Dirty Ducks

Call ducks are the least messy ducks, due mainly to their smaller size

My gander is very aggressive

This gander is warning you not to come any closer

Meet an amazing countryman with a remarkable life

91 years old, 2,000 walking sticks and still searching for the perfect hazel shank!

Rhubarb is a sign of spring and the warmer weather to come.

Mrs Simkins Smallholder Recipes bring the changing seasons into your kitchen. Make the most of the early stems whilst using early spring eggs for some cake baking.

Six simple steps to create flourishing hedgerows

Take advantage of free advice available to farmers and smallholders on how to maintain this iconic habitat throughout prime hedgerow management season and beyond.

The murmur of a thousand Starlings

The RSPB shows you how to find a display near you of this spectacular but sadly declining bird.

Things Begin to Stir

Claire Waring describes the increasing activity within your beehive. Although it obviously depends on where you live and on the vagaries of the great British climate, things begin to move inside the beehive in March so now is the time to understand what will happen. Also find out how you can help them and other bees.

Time for the winter pruning of fruit trees

Lorraine Turnbull says making the effort at the right time will be a fruitful action.

Get Seed Savvy

Kim Stoddart explains how to get the best out of your seed for the growing season ahead, including tips for germination and money saving...

New Year, Even Bigger Show: Entries Steaming In for Malvern's Magnificent March Tractor Show

An unmissable date on tractor and commercial enthusiasts' calendars for Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March, preparations for 2023's highly anticipated Spring Tractor World and Classic Commercial Show are already roaring on.

When is it best to go for new kit?

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for a regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.

Saving resources for the future

John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas

How genetics influence some areas of poultry breeding.

The plumage colour of a chicken is defined by two pigment types.

It's all in the genes

With a basic understanding of genetics, breeding poultry for showing can be an enjoyable hobby. Paul Donovan investigates this challenging science.

What poultry keepers think they should do if they suspect avian flu

Sol Elliot, Final Year (5th) Veterinary student at the School of University Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, updates from her survey which aims to find out how vets and owners view Avian Flu.

Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet

David Parsons MRCVS updates poultry keepers on avian flu and looks at how you can help your flock during this challenging time.

COLD comfort

Your chickens deserve special consideration in very cold weather. Have you covered all the angles? Grant Brereton offers personal advice plus thoughts on breeding pure breed poultry.

The BHWT 900,000th hen finds her new home

Lucky little Lottie settles down in Scotland

Incubating with Broody Hens

In the first in a series on chicken breeding using broody hens, Fiona & Hugh Osborne explain why this is a valid model for the smallholder.

Set up your own camping site

A certified Camping and Caravanning Club site will give you an alternative income with pitch perfect peace of mind.

The thatched cottage dream or disaster

Master Thatcher, Chris Dodson untangles the myths from the reality to help you make your choice in the property market.

Testing this winter is the key to liver fluke control, say industry experts

Advice from the National Sheep Association (NSA) on behalf of SCOPS, is worth studying for a fluke-free flock all year round.

Breath easily - why goats cough and have respiratory problems

David Harwood BVetMed, FRCVS looks at the signs and why early action is the best course of action.

How long do alpacas live?

Joy Whitehead shows how the right management can help them to live longer

When man's best friend goes feral - the danger of dog attacks on livestock

Mark Jackson, agricultural solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors examines what you can do and possible changes to the law.

Wintering out animals all year round -how is it possible?

Peter Stoker suggests using electric fencing to out winter livestock on grass and other forage crops.

Complying, Managing, Measuring & Happy Factor resistance reduction

Ear Tagging is not dull according to experts Kiwikit Roxan

Lambs and kids have similar nutritional requirements

But as Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