About The Smallholder Series
Our programmes and website provides information and guidance for smallholders, livestock owners and anyone interested in country living and 'the good life'.
The Smallholder Series Description
The DVD series, presented by Adam Henson, are 'hands on' and show exactly how to carry out livestock tasks, including interviews and practical demonstrations with experts on a wide range of subjects that smallholders need to know about.
The website hosts a library of resources from accredited sources that will increase the smallholder's knowledge on a continually increasing range of topics, and includes month-by-month guides on caring for your land and livestock.
Reviews
Schmallenberg study - researchers from The University of Liverpool are attempting to find out if Schmallenberg is still circulating in the South of England. If you have at least 12 sheep, born Oct 2014 - Apr 2015, and would be interested in being a part of the study, please contact Jessica Stokes - details in the attached poster.
If you’re looking for a haymaking contractor in your area who takes on small acreages, have a look at our ‘Directory of Contractors’ – all suitable for smallholders and small farms.
Wool producers can maximise the value of their wool by presenting fleeces correctly. Advice from the British Wool Marketing Board on our 'Farming in the News' page.
This week is 'Farm Safety Week'. Have a look at the NFU website for lots of information on how to stay safe around your farm or smallholding.
Hoe your vegetable garden regularly in dry weather: daily is best, this both uproots weeds and helps the soil absorb water when it rains. There’s still time to sow more crops – I’ve just put in another row of peas (my fourth successional sowing) as the first ones have gone over. More top tips on our ‘Things to Do’ page.
We've just started harvesting our beetroot, so I'm going to try out this recipe for Beetroot Brownies with the kids! #beetroot #recipe #chocolate
Monitor ewes closely, apparent lameness on a hind leg could be a sign of mastitis; check udders for heat, swelling and discolouration, and if abnormal, act fast to prevent permanent damage, and possible loss of the ewe - read our monthly sheep article for advice on caring for your flock in July. #mastitis #ewe #sheep
For everything you ever wanted to know about itchy-scratchy parasites on chickens … but were afraid to ask ... read our article on Ecto-Parasites! #chickens #parasites
British Wool Show 2015 York Auction Mart - 7th-8th August Supporting the Campaign for Wool in raising the profile of British Wool and the many products produced by the British Textile industry. Tickets available online now!
Lamb Steaks with Houmous New Potatoes. If you've dug up any of your early potato crop, try this great lamb dish!
Be on your guard for fly-strike and check sheep frequently (at least 2x per day). In addition to flies, be aware of other external parasites – even if you have treated with a long-acting IGR, you still need to keep alert. More top tips for sheep in our monthly 'To Do' article.
Our June newsletter is out - full of great advice, recipes and things to do! if you've missed it, just click below to have a look.
Weeds, internal parasites and defending against the bunnies! Read about life at Green Farm during May.
Practical advice for caring for your pigs during the summer - see our 'Things to Do' article on our website.
Nettle fertiliser - ideal for your brassicas. This great fertiliser takes 3-4 weeks to brew, then just keep topping it up with more nettles and water as you use it.
Read our latest Moredun health bulletin for information on 'Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF)' - a generally fatal disease of cattle, deer, bison and certain other hoofed animals.
If, like me, you have a small forest of chard growing in your vegetable plot, try this very quick (and very scrummy) pasta recipe. The Swiss Chard Pesto recipe is also a winner!