Agenda - 02-09-2006-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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0/0 or clearing,. In addition, alternative agricultural activities might be feasible on some portions of the land-banked future park sites. Leasing of Land for Grass (Hay) Production One of the most common and simple agricultural lease arrangements for fields not otherwise in cultivation is grass (or hay) production. Hay is currently grown at the Blackwood Farm and Millhouse Road sites through arrangements with local farmers that pre-date the County's ownership. These arrangements have been continued for upkeep, mowing and to keep the land in production, but do not provide the County with additional income. To achieve revenues to help fund management and upkeep of the sites, the County might lease these fields to a farmer in exchange for the ability to raise, harvest and sell hay. Based on comparable leases and information from agricultural agencies, it is estimated that a projected lease rate to a farmer for hay production should range from $18-25 per acre per year 2. In this case, the lessee (farmer) would be responsible for the field preparation, seeding and harvesting of the hay. If there are additional stipulations on how the harvesting is to occur, or special events to be worked around, this may lessen the lease rate. Conversely, if the County as lessor assumes some responsibilities for field preparation and costs associated with same (liming and fertilizing the fields, for example), a higher rate of lease per acre may be possible. (Note: some farmers may be unwilling to relinquish this responsibility or portion of the process). In our climate, given a good growing season, a farmer may be able to generate two spring/summer harvests and one fall harvest, for a total of three per year. A general rule of thumb, given good conditions, is that an acre of land will yield four tons of hay per year (subject to change), As an informational note, most farmers in hay production in this area have gone to "square-baling" of hay. A square bale of hay brings $2.50 to $5.00 per bale3 in revenue for the average farmer, depending on quality and fluctuating market prices. However, it is important to note that there are costs involved in leasing land for any agricultural activity, including uncertainty of having a farmer interested in the lease, administration costs of the contract, and other factors. Forestry Another way to obtain revenue from future park lands would involve placing them in forestry. It is unlikely that a lessee would choose to participate in forestry activity, so this would be a choice made by the County as property owner, This might involve a forest management plan (one exists for the New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm property), ' Based on current prices, subject to change The price of hay fluctuates due to market, demand, weather and other factors, This is a concur estimate 8