Are you ready for the responsibility of livestock?

Without sufficient knowledge, new livestock owners can find themselves stumbling along says Catriona Benson. But help is at hand

- Catriona Benson

The arrival of the first livestock onto your smallholding is a very exciting moment. You’ve probably dreamt about this for years. It’s the start of a whole new chapter in your life as a smallholder.

But are you ready for the responsibility of looking after them? From the moment they step off the trailer ramp, these animals will depend on you to ensure that their needs are met.

Animal welfare is an absolute priority to us smallholders – it’s one of the reasons we do what we do. Rearing your own livestock means you are able to give them the best, and ensure that they enjoy happy, healthy lives. But this won’t happen by magic.