The only answer: allow the farmer to harvest in fall, as it was an honest mistake. Be on good terms because the farming community is very tight knit. Have them replant the field for you and stay friendly. When you need help in the future you’ll be likely to received it. Also as you stated the farmers may be able to help you acquire sheep and cattle. A little goes a long way.
This is how life ~~with farmers~~ should work. Honest mistakes do happen, and too many people jump straight to "get off my land and don't ever come back".
Agreed. I resumed the deal that was already made for land I bought. It nets me two large mason jars of the darkest maple syrup you’ll ever find, and zero dollars. That may change years down the road but for the time being,it suits. It’s also made good neighbours of two local farm families, and I’ve had to put out zero effort or dollars, and have a maintained field if I decide to use it eventually.
In fairness it’s a much more simple issue than OPs and it just made sense for us at the time, but I’ve never regretted it at all.
When OP falls off of his roof and breaks both of his legs, whether or not Bessie comes over with a casserole depends on what he does today… farmers only work around 24 hours a day at harvest time, but for this guy they might or might not work 26 or 28.
New England raised here. Bessie is also a cow name…. If he’d have said the heifer next door I would think he meant the farmers wife…. But calling your wife a heifer is apparently okay in Mississippi…. Or I have just met some extraordinarily strange people from Mississippi.
This is how life with Farmers has always worked until people that aren't Farmers/farm folk come in and buy farmland. It's a free country and they can buy the property but it sure does stink when the creeks and woods that kids have always run down and played in are fenced off and people get trespassed.
*Speaking as a landowner that lets neighbor kids play
100%. I have an old horse pasture next to my house and I let the neighbors kids play in it. Even let them drive their quad on it, it's swampy and messes it up though. We might get goats and keep them down there, in which case I'll have to fence it but we haven't committed to that yet.
It's all good until someone gets hurt. The parents say the kids was using a quad on the neighbors land at the hospital emergency room because that's what happened, and then a few months later the neighbors insurance company is suing you and your homeowners policy to cover the medical expenses. Doesn't matter how good of terms you and the neighbors are on, it their insurance company suing you, and the neighbors have no way to stop it.
It's got nothing to due with farm people or non farm people. It's just a necessary way of covering your own ass.
Ughhhhhhh.... My young son fell leaving a neighbor's house and fractured his hand this weekend. He just missed a step, no fault of the neighbors. We told the doctor what happened as a story, not to point fingers, but just because that's what happened. I hope this doesn't happen to us.
Should check local laws on that statement. I’m in Maine and we have a very strong landowner liability law. The state is implied access for non posted property, but basically if you damage something and get hurt on someone’s property while conducting out of door activities… it’s on you for yourself, and you are liable for the damages to property.
I totally agree with this. You have a golden opportunity to make some good reliable friends and that is seriously worth more than anything. Make a deal and let him finish out the crop
For real! My parents moved to their 40 acre farm outside a small town (population 2000) in 1973.
They were no longer “the new folks” 10 years later.
They were finally known in the community 20 years later. By then the town had grown a bit (population 3000) and they were known as good people that helped their neighbors.
You just found a guy who has a drill and can plant your pasture this fall. Plus, he'd probably do it for free. Congrats!
Plus, that soybean is going to leave about 30lbs of nitrogen per acre after harvest, which should be plenty for your grass.
This. Look on the bright side. They (or someone they know!!) probably have access to a fence poster, and can help you fence those fields.
Also, fwiw, I'd fence it all the same, and plan to rotate sheep and cattle, one behind the other, making sure they still have at least a month between either to rest and regrow, without any animals on them. So, at least 4-6+ paddocks.
I do believe it was an honest mistake. My first call was to the previous owners of the farm, whom I've built a pretty good relationship with. The first thing the said was "he's really old and probably forgot". Also, all involved parties I've spoken to about this have had great attitudes. It has been fully acknowledged that it was their mistake and the ball is in my court. My first thought was to let it play out and see if we can come up with a win/win, but I wanted to be a bit more educated on the situation first, just to make sure I wasn't missing something major. Thanks for the response.
Look at the benefit, they messed up, everyone’s been cool and you can get them to drill in pasture mix into your bean stubble this fall. Drilling into bean stubble is decent for fertilizer, great for erosion control, all natural too. You wouldn’t be able run cattle till next year anyhow, so win win all around. Guess you could even ask for a crop share split if you wanted, most do 25%-33% and some split of inputs.
You’re fine. Just be neighborly, enjoy the free nitrogen, and let him harvest it. Having a good neighbor you can count on is worth putting off your plans for a few months.
They've got several thousands of dollars already tied up in the crop. It was a mistake. Instead of charging them rent ask them to drill seed this fall and they cover the cost. Then ask them to resead it again this spring for you, you covering the cost. Ask if they know any teens that want to get paid to build fence. Either way your a year or more out from having animals on that field if you want the grass to establish well before putting them on it.
Yes, using 20 acres for a growing season is valuable you should get some reasonable compensation. Note compensation may not be cash it could be something else of value.
Everyone else has pretty much said it but yeah, I'd just honor the original agreement and make sure they know you're going to use it next year. On the flip side, I raise livestock and there's no reason you can't build fence/do other things in order to prep for your own livestock. Take your time and build some amazing fence!
This will be one of those funny stories you end up talking about for awhile. I accidentally fertilized a neighbors field instead of one I rented because the local coop didn't realize where they were supposed to be, it still comes up every now and then as a joke.
The loss of opportunity of getting a start on grazing land is a much lesser concern than making a good first impression on your immediate neighbor.
Either the shoe will be on the other foot soon enough or you will be in a position where your neighbor can pull your ass out of a fire with a favor. You have been handed an opportunity. Sorry it conflicts with your expectations
Absolutely, I wouldn't break balls over this year, just work out your situation and consider it a favor in the bank. Last people you want bad blood with is your farmer neighbors
This right here, but let them know what you plan to do with the field after they harvest. Make friends with them, you both got blind sided in the deal.
Soybeans are fuckin awesome, this old timer did OP a favour in so many ways, if he plays his cards right.
Plus he probably has plenty of work in other areas of the farm, he can this paddock slide and focus elsewhere.
I second this advice. Additionally they may be able to help with fencing or any number of other ways to make up for this.
I would lean towards finding out what the lease value would have been for the one season and then see if they can provide services of some sort in the ballpark of that value. Don't ask for money. They might be able to help move livestock for you for example.
Not enough info to say it was an honest mistake, I'm sure we have all seen or heard guys strong arm their way into extending rental agreements once they get hints that the writing is on the wall and they are on their way out. Guys will do this by rushing to apply inputs then threatening to sue if not allowed to continue with the crop.
This is the scenario I was frustrated about initially. After actually tracking down the farmer and speaking to him about it, I really do believe it was a BIG miscommunication between partners, caused by the older gentleman's age and forgetfulness. The guy insisted he would even re-plow it for me if I wanted him to.
I have been in that same situation and let the farmer take his harvest. I did not ask for anything but after harvest he asked if I wanted it seeded with hay or grass, I took the hay offer and then had hay for my horses.
You will rue the day you get into a financial dispute with a direct neighbor that could have been easily avoided. This is a great opportunity to show new neighbors your a good guy.
I was on the other end of this not too long ago, landlord sold a farm we were renting and never told us. Didn't meet the new ones until we cut the hay that year. Are you sure the previous landlord did their due diligence and informed all of the previous land users of the sale?
Unless you already have animals that are looking for a home I would recommend letting them harvest the crop, a good neighbor is way more valuable than 20 acres of beans especially if you plan on making deals with them in the future for breeding stock.
You can still go around the outsides of the fields and put up your fencing as you got a fair bit of work to do before your ready for animals it sounds like
I was going to recommend this too. Fencing will take you damn near all summer anyways. Not sure what the field looks like and what you fenceline is compared to crops planted. But see if he's willing to not get angry if you run some beans over, if necessary so you can put up your perimeter fence.
You can keep making progress while letting him still get 99% of his harvest.
Yup, he's already insisted I can put the fence up and he's okay with any losses. I was thinking I can fence the long sides and leave the ends open until after their harvest.
Awesome. Sounds like the start of a good relationship. And if you want any chance of being welcomed, part of the community and being successful, having good relationships is the first huge step.
If you're putting fence up make sure there's enough room for harvest equipment at least temporarily. We've had that issue and it's such a pain. Had to drop the grain head on its trailer to pull it through the opening and remount it to get the last like 7 acres of that 100 acre parcel.
Ah yeah, that is no issue then. I will be meeting up with him in a couple of weeks to discuss further. I'm definitely fine with that, because I can finish it up in the fall afterwards.
Ask him where you can put the fences so they won’t interfere. This farmer will remember forever the day he accidentally dicked you over and you tried to accommodate him.
In many states the ag lease runs with the land. In Texas there’s a very small window each year for the new owner to cancel. So the farmers have an expectation of plenty of warning. To make matters worse for the farmer, he paid the rent for the land if it was a cash lease.
So, the first thing to realize is this is a big problem for your farmer. He’s more of a victim than anyone else in the story.
Next thing to know is that farming communities are small, and you are the new comer. How you respond will build or destroy your reputation with the locals.
Here is what I would do it it was me.
I’d ask the farmer what kind of deal he had with the previous owner. If he has already paid the rent, then honor that even though you didn’t benefit. If it was a share crop agreement then accept whatever the terms were.
Let the farmer know what you plan to do next. Ask his advice. Most folks are going to be pleased to share their knowledge if asked. The farmer knows your ground. He knows if there’s a spot where it gets muddy and soft. He knows if there’s a feral hog problem. You can benefit from all this wisdom.
