Lifestyle File

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

Herbs for great stockfeed

Chicory and plantain are powerful herbs for stockfeed, offering high digestibility, drought tolerance, and improved animal health. Learn how to use them effectively in pasture mixes.

Growing tree lucerne (tagasaste)

Tree lucerne, or tagasaste, is a valuable forage shrub for lifestyle blocks. Learn how to grow, manage, and integrate it into your pasture system for year-round grazing.

Poplars on the farm

Poplar trees offer shelter, erosion control, and seasonal feed on New Zealand lifestyle blocks. Learn how to choose, plant, and manage poplars effectively.

Fodder from trees

Willow and poplar trees can provide valuable feed for livestock during dry spells. Learn how and when to use tree fodder on lifestyle blocks in New Zealand.

Fodder cereals for grazing and silage

Fodder cereals like oats and triticale offer high-energy grazing and silage options for lifestyle blocks. Learn how these flexible crops can boost winter and spring feed.

Willows work for me

Willow trees are a valuable asset on lifestyle blocks, offering erosion control, drought feed, and natural shelter. Learn how to plant and manage willows effectively.