Farming Agreements: Protecting Your Land, Livelihood, and Future
In Queensland, farming isn’t just a business — it’s a way of life. Yet, too many farmers rely on handshake deals or verbal arrangements that leave them vulnerable to costly disputes, misunderstandings, and tax complications.
Whether you’re grazing cattle, growing crops, sharing water infrastructure, or planning succession, clear, legally binding agreements are essential to protect your land, your livelihood, and your family’s future.
At Enterprise Legal, we’re a law firm based in regional Queensland (Toowoomba), right in the heart of farming country. We understand the realities of rural life and the unique legal and commercial challenges faced by primary producers. We help you secure agreements that work in practice — not just on paper.
We also offer fixed or capped fees wherever possible, so you know exactly what your matter will cost.
Types of Farming Agreements We Handle
Agistment Agreements
- cover arrangements for grazing livestock on someone else’s land
- clarify payment terms, responsibilities for fences, water, feed, and animal welfare
Share Farming Agreements
- define how landowners and farmers share crops, livestock, or income
- cover risk allocation, cost sharing, and income splits
- vital for tax and GST implications
Grazing Licences
- short-term rights to graze stock without creating tenancy rights
- commonly used between neighbours or government landholders
Cropping Agreements
- detail terms for growing crops on another person’s land
- allocate costs, responsibilities, and rights to profits
Farm Lease Agreements
- longer-term arrangements for leasing farmland
- define rights, obligations, repairs, and outgoings
- vital for succession planning and farm expansion
Farm Partnerships & Joint Ventures
- formalise business structures between farming families or business partners
- manage profit-sharing, decision-making, and exit strategies
Water and Irrigation Agreements
- govern water sharing, pipeline use, and irrigation infrastructure
- critical in water allocation management in Queensland
Carbon Farming & Environmental Offset Agreements
- help landowners participate in carbon credit schemes or biodiversity offsets
- ensure agreements comply with regulatory frameworks and protect long-term interests
Succession Agreements
- plan for transition of farms to the next generation
- manage legal, tax, and family relationship implications
Fencing and Neighbour Agreements
- prevent disputes over fence costs, boundaries, and stock management
Why Formal Agreements Matter in Farming
Too often in rural communities, deals are made with a handshake or a verbal understanding. While these arrangements might feel neighbourly, they can lead to:
- misunderstandings over responsibilities or payments
- disputes that damage relationships
- unintended tax or GST consequences
- problems during audits or bank reviews
- significant financial losses if parties fall out
A well-drafted agreement ensures everyone knows their rights and obligations, reducing the risk of costly disputes. It’s not about creating paperwork, it’s about protecting your property, income, and future.
As regional lawyers, we understand the practicalities of how these agreements work on the ground, whether that means moving stock between paddocks, harvesting crops, or negotiating water allocations during a dry season.
Our Farming Agreement Services
Enterprise Legal provides fixed or capped fee services wherever possible for:
- drafting new farming agreements tailored to your operations
- reviewing and advising on existing agreements to identify risks
- negotiating agreement terms to protect your interests
- working closely with your accountant to ensure tax-effective outcomes
- preparing documentation for Titles Office lodgements or PPSR registrations where required
- resolving disputes arising from farming arrangements
We help you avoid surprises and ensure your agreements are legally sound, practical, and protect your future income and property.
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Why Choose Enterprise Legal for Farming Agreements?
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Farming Agreement FAQs
Need help with a farming agreement? Book a consultation with our experienced rural lawyers today and protect your land, income, and future.
What is an Agistment Agreement?
• payment terms
• responsibilities for fencing, water, and feed
• animal welfare standards
• notice requirements for ending the arrangement
Is a Handshake Agreement Legally Binding?
What’s the Difference Between Share Farming and Leasing?
• Lease: tenant pays rent to use the land and keeps the profits.
Each has different legal and tax implications.
Can I Record a Grazing Licence on Title?
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Farming Contract?
• your rights are protected
• tax consequences are considered
• agreements comply with Queensland laws
• future disputes are avoided