AHA succession

[Terry75]

I am looking to take on the aha tenancy of the current family farm. I was wondering if anyone had done this on the death of the previous tenant and how they got on?
PM please if you like.
I have been in communication with the TFA over the last few years so know the the basic criteria. I am pretty sure I meet all requirements but I am still worried I have overlooked something.

 

[midlandslad]

I would recommend that you speak with a TFA recommended agent or ag solicitor. They are the only ones that you can get some definitive answers from. They will need to look into your financial position in great detail, something not suitable for a public forum.

 

[B'o'B]

Get a TFA recommendation professional on it ASAP. It’s may cost but it will be money well spent. You don’t want to get tripped up on a technicality and miss out.

 

[Terry75]

I am on the case with this. I was just interested in what I will be expected to provide as evidence as no one has told me yet.

 

[midlandslad]

Everything, bank statements, accounts, tax returns, tenancy agreements, etc.

 

[Terry75]

ok thanks.

 

[chipchap]

A lot depends on whether the Landlord decides to make things difficult.

 

[Northern territory]

In peoples experience is other income stream going to work against you or like said is it down to the landlord.

 

[chipchap]

Some Landlords are keen to give young entrants with obvious aptitude and energy a go. Some Landlords have a policy of objection to all AHA successions. Some Landlords leave it all to their appointed agent. Good luck; you may need it.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

I am on the case with this. I was just interested in what I will be expected to provide as evidence as no one has told me yet.

I successfully succeeded my Dad in 2009, he was in poor health (severe dementure) & over 65 so we went with the retirement option.
I got divorced in 2004 and the things they needed to know for succession were very similar to my divorce !
Previous 7 years accounts, bank statements etc, knowledge, experience.
I used a very experienced & proven agent, Ellie Allwood of JH Walter

 

[midlandslad]

In peoples experience is other income stream going to work against you or like said is it down to the landlord.

this all comes down to whether your principle source of livelihood is from the holding

 

[Northern territory]

But the holding can be any size, we have 50 acres on one but own the majority of our land so what income can you realistically earn off that 50 acres.

 

[midlandslad]

I think it refers to the holding and wider
Land holdings

 

[DRC]

But the holding can be any size, we have 50 acres on one but own the majority of our land so what income can you realistically earn off that 50 acres.

This is the big problem. Son comes home to a farm not big enough to provide a living for two families , so goes out contracting or something, then can’t meet the criteria of having earned all his income from the holding. Needs careful planning from an early age.

 

[Northern territory]

This is the big problem. Son comes home to a farm not big enough to provide a living for two families , so goes out contracting or something, then can’t meet the criteria of having earned all his income from the holding. Needs careful planning from an early age.

Wouldn’t mind buying ours but it’s always a delicate situation.

 

[Northern territory]

This is the big problem. Son comes home to a farm not big enough to provide a living for two families , so goes out contracting or something, then can’t meet the criteria of having earned all his income from the holding. Needs careful planning from an early age.

What’s your advice.

 

[DRC]

What’s your advice.

My advice would be to speak to the TFA.

 

[chipchap]

Any farming family with any land on a AHA tenancy needs to take advice and plan at an early stage to safeguard the right to succession. This assumes there is someone who aspires to farm as a tenant, which in all reality may not be the case these days, where good tradesmen can earn a good living on a 40 hour week.

 

[chipchap]

I think it refers to the holding and wider
Land holdings

I think the important thing is the applicants share of business of which the AHA holding forms a part. So if the applicant has a one third share of a business with 750 acres in total, of which 250 acres is on one AHA agreement, the applicant will be deemed to be farming one third of the 500 acres not covered by the AHA.

 

[dairyrow]

We started this and they haven't really got on with it. Verbally said there was no problem. But actually getting them to put someting in writing is a different matter. Dads well past 70. The agent is that helpful. It's going to get interesting here at some point and i don't really know how it's going to go if i'm honest.