Lifestyle File

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

Hay - the good, the bad and the ugly

Hay - there is nothing better than having a shed full of hay - as many farmers will say “It’s like having money in the bank”. But it needs to be good hay!

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.

Wrapped Silage (balage) - key points

Balage is a practical way for lifestyle block owners to preserve pasture as supplementary feed. Learn how to make high-quality balage, what can go wrong, and how to minimise nutrient loss.

Balage - silage in the bag

Balage is a practical, high-quality feed option for lifestyle blocks. Learn how to make, store, and use balage to support your animals and reduce feed costs.