How much to charge neighbors

[goodoleboy]

How much to charge neighbors

Well we own our 15 acres fully fenced (almost) finishing up though. I would like to get get started running a few head of cattle but dont really know where to start.
I have a neighbor who want to put a few cattle on property which is 15 miles away from our homes. How often do i need to check on these cattle? I have a pond so water is not a problem till it freezes. I dont have any shelter for them but plenty of windbreaks for now. I plan on building something in the future.
Am i missing anything else? How much should I charge them if they provide the hay? I must be in it for profit according to law and tax reasons. Will checking on the cows every 3 days be alright?
Im thinking we could share the responsibilty of checking on the cows.
Your thoughts and expericence would be greatly aprreciated .

 

[GRUMPA]

Re: How much to charge neighbors

I dont know what your state laws are but here its 1 cow on the hoof per 40 acres, for open grazing . If you plan on feeding them everyday its diferent. Here you dont need shelter for cows they're very durable to the weather. Make sure you got salt blocks and stay away from keeping bulls. I have 4 strand barb wire fence and take my word for it they can and will go thru it. I dont know what kind of fence you got or the type of cattle he has, it does make a diference. As far as what to charge, it all depends on how good of a neighbor he is. I personaly dont own cows but have been around them thru out my life and knew many ranchers, they would check up on there herd like once a month.

 

[turnkey4099]

Re: How much to charge neighbors

Around here, it is the job of cattle owners to check up and take care of them, not the property owners. What to charge? Whatever the local rates are unless you want to go lower to be a good neighbor. Check with the local farm bureau whatever the name is.

Harry K

 

[MarkLeininger]

Re: How much to charge neighbors

We had a similar situation with the property we bought, only we were going to lease it for horse pasture. When we talked with the insurance agent about getting insurance to cover liability from someone being injured on the property, or a horse getting out and hit by a car, he said forget it. He didn't even sell that kind of coverage and it is supposed to be expensive. He suggested growing a crop instead. Our local zoning required that it be used to graze an animal or harvest a crop, so we leased it to a gentleman farmer who planted things. Not sure if crops are an option where you're located, but it worked out better for us. We're also on the edge of the Chicago metropolitan sprawl, so that probably has a lot to do with the availability of insurance.

 

[Jimbrown]

Re: How much to charge neighbors

Your post is not very clear. You want to run cattle but a neighbor is providing them? If they belong to the neighbor it is his responsibility to check them and feed them. You only need to maintain the fence. Who gets the calves? You Him?. I do not know what kind of grass or how much you have but 15 acres will not feed many cows. 3-5 probably at most unless it is somekind of really good hybred stuff and you get lots of rain.
they do not need shelter if you have some trees for wind breaks. They probably would not go in any shelter unless you drove them their. I do not know what land leases for in Ok but but 15 acres I would guess around $100-150 for grazing per year. More if they are going to farm it or cut hay.

 

[tough451]

Re: How much to charge neighbors

If you both are going to have cattle on the property dont charge him anything if he is willing to help with fence maintence hay feed and such. You should check on the cattle at least 3 times a week or you could take turns at 2 days a week apeice, just my thoughts. It could be a win win situation for both of you.