A group of twenty 15 mth old heifers, approx 425 kilos, broke into a neighbours barley crop last sat night. Upon hearing of it on sunday morning I immediately removed them and fenced the hole in the ditch. The field of barley is over 25 Ha and as I can see they travelled around the headlands and were at the dividing gate bawling to get home when I arrived over on Sunday morn. This is the first time they broke in, although there were a group of bullocks from a neighbouring farm in there about 6 weeks ago.
The farmer who rents the field has rung me demanding compensation for his losses saying the damage is considerable. As I can see the crop is about fit to harvest and I would imagine the combine will pick up anything that is down.
Any advice on how to put a value on the damage? What is the best course of action? Am I covered by public liability?
I'm thinking that if prices were not so poor this year I wouldn't b getting these phone calls, but I do understand the neighbours frustration. We both rent the land from the same farmer.
Opinions would b appreciated!
The farmer who rents the field has rung me demanding compensation for his losses saying the damage is considerable. As I can see the crop is about fit to harvest and I would imagine the combine will pick up anything that is down.
Any advice on how to put a value on the damage? What is the best course of action? Am I covered by public liability?
I'm thinking that if prices were not so poor this year I wouldn't b getting these phone calls, but I do understand the neighbours frustration. We both rent the land from the same farmer.
Opinions would b appreciated!