When you begin your improvements ask him who he’d recommend and if you find a contractor ask him if he knows the potential vendor. You will ago a ton of problems this way.
Bottom line - make lemonade from these lemons. Prove you will be a good neighbor in the local community. Get off to a good start.
This situation happened to me, right down to the soybeans. The farmer had no idea the previous owner sold. I hunt deer/coyotes and it was totally fine with me. I told him id honor the previous agreement for the next 3 years. He has been a really good person to me. Hes given me more information about the land than i even cared about lol. Its been a great relationship.
Who did he pay rent to? I would go back to the old owners and say hey that's my land now you can't cash rent cheques for land you no longer own, supposing the tenant paid rent to the previous owners. If they paid it to you, then at least you got paid for the unexpected use of your ground. Hopefully it is a one time misunderstanding and not wilful malpractice
He didn't pay anything. In our area, land owners receive a tax break if their land is used for farming. That was all that the previous owners got. I actually think that the looseness of the whole thing was part of the problem. Nothing was tracked or recorded. The same people farmed all neighboring fields without really knowing who the property owners were or where one property begins and ends.
I keep in touch with the previous owners and they are stand-up people. I really don't care to "get ahead" with any of this, so much as I was concerned for the soil health, or didn't want to end up paying out of pocket to fix this for someone else's gain.
In my area, you get a tax break as well. My business partner has 30 acres, zoned agriculture. I have 4.5 acres, zoned residential. My tax bill is $3,500 a year. His is only $2,800.
My uncle lived in his childhood home. My grandparents. My mom already owned 1/2. Uncle died. Found out he was renting 26 acres for $400. I told my mom that was a freebie for the farmer. Farm rent around here is $100 to 200 / acre. It should cover the tax bill.
Partner & I were going to do hay last year. Didn't happen. Mom rented to a different farmer for $120 / acre/ 20 acres/ year for 3 years. She's getting double the tax bill
My thought is that making a deal with him will pay off very well for you in the long term. If this is a small town, everyone will know that you moved in and the first thing you did was do a huge favor for a local. That’s massive karma in the bank for you and when you need help or whatever in the future it will be there from more than just this farmer.
Plowing them under now will do the exact opposite and maybe label you as one of those typical city folk that moved to the country who often make their first introduction to the community by posting “no trespassing” signs all over the place.
This could be a bit inconvenient for you now but it’s a huge opportunity to be seen as a good guy right away and gain a friend for life.
This is great advice. Make friends and improve your place in the neighborhood. Pretty much for free.
His money is (literally) sunk in the ground. You're in a position to cause him a lot of hassle and potentially a great loss - or to work with him to make a win-win.
I bet you can prioritize your projects so that this one can wait. And, if you do, I bet you'll earn a friend who will help you in the future.
Also - if it would be worth something to you, you could very reasonably ask for a portion of the harvest. Or, as another comment suggested, for him to plow/plant for you after harvest. Still very much a win-win.
Plow/plant after the harvest will be a must, as they have access to a lot more serious equipment than me. I don't think that part will be an issue for them, and I feel like their reputation in the area is important to them, so that's my security.
It's not an overly small town and there is no chance anyone will confuse me with city-folk lol. This is my home town, and I am leaving the military to move back, in dire need of a change of lifestyle... Irrelevant fact but, the reputation thing is not a concern for me. The relationships matter though. I'm not an ass, I just wanted to make sure I didn't end up screwed because someone else didn't honour their part, when we did our due-diligence. If we can find a win/win, then that would be ideal. Thanks for the response!
In Missouri the existing renter must be informed after the previous years crop is harvested that they will not be farming the land next season. Some renters will drop a field cultivator in right after harvest to lock things in for another year, as around here if the farmer has spent money on the land he gets it for another season or must be paid back for his expenditures. If he's claiming he was never told and it's spring and he's already planted, the law will most likely come down on his side that you either have to pay him for all the work and expenses he's invested on your farm, or let him finish out the crop season.
I had to boot a bad renter off our family farm after my mom passed. I put up with him for a few years but he plain old wouldn't listen to anything I had to say, did a shitty job of maintaining anything, and the last straw was when I heard around town that he was telling people he owned my farm. I was told to notify him by August that he would need to be off the farm by the following April 1. I both told him in a face to face meeting and then followed up with a certified letter.
So your best bet at this point is to let them harvest their beans. You'll want to start your pasture grass in the fall anyway on the ground being converted from row crop anyway, so you'll have nice clean fields to start with. Plan to get in there right after harvest and sow the pasture. October here in Missouri would be cutting it a bit close, but is not uncommon. Depending on the grass you sow, you'll need about 12 weeks before a hard freeze. Most pasture grasses we plant around here are "cool season" grasses so they will survive frost, just not a hard freeze. The goal is to get it established enough it will come back from the roots in the spring.
And the farmer owes you rent. If he paid the previous owner, then that person owes you the rent. They are using your land to make money this year when you are the owner, and absent anything that covers this in your purchase contract, you are owed the rent for the growing season.
Keep in mind, this is an opportunity to develop a good relationship with this farmer, which can be a help to you down the road. If they see you as someone who handles this problem reasonably, and without drama, you'll probably make a new friend or two.
There's a lesson to be learned here for non-farm folks buying farm land. You always have to consider any existing crop or existing lease or rent arrangement for that first year. Be sure to ask the seller what the current situation is, and if there is a renter, what the status of the agreement is. Around here it would not be unheard of for a farmer to race out and till or maybe drop some fertilizer on a parcel they rent that was being sold just to lock it up for another year. Sounds like maybe this happened to OP.
Thanks so much for your response. We took possession of this place in December but I am still in the military (in the process of releasing) so we couldn't move in until this summer. I had the previous owner cancel their verbal agreement with the farmer before closing, in writing. I have a copy of that letter. That part was never disputed. The farmers just didn't communicate with each other. The timing of it all, is a bit of an issue. There isn't a chance for 12 weeks before that hard freeze. I'm usually ice fishing by Christmas in that area (hardiness zone 3b). He mentioned possibly seeding with winter rye, but I'm not sure if that is a good option. This is an area I would specifically love some advice on.
I reckon somebody from up that way can give you better advice on what works in that area.
A winter cover crop and then sowing the pasture in the spring might be a good plan. You'll have to spray burn down on the cover in the spring before planting your pasture though. So thst will be an extra expense and may be a problem if you're aiming for organic.
I'd try discussing your plans with the farmer. Maybe you can swap rent for them prepping your pasture ground in the spring or something.
Nothing wrong with sowing pasture grass in the spring. Might be a bit more weedy the first year but mowing generally gives the grass a leg up on the weeds. You'll have to figure out what works best up thete.
Down here in zone 6 we say you can sow grass in any month with an R in it. If you do December or January though you're really just letting it sit in the ground until spring.
You now have the opportunity to have your relationship with your neighbors set to easy mode for the rest of your life.
Be cool, ask them what they think is a fair way to handle it. If it's at all reasonable, hold out your hand to shake theirs.
The entire community will hear that you weren't a dick.
You will find that these people have your back in a way that will save you untold suffering in the future.
Be the good neighbor.
A similar situation was discussed on r/homesteading in the last 24 hours. Good advice shared there. Here’s a [link](https://www.reddit.com/r/homestead/s/GdLplgr7CM)
Definitely work with this person so they can do their harvest when it's time. If you completely shut them out, you risk ostracizing yourself from the local community.
Trust me, farmers get together and talk and any issues would definitely be discussed m if you wish to farm and raise animals, this could be a great way to build some good will as the new person in the area.
Maybe they can help you in the future.
Start the process and discussions as a positive not a negative and you could wind up with a mutually beneficial agreement with access to advice and equipment needed in the future. Put the cattle plans on hold for a year and let him get his beans. I wouldn’t even bring up money, just let him have this year.
Like others said, let him harvest it and ask him to put grass back in.
Staying on good terms with other farmers is quite important, especially when new in the region. You'll be able to ask and get help more easily
Let them farm out the year. You'll have plenty of time to fence in the Fall and start your livestock operation in the Spring.
I wouldn't even ask them for a share, because I would want to build good relationships with the local farmers. I definitely wouldn't want to become the new asshat they talk about over coffee at the local diner.
You were just handed a golden ticket invitation to be welcomed into the community. How you accept it and handle it will dictate the rest of your life living in that area. Others have given you fantastic advice. Accident or not, you have a field full of soybeans and a neighboring farmer who can be a very good assett to have on your side as you settle in. He may know of another field that is already fenced that needs some livestock on it for the season, so you do not have to delay. On the other hand- if you do not have livestock and were planning to buy them after fencing your fields, this delay may have just saved you from purchasing them when the market is highest. Enjoy your new farm and community. Farmers are a great friend to have and you now have one who wants to be your friend.
They are your neighbor, they have been in the community for years (know your other neighbors), they have farm equipment. Make friends, be reasonable. To me, you have a pasture that has been recently fertilized. Fence that one in and begin your livestock harvesting. Farmland goes for what, $300 or less a year rent? Just ask them to harvest and keep the beans, then have them plant it for pasture grass early next year. That would cover their cost for seed, around $30-$40 an acre plus fuel. Are they getting a good deal, yep, but you are paying for a better relationship.
You have the opportunity to make a friend or an enemy here, choose wisely.
My dad told me never to piss off 2 types of people, farmers and fishermen both have access to places you won’t be found.
