Would you do it???

[Pumpkin Becki]

Buy it hun, you can always rent it out until you are ready to make use of it.

[ailsasyl]

Go on, you know you want to and five years gives you the time you need to do the fencing, water and build the shelters needed for the animals so that when OH does retire, you will be all set to go.

[Jeanied]

I know!!!!!

The only complicating factor is that we'd actually prefer the field behind our house- where it'd be very easy to keep an eye on any livestock. It's quite a bit smaller and so not so much of a commitment (Fencing is new, water access direct from our house)!
Problem is- (and yup- we could afford both pieces IF we could persuade the other farmer to sell) is that the two families have a massive feud and if we bought the first plot we'd vastly lessen our chances of getting the field we really would prefer.

Hmm..but we might never be offered the other field anyway- so ........

Nicos why don't you go and talk to the owner of the field you really want - it could work in your favour if he thinks he can do his rival out of a deal.

[bishop]

buy it, you got 5 years to sort it, the other one might never come up for sale,

[carlseawolf]

It's just the right time to get the baby pigs under those apple trees ,

the answer is yes

[becslb]

Go for it! Would be my dream come true!

[Jax]

Sounds as though its meant to be to me. Good luck

[Polly Fouracre]

In case you haven't got the message from all above posts, I would say, buy it now, prices will only rise!! Enjoy!

[kirsty b]

My answer is 'Hell Yeah!!!

If you have the money etc etc, go for it

[Nicos]

Flipping heck- you lot are experts at spending other peeps money!!!

The other positive thing is that in 5 years the land will be more organic ( is it 5 or 10 years as a definition???)

we've really come out here to have an 'easier' life- and we are well aware of how time consuming livestock are. It'd mean having back up for when we go away for a few days. Still- I'm sure there are plenty of peeps willing to help for a few bags of sausages/chops!
Looks like we've a lot to talk about this weekend

[organic]

Yea - you've got to talk to the landowners, the bank about the big payment coming up, the local rare breed dealers and experts (if you have such things there), builders merchants to get the materials for the work you need to do and sheds to build, local builders (so they'll be finished the work by the time 5 years are up ) and probably more besides.

Re: "organic". I think the definition is 5 years - but that's only if you're going to have it certified organic, which is a costly, expensive and somewhat restrictive process.
index
I don't know if they'd be any use in France, but I like their ethos.
I have no idea if any chemicals have been used on my allotment plot, but from now onwards I'll be seeing it as "organic" regardless of any five year rule. Or then, maybe "wholesome" is a more appropriate word.
I dunno.

[stella]

Every thing every one has said makes sense but if I might add just one thing. I think it is a personal decision about your lifestyle in the future. It is a fine line between doing what you are now and enjoying it and becoming a Farmer. Farming can be a hard life especially as you get older and working in the bad weather becomes a chore. I would look at a long term plan of what you want to be physically doing and at what age.

[organic]

That's a good call, Stella. Everything I've said was assuming that'd been done already. If not I'd certainly suggest sitting down to think about that side of things.

[Seahorse]

Carpe Diem.

[HayleyB]

Buy it and if the back field comes up for sale get someone you know (that they don't) to buy it then sell it on to you....

Job done, go get it missus..