Question about going shares on hay

[archerm3]

I got a guy that wants to disk and replant 6 ac of my land for hay. He is going to do all the disking, planting oats and alfalfa. at the end of the year we will split bales 50/50. Would I be expected to pay for any fertilizer throughout the year? He is paying for the seeds.

 

[Mousefield]

I would think it is in his best interest to have a good crop. He is giving you half of the crop in exchange for the use of the land and the right to plant and harvest the crop. Fertilizer cost, unless you agree to it, should be his cost. If you are not sure then have it clarified, you do not want a conflict at harvest time. Communication is a very good thing.

 

[RickB]

"Here" if you supply the land and no inputs or labor or machinery, you are entitled to about 1/3 of the crop. Who is cutting and baling the hay? I'll assume he is. If you require a 50-50 spilit of the crop and want to be fair, you need to up the ante substantially on your end. You should buy the fertilizer and lime, and consider buying the seed. Remember, if he goes away, he can't take the crop, and he is supplying the machinery, $3.00 + fuel, labor and all the risk. As you describe it, you are supplying land, and sitting on the porch.

 

[jayste]

Sounds to me he's offering a very good deal for you. I used to have a neighbor here that would cut, rake and bale my place and it was on a common split of 70/30. He got 70% of the hay and I got 30%. He did have the larger expense since I wasn't spraying or fertilizing the fields.

 

[archerm3]

Thanks for the replies.

Rick, yes, it is as you describe. I would rather take less shares than have to ante up cash for fertilizer and such, we will see what the guy says next time I talk to him.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

What ever the two of you agree on is fine.

Keep in mind hay is about the only crop that removes 100% of what is grown from the land so it is very hard on the land. The good thing is there is not top soil washing away. The cost to buy or rent land today makes hay very expensive often times.

 

[RickB]

Thanks for the replies.

Rick, yes, it is as you describe. I would rather take less shares than have to ante up cash for fertilizer and such, we will see what the guy says next time I talk to him.

Glad to hear it. A deal has to work out for both parties to be successful. It is a cleaner deal if you supply none of the inputs and take a fair share for supplying the land.