Lifestyle File

Practical, trustworthy articles for lifestyle farmers. Browse by species, season, or topic. New content added every week.

Citizen Scientist

They may be avid bird watchers, hobby bee keepers, home-propagators or amateur astronomers. ...more

Down to the Ground

December 10, 2025•3 min read

I find myself sighing as signs of Christmas begin appearing so early in the shop windows. This year, however, in an endeavour to give commercialism the heave-ho, I'm beating everyone to the startling ... ...more

Down to the Ground

December 10, 2025•3 min read

What to Look For When Buying Goats

Thinking about getting goats for your lifestyle block? Learn what to check before you buy, including fencing, feed, horned versus dehorned goats, early castration risks, colostrum intake, common disea... ...more

The Basics ,Goats &Dairy Goats

December 10, 2025•9 min read

Save the Strawberries

Strawberries in autumn? ...more

Down to the Ground

December 09, 2025•3 min read

Farming Diary for December 2025

Discover essential farm tasks for December: from pasture management and stock sorting to preparing for summer challenges. Practical tips to maximize farm productivity and ensure a smooth holiday seaso... ...more

Farming diary

December 01, 2025•22 min read

Why I’m selling my perfect block

A personal account of building an off grid 88 hectare lifestyle block in Northland, from bare land to a productive farm and peaceful home, and why it is now time to pass it on to new owners. ...more

Property

November 21, 2025•5 min read

What to Look For When Buying Cattle

Before buying cattle for your lifestyle block, learn how to choose the right animals. Understand breeds, conformation, calf health, and common diseases to avoid costly mistakes and keep your herd heal... ...more

The Basics ,Cattle

November 10, 2025•8 min read

Farming Diary for November

November is a crucial month for pasture growth, lamb weaning, and silage planning. Learn how to manage grass, stock, and soil on your lifestyle block before summer sets in. ...more

Farming diary

November 01, 2025•19 min read

Selling Eggs from Your Lifestyle Block

Find out the rules for selling eggs from small flocks. Learn when MPI registration is required, what the 100 female birds limit means, and what labelling rules apply to lifestyle farmers. ...more

Legal Responsibilities ,Poultry

October 14, 2025•3 min read

The LSB Smart Buyer’s Guide to Indoor Fires

A practical guide to wood burners, pellet fires, and stoves for lifestyle blocks. Learn about wetbacks, firewood choices, heat pumps, costs, and essential fire safety. ...more

Property ,LSB Smart Buyers' Guide to...

October 10, 2025•7 min read

What to look for when buying sheep

Buying sheep for your lifestyle block? Learn what to look for before you buy, from breed choice and conformation to udder health, tail docking, and common diseases. Practical tips to help you choose s... ...more

Sheep

October 07, 2025•7 min read