The Country Smallholder - December 2023

In this issue

Pannage Pork
Official recognition for a pig keeping method that is centuries old.

Feeding goats in the winter
Evaluate their different needs for good nutrition.

Experts answer your questions
Thoughts on wormers; Making preparations for potential bird flu; Deep digging can be dangerous..

UK study finds some species of seabirds are showing signs of developing immunity to avian influenza

The eight-strong FluMap consortium, headed by the world-leading research team at the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA), has developed laboratory tools that can dissect the immune response in birds that have been exposed to avian influenza viruses in their lifetime.

2 mins

Farmers urged to beware, take action and be vigilant for new strain of Bluetongue virus

Following reports of a new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) emerging and spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, there is increasing concern about the situation and its proximity to the UK.

1 min

A unique way of pig production

Michael Wale reports on how New Forest Smallholders could benefit from a Government ruling

4 mins

Getting your wool processed fleece by fleece

Rampisham Hill Mill has established itself as the 'go to' mill for smallholders, crafters, and spinning/weaving guilds alike Jack Smellie visits to find out why

6 mins

Keep your goats fit and well during the long winter months

David Harwood BVetMed, FRCVS. provides practical pointers to providing the best care for your livestock in the cold (and wet) weather

7 mins

Feed your goats according to their individual needs

Joanna Palmer, nutritionist for Smallholder Range offers feeding advice to keep your goats happy and healthy this winter.

6 mins

Few things capture the joy of smallholding like a home-grown Christmas meal

Hugh & Fiona Osborne love cooking for friends and family, especially at this time of year.

7 mins

A wreath for every door

Helen Babbs finds out how a festive evening with friends became a thriving seasonal business

4 mins

It's a Dog's Life Down on the Farm - and on the smallholding...

In the last of this bi-monthly series, Jeremy Hobson continues to discuss the life of the smallholders' dog as a working companion and pet

2 mins

On the third day of Christmas...

Grant Brereton examines three chicken breeds that have a very festive connection

5 mins

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat

But also sadly rarer with all native goose breeds currently on the RBST Watchlist. Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price says they still have a valuable part to play for the future

3 mins

Getting started with ducks and geese.

Lisa Mancell, National Sales Coordinator at Farmgate gives her advice on the importance of nutrition for healthy ducks and geese.

3 mins

Grow your own Christmas dinner

Zoe Chinman, from small poultry farm \"East Sussex Smallholders, explains the joy of rearing small batch turkeys on a Sussex smallholding.

4 mins

Winter Maintenance that lasts all year round

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.

4 mins

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The Country Smallholder Magazine Description:

The Country Smallholder is aimed at the ever-increasing UK audience interested in living a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable way of life. From people already living on a smallholding, to allotment owners; from those with a couple of acres of land, to those aspiring to get more out of their garden or even window box. With 73% of UK residents claiming to want to live more sustainably post Covid, The Country Smallholder has something for everyone.

Every issue will carry; free vet advice; helpful practical features on all aspects of smallholding, from keeping chickens to crop rotation; information on poultry, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, and alpacas; rural crafts; property; small tractors and machinery, as well as keeping readers up to date with all the latest news and innovations.