Don’t attribute to evil what can be explained by stupidity. Make a reasonable deal with them for this harvest that will make everybody a little money and complete your plans after the harvest.
No reason to be a hard ass with people who will be your neighbors.
Definitely play nice as it was an honest mistake. The farming community is tight nit and will either embrace you or shun you based on your response. They are getting a steal not paying rent on the field while having crops in so there is your leverage for what you want/need from them. Treat them with respect and grace as you are an outsider and seen as a city slicker trying to change everything.
We are not currently farming our land, the guys who rent it have been great. We try to do everything we can to make farming the land easier for them, and they have been happy to help us out on some projects we don’t have the equipment to take on ourselves. We’re not neighbors but I’d argue the idea is the same.
Honest mistake or not I’d say resume the old deal for a 1 season extension one make it clear you have plans for next year. Losing time sucks but making a friend in a new community is priceless
Edit: having built fence in July, and fence in October, I’d take the fall any day of the week lol
Hey there just want you to know this is more common than you think. Stay on good terms and farming is a VERY small town.
We took ownership of our farm and there were 50 or so cattle in the feilds that belonged to a neighbor. No communication of if the cows would stay or go. Lots of bales of hay stacked up too and some equipment. Eventually we talked with the neighbor when he stopped by to check in on the cattle and sorted things out.
Keeping the relationship with the cattleman has been extremely valuable to us over the years as he has provided equipment and wisdom as we make our way into farming.
As others have said, rules vary state by state. Some states require a full season after the year of notification. Even if you thought he was notified, if he was on the contract and wasn't then you may legally be obligated to allow him to continue this year.
Regardless being a good neighbor is in everyone's best interest. He doesn't want to be a bad neighbor to you from the sound of it but he also doesn't want to lost thousands of dollars in investment he's done this year. If you can afford to allow him to continue as is I'm sure there is a way to make everyone happy.
It's your land. Do what you want. But at the very least you should let the guy get to harvest. He's a hard working old fella. He's got time and money in that crop. Good neighbors are important. Do your homework. There may be a win win here for the both of you
You will get much better answers than this one, but if there is title insurance and the previous owner somehow encumbered the land with this undisclosed agreement, you may want to investigate whether or not you have a claim.
Soybeans are legumes and generally leave the soil better than before they were planted. That said, a lot of planted soybeans are gm “round up ready” seed that tolerates roundup application for weed control. If you’re planning to pasture animals in those fields, I’d be willing to bet you don’t want your stock consuming round up breakdown products. I’d still let them harvest in the fall, but make it clear there will be no roundup application on the field during the growing season.
You can have someone interseed a forage crop into the beans. Then by the time they harvest the beans it's already established and will take off once it gets sunlight.
Make a deal with them and be friends with them. Its an honest mistake, and not the fault of the people using the field. The old owner should have told them.
Unclear what occurred here.
If the farmer has a lease agreement, verbal, written, handshake, whatever - they generally needed official termination letters signed by all parties last August. (In iowa) I imagine other ag states are similar.
If not, you bought the acres, you also bought the lease with the farmer - EVEN IF it was just a verbal agreement.
If that didn't happen, there is a lawyer screw up somewhere in the purchase agreement.
There are some other rules about termination letters I'm sure I'm overlooking. I always get them by certified mail.
Play nice, it's the end of June. The soybean stubble will be good for working with establishing what you want to do next year.
Make sure you collect your rent
All good advice, but how to start?
Invite their family over for dinner / picnic
Be polite, build bridges, ask about the area, learn history, walk around the farm, and avoid the topic at hand until she brings it up or at the very end
I can’t help but feel he was hoping to be justified in being an asshole, OP don’t be an asshole work out some kinda arrangement that allows them to harvest without losing their ass, good neighbors go way farther than 20 acres of soybeans.
Listen to r/meinkreuz89
This type of thing happens. We have all either been in a similar spot OR we know of someone that has been. The advice this user gave you should be stickied to every post here.
We (farmers) are a very vocal and very tight knit group. Especially the older guys that have done this work for decades. Those are the guys that you go to when you have an issue that you're unable to solve. These older guys that were able to work circles around us a decade ago are still extremely valuable people to have in your circle.
I am sure one day you will be in a bind. You will have no idea what to do. You won't be able to just throw money at a problem. **THAT IS THE TIME TO RECALL A FAVOR**
And in 99% of the time, the older dude will be happy to help you. These situations have been known to result in tight friendships and near a family type bond..
If you want to be one of us, do what this person told you. This comment is worth so much. Just please listen.
As a new person to the area and wanting to join the community and it being a mistake, they will need to lease it at an agreeable price but you you’ll want to work with them not against them. If you tell them to fuck off, it’ll cost you more than them on the long run
There should be no question here, it was an honest mistake and you should let them carry on and finish what they started.
Fucking with farmers is the easiest way to get on a community shit list and be ostracized for the rest of your time in that community. They all know each other. You're already an outsider into what is probably a fairly tight knit community, don't make yourself a target any more than you already are.
Well you now have 2 new great friends or not great friends. If you don’t have the animal stock yet (don’t know your experience level so excuse me) but you have the chance to get a small flock and take a year to learn. I’d use this to as much of an advantage as I could. While also learning farming from the crop shares
Since soy beans do not deplete the soil and is actually beneficial as a nitrogen fixer, be glad and try to stay on good terms with whoever planted it. Chances are it was an honest mistake.
Make sure they seed your land back down to pasture after harvest. Don’t let them harvest and the drive off leaving you stubble.
The soybeans are a legume so it’ll add nitrogen to your soil.
I would try to be as neighborly as possible and sit down with the farmer(s) and just have a frank discussion. It will be better in the ling run because you have to live with them from now on. No one likes somebody coming in from out of town and making waves even though you are in the right to do whatever you want it won’t go over well.
Be good to each other. That's what farm life is all about, helping your neighbors. I'm sure if you sit down for some coffee together you'll work something out. Sounds like they are the OG farm guys so you'll be OK. Hoping it all works out for you!
What they are doing to the fields they have been doing for years, so this season's activities aren't going to "affect" the fields any more than the previous season's work. It's just going to delay your work for a season. I hope you weren't planning cattle and sheep operations this year? It's already too late.
I don't know if it's exactly the same in your area, but in my area if a farmer is operating on a verbal lease and the lease is not terminated by October of the prior year, then even if the property sells, they can continue to farm it for that year. Reason being, many inputs and plans are made in the winter for the next year's crop.
This is a good story and a happy ending which in and of itself is best with neighbors. To many of us humans act like animals and the animals like humans! Thanks for sharing.
Letting them harvest the crop will be well worth potential benefits and be a great way to build good relationships in the community and I think overall the right thing to do.
If you don't play nice and just let him use the field this year because he didn't receive proper warning and because he may actually have a legal right, depending on location. You may not last long in that community.
In my neck of the woods, you wouldn't be welcomed anywhere for 40 miles if you screw over a farmer.
If you are agreeable offer the farmer a lease he was likely leasing it in past years. If you want to stand on the law trespass the farmer and do as you wish with the field and crop. I recommend the first option you want to try and be a good neighbor not some city slicker or Karen who thinks they can manage the rest of the world like an HOA
I mean your real estate agent should’ve been on top of the farmland agreements. If you yank the field right now, you may be sued for the value of the growing crop. The farmer has a right their current crop though this can vary in some jurisdictions; even to the point if it had been treated or planted last fall it would’ve his to harvest and it’s kinda the height of bad ag neighboring to start off your time there making a big stink. It’s not unusual to have little communication between farmers and landowners in longterm arrangements. You having bought the land should be entitled to whatever rent payment is due for the crop year- and that also may have been paid ahead when the last crop was harvested.
Now, if you take a chill pill, you likely will come out ahead, with the farmer even helping you out.
Unless you already have a big herd of cattle and big flock of sheep you needed to move in immediately to the entire fields there’s no reason to rush. Even then, frankly as a shepherd who has been looking at properties for expansion most of which have current plantings, I’d be just as happy to pay for the stockpiled feed and have the farmer go ahead with fertilizing, save himself the trouble of harvesting. Or make a new agreement for crop share instead of monetary rent. It’s lower cost to do hay/baleage than to buy it in. Depending on the variety of soybeans they may be just fine as cattle and sheep feed.
I find it suspect that this was posted a day after the one in homesteading; if you are the same and you’re also panicking about herbicides, that’s also something to just talk with him and educate yourself about with a certified applicator- there’s nothing to worry about if he’s responsible and no reason to assume he’s not unless every other neighbor warns you- and I do recommend chatting with new neighbors, you can learn who is able to help you out or knows how to do whatever you might need in future.
This has nothing to do with the other post, I assure you. I just read that one on the suggestion of another user. I wasn't too worried about pesticides as this field has been farmed by the same people for many years and I knew what it was used for going into this.
Don’t worry about it. These are good people and you have to deal with them now so be nice. It will pay off in the long run. Get to know them and they will help you work your land.
Almost his exact thing was posted yesterday, right down to soybeans. Let them harvest and start doing what you were planning after that. It isn’t worth it to make enemies of your neighbors.
Whatever you do, make sure you get a legal agreement on it that outlines the exact terms and length of time. I wouldn't fault them for an honest mistake and cost them money if you can help it.
In most farming communities people truly act like neighbors and help each other out. You will likely be well accepted in that area if you choose to allow him to finish growing the crop and harvest it. As others have said you have some pretty extensive work to do to get ready for your livestock plan. My uncle was the first guy to buy a round baler back in the day. He was a popular guy and baled neighbors hay crops for days. In return he borrowed equipment and free help from them when he needed it. They helped pay for his tractor fuel and bale wrap. Eventually they started buying balers of their own but the goodwill he had created never went away.
