Renting one acre, planting lavender, how much?

Thinking it might be better just asking for a percentage of the profits from the crop, he does the work, I supply the land. This way he won't be out any money till he actually receives some income off his crop. Anyone have any idea what an acre of lavender will produce dollar wise? I know nothing about growing the stuff but he seems to think he can make a buck.

Any insight would be appreciated, thanks...

As well, it can mess up any govt programs - under the right conditions, someone in the program could end up having to repay $300 or more for that acre to the govt, as well as a stack of papers....

In your case,if it sounds like waste land anyhow, you aren't out much anyhow.

The shares deal would probably work out the best for all, if everyone is honest about it. Hand weeding/ harvest/ possible processing labor is going to be the big cost, so regular 40% (landowner) / 60% deals for grains doesn't work out well. Probably closer to the 25% someone else mentioned? Allow him to figure out his cost/income & counter offer, if he has a lot of other expense we are not aware of. If he's got a $4000 gross with a lot of fertilizer & extreme labor costs, maybe 4% to you ends up being fair. I'd think it over & work with him on that. If you supply any labor, up it. Many times fertilizer & seed costs are also split in a typical 40/60% land rent - he may counter with such a plan.

Sounds like the equipment use might be an on-going 'issue' from a barrower-be. Might want to look up state average rental costs on that (a search on-line or at your extension office) and charge those per-hour or per-acre costs. Keeps the tractor use fair. Sometimes those costs look high, but maintaining a machine takes $$$$, and renters tend to let things go, so I'd not back down on these costs at all. Sooner let him use the acre for free - you aren't out anything it sounds like - and make sure your equipment isn't abused by charging enough for their use.

Yea, I'm way too detailed for one friend/neighbor borrowing one unused acre. :) Typically let the fellow have it for a case of beer & everyone is happy, no worries. :) Just tossing out some ways bigger operations do it, in case this grows into something. :)

--->Paul

Good luck - Lavender huh?!

Bill

I was out of town when he stopped by and talked to my wife about the deal so haven't really talked to him yet. Not sure if he would want the extra work but I have about 4 acres that could be used without interfering with anything except me having to mow it. Thinking he just wants to do an acre to start and see how it works out. He took a soil sample from the area we are thinking about and the results of that will probably determine if he actually does anything..

Probably the other issue that will come up is I have the tractor but no farming implements, plow, disk fertilizer spreader etc, don't think one can farm with a box blade, landscape rake and various mowers :) He doesn't own a tractor so am guessing he will want to use mine. This may open up a whole new can of worms....

Said he would stop back by after he gets the results back from the soil sample, just wanted some input from those that know before I actually talked to him...

Thanks
Bob