1 Budget on a bad year

If you can survive a tough financial year, you will thrive in a good one.

Create your budget in a way that will deliver a fair financial return to both parties involved in the venture year on year.

2 Like-minded people

Find like-minded people who want to farm the same way you do. It reduces arguments and gives greater peace of mind to both parties.

The interview process works both ways and is of great benefit as it gives both parties the opportunity get to know each other.

Both the landowner and the share-farmer should look at each other's CVs.

3 Agreement

Develop a well thought out agreement. It is worth spending time and due diligence to work out the contract together.

Having an agreement in place in the event of any dispute means the contract is an important reference point.

The agreement has to work on a daily basis and can be tailored to each situation.

4 Independent facilitator

Have an independent facilitator. Share-farmers and landowners may have differences of opinion from time to time.

A facilitator who has the confidence of both parties should ideally be present at monthly meetings. A third-party voice can help prevent a small difficulty from becoming something that is detrimental to the business arrangement.

5 Build good relationships

If you are moving into a new area as a share-farmer you must form new business contacts, not just the landowner.

You have to take time to get to know your neighbours and you have to develop a whole new business network consisting of vets, contractors and merchants. In the first year of a share-farming venture the time taken to do this can often be underestimated.

6 Support from family, friends or mentors

While rewarding, a career in primary agriculture can be a challenging and demanding at times, particularly if you are starting share-farming.

Having a good support base in the form of people you are familiar with and trust is a vital and often under-valued asset.

7 Start saving

Banks recognise a good track record from whenever you start banking with them.

8 Communication

Communication is key to the success of a share-milking operation. Keep the landowner and your financial institution well-informed.

9 Endgame

The event of a share-farming venture coming to an end should be catered for in the contract.

This could include time frame for giving notice of intention to leave or what physical state the farm is in at the end of the agreement.

This could include what grass covers the farm is left at, how much winter fodder should be in place or what levels of soil fertility is the land in should the share-farmer decide to move on.

10 It’s not for everyone

Share-farming: it’s not for everyone. There are risks that you have to take on that you may not necessarily have to deal with as an employee or a farm manager.

Read more

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