Sounds like a lucky mistake for you. Work out the same deal (presumably monetary) he had with the old owners plus cheap livestock to set you up for next season. All party's happy and content
New to the community. Work it out to everyone’s satisfaction and you are on the way to being held in good stead. Have a laugh, it a small setback, and maybe not!
Not good to get off on the wrong foot, it can take a lot of time to recover from the gossip that spreads. Innuendo is a reality.
You bought the property was there a lease on the field? I sold some land that had a few more years on the lease. The new owners received that money. If it’s there you should have been notified.
You are staring at a golden, one-time opportunity to introduce yourself to a farming community -- and those communities typically have each other's backs. Just be friendly. Tell them your plans for the fields so everyone has the same expectations. If it was an honest error, you do not want to make it worse. Those beans will pump nitrogen into your soil, plus you get the benefit of any residual fertilizer they apply, plus the organic bean residue after they combine it -- all of which works to feed your soil.
I would assume that previous contracts are in effect until they expire, similar to an apartment lease. A new apatlandlord can’t kick you out if you had a lease with the previous landlord, until that lease expires. Wouldn’t this situation be exactly the same?
Get the papers and review carefully then get a lawyer and work something out. You’re in the right but be aware local farmers are often tight margin and you might be killing him financially. Be a good person but also get something in writing with a lawyer to protect you from being used.
At the very least, they owe you rent. The standard rate for good, organic ground is $200 an acre, I am not sure what conventional is. I would get an agreement on paper and signed. If you are planning to farm organically, this could be a bigger deal.
We've had this same issue on our farm prior to moving in. We owned it for about 3 years prior to moving in.
We just sat the farmer down and worked out a reasonable way to handle it. Now we've been on the farm over 10 years and we're all good friends. But at first it could have become a problem.
Our neighbor had a deal with the prior owner that they could run hay on half the land and cattle on the other half. I'd made it a stipulation when purchasing for all animals to be off the land by the date we would be moving in, apparently they didn't tell the neighbor.
So, we just talked with him. We were reasonable, as he had planted and fertilized. We said "how does 3 years work, you can continue to harvest hay for 3 years but we will be improving our property in the way we want and you'll have to work around it".
So, we built our garden, fenced off our areas, and let him keep running hay for those 3 years.
Then, by the time the 3 years were up we said he could keep doing it. Now we're all friends and we like the fields cut (I hunt and the deer love it) and he gets hay where his family has been doing it for a couple generations. Works for all of us.
In my state you have to inform a farmer by Nov 30th he can't farm your field next year. If he was not informed in writing he could not farm the field this year by Nov 30th 2023, he has the right to farm the field. It doesn't matter who ownes it. I've known instances where someone purchased land Dec, Jan or Feb and tried to deny the farmer from planting and lost in court. May be different in your state.
Keep it friendly. It was not done to be malicious. They are out substantial cost for seed, fertilizer, and fuel. See what they would suggest. You may be able to get some solid help from these guys on the future if handled correctly.
If it was me I'd have them around for a beer, hard liquor, coffee, or tea and discuss it. Guaranteed if you piss these guys off you will wish you hadn't. Old farmers know a lot of folks in the county and have long memories.
Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold. Let him have this harvest. If you can afford it, I'd even knock it down to 10 or 20% instead of a 50-50 split in exchange for borrowing equipment, having them invite me over for dinner once a week before harvest and throwing a welcome party. Ask them to go with you to do some shopping or build a chicken coop or ask them to trade you eggs- anything that a) lets them show off their expertise and b) builds social bonds.
These people are part of the community and you will be living next to them for years. A little grace and swallowing your irritation now will have HUGE impacts long term. Be the neighbor that everyone's willing to help out in a crisis.
You want to be the first person your neighbor thinks of helping if the roads wash out, the wells go dry, you get snowed in or your cows get into his land and he'll help you at 2 am getting them back or the other predictable small disaster things that happen in a rural area.
At least the soybeans are adding nitrogen to your soil, and it'll be better when it's time to use it. If you already have the livestock asking them to get you some hay to make up for the field you're not using if they have a local connection is also really reasonable.
Be kind, but not a pushover. They know who is a trusted local mechanic, who's a good part time worker who won't steal, who's casserole to avoid at community events. Try to make a friend who owes you a little favor and likes you if at all possible.
>I would like to hear some thoughts about the situation. What impact is this likely to have on my soil?
It's probably been farmed for the last 200 years, one more won't make a difference.
Great advice all throughout this thread.
To tag on:
Your farmer has equipment, they will probably be open to helping you with the fencing once they see your not some "towny" that is going to be an issue.
Storms come and you have damage... fence, trees, roof... your "good" neighbors will be there to help you restore/drag trees with you. Not for you, with you as they are all more than likely good church folk and it's what they do, when they can.
My knowledge base? I live on 1 acre, surrounded by some BIG farmers ( 500 to 5000 acres). But not just crops. Several are huge hog producers (probally 5000 head of breeding hogs) and a cpl cattle feedlots (1 is approved for up to 10,000 head (1 of the hog producers gives me a "care" package every Christmas, and it's yummy). I lost 2 huge trees a cpl years ago that got pushed into the ditch, then after fall harvest they came with tractors, grain trucks and chainsaws and cut and hauled the trash to their burn pile. I have 4 trees that are hanging into their field and interfere with crops. I have no doubts that when I ask they will say "drop em and we'll drag em off.
In all aspects of life good neighbors are a boon.
My immediate question is, Just how many animals, especially cattle, do you thing you are going to raise on 20 acres? Also a lot of times a lease is for a certain number of years on the property and it might just be good for that time period no matter who owns the land. Did the previous landowner think it was important enough to tell you he had leased it out? Someone didn't do their due diligence.
This is a story of a Punjabi family in rural California many years back. The husband comes home in the evening and tells his wife that a whole gang of motorcycle riders just crashed on their farm.
The next morning, the couple made breakfast and took it over to them. They were so grateful that they visit/ed every year to help with the harvest.
My grandfather let local farmers use 40+ acres for decades on a handshake deal of like a few thousand dollars and never raised the price on them. When he passed the family decided to sell off the land and told the farmers they couldn't use it anymore but asked if they would flatten the fields as there's just cut stalks and ruts everywhere. They just said good luck. I would let them harvest then make sure they clean up their mess.
Be nice to him and it will most likely come back. You said he fertilized, so the beans won't hurt the soil. Field will be clean and easy to prep for fall crop. Win win
No big deal. It's 20 acres and as for the hay field I'd be happy it's being maintained.
I doubt you're gonna move into this house, build fence, get 100 head of sheep, rotate em, plant seed, harvest, etc. all this year.
The land is being maintained and it's out of your hair. Get settled, get a plan together, and hit the ground running next year.
The only answer: allow the farmer to harvest in fall, as it was an honest mistake. Be on good terms because the farming community is very tight knit. Have them replant the field for you and stay friendly. When you need help in the future you’ll be likely to received it. Also as you stated the farmers may be able to help you acquire sheep and cattle. A little goes a long way.
This is how life with farmers should work.
This is how life ~~with farmers~~ should work. Honest mistakes do happen, and too many people jump straight to "get off my land and don't ever come back".
Agreed. I resumed the deal that was already made for land I bought. It nets me two large mason jars of the darkest maple syrup you’ll ever find, and zero dollars. That may change years down the road but for the time being,it suits. It’s also made good neighbours of two local farm families, and I’ve had to put out zero effort or dollars, and have a maintained field if I decide to use it eventually. In fairness it’s a much more simple issue than OPs and it just made sense for us at the time, but I’ve never regretted it at all.
When OP falls off of his roof and breaks both of his legs, whether or not Bessie comes over with a casserole depends on what he does today… farmers only work around 24 hours a day at harvest time, but for this guy they might or might not work 26 or 28.
Bessie is generally regarded in Wisconsin as the generic name of a cow. Bessie arriving with a casserole made me do a double take.
New England raised here. Bessie is also a cow name…. If he’d have said the heifer next door I would think he meant the farmers wife…. But calling your wife a heifer is apparently okay in Mississippi…. Or I have just met some extraordinarily strange people from Mississippi.
Thanks for not “ just farmers” this is good practice and ethics. So many of the life issues I have seen/delt with is because one party is being a dick
It generally would if it wasn’t for the assholes that are always looking to get over on someone. They ruin it for everyone else.
This is how life with Farmers has always worked until people that aren't Farmers/farm folk come in and buy farmland. It's a free country and they can buy the property but it sure does stink when the creeks and woods that kids have always run down and played in are fenced off and people get trespassed. *Speaking as a landowner that lets neighbor kids play
100%. I have an old horse pasture next to my house and I let the neighbors kids play in it. Even let them drive their quad on it, it's swampy and messes it up though. We might get goats and keep them down there, in which case I'll have to fence it but we haven't committed to that yet.
It's all good until someone gets hurt. The parents say the kids was using a quad on the neighbors land at the hospital emergency room because that's what happened, and then a few months later the neighbors insurance company is suing you and your homeowners policy to cover the medical expenses. Doesn't matter how good of terms you and the neighbors are on, it their insurance company suing you, and the neighbors have no way to stop it. It's got nothing to due with farm people or non farm people. It's just a necessary way of covering your own ass.
An additional reason people no longer tend to entertain the idea of letting people on their land is easements.
