The practice of leasing agricultural acreage in Rhode Island to cultivate and harvest forage crops is a common arrangement. This often involves a contractual agreement where a landowner grants temporary usage rights to a farmer for the purpose of growing grasses and legumes, which are then processed into dried and compressed animal feed. The resulting product provides sustenance for livestock during periods when fresh pasture is unavailable.
Engaging in such arrangements offers several advantages. Landowners can generate income from otherwise underutilized property, contributing to the local agricultural economy and preventing land from falling into disuse. Farmers, conversely, gain access to additional resources, enabling them to increase production without the substantial capital investment required for land acquisition. Historically, these kinds of agreements have been vital for maintaining agricultural viability in regions with limited or expensive farmland.
