Lifestyle farming blog

Farming Diary for September

Farming diary for September - things to think about with pasture, sheep, cattle and more... ...more

Farming diary

August 31, 2025•20 min read

How to take your animals temperature

Learn how to take an accurate rectal temperature in livestock and what the results can tell you. Covers species differences, risks, and when to seek veterinary help. ...more

The Basics ,Sheep Cattle Goats Pigs &Alpaca

August 26, 2025•4 min read

Learn what lifestyle block owners in New Zealand need to know about NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing). This guide covers tagging, movement recording, exemptions, and recent updates to ... ...more

Legal Responsibilities

August 14, 2025•3 min read

Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb)

If you keep cattle or deer on your lifestyle block, you must meet NAIT and TBfree obligations. Learn what’s required to stay compliant and protect your livestock from TB. ...more

Legal Responsibilities

August 14, 2025•4 min read

Your Backyard Fruit Bowl – Mountain pawpaw and babaco

Grow tropical-style fruit in cooler New Zealand climates with mountain pawpaw and babaco. Learn about growing conditions, care, and how to use the fruit. ...more

Backyard Orchard

August 05, 2025•14 min read

Your Backyard Fruit Bowl – Finger Limes

Discover how to grow and care for Australian finger limes in New Zealand gardens. Learn about climate suitability, planting tips, and fruit uses. ...more

Backyard Orchard

July 29, 2025•10 min read

Farming Diary for August

After a wet winter, managing pasture, lambing, and calf rearing presents real challenges. This month’s diary covers practical strategies for feed planning, stock health, and soil recovery—plus essenti... ...more

Farming diary

July 29, 2025•16 min read

What Your Animal's Poo Is Telling You

Learn how to interpret changes in your animal's faeces. From colour and texture to parasites and digestive disorders, these signs can help identify health issues early. ...more

The Basics ,Sheep Cattle Goats Pigs &Alpaca

July 22, 2025•4 min read

June in the garden

June is a time to stay off the soil, care for tools and compost, plant fruit trees, and experiment with herbs and sprouts indoors. Prepare your garden and your plans for the seasons ahead. ...more

Down to the Ground

July 17, 2025•2 min read

Keep cow magnesium levels up

Low magnesium levels in cows can cause grass staggers, reduced milk production, and sudden death. Learn how to test and manage magnesium before calving to avoid costly losses. ...more

Cattle

July 17, 2025•2 min read