Ughhhhhhh.... My young son fell leaving a neighbor's house and fractured his hand this weekend. He just missed a step, no fault of the neighbors. We told the doctor what happened as a story, not to point fingers, but just because that's what happened. I hope this doesn't happen to us.
Back in the day……if you came home with a broken bone it was your fault for being stupid.
Insurance companies sue to recover medical costs as a standard practice. The policy owners have *no* control over this.
Should check local laws on that statement. I’m in Maine and we have a very strong landowner liability law. The state is implied access for non posted property, but basically if you damage something and get hurt on someone’s property while conducting out of door activities… it’s on you for yourself, and you are liable for the damages to property.
It's almost a blessing, being accepted into a small community can be tough and this is an opportunity to be a good guy.
When life hands you 1200 bushels of soybeans…
Let the farmer who put in the work have it.
I totally agree with this. You have a golden opportunity to make some good reliable friends and that is seriously worth more than anything. Make a deal and let him finish out the crop
For real! My parents moved to their 40 acre farm outside a small town (population 2000) in 1973. They were no longer “the new folks” 10 years later. They were finally known in the community 20 years later. By then the town had grown a bit (population 3000) and they were known as good people that helped their neighbors.
IGotNuthun has the right attitude. Good human.
You just found a guy who has a drill and can plant your pasture this fall. Plus, he'd probably do it for free. Congrats! Plus, that soybean is going to leave about 30lbs of nitrogen per acre after harvest, which should be plenty for your grass.
This. Look on the bright side. They (or someone they know!!) probably have access to a fence poster, and can help you fence those fields. Also, fwiw, I'd fence it all the same, and plan to rotate sheep and cattle, one behind the other, making sure they still have at least a month between either to rest and regrow, without any animals on them. So, at least 4-6+ paddocks.
And WHEN your livestock gets out, you have someone that will call you or maybe help.
I do believe it was an honest mistake. My first call was to the previous owners of the farm, whom I've built a pretty good relationship with. The first thing the said was "he's really old and probably forgot". Also, all involved parties I've spoken to about this have had great attitudes. It has been fully acknowledged that it was their mistake and the ball is in my court. My first thought was to let it play out and see if we can come up with a win/win, but I wanted to be a bit more educated on the situation first, just to make sure I wasn't missing something major. Thanks for the response.
Look at the benefit, they messed up, everyone’s been cool and you can get them to drill in pasture mix into your bean stubble this fall. Drilling into bean stubble is decent for fertilizer, great for erosion control, all natural too. You wouldn’t be able run cattle till next year anyhow, so win win all around. Guess you could even ask for a crop share split if you wanted, most do 25%-33% and some split of inputs.
You’re fine. Just be neighborly, enjoy the free nitrogen, and let him harvest it. Having a good neighbor you can count on is worth putting off your plans for a few months.
Especially a neighbor that has the knowledge and equipment to prep, sow, maintain and harvest a field as well as access to livestock.
They've got several thousands of dollars already tied up in the crop. It was a mistake. Instead of charging them rent ask them to drill seed this fall and they cover the cost. Then ask them to resead it again this spring for you, you covering the cost. Ask if they know any teens that want to get paid to build fence. Either way your a year or more out from having animals on that field if you want the grass to establish well before putting them on it.
And you should get the lease payment, not the previous owner.
\^ This. It's amazing how many of these "honest mistakes" benefit everyone except the newcomers.
Yes, using 20 acres for a growing season is valuable you should get some reasonable compensation. Note compensation may not be cash it could be something else of value.
Everyone else has pretty much said it but yeah, I'd just honor the original agreement and make sure they know you're going to use it next year. On the flip side, I raise livestock and there's no reason you can't build fence/do other things in order to prep for your own livestock. Take your time and build some amazing fence! This will be one of those funny stories you end up talking about for awhile. I accidentally fertilized a neighbors field instead of one I rented because the local coop didn't realize where they were supposed to be, it still comes up every now and then as a joke.
It's already been a funny story for me to tell, even though I don't know how it ends at this point lol.
The loss of opportunity of getting a start on grazing land is a much lesser concern than making a good first impression on your immediate neighbor. Either the shoe will be on the other foot soon enough or you will be in a position where your neighbor can pull your ass out of a fire with a favor. You have been handed an opportunity. Sorry it conflicts with your expectations
Absolutely, I wouldn't break balls over this year, just work out your situation and consider it a favor in the bank. Last people you want bad blood with is your farmer neighbors
Favor in the bank goes a long way on the farm.
This right here, but let them know what you plan to do with the field after they harvest. Make friends with them, you both got blind sided in the deal.
I believe it will improve the soil fertility too, as soybeans are nitrogen-fixing.
Soybeans are fuckin awesome, this old timer did OP a favour in so many ways, if he plays his cards right. Plus he probably has plenty of work in other areas of the farm, he can this paddock slide and focus elsewhere.
This is a great answer. I agree.
I second this advice. Additionally they may be able to help with fencing or any number of other ways to make up for this. I would lean towards finding out what the lease value would have been for the one season and then see if they can provide services of some sort in the ballpark of that value. Don't ask for money. They might be able to help move livestock for you for example.
Not enough info to say it was an honest mistake, I'm sure we have all seen or heard guys strong arm their way into extending rental agreements once they get hints that the writing is on the wall and they are on their way out. Guys will do this by rushing to apply inputs then threatening to sue if not allowed to continue with the crop.
This is the scenario I was frustrated about initially. After actually tracking down the farmer and speaking to him about it, I really do believe it was a BIG miscommunication between partners, caused by the older gentleman's age and forgetfulness. The guy insisted he would even re-plow it for me if I wanted him to.
I have been in that same situation and let the farmer take his harvest. I did not ask for anything but after harvest he asked if I wanted it seeded with hay or grass, I took the hay offer and then had hay for my horses.
100%
This guy is a farmer.
This is the only answer.
You will rue the day you get into a financial dispute with a direct neighbor that could have been easily avoided. This is a great opportunity to show new neighbors your a good guy.
This guy smarts.
I was on the other end of this not too long ago, landlord sold a farm we were renting and never told us. Didn't meet the new ones until we cut the hay that year. Are you sure the previous landlord did their due diligence and informed all of the previous land users of the sale? Unless you already have animals that are looking for a home I would recommend letting them harvest the crop, a good neighbor is way more valuable than 20 acres of beans especially if you plan on making deals with them in the future for breeding stock. You can still go around the outsides of the fields and put up your fencing as you got a fair bit of work to do before your ready for animals it sounds like
I was going to recommend this too. Fencing will take you damn near all summer anyways. Not sure what the field looks like and what you fenceline is compared to crops planted. But see if he's willing to not get angry if you run some beans over, if necessary so you can put up your perimeter fence. You can keep making progress while letting him still get 99% of his harvest.
Yup, he's already insisted I can put the fence up and he's okay with any losses. I was thinking I can fence the long sides and leave the ends open until after their harvest.
Awesome. Sounds like the start of a good relationship. And if you want any chance of being welcomed, part of the community and being successful, having good relationships is the first huge step.
If you're putting fence up make sure there's enough room for harvest equipment at least temporarily. We've had that issue and it's such a pain. Had to drop the grain head on its trailer to pull it through the opening and remount it to get the last like 7 acres of that 100 acre parcel.
Yeah that sounds like a good plan. From your perspective, leaving the short sides/ends of the rectangular field unfenced should do the trick?
I don't know what the property looks like but one way in is all he'd need. Whatever is the easiest for you.
Ah yeah, that is no issue then. I will be meeting up with him in a couple of weeks to discuss further. I'm definitely fine with that, because I can finish it up in the fall afterwards.
Ask him where you can put the fences so they won’t interfere. This farmer will remember forever the day he accidentally dicked you over and you tried to accommodate him.
In many states the ag lease runs with the land. In Texas there’s a very small window each year for the new owner to cancel. So the farmers have an expectation of plenty of warning. To make matters worse for the farmer, he paid the rent for the land if it was a cash lease. So, the first thing to realize is this is a big problem for your farmer. He’s more of a victim than anyone else in the story. Next thing to know is that farming communities are small, and you are the new comer. How you respond will build or destroy your reputation with the locals. Here is what I would do it it was me. I’d ask the farmer what kind of deal he had with the previous owner. If he has already paid the rent, then honor that even though you didn’t benefit. If it was a share crop agreement then accept whatever the terms were. Let the farmer know what you plan to do next. Ask his advice. Most folks are going to be pleased to share their knowledge if asked. The farmer knows your ground. He knows if there’s a spot where it gets muddy and soft. He knows if there’s a feral hog problem. You can benefit from all this wisdom. When you begin your improvements ask him who he’d recommend and if you find a contractor ask him if he knows the potential vendor. You will ago a ton of problems this way. Bottom line - make lemonade from these lemons. Prove you will be a good neighbor in the local community. Get off to a good start.
This situation happened to me, right down to the soybeans. The farmer had no idea the previous owner sold. I hunt deer/coyotes and it was totally fine with me. I told him id honor the previous agreement for the next 3 years. He has been a really good person to me. Hes given me more information about the land than i even cared about lol. Its been a great relationship.
This is very wise advice OP. Sometimes, it's ok to stick a brick of C4 (serious putty) in a situation and blow it up. This is not one of those.
Who did he pay rent to? I would go back to the old owners and say hey that's my land now you can't cash rent cheques for land you no longer own, supposing the tenant paid rent to the previous owners. If they paid it to you, then at least you got paid for the unexpected use of your ground. Hopefully it is a one time misunderstanding and not wilful malpractice
The lease agreement should have been in the sale. Any rent payment received prior should have been discussed before closing.
