Making a deal. What should I ask for?

#1 08/14/09, 03:45 PM

I have a pasture that's about 3 acres. It's sitting empty now due to us moving here too late to get cattle. We made a deal with a local farmer (he approached us) for him to mow and bale the grass in the pasture in return for half of it. We ended up wanting only about 20% of it so we gave the rest to him.

I put an ad on CL for pasture use. I have a guy coming out on Sunday to look over the place. So far we've tenatively agree that we'll provide the barn, pasture, water and oversight in return for him being able to put 3-4 cows out there. He would provide any grain and vet services the cattle need. We would get beef in return. I don't mind putting fresh water out for them as I'm already putting water out there for 2 goats.

How much beef should we ask for?

Does anyone else have agreements like this? How do the work?

ksfarmer · #2 08/14/09, 04:53 PM

My question is Where are you that you can put 3 or 4 cows and 2 goats on only 3 acres of grass??

#3 08/14/09, 05:00 PM

In southern IL.

The guy wants to have his cattle on a mix of grain and pasture.

ozark_jewels · #4 08/14/09, 05:10 PM

Be careful and do not let him overgraze. That will kill your pastures. Even cows on hay and grain will graze what is there.

copperhead46 · #5 08/14/09, 09:00 PM

Unless he has Dexters or something really small, thats way too many cows for 3 acres, I wouldn't put more than 2 on it, if they kill out your grass, you won't have any for your cows next year. How long is he going to use the pasture? You need his cows gone by early spring so that you will have grass for your cows. Ask around and see what pasture rents for in your area, and then you can figure the dollar amount to ask for in beef.
P.J.

Ronney · #6 08/15/09, 07:06 AM

Tonya, I have to agree with the others. I don't think it matters where you live in the world, 3 acres is not going to support 3-4 cattle beasts for very long and I can see you coming out of this the loser. Don't lose sight of the fact that cattle eat grass faster than it grows.

Look at other alternatives such as buying in a couple of beef weaners (no more than two) and taking them through the winter, finishing them in spring, putting one in your freezer and selling the other to off-set your costs. If you work it right you can make a nice little bit of pin-money between hay and beasts off your 3 acres.

Cheers,
Ronnie