Farming and diversity with a FBT

RandomsRanch

New Member
Hi, I am hoping for some constructive advice. So thought this may be the best place to start.

My main question is....
Do we take attempt to take on a Farming Business tenancy for an uplands farm in the Cumbrian hills?

The tenancy is already included in the Basic Payments Scheme, SDA area and receives UELS funding. Which I have researched and partially understand.

My dilemma is could this be too big a challenge for my dedicated family? The closing date for tenure is only 10 days away and we have only recently found this property and not had a chance to view it.

Background……

We are a couple, both 35yrs, very committed and hard working, both having full time ‘regular jobs’ currently. We have 4 teenage girls living with us along with our 20yr old son in law. Both older girls currently attend agricultural college, equestrian and animal management courses. Our son in law has completed his NVQ in horticulture and currently works full time as a grounds man for a Best Western establishment. His dream being to have a farm, crops and drive tractors all summer!

We are a hard working family who have had horses 17yrs and a number of small pets along the way. Currently sitting with a herd of 12, a llama, goats, poultry, ducks, pigs, cats and dogs. We manage 22acres of grazing land along with a compact smallholding. Our herd live a natural 24/7 grazing lifestyle with rotated paddocks and a track system to encourage natural behaviours and keep physical fitness. This lifestyle takes dedication and long days during all weathers. We love it all the same. Now our family are maturing we have been looking into the chance to work at a family business. This would need to be outdoor, labour and time consuming to keep us busy and fit. Obviously animal related…. so why not farming?

BUT does this mean we could maintain and manage an upland farm of approx. 120acres or would this be too big a challenge?

Where can I get help and advice from to make the decision to place an informal tender?

Could a Farm Business Tenancy accept a business plan set around plans for breeding rare breeds (sheep, pigs, goats on a small scale)?

Ideas for a trekking centre equine and or Llama/Alpaca based?

Equine rehabilitation and retirement?

Sorry for the questions but I don’t have much time to research where I could find the answers…..

Thanks in advance for any replies and they will all be appreciated, good and bad x

Mandy
 

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Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

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As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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