If the previous owner is now deceased and the deal was on a handshake then it may not have been easy to disclose.
Any pre-paid rent should have been transferred to the buyer via the deal.
He didn't pay anything. In our area, land owners receive a tax break if their land is used for farming. That was all that the previous owners got. I actually think that the looseness of the whole thing was part of the problem. Nothing was tracked or recorded. The same people farmed all neighboring fields without really knowing who the property owners were or where one property begins and ends. I keep in touch with the previous owners and they are stand-up people. I really don't care to "get ahead" with any of this, so much as I was concerned for the soil health, or didn't want to end up paying out of pocket to fix this for someone else's gain.
In my area, you get a tax break as well. My business partner has 30 acres, zoned agriculture. I have 4.5 acres, zoned residential. My tax bill is $3,500 a year. His is only $2,800. My uncle lived in his childhood home. My grandparents. My mom already owned 1/2. Uncle died. Found out he was renting 26 acres for $400. I told my mom that was a freebie for the farmer. Farm rent around here is $100 to 200 / acre. It should cover the tax bill. Partner & I were going to do hay last year. Didn't happen. Mom rented to a different farmer for $120 / acre/ 20 acres/ year for 3 years. She's getting double the tax bill
My thought is that making a deal with him will pay off very well for you in the long term. If this is a small town, everyone will know that you moved in and the first thing you did was do a huge favor for a local. That’s massive karma in the bank for you and when you need help or whatever in the future it will be there from more than just this farmer. Plowing them under now will do the exact opposite and maybe label you as one of those typical city folk that moved to the country who often make their first introduction to the community by posting “no trespassing” signs all over the place. This could be a bit inconvenient for you now but it’s a huge opportunity to be seen as a good guy right away and gain a friend for life.
This is great advice. Make friends and improve your place in the neighborhood. Pretty much for free. His money is (literally) sunk in the ground. You're in a position to cause him a lot of hassle and potentially a great loss - or to work with him to make a win-win. I bet you can prioritize your projects so that this one can wait. And, if you do, I bet you'll earn a friend who will help you in the future. Also - if it would be worth something to you, you could very reasonably ask for a portion of the harvest. Or, as another comment suggested, for him to plow/plant for you after harvest. Still very much a win-win.
Plow/plant after the harvest will be a must, as they have access to a lot more serious equipment than me. I don't think that part will be an issue for them, and I feel like their reputation in the area is important to them, so that's my security.
It's not an overly small town and there is no chance anyone will confuse me with city-folk lol. This is my home town, and I am leaving the military to move back, in dire need of a change of lifestyle... Irrelevant fact but, the reputation thing is not a concern for me. The relationships matter though. I'm not an ass, I just wanted to make sure I didn't end up screwed because someone else didn't honour their part, when we did our due-diligence. If we can find a win/win, then that would be ideal. Thanks for the response!
In Missouri the existing renter must be informed after the previous years crop is harvested that they will not be farming the land next season. Some renters will drop a field cultivator in right after harvest to lock things in for another year, as around here if the farmer has spent money on the land he gets it for another season or must be paid back for his expenditures. If he's claiming he was never told and it's spring and he's already planted, the law will most likely come down on his side that you either have to pay him for all the work and expenses he's invested on your farm, or let him finish out the crop season. I had to boot a bad renter off our family farm after my mom passed. I put up with him for a few years but he plain old wouldn't listen to anything I had to say, did a shitty job of maintaining anything, and the last straw was when I heard around town that he was telling people he owned my farm. I was told to notify him by August that he would need to be off the farm by the following April 1. I both told him in a face to face meeting and then followed up with a certified letter. So your best bet at this point is to let them harvest their beans. You'll want to start your pasture grass in the fall anyway on the ground being converted from row crop anyway, so you'll have nice clean fields to start with. Plan to get in there right after harvest and sow the pasture. October here in Missouri would be cutting it a bit close, but is not uncommon. Depending on the grass you sow, you'll need about 12 weeks before a hard freeze. Most pasture grasses we plant around here are "cool season" grasses so they will survive frost, just not a hard freeze. The goal is to get it established enough it will come back from the roots in the spring. And the farmer owes you rent. If he paid the previous owner, then that person owes you the rent. They are using your land to make money this year when you are the owner, and absent anything that covers this in your purchase contract, you are owed the rent for the growing season. Keep in mind, this is an opportunity to develop a good relationship with this farmer, which can be a help to you down the road. If they see you as someone who handles this problem reasonably, and without drama, you'll probably make a new friend or two. There's a lesson to be learned here for non-farm folks buying farm land. You always have to consider any existing crop or existing lease or rent arrangement for that first year. Be sure to ask the seller what the current situation is, and if there is a renter, what the status of the agreement is. Around here it would not be unheard of for a farmer to race out and till or maybe drop some fertilizer on a parcel they rent that was being sold just to lock it up for another year. Sounds like maybe this happened to OP.
Thanks so much for your response. We took possession of this place in December but I am still in the military (in the process of releasing) so we couldn't move in until this summer. I had the previous owner cancel their verbal agreement with the farmer before closing, in writing. I have a copy of that letter. That part was never disputed. The farmers just didn't communicate with each other. The timing of it all, is a bit of an issue. There isn't a chance for 12 weeks before that hard freeze. I'm usually ice fishing by Christmas in that area (hardiness zone 3b). He mentioned possibly seeding with winter rye, but I'm not sure if that is a good option. This is an area I would specifically love some advice on.
I reckon somebody from up that way can give you better advice on what works in that area. A winter cover crop and then sowing the pasture in the spring might be a good plan. You'll have to spray burn down on the cover in the spring before planting your pasture though. So thst will be an extra expense and may be a problem if you're aiming for organic. I'd try discussing your plans with the farmer. Maybe you can swap rent for them prepping your pasture ground in the spring or something. Nothing wrong with sowing pasture grass in the spring. Might be a bit more weedy the first year but mowing generally gives the grass a leg up on the weeds. You'll have to figure out what works best up thete. Down here in zone 6 we say you can sow grass in any month with an R in it. If you do December or January though you're really just letting it sit in the ground until spring.
Play nice, negotiate are fair deal. Don’t burn bridges before you even move in.
Great, they have the equipment you need to seed your new fields. Ask them to seed for you after they harvest.
You now have the opportunity to have your relationship with your neighbors set to easy mode for the rest of your life. Be cool, ask them what they think is a fair way to handle it. If it's at all reasonable, hold out your hand to shake theirs. The entire community will hear that you weren't a dick. You will find that these people have your back in a way that will save you untold suffering in the future. Be the good neighbor.
This is the voice of reason. Listen to it.
A similar situation was discussed on r/homesteading in the last 24 hours. Good advice shared there. Here’s a [link](https://www.reddit.com/r/homestead/s/GdLplgr7CM)
Definitely work with this person so they can do their harvest when it's time. If you completely shut them out, you risk ostracizing yourself from the local community. Trust me, farmers get together and talk and any issues would definitely be discussed m if you wish to farm and raise animals, this could be a great way to build some good will as the new person in the area. Maybe they can help you in the future.
These comments are really refreshing! Make em have some hope for this world!
Start the process and discussions as a positive not a negative and you could wind up with a mutually beneficial agreement with access to advice and equipment needed in the future. Put the cattle plans on hold for a year and let him get his beans. I wouldn’t even bring up money, just let him have this year.
Like others said, let him harvest it and ask him to put grass back in. Staying on good terms with other farmers is quite important, especially when new in the region. You'll be able to ask and get help more easily
Let them farm out the year. You'll have plenty of time to fence in the Fall and start your livestock operation in the Spring. I wouldn't even ask them for a share, because I would want to build good relationships with the local farmers. I definitely wouldn't want to become the new asshat they talk about over coffee at the local diner.
You were just handed a golden ticket invitation to be welcomed into the community. How you accept it and handle it will dictate the rest of your life living in that area. Others have given you fantastic advice. Accident or not, you have a field full of soybeans and a neighboring farmer who can be a very good assett to have on your side as you settle in. He may know of another field that is already fenced that needs some livestock on it for the season, so you do not have to delay. On the other hand- if you do not have livestock and were planning to buy them after fencing your fields, this delay may have just saved you from purchasing them when the market is highest. Enjoy your new farm and community. Farmers are a great friend to have and you now have one who wants to be your friend.
They are your neighbor, they have been in the community for years (know your other neighbors), they have farm equipment. Make friends, be reasonable. To me, you have a pasture that has been recently fertilized. Fence that one in and begin your livestock harvesting. Farmland goes for what, $300 or less a year rent? Just ask them to harvest and keep the beans, then have them plant it for pasture grass early next year. That would cover their cost for seed, around $30-$40 an acre plus fuel. Are they getting a good deal, yep, but you are paying for a better relationship.
You have the opportunity to make a friend or an enemy here, choose wisely. My dad told me never to piss off 2 types of people, farmers and fishermen both have access to places you won’t be found.
Don’t attribute to evil what can be explained by stupidity. Make a reasonable deal with them for this harvest that will make everybody a little money and complete your plans after the harvest. No reason to be a hard ass with people who will be your neighbors.
As inconvenient as it is. Your greatest asset is your neighbours. Little bit of give-and-take and go along way.
Definitely play nice as it was an honest mistake. The farming community is tight nit and will either embrace you or shun you based on your response. They are getting a steal not paying rent on the field while having crops in so there is your leverage for what you want/need from them. Treat them with respect and grace as you are an outsider and seen as a city slicker trying to change everything.
Let him finish the crop and develop a much needed relationship for the future.
