Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 352 The Direction of Expansion

The first day of June, morning.

Everyone on the ranch, including Zep who woke up late, sat around the table.

"so--"

Ravid held up one finger, then the other.

"Next week, Ata will return to the ranch for summer rest and recuperation."

"Next week, the Moon Leap that the president purchased in Haozhou will also arrive at the ranch."

At this point, the Indian man frowned slightly, and the other members of the commune also looked over.

Simply put, there isn't enough space on the ranch.

With the help of various parties, they finally managed to get their own production up and running, albeit with some stumbles, and gradually figured out the tricks of the trade as horse breeders.

While he had considered using his own horses to win more high-stakes races or to compete overseas, his stronger desire was for the horses he bred to shine.

Land is a prerequisite.

With the increasing number of breeding mares, the immediate priority is the expansion of grazing areas and stables.

While rezoning the land could temporarily solve the problem of grazing foals in their year, it was not a long-term solution.

The existing grazing land was already somewhat cramped for the horses that the ranch could accommodate.

The stable problem is not difficult to solve, since racehorses owned by ranches and individuals rarely return to the ranch at the same time, and horse production is not expected to increase significantly in the next few years.

On the other hand, due to the design leaving room for expansion, the renovation should allow for the addition of several standard-sized stables in each of the two stables.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the issue of grazing land.

My thoughts have temporarily returned to this point, but that doesn't mean I've come up with any good ideas.

"What about Mr. Kano?"

"Not going very smoothly."

He shook his head and responded to the members' questions with a somewhat helpless expression.

Kano Ranch, a neighbor located to the east of Mejiro Ranch, is also divided into two parts by the Hidaka Mountains.

A few days ago, I visited Kano Ranch and tentatively proposed the idea of ​​purchasing or leasing the western half of their land adjacent to Mejiro Ranch.

however--

With no significant changes in the number of breeding mares, the demand for grazing land in pastures will not change significantly.

Moreover, the greenhouse plantation operated by Kaya Ranch as a sideline of the integrated ranch is also located at the junction of the two ranches.

In cases where land is leased, managing a greenhouse plantation nestled between grazing lands is not an easy task.

"Although I really want to help Kitano-kun."

After receiving this reply, they had no choice but to abandon their plan to seek advice from the east.

"Then Mr. Kida."

"Things are even more difficult over there."

Upon hearing this answer, the members all sighed.

Located just across the street from Mejiro Ranch, Kida Ranch occupies the largest area in Minamisanishi and is also a rare flat piece of land in the Shin-Nidaka area.

However, unlike Kano Ranch, which is facing financial difficulties, Kida Ranch, which has a proven track record of producing G1 horses, is not currently experiencing any significant economic problems.

Even in situations where land transfer is unavoidable, Kida Ranch would probably prioritize Eishindo, with whom they have a close personal relationship, rather than Mejiro Ranch, which is a semi-outsider.

Although Rongjintang may not necessarily be interested in expanding its already shrinking horse racing business.

In this case, Kida Ranch only agreed to lease out a small, long strip of idle land near the Fumaikawa River.

Even without considering the costs of redevelopment, the on-site investigation quickly led to the conclusion that "that land is not suitable for grazing."

"that."

Kikuchi carefully raised his arm, breaking the increasingly heavy atmosphere in the lounge.

"How is the old land of Kinsei Ranch?" Located north of Mejiro Ranch, Kinsei Ranch boasts nine high-quality grazing plots covering an area of ​​over twenty-one hectares—

The ranch declared bankruptcy and ceased operations as early as ten years ago, and even Kim Sung-young-bo, the ranch's representative, completely withdrew from the horse racing world.

Normally, land that is managed and assessed by the bankruptcy administrator is quickly sold to pay off debts. At the same time, many small and medium-sized ranches in Japan that were experiencing economic difficulties also changed owners or became branches of large ranches.

Jincheng Ranch is an exception.

Because the land is classified as the highest-quality Class A farmland, Jincheng Ranch's land is generally not allowed to be converted for other uses.

In addition to the requirement that the purchase be made as a whole, whether it is an individual or a legal entity, there are strict requirements for the transferee, such as that the main agricultural business operator must be directly involved in agricultural work.

With large ranches outside Sanshi having no intention of getting involved and local small and medium-sized ranches finding it difficult to expand, the land of the former Jincheng Ranch was left abandoned for more than ten years.

"Jincheng Ranch—"

Even the initial figure of 190 million yen was barely acceptable given the current financial situation.

Not to mention that after more than a decade of neglect, the actual transfer price has fallen to the current 40 million yen.

however--

The potential costs involved in restoring such a long-abandoned piece of land must be considered, especially in Hokkaido where there is already a labor shortage.

Even if the land is acquired, successfully utilizing it as part of a ranch is by no means a matter of a day or two.

"Ravidsang, what do you think?"

"In the long run, it should be a good choice, but—"

Lavid also harbored doubts about the potential costs of that land.

"Well"

After thinking for quite some time, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

“Rachel-san—”

While speaking, I was also thinking about how to make follow-up plans.

"Yes!"

Then, my thoughts were interrupted by such a loud reply.

Almost instinctively, Rachel Ho jumped up from her seat, her body visibly tense with nervousness.

"Relax, relax~"

After gesturing for the other person to sit down, he continued speaking—

"Please restart the recruitment of members for the ranch on the recruitment website, and don't forget to promote it on social media platforms. I'll send you the specific requirements and benefits later. How about three full members and five contract members?"

As he spoke, he gave Ravid a questioning look.

The Indian man nodded and gave a "no problem" gesture.

"Then let's do it that way."

"Okay, I understand!"

After a brief moment of surprise, Rachel Ho nodded.

“Ravidsang, I’d like to trouble you to come with me to inspect the site later today. Also, I’ll leave the purchase of planks, nails, and barbed wire to you, Zep.”

The vague thoughts in my mind gradually became clearer, and the somewhat anxious emotions I had were gradually calming down.

"clear."

"Roger that, BOSS!"

"in addition--"

After a slight pause, he continued speaking.

"Let's put that matter on the agenda right here."

(End of this chapter)