Seasonal pasture rental for cattle and sheep

Small livestock producers and hobby farmers who lack enough land, or who want extra summer grazing.

A fee per animal per month, or a fixed seasonal fee for a set number of head. Income comes mainly in the grazing months.

• Pasture and land management
• Basic fencing and water setup
• Clear written agreements

• Zoning and agricultural land rules, check with your municipality and provincial agriculture ministry
• Liability insurance that covers other people's livestock on your land
• Animal identification and movement rules for livestock, check with your provincial regulator and the CFIA
• Overgrazing damage and weeds, agree stocking numbers and move-out dates
• Escaped animals and fence repairs, agree who is responsible
• Income is seasonal, so plan for the off-season

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on your fencing and water setup. Agree stocking numbers and move-out dates in writing to limit overgrazing damage and weeds.

Check zoning and agricultural land rules with your municipality and provincial agriculture ministry. Also check liability insurance that covers other people's livestock, and animal identification and movement rules with your provincial regulator and the CFIA.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000 CAD, depending on your acreage and the number of animals. Income is seasonal, so plan for the off-season. Expect roughly 5 hours a week or more.