From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Denver, CO

I am considering approaching a farmer with about 30 acres of land of which about 1/2 sits each year. I would like to lease patch space (maybe 2 30 x 30 plots). How many of you out there have done this. How did you do it? What kind of considerations do I need to account for on the farmers behalf and on mine? Any idea as to a reasonable cost? Any help and suggestions would be great. I want to represent our hobby the best I can and don’t want to blow it for everyone else down the line.
Post comments or email me at [email protected]

3/10/2008 9:14:55 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

A grower in our group, the SOGPG, does exactly the same thing you are proposing. His home property abuts the farmer's field. Chances are, you can get said property for your growing needs just by asking him without an offer to lease. My proposal would be this: make him your partner without any cash outlay on his part. Give him credit during your weigh-off and offer to split any cash prizes.

I do pretty much the same thing, only I offer my skills as a diesel technician when his equipment needs repair. He is very grateful to have someone local who can do his air conditioning work as well. We have a symbiotic relationship and he is grateful that his land is put to good use.

I think, as time goes by and he sees that you are a good person and do not take advantage of him and respect his land, you will become good friends. This is my opinion based on experience.

3/10/2008 9:46:29 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

In addition, the barter system works very well for farmers.

3/10/2008 9:48:18 PM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Most farmers will lease unused framland for a very reasonable price. One local garlic grower leases a 6 acre field for $100 per year.

3/11/2008 3:34:47 AM

Berlin,mi.([email protected])

beer works too. lol

3/11/2008 5:51:41 AM

[email protected]

I like beer, and cheese.

3/11/2008 6:41:24 AM

Colorado

Greg,

Take the Wiz with you...He can talk the stripe off a skunk...LOL

What we did up a Jareds Nursery is simply introduced our selves and asked if they would have any interest in hosting
a GPC weigh-off. Not only was Loren interesed in the weigh
off he offered us the ground to grow pumpkins on. Most farmers are more than willing to lease un-used ground
as long as they know it will not be abused....LB

3/11/2008 9:42:57 AM

No Place Special

I did the same thing seveal years ago. I just sat down and wrote the farmer a nice leter explaining what I do and would like to do with my goals and such. Long story short he called me back and offered me some ground for free. Over the years I did some chores around the area such as mowing and tree clean up. In addition I usually sent a $50 gift card every xmas to the farmer. After 5 good years growing there the ground has been sold and now im out but it was great while it lasted. Just talk to him, you will be surprised how easy going and willing to help he prob will be.

3/11/2008 9:49:45 AM

Williamsburg,KY

The most important item...respect the farmer and his land. Talk about everything up front, dont assume, ask. Im sure the farmer would be happy to share the prize money, but taking care of the land is important, with the price of fertilizer, im sure the farmer would be happy to have some of his land fertilized. Also you may want to talk about pesticide use, he may be a hippy tree hugger..lol...Its a great idea, wish someone would want to lease our land...Croley Bend

3/11/2008 10:30:33 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Croley makes a good point. If he's an organic farmer, pesticides, herbicides, etc. may be out of the question. Let him know up front what chemicals you would be using, if any.
Some great suggestions.....Good luck!

3/11/2008 5:37:07 PM

Somers, CT

Beer and cheese.

3/11/2008 8:06:56 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Be sure to let us know what happens...Im sure he will be cooperative..unless he's a totaly jerk then you just learned something...Croley

3/12/2008 8:25:57 AM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

I like cheese

3/12/2008 10:11:25 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

glad to see so many growers like cheese! Have some Fromunda!

3/12/2008 11:08:50 PM