New Property......Maybe

4720 OWNER · Feb 6, 2008

The joys of trying to fit into a new established neighborhood where only the people who have streets named after them are established.

firefighter9208 · Feb 8, 2008

RobJ said:
Hmm,

Goats!!! cheap, small, will eat everything!!! Including weeds, leaves and stuff that cows and horses will starve standing in.

Give them a little water and let them go. A few folks have them up at the weekend place, just tie them to a tree for a few days, them move them. they are not that big either.

Please never tie a goat to a tree. It's crual. Goats are browsers and need to move around. Also makes for a free lunch for all the neighborhood dogs. I have refused to sell goats to "week-enders" that wanted to dump them at their "getaway" and go back every few weeks to check on them.

Chris

jimg · Feb 8, 2008

TNhobbyfarmer said:
I live in suburbia. I have a farm about 80 miles away which is my getaway. I have tired of the 1/3 acre lot and neighbors too close. I have found a six acre lot outside town that I am considering buying and building a new house. However, I don't want to mow six acres. I travel quite a bit in my work and don't want to spend the weekends mowing in the summer. Weekends are for the farm.

So here's a thought I have. I could fence off about an acre for the house and put animals on the balance for grass control. A few cows that might even throw off a little income. Board someone elses horses, again maybe some income. Or possibly a few horses of my own, more for asthetics than anything eles. Does any of this make sense or am I just asking for a lot of trouble? Jump in and give your opinions. I know many of you have been there, done that.

I think the idea of grazing cattle/sheep could work. Id make sure though to get a signed DETAILED agreement. I have a small pasture that I let my neighbor use gratis. He doesnt abuse it and I dont have to keep it mowed. Works well for us both. Last time he turned his cattle out on it he even asked beforehand (a story in itself).

Dont think boarding would do well b/c youll need a barn etc. Ive not had any direct experience w/ horse boarders but my daughter used to manage a boarding barn and it made her crazy most of the time. It sounds like you dont have the extra time or desire to manage the problems of boarding. If you decide to rent your land consider what it might look like after a year of severe drought (like last year) esp if animals are grazing on it. Most of the pastures over here in the valley were in terrible shape and some were mostly dirt. Id make sure the rental contract discussed such things.