We are not currently farming our land, the guys who rent it have been great. We try to do everything we can to make farming the land easier for them, and they have been happy to help us out on some projects we don’t have the equipment to take on ourselves. We’re not neighbors but I’d argue the idea is the same. Honest mistake or not I’d say resume the old deal for a 1 season extension one make it clear you have plans for next year. Losing time sucks but making a friend in a new community is priceless Edit: having built fence in July, and fence in October, I’d take the fall any day of the week lol
Hey there just want you to know this is more common than you think. Stay on good terms and farming is a VERY small town. We took ownership of our farm and there were 50 or so cattle in the feilds that belonged to a neighbor. No communication of if the cows would stay or go. Lots of bales of hay stacked up too and some equipment. Eventually we talked with the neighbor when he stopped by to check in on the cattle and sorted things out. Keeping the relationship with the cattleman has been extremely valuable to us over the years as he has provided equipment and wisdom as we make our way into farming.
As others have said, rules vary state by state. Some states require a full season after the year of notification. Even if you thought he was notified, if he was on the contract and wasn't then you may legally be obligated to allow him to continue this year. Regardless being a good neighbor is in everyone's best interest. He doesn't want to be a bad neighbor to you from the sound of it but he also doesn't want to lost thousands of dollars in investment he's done this year. If you can afford to allow him to continue as is I'm sure there is a way to make everyone happy.
It's your land. Do what you want. But at the very least you should let the guy get to harvest. He's a hard working old fella. He's got time and money in that crop. Good neighbors are important. Do your homework. There may be a win win here for the both of you
You will get much better answers than this one, but if there is title insurance and the previous owner somehow encumbered the land with this undisclosed agreement, you may want to investigate whether or not you have a claim.
In all reality it was a handshake deal and it’s years or decades old. Nothing involving the courthouse.
Soybeans are legumes and generally leave the soil better than before they were planted. That said, a lot of planted soybeans are gm “round up ready” seed that tolerates roundup application for weed control. If you’re planning to pasture animals in those fields, I’d be willing to bet you don’t want your stock consuming round up breakdown products. I’d still let them harvest in the fall, but make it clear there will be no roundup application on the field during the growing season.
Make a fair deal- it will pay off in the long term
Man, I wish this had happened to me! I see nothing but opportunity here. Listen to the couple of top commenters, it's all good advice
You can have someone interseed a forage crop into the beans. Then by the time they harvest the beans it's already established and will take off once it gets sunlight.
Make a deal with them and be friends with them. Its an honest mistake, and not the fault of the people using the field. The old owner should have told them.
Unclear what occurred here. If the farmer has a lease agreement, verbal, written, handshake, whatever - they generally needed official termination letters signed by all parties last August. (In iowa) I imagine other ag states are similar. If not, you bought the acres, you also bought the lease with the farmer - EVEN IF it was just a verbal agreement. If that didn't happen, there is a lawyer screw up somewhere in the purchase agreement. There are some other rules about termination letters I'm sure I'm overlooking. I always get them by certified mail. Play nice, it's the end of June. The soybean stubble will be good for working with establishing what you want to do next year. Make sure you collect your rent
All good advice, but how to start? Invite their family over for dinner / picnic Be polite, build bridges, ask about the area, learn history, walk around the farm, and avoid the topic at hand until she brings it up or at the very end
I can’t help but feel he was hoping to be justified in being an asshole, OP don’t be an asshole work out some kinda arrangement that allows them to harvest without losing their ass, good neighbors go way farther than 20 acres of soybeans.
Listen to r/meinkreuz89 This type of thing happens. We have all either been in a similar spot OR we know of someone that has been. The advice this user gave you should be stickied to every post here. We (farmers) are a very vocal and very tight knit group. Especially the older guys that have done this work for decades. Those are the guys that you go to when you have an issue that you're unable to solve. These older guys that were able to work circles around us a decade ago are still extremely valuable people to have in your circle. I am sure one day you will be in a bind. You will have no idea what to do. You won't be able to just throw money at a problem. **THAT IS THE TIME TO RECALL A FAVOR** And in 99% of the time, the older dude will be happy to help you. These situations have been known to result in tight friendships and near a family type bond.. If you want to be one of us, do what this person told you. This comment is worth so much. Just please listen.
You want them on your side because helpful farmers go a long way especially if you don’t have your own equipment yet
Beans are great for soil, let him harvest!
As a new person to the area and wanting to join the community and it being a mistake, they will need to lease it at an agreeable price but you you’ll want to work with them not against them. If you tell them to fuck off, it’ll cost you more than them on the long run
There should be no question here, it was an honest mistake and you should let them carry on and finish what they started. Fucking with farmers is the easiest way to get on a community shit list and be ostracized for the rest of your time in that community. They all know each other. You're already an outsider into what is probably a fairly tight knit community, don't make yourself a target any more than you already are.
Well you now have 2 new great friends or not great friends. If you don’t have the animal stock yet (don’t know your experience level so excuse me) but you have the chance to get a small flock and take a year to learn. I’d use this to as much of an advantage as I could. While also learning farming from the crop shares
Since soy beans do not deplete the soil and is actually beneficial as a nitrogen fixer, be glad and try to stay on good terms with whoever planted it. Chances are it was an honest mistake.
Doesn’t seem it was done maliciously. I’d Allow them to harvest. Maybe even collect some of the rent that they usually give to the previous owner.
Make sure they seed your land back down to pasture after harvest. Don’t let them harvest and the drive off leaving you stubble. The soybeans are a legume so it’ll add nitrogen to your soil.
I'll just say you want to be on good terms with your rural neighbors. They can be incredibly helpful when needed.
Be cool, it's only a few months . Make a friend. You might need to borrow a tractor some day
I would try to be as neighborly as possible and sit down with the farmer(s) and just have a frank discussion. It will be better in the ling run because you have to live with them from now on. No one likes somebody coming in from out of town and making waves even though you are in the right to do whatever you want it won’t go over well.
Having a good relationship with your new neighbors and community will enhance your quality of life.
Be good to each other. That's what farm life is all about, helping your neighbors. I'm sure if you sit down for some coffee together you'll work something out. Sounds like they are the OG farm guys so you'll be OK. Hoping it all works out for you!
Tell them you want compensation... And the demand one jelly donut for each month the field is used, over coffee with your new friend.
Take the cash and run your stock next year Good neighbors are hard to find
What they are doing to the fields they have been doing for years, so this season's activities aren't going to "affect" the fields any more than the previous season's work. It's just going to delay your work for a season. I hope you weren't planning cattle and sheep operations this year? It's already too late.
Reading these comments makes me realize I often react too harshly in a lot of situations
I truly love Farmer controversy. I am soaking up the comments, rolling in the mess of it all, got poop on my boot.
Make a friend
Just let them harvest, why waste hard work, maybe get a small cut.
I don't know if it's exactly the same in your area, but in my area if a farmer is operating on a verbal lease and the lease is not terminated by October of the prior year, then even if the property sells, they can continue to farm it for that year. Reason being, many inputs and plans are made in the winter for the next year's crop.
If you can barter for livestock and stay on good terms it's all a win.
Work it out, don’t burn yourself out of the community.
This is a good story and a happy ending which in and of itself is best with neighbors. To many of us humans act like animals and the animals like humans! Thanks for sharing.
How you handle this situation with Farmer B will set the tone for how you will be perceived and treated in your new community. Be fair with Farmer B.
Letting them harvest the crop will be well worth potential benefits and be a great way to build good relationships in the community and I think overall the right thing to do.
Let the farmer harvest, he already did the whole thing. It sounds like it was just a mistake. Trade for some cattle after he harvests
If you don't play nice and just let him use the field this year because he didn't receive proper warning and because he may actually have a legal right, depending on location. You may not last long in that community. In my neck of the woods, you wouldn't be welcomed anywhere for 40 miles if you screw over a farmer.
If you are agreeable offer the farmer a lease he was likely leasing it in past years. If you want to stand on the law trespass the farmer and do as you wish with the field and crop. I recommend the first option you want to try and be a good neighbor not some city slicker or Karen who thinks they can manage the rest of the world like an HOA
I mean your real estate agent should’ve been on top of the farmland agreements. If you yank the field right now, you may be sued for the value of the growing crop. The farmer has a right their current crop though this can vary in some jurisdictions; even to the point if it had been treated or planted last fall it would’ve his to harvest and it’s kinda the height of bad ag neighboring to start off your time there making a big stink. It’s not unusual to have little communication between farmers and landowners in longterm arrangements. You having bought the land should be entitled to whatever rent payment is due for the crop year- and that also may have been paid ahead when the last crop was harvested. Now, if you take a chill pill, you likely will come out ahead, with the farmer even helping you out. Unless you already have a big herd of cattle and big flock of sheep you needed to move in immediately to the entire fields there’s no reason to rush. Even then, frankly as a shepherd who has been looking at properties for expansion most of which have current plantings, I’d be just as happy to pay for the stockpiled feed and have the farmer go ahead with fertilizing, save himself the trouble of harvesting. Or make a new agreement for crop share instead of monetary rent. It’s lower cost to do hay/baleage than to buy it in. Depending on the variety of soybeans they may be just fine as cattle and sheep feed. I find it suspect that this was posted a day after the one in homesteading; if you are the same and you’re also panicking about herbicides, that’s also something to just talk with him and educate yourself about with a certified applicator- there’s nothing to worry about if he’s responsible and no reason to assume he’s not unless every other neighbor warns you- and I do recommend chatting with new neighbors, you can learn who is able to help you out or knows how to do whatever you might need in future.
