New smallholders just love buying stuff. Machinery, tools, work clothes, trees - you name it and it will be somewhere on the shopping list.
Most exciting of all, of course, is going shopping for livestock, and this is the time of year when attention turns to the ram sales. If you've followed my advice and learned to be a sheep owner before becoming a sheep breeder, you should be well-prepared by now and ready to take the next step. Always remember that, whatever species you decide to take on, it's important to know how to look after those animals before you start thinking of creating more.
Buying your own ram - or "tup" as you will often hear it called - is a significant purchase, and your choice can have a massive impact on your lambs. There are lots of old adages bandied about in farming circles, but the saying, "A tup is half your flock" is worth remembering. However good your ewes are, your tup will provide half the genetics of every lamb your ewes produce, so your decision can improve or weaken your flock.
WHERE AND HOW TO BUY
If you're new to sheep, start by going back to the person who sold you your ewes. They should be able to give you advice on where to go to find an unrelated tup suitable for your needs. Unless you really know what you're doing, buying direct from a breeder who has been recommended is always the best bet, and much less risky than turning to online adverts or buying at auction.
この記事は The Country Smallholder の September 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は The Country Smallholder の September 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
