If your property is short on feed or you’re just starting out, you may have heard others recommend that you consider “agistment”.

Agistment is a concept that involves someone else looking after your livestock.

This could be a great way to collaborate with someone else (the agistor) and reap benefits for both parties (especially during the dry season!).

With agistment, you won’t need to sell your livestock. And your livestock will have access to better feed.

Often, these agreements are agreed upon by a brief discussion and a simple handshake. But, as with any agreement, it’s important to make sure you put it down in writing.

This is where an Agistment Agreement comes in.

What Is An Agistment Agreement?

An Agistment Agreement is a contract between you and the agistor. The agistor is the person who will be taking responsibility for your livestock — whether that is feeding or maintaining it.

Often, the contents and structure of Agistment Arrangements will vary depending on what you’ve agreed to. As such, it’s not really best practice to download a template. You’ll want to make sure you have a customised contract that protects your interests and truly reflects the agreement.

An Agistment Agreement will generally answer questions like:

  • How does payment work?
  • What happens if payment is not made?
  • Who is responsible for veterinary care?
  • What happens if livestock get sick?
  • What happens if there is a need to relocate animals in an emergency?
  • What exactly will the agistor do for the animals?
  • How long will the agistment agreement be carried out?

Why Do I Need An Agistment Agreement?

In any arrangement, you want to make sure that you’ve put all the key terms down in writing.

With agistment – even if you have a great relationship with the person who will be taking care of your livestock – it’s best practice to have an Agistment Agreement in place.

If you’re leaving your livestock in the care of someone else, you want to make sure that it’s done right. The last thing you want is to argue over a misunderstanding because the original agreement wasn’t recorded anywhere.

An agreement will make it clear how payment will work and what happens if payment isn’t made. Plus, having a contract helps outline exactly what the agistor is responsible for (will they take care of veterinary needs? What happens if there is an emergency?)

Lastly, having an agreement in place can help you both set out a process if a dispute were to arise.

Speak With A Lawyer

If you need help with putting together an Agistment Agreement, we’re here to help!

Often, Agistment Agreements vary from one person to another. As such, a good lawyer can understand your needs and draft a contract that protects your interests.You can reach out to us at 1800 730 617 or at team@sprintlaw.com.au.

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