Lifestyle File

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

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 healthy.

NAIT Questions Answered for Lifestyle Farmers

Clear answers to common NAIT questions for lifestyle farmers. Learn who needs to register, which animals must be tagged, and how to stay compliant with New Zealand’s NAIT system.

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.

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.

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.

Lameness in Livestock - Part 3: Lameness in Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Deer

Lameness in sheep, goats, cattle, and deer is often caused by infections like foot scald and foot-rot. Learn how to treat and prevent these issues on your lifestyle block.