Agistment agreements help landowners (lessors) and livestock owners (lessees) create clear and fair agreements for using land to graze animals. These documents ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities and avoid misunderstandings. They are especially useful for managing cattle, sheep, or horse grazing agistment arrangements.

Key Aspects of an Agistment Agreement Document

• Details About the Animals and Land: States the number, type, and condition of the livestock, and specifies the land being used.
• Payment Terms: Explains how much the livestock owner will pay, how the fee is calculated (e.g., per head or per acre), and when payments are due. 
• Timeframe: Sets the start and end dates of the agreement to avoid confusion. 
• Responsibilities:
  •  For the Landowner*: Maintain the property (e.g., fences, water access) and ensure it’s safe for the animals.
  • For the Livestock Owner*: Care for the animals, manage feeding if pasture is low, and clean up at the end of the agreement.
•  Handling Issues: Explains what will happen if problems occur, such as who is responsible if livestock gets sick, injured, or escapes.

Download the NSW Government’s Young Farm Business Program Agistment Agreement Template here.