Rent-a-cow scheme to help farmers

// added October 14, 2008 // 4 comments //
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7669403.stm

A cow-leasing scheme has been set up in Somerset to give hard-pressed dairy farmers a low cost way of expanding their herds.

Contract milking specialist Jim Parker, from Polsham near Wells, will rent out one of his Ayrshire or Holstein Friesian cows for about £600 a year.

The farmer is allowed to keep all the milk and any calves produced.

The idea enables farmers to increase or rebuild herds at short notice without a huge initial financial layout.

Mr Parker believes the scheme, which he is running with his daughter Tracy, is the first in the UK.

"Apparently in America and Australia, it's quite widespread, so we looked into it and thought there was an opening," he said.

"People want to expand and enlarge their herd so we thought we'd give it a go.

"It's not a cheap animal to buy, so a farmer can lease it from us for three to four years.

"At the end of that period, the cow becomes theirs, same principle as leasing a car."

Mr Parker said while there were some risks involved, it was a good addition to his business.
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