CATEGORIES

Early-nesting birds... catch the worm!

Getting off to an early start, the RSPB give you the species to look out for on and around your smallholding

NFU say Urgent action needed to secure home-grown food supply

Government faces a stark choice: back British food production in order to secure a homegrown supply of sustainable food or risk seeing more empty shelves in the nation's supermarkets.

British Wool praised for wool prices

British Wool has been hailed as an example of collective marketing and praised for its success in improving prices for UK sheep farmers.

When man's best friend goes feral - the danger of dog attacks on livestock

Mark Jackson, agricultural solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors examines what you can do and possible changes to the law.

Breath easily - why goats cough and have respiratory problems

David Harwood BVetMed, FRCVS looks at the signs and why early action is the best course of action.

Time for the winter pruning of fruit trees

Lorraine Turnbull says making the effort at the right time will be a fruitful action.

Things Begin to Stir

Claire Waring describes the increasing activity within your beehive. Although it obviously depends on where you live and on the vagaries of the great British climate, things begin to move inside the beehive in March so now is the time to understand what will happen. Also find out how you can help them and other bees.

What poultry keepers think they should do if they suspect avian flu

Sol Elliot, Final Year (5th) Veterinary student at the School of University Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, updates from her survey which aims to find out how vets and owners view Avian Flu.

Rhubarb is a sign of spring and the warmer weather to come.

Mrs Simkins Smallholder Recipes bring the changing seasons into your kitchen. Make the most of the early stems whilst using early spring eggs for some cake baking.

How genetics influence some areas of poultry breeding.

The plumage colour of a chicken is defined by two pigment types.

Saving resources for the future

John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas

The thatched cottage dream or disaster

Master Thatcher, Chris Dodson untangles the myths from the reality to help you make your choice in the property market.

Set up your own camping site

A certified Camping and Caravanning Club site will give you an alternative income with pitch perfect peace of mind.

Look out for Potato Day!

For heritage varieties and a huge selection, Potato Days up and down the UK are back this year.

What are good companions?

Companion planting with tomatoes and marigolds

Animal Behaviour?

Two welsh ponies interacting but are they fighting or playing?

Dirty Ducks

Call ducks are the least messy ducks, due mainly to their smaller size

Wintering out animals all year round -how is it possible?

Peter Stoker suggests using electric fencing to out winter livestock on grass and other forage crops.

COLD comfort

Your chickens deserve special consideration in very cold weather. Have you covered all the angles? Grant Brereton offers personal advice plus thoughts on breeding pure breed poultry.

My gander is very aggressive

This gander is warning you not to come any closer

Lambs and kids have similar nutritional requirements

But as Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range explains, amongst the similarities there are a number of important differences that should be taken into consideration when rearing these young ruminants.

Keeping the food bills down

Can a smallholding be a lifeline in a tough economy?

It's all in the genes

With a basic understanding of genetics, breeding poultry for showing can be an enjoyable hobby. Paul Donovan investigates this challenging science.

Six simple steps to create flourishing hedgerows

Take advantage of free advice available to farmers and smallholders on how to maintain this iconic habitat throughout prime hedgerow management season and beyond.

Meet an amazing countryman with a remarkable life

91 years old, 2,000 walking sticks and still searching for the perfect hazel shank!

The murmur of a thousand Starlings

The RSPB shows you how to find a display near you of this spectacular but sadly declining bird.

Making money from your smallholding

You can sell surplus eggs at outside your gate (subject to it not being a danger to traffic)

Complying, Managing, Measuring & Happy Factor resistance reduction

Ear Tagging is not dull according to experts Kiwikit Roxan

When is it best to go for new kit?

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

RHS make predictions for 2023

As we head towards 2023, the nation's 30 million gardeners can look forward to flourishing houseplants, bountiful herbs and a multitude of ways to help the environment says the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).