CATEGORIES

Making delicious golden mead is easy

Many people think of mead as something of historical interest, but good mead is delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Hugh & Fiona Osborne are on a mission to bring mead back to smallholders and small farmers

Olfaction is a very misunderstood sense in hens

Paul Donovan investigates the sense of smell, and how it impacts behaviour.

Safeguarding your smallholding - who owns the land?

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery, smallholding and life in general.

Do Government Policies Make Now a Good Time to Sell Land?

lan Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) looks at recent planning developments

Get growing early with some TLC

Lee Senior shows how to provide tender, loving care with early season warmth and protection

Pre-Season Checks for Your Incubator

We asked Brinsea Incubator Specialists how to get off to a good start to a successful hatching season

Get prepared for keeping bees

Claire Waring looks at what you need to know before you become a hands on beekeeper.

March that heralds in spring

It’s also a busy one on the smallholding and in the garden

Exmoor Horn sheepnot just for Exmoor!

Helen Babbs meets the the hardy hill breed with excellent fleece

Introducing new goats to your herd

Matt Huggins explains how to keep new members and old members safe and sound when first meeting

All about the boots

With their feathered feet, friendly nature, and curious charm, Booted Bantams are a standout breed for all poultry keepers. Cara Wheeldon finds out what makes these little birds so special—and why you will never stop at just one.

Why live in Dubai when you can farm deer in Scotland

Michael Wale finds out the attractions

A Brief Chapter in the History of Land

Farming and smallholding practices have altered over the past century or so. Some changes have been subtle, others less so – and many brought about by technology and legislation. In a new monthly series, Jeremy Hobson outlines just a few of them.

How city farms are actively conserving our native breed

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price explains how consumers see farming in their own urban community

No space to spare- an influx of rescued goats

Matt Huggins makes an unusual appeal for new foster homes

Treats for Valentines Day

Henrietta Balcon looks at the traditions surrounding this celebration of love

Are you legal to transport livestock?

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.

Soil Farmer of the Year competition launched on World Soil Day

Farmers can now enter the 2025 Soil Farmer of the Year competition, which will celebrate leadership in soil management as a tool to support the overall resilience of farm businesses. Entries close 5th March, 2025

Getting kitted out for safety and comfort

Claire Waring considers the personal equipment you need when starting beekeeping.

Laying hens doing a cracking job helping young farmer plough his own furrow

Joining Farmlay as a contract producer has helped a young Scottish farmer transform a modest acreage into a profitable concern.

What Can Chickens Eat for Treats?

Most of us with chickens want to provide some treats as a supplement to their core food, either to encourage their trust or simply “just because”. Fiona & Hugh Osborne guide you through the options.

The Andalusian, a beautiful Mediterranean light breed which has some genetic quirks

This Mediterranean breed was known in the early 1800s, but the colours then were black or white.

The waddle of wee webbed feet

Many ducks will soon come into lay but you need to plan ahead if you want to breed ducklings

Consider Cheshire for stunning countryside but also a county of culture

Sue Field writes our regular column about the best places for smallholder living

Get the right balance for good health

From laminitis to obesity, to urology or constipation or looseness, Emily Wansbrough, Smallholder Nutritionist from The Smallholder Range discusses why diseases are caused by unbalanced feeding

Hedges are nature's corridors as well as field barriers

John Sones says to be aware of hedgerow law and how to find funding

The Inner Workings of a Goat Herd

Understanding how a herd works for its members is important to the welfare of goats

Are Sheep Really Stupid?

Wade Muggleton disagrees – and so will you when you find out why!

Top honours and top price for Old English Game trio

A trio of home-bred Pyle Old English Game bantams from regular Co. Durham exhibitor Andrew Addison was the standout entry and reached one of the mart's highest poultry prices ever when they dazzled at CCM Skipton's Craven Feather Auctions Christmas show and sale.

How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France

Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.