where to go to get experience or any good courses, or is it an idea to volunteer on a farm a couple of days a week? I live in South Cambridgeshire but am looking to buy in Wales. I am in my early 50s and have run several businesses but my outdoor experience only extends to gardening!

Suspect you'll learn most and quickest if you work on a farm. Actually, maybe employ a mentor, although you'll need to see first hand for stock handling etc. the practical day to day sort of jobs.

There will be contract livestock services people in your locality, and they'll probably hand hold you through your first year or so. Get them to come and help with specific tasks, and they'll advise as you go. Or find a livestock consultant.

Good luck!

 

[bluebell]

Dont ever think that you can make it pay? or make a profit? for the time money effort worry or what involved? Sorry to sound so pessimistic but most people that have never known the economics/work involved in livestock farming are truely shocked when they find out, same as running a pub/ escape to the country or new life in france, once the glamour worn off you work 10 times harder for half the money to scratch through the winter?

 

[puppet]

I guess in Wales it will be livestock. Start small and rent fields to some neighbours. Sheep need little machinery to look after them but you have to recognise a few ailments.
There will be contractors who will come and do tasks and you will quickly learn from them. Find a friendly neighbour (not one you outbid) and usually they will give free advice.
Gardening is a good start as you need to be hands on.

 

[Landrover]

How big of a farm do you want ? For the right sized cheque there's 1500acres plus 6 houses in Northumberland you can have !

 

[Yale]

Run, run, as fast as you can. I can think of far more enjoyable hobbies to lose money…..

 

[le bon paysan]

Run, run, as fast as you can. I can think of far more enjoyable hobbies to lose money…..

If you want to make a small fortune in farming ....start with a large one.

 

[DrDunc]

Livestock farming is a way of life, not a job, or a career

You've just missed the opportunity to learn at the deep end trying to lamb sheep in one of the wettest, harshest, most difficult springs in the living memory's of many

Unless you make friends with some farmers and get experience, avoiding animal cruelty will mean you'll be very heavily reliant upon the services of a veterinary practice

Did you enjoy your career as a scrum half?

 

[Wooly]

I am in my early 50s and have run several businesses but my outdoor experience only extends to gardening!

Are you having a mid life crisis !?!

Good luck to you, but farming certainly isn't how it's portrayed on the tele.

As a business, farming has shocking returns, but is a great way of life when you are bringing up kids. Every day, every week and every month is different, so has great variety.

If you know nothing about farming, then do try to find a neighbouring farmer that will guide you. It will be far cheaper than calling the vet out or having a land agent to advise you.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

How big of a farm do you want ? For the right sized cheque there's 1500acres plus 6 houses in Northumberland you can have !

Which one’s that, then?

 

[Landrover]

Which one’s that, then?

It's not on the market, unless a ridiculously big cheque was offered!

 

[Rich_ard]

It's not on the market, unless a ridiculously big cheque was offered!

Is that the one with the sister who could be like freddy in the gentlemen?

 

[Gareth Edwards]

Try speaking to a chap called Jeremy Clarkson......

Will be watching season 3 with interest!

 

[Gareth Edwards]

Suspect you'll learn most and quickest if you work on a farm. Actually, maybe employ a mentor, although you'll need to see first hand for stock handling etc. the practical day to day sort of jobs.

There will be contract livestock services people in your locality, and they'll probably hand hold you through your first year or so. Get them to come and help with specific tasks, and they'll advise as you go. Or find a livestock consultant.

Good luck!

Thanks, really appreciate the advice!

 

[neilo]

Are you having a mid life crisis !?!

Good luck to you, but farming certainly isn't how it's portrayed on the tele.

As a business, farming has shocking returns, but is a great way of life when you are bringing up kids. Every day, every week and every month is different, so has great variety.

If you know nothing about farming, then do try to find a neighbouring farmer that will guide you. It will be far cheaper than calling the vet out or having a land agent to advise you.

That will depend on whether the OP expects the 'farming' to pay for the farm purchase, or whether he can buy it for cash, has an outside income/investments, and just wants the farm to wipe it's face.
In the latter scenario would be quite possible for it to be a life like on those daft Tele programs.... sometimes.

 

[Gareth Edwards]

Livestock farming is a way of life, not a job, or a career

You've just missed the opportunity to learn at the deep end trying to lamb sheep in one of the wettest, harshest, most difficult springs in the living memory's of many

Unless you make friends with some farmers and get experience, avoiding animal cruelty will mean you'll be very heavily reliant upon the services of a veterinary practice

Did you enjoy your career as a scrum half?

If only my prior career was in rugby! Point well made re animal welfare, thanks for the advice and taking time to reply.

 

[Gareth Edwards]

How big of a farm do you want ? For the right sized cheque there's 1500acres plus 6 houses in Northumberland you can have !

Think that might be too ambitious a starting point for me:}

 

[Gareth Edwards]

Suspect you'll learn most and quickest if you work on a farm. Actually, maybe employ a mentor, although you'll need to see first hand for stock handling etc. the practical day to day sort of jobs.

There will be contract livestock services people in your locality, and they'll probably hand hold you through your first year or so. Get them to come and help with specific tasks, and they'll advise as you go. Or find a livestock consultant.

Good luck!

Thanks, great advice, really appreciate it!

 

[Gareth Edwards]

Try speaking to a chap called Jeremy Clarkson......

Are you having a mid life crisis !?!

Good luck to you, but farming certainly isn't how it's portrayed on the tele.

As a business, farming has shocking returns, but is a great way of life when you are bringing up kids. Every day, every week and every month is different, so has great variety.

If you know nothing about farming, then do try to find a neighbouring farmer that will guide you. It will be far cheaper than calling the vet out or having a land agent to advise you.

Thanks, I think the mid-life crisis is behind me but I am looking for a different and more meaningful lifestyle after many years stuck in office and airport lounges.