Info on no of Farms offering livery

[Nickie]

Hi All,

I am a regular user of this board but I also work for one of the agricultural bodies of the UK.

Just wondered if anyone knows where I can get info on the number of farms that are starting to offer livery as a non-farming related income?

Or Livery as a type of diversification?

Sorry to get technical but if you know what I am waffling on about maybe you can help??

Please reply to me on this thread if you know anywhere.

DEFRA are of no help and MLC can't help either (or won't).

Thanks

Nicola

[Miriam]

There are at least three farms where I live that offer DIY livery on the farm. All were doing this before the foot and mouth though.

[Nickie]

Hi Miriam,

I am really looking for information on a UK as a total basis.

This is the whole of the question that I am trying to answer:

How many farms are diversifying by offering livery services, and how much of a farmers' income can this represent? What range of services are represented by the term 'livery' and what financial input is needed, and for what, to start offering livery? Also what differences are there between a farmer offering livery and a member of the public doing the same, if any? What is the rate of expansion and where are the areas where livery businesses are most successful?

I know it is a lot - and I am trying to find what I can - but any suggestions as to organisations which register livery offerers' etc would be helpful. Thats presuming that you have to be registered!

Thanks again

Nicola

[sweetbriar]

It may be worth contacting the BHS. They may have an idea as to who to contact. I have a feeling that most livery yards don't have to be registered with any one body.

[Maria]

Also worth considering NFU Regional Offices. Agricultural Colleges might also be worth contacting - one or some of them may be doing research in this area.

One of our local livery yards is now advertising that it is approved by the BHS - so the BHS are another contact.

Licencing livery yards may be on the political agenda as part of the review of legislation on animal welfare. DEFRA should at least be able to tell you what statistics are or are not collected. Also worth contacting a horse friendly MP given their research facilities.

Maria

[packhorse11]

I would love to know if you eventually found out any information on this on a national basis. I doubt that you did though. I am pretty sure the BHS wouldnt be able to help because livery yards dont need to be registered - licensed or anything like that. Anyone can start a livery yard.

I think the NFU is the more likely place to get info - but even then I suspect it wont be a national thing - if they have any info it will be area by area.

If you do get any joy though Nicki, I would be very pleased to hear from you direct.

on
packhorse11@btinternet.com