Published: 06/03/2024 By Ella Witteridge
Spring is coming, the relentless rain will eventually stop, we'll enjoy brighter days and the grass will be growing. Landowners may be starting to think about letting their land, and graziers are often looking for further grass keep for grazing or silage. Graduate Surveyor Ella Witteridge from our Axminster Office explains why it is essential to use a proper licence when letting land.A grazing licence grants the grazier access to land for a period of less than a year and in most cases runs from 1st April – the end of October. The landowner is usually responsible for the maintenance of the land including hedges, fencing, ditches etc and the grazier would be paying the landowner for the crop of grass whether it is for grazing or mowing purposes.
One of the main benefits of a grazing licence is that it enables the landowner to retain the rights over their land and most importantly still be seen as ‘actively farming’. This in turn helps them in terms of claiming and retaining agricultural subsidies and for Inheritance Tax purposes. Having a simple written agreement in situ provides good evidence of this, as convenient as it may be to only have a ‘handshake agreement’ in place which may not prove legally to be sufficient.
Whether you are the landowner or the grazier, it is important to consider all aspects of an agreement, be it a Grazing Licence or Farm Business Tenancy prior to entering into one and be sure it is right for you and your business.
Our rural agents have been acting on behalf of farmers and landowners throughout the region. We will ensure that when letting land, the most suitable form of agreement is selected to maximise the potential of your land. For further information, please scroll down this page to find the farm tenancy and grass keep experts in your nearest office.
Symonds & Sampson's dedicated farm agents offer a range of services to farmers and landowners. They are here to help you make the best decisions, ensuring that the buying, selling, letting and managing of your most valuable asset is straight-forward and rewarding. For further details, please click here.
