The Next Step

[kfpben]

The annual 'Crikey the grass has grown come and graze my field' phone calls have started from the Stockbrokers and arable farmers of mid-Hampshire. This year it's different though- fewer folk asking me to graze 2 acre paddocks (which I decline unless they are very local and ram proof) and much more big areas of grass.

If I count it all up in the last week I have been offered c.200 acres of grazing on an FOC 'just keep the place tidy' basis for the unfenced, unwatered grass or for a low rent for the stock fenced areas.

As we all know cattle & sheep farming is marginally profitable in a good year- the extra ground means I could go up from 400 ewes to c.1000 and also increase the cattle from the current 80. I'm sure there are plenty of superheroes out there running that number of stock on their own, but with a troublesome shoulder, the ground spread out, weekend relief milking and me spending roughly a day and a half a week on a couple of board positions I will need a bit of help.

I have a keen, very competent 18 year old currently helping me part time who has said he is looking for a full time position. With Brexit looming would you expand and take someone on?

Purely investing in the stock will be a bit of a punt but who dares wins.....I think?

 

[Al R]

Go for it.
I was told years ago by my accountant that throughout the whole year on average you should treble the profit of someone’s wage to make it worth employing someone. I’ve always gone on double and an easier life for myself.

 

[kfpben]

Go for it.
I was told years ago by my accountant that throughout the whole year on average you should treble the profit of someone’s wage to make it worth employing someone. I’ve always gone on double and an easier life for myself.

That was my thought too. Got to be in it to win it!

I’m sure I’m not alone in every Summer thinking ‘I could do with some more sheep’. Then spending every winter paddling around in mud cursing my Summer optimism....until Spring arrives again!