I won't be continuing this blog as we have moved on from the search for a new co-farmer.

There are two other blogs related to my farming journey, one that was created during our time in Dubbo at Oaklands Farm at " Oaklands - A Vertical Learning Curve ".

The other is the new blog of day to day happenings on Highclere " Highclere Diaries ".

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A thumbnail summary of what happened with the search :

* Just as we were looking at hitting the go button on DomaCom, COVID hit and all the proposed investors suddenly got worried about the market and pulled out.

* I had managed to get the mortgage down far enough that with the two rounds of superannuation withdrawals allowed during covid, maxing out the mortgage redraw, a loan from friends and a rollout of Geoff's super into a SMSF I was able to put together the money to pay out the exiting owner.

* The ATO then decided the use of the SMSF was ineligible despite the property being purchased being a rental house and therefore an income earning investment.

* I arranged to sell the 75 acre section to a neighbouring farmer. This required a subdivision that has taken over 18 months due to delays by third party contractors, but we are in the last stages. 

* Once this has finalised the borrowed funds will go back into the SMSF, it will be rolled back into an industry super and finalised. The mortgage will be substantially reduced and a large payment made towards the loan from the friend. With the cottage now rented to a stable and employed tenant we can start paying off credit card debts and the remaining loan and mortgage debts without the potential forced sale of the farm hanging over our heads.

So it has been messy and drawn out and far more complex than necessary, but the end is in sight. 

It felt like a defeat to sell the 75 acre section when I had fought so hard for the farm, but in reality it was the focus of all the work and none of the joy. I can run all the stock I need for my own enjoyment and self sufficiency on the 25 acre section and it is alot easier to work and maintain. All the sheds and houses are on the 25 acres.

I will have to rethink the management of the pastures to allow good rotation and rest for the grass and do some internal fencing and water points. Always a project waiting when you have a farm :-)