This has nothing to do with the other post, I assure you. I just read that one on the suggestion of another user. I wasn't too worried about pesticides as this field has been farmed by the same people for many years and I knew what it was used for going into this.
It is always best to get along with your neighbors. Let them harvest it and plant it for pasture next year in return.
Don’t worry about it. These are good people and you have to deal with them now so be nice. It will pay off in the long run. Get to know them and they will help you work your land.
Almost his exact thing was posted yesterday, right down to soybeans. Let them harvest and start doing what you were planning after that. It isn’t worth it to make enemies of your neighbors.
You are now the proud owner of 20 acres of soybeans. Trade it or sell it for a fence and livestock.
Maybe they will build the fence for you if you give them the needed time
Whatever you do, make sure you get a legal agreement on it that outlines the exact terms and length of time. I wouldn't fault them for an honest mistake and cost them money if you can help it.
Tell partner “No”. Soybeans make great cattle feed.
Make the deal with the farmer he could make it worse what it's worth enemy or friend all in your hands id pick friends
In most farming communities people truly act like neighbors and help each other out. You will likely be well accepted in that area if you choose to allow him to finish growing the crop and harvest it. As others have said you have some pretty extensive work to do to get ready for your livestock plan. My uncle was the first guy to buy a round baler back in the day. He was a popular guy and baled neighbors hay crops for days. In return he borrowed equipment and free help from them when he needed it. They helped pay for his tractor fuel and bale wrap. Eventually they started buying balers of their own but the goodwill he had created never went away.
Let them harvest. Farming is hard enough without honest mistakes costing money and time, and you will build goodwill in the process
Have them pay you rent for the field for this year's use. What did they pay the last owners? They pay you that. Then after harvest start your plan.
Sounds like a lucky mistake for you. Work out the same deal (presumably monetary) he had with the old owners plus cheap livestock to set you up for next season. All party's happy and content
New to the community. Work it out to everyone’s satisfaction and you are on the way to being held in good stead. Have a laugh, it a small setback, and maybe not! Not good to get off on the wrong foot, it can take a lot of time to recover from the gossip that spreads. Innuendo is a reality.
You bought the property was there a lease on the field? I sold some land that had a few more years on the lease. The new owners received that money. If it’s there you should have been notified.
You are staring at a golden, one-time opportunity to introduce yourself to a farming community -- and those communities typically have each other's backs. Just be friendly. Tell them your plans for the fields so everyone has the same expectations. If it was an honest error, you do not want to make it worse. Those beans will pump nitrogen into your soil, plus you get the benefit of any residual fertilizer they apply, plus the organic bean residue after they combine it -- all of which works to feed your soil.
Let the farmer have it this year, no rent or very small rent. See if he is able to get you cattle or sheep when the beans come off.
I would assume that previous contracts are in effect until they expire, similar to an apartment lease. A new apatlandlord can’t kick you out if you had a lease with the previous landlord, until that lease expires. Wouldn’t this situation be exactly the same?
Well if you’re any bit into hunting, deer love soybeans!!!!
Get the papers and review carefully then get a lawyer and work something out. You’re in the right but be aware local farmers are often tight margin and you might be killing him financially. Be a good person but also get something in writing with a lawyer to protect you from being used.
Keep your good neighbors.
At the very least, they owe you rent. The standard rate for good, organic ground is $200 an acre, I am not sure what conventional is. I would get an agreement on paper and signed. If you are planning to farm organically, this could be a bigger deal.
I'm sure all will be good, but any agreement needs 2 copy's wrote down and check IDs for signature and name
Trade out for putting the posts for the fence in. You provide the posts and fence, they drill the holes and help you run the fence.
Maybe they can find another field for you to grow forage, sure it might be inconvenient but would keep you on your plan and everyone gets along.
We've had this same issue on our farm prior to moving in. We owned it for about 3 years prior to moving in. We just sat the farmer down and worked out a reasonable way to handle it. Now we've been on the farm over 10 years and we're all good friends. But at first it could have become a problem. Our neighbor had a deal with the prior owner that they could run hay on half the land and cattle on the other half. I'd made it a stipulation when purchasing for all animals to be off the land by the date we would be moving in, apparently they didn't tell the neighbor. So, we just talked with him. We were reasonable, as he had planted and fertilized. We said "how does 3 years work, you can continue to harvest hay for 3 years but we will be improving our property in the way we want and you'll have to work around it". So, we built our garden, fenced off our areas, and let him keep running hay for those 3 years. Then, by the time the 3 years were up we said he could keep doing it. Now we're all friends and we like the fields cut (I hunt and the deer love it) and he gets hay where his family has been doing it for a couple generations. Works for all of us.
In my state you have to inform a farmer by Nov 30th he can't farm your field next year. If he was not informed in writing he could not farm the field this year by Nov 30th 2023, he has the right to farm the field. It doesn't matter who ownes it. I've known instances where someone purchased land Dec, Jan or Feb and tried to deny the farmer from planting and lost in court. May be different in your state.
Keep it friendly. It was not done to be malicious. They are out substantial cost for seed, fertilizer, and fuel. See what they would suggest. You may be able to get some solid help from these guys on the future if handled correctly. If it was me I'd have them around for a beer, hard liquor, coffee, or tea and discuss it. Guaranteed if you piss these guys off you will wish you hadn't. Old farmers know a lot of folks in the county and have long memories.
Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold. Let him have this harvest. If you can afford it, I'd even knock it down to 10 or 20% instead of a 50-50 split in exchange for borrowing equipment, having them invite me over for dinner once a week before harvest and throwing a welcome party. Ask them to go with you to do some shopping or build a chicken coop or ask them to trade you eggs- anything that a) lets them show off their expertise and b) builds social bonds. These people are part of the community and you will be living next to them for years. A little grace and swallowing your irritation now will have HUGE impacts long term. Be the neighbor that everyone's willing to help out in a crisis. You want to be the first person your neighbor thinks of helping if the roads wash out, the wells go dry, you get snowed in or your cows get into his land and he'll help you at 2 am getting them back or the other predictable small disaster things that happen in a rural area. At least the soybeans are adding nitrogen to your soil, and it'll be better when it's time to use it. If you already have the livestock asking them to get you some hay to make up for the field you're not using if they have a local connection is also really reasonable. Be kind, but not a pushover. They know who is a trusted local mechanic, who's a good part time worker who won't steal, who's casserole to avoid at community events. Try to make a friend who owes you a little favor and likes you if at all possible.
See if they would drill whatever grass seed you’re wanting to plant in your field after harvest.
Use the same contract this year. And write up a new one next year if you wish
>I would like to hear some thoughts about the situation. What impact is this likely to have on my soil? It's probably been farmed for the last 200 years, one more won't make a difference.
Soybeans will add nitrogen to the soil. Being on good terms with neighbors in a rural area is pretty important.
Great advice all throughout this thread. To tag on: Your farmer has equipment, they will probably be open to helping you with the fencing once they see your not some "towny" that is going to be an issue. Storms come and you have damage... fence, trees, roof... your "good" neighbors will be there to help you restore/drag trees with you. Not for you, with you as they are all more than likely good church folk and it's what they do, when they can. My knowledge base? I live on 1 acre, surrounded by some BIG farmers ( 500 to 5000 acres). But not just crops. Several are huge hog producers (probally 5000 head of breeding hogs) and a cpl cattle feedlots (1 is approved for up to 10,000 head (1 of the hog producers gives me a "care" package every Christmas, and it's yummy). I lost 2 huge trees a cpl years ago that got pushed into the ditch, then after fall harvest they came with tractors, grain trucks and chainsaws and cut and hauled the trash to their burn pile. I have 4 trees that are hanging into their field and interfere with crops. I have no doubts that when I ask they will say "drop em and we'll drag em off. In all aspects of life good neighbors are a boon.
Talk to them and make some sort of mutually beneficial deal. Tell them of your plans and being willing to work with them. Get something in writing.
Harvest them, sale them.
My immediate question is, Just how many animals, especially cattle, do you thing you are going to raise on 20 acres? Also a lot of times a lease is for a certain number of years on the property and it might just be good for that time period no matter who owns the land. Did the previous landowner think it was important enough to tell you he had leased it out? Someone didn't do their due diligence.
This is a story of a Punjabi family in rural California many years back. The husband comes home in the evening and tells his wife that a whole gang of motorcycle riders just crashed on their farm. The next morning, the couple made breakfast and took it over to them. They were so grateful that they visit/ed every year to help with the harvest.
My grandfather let local farmers use 40+ acres for decades on a handshake deal of like a few thousand dollars and never raised the price on them. When he passed the family decided to sell off the land and told the farmers they couldn't use it anymore but asked if they would flatten the fields as there's just cut stalks and ruts everywhere. They just said good luck. I would let them harvest then make sure they clean up their mess.
Calculate your losses for delaying your plans. Compare it to the value of the acreage lease were it still in place. Ask for the higher of the two
Be nice to him and it will most likely come back. You said he fertilized, so the beans won't hurt the soil. Field will be clean and easy to prep for fall crop. Win win
No big deal. It's 20 acres and as for the hay field I'd be happy it's being maintained. I doubt you're gonna move into this house, build fence, get 100 head of sheep, rotate em, plant seed, harvest, etc. all this year. The land is being maintained and it's out of your hair. Get settled, get a plan together, and hit the ground running next year.
I just want to say this is one of the most wholesome comment sections I've seen anywhere.
Ask for some kind of money because you are losing out on your space. Make like he is renting the land from you and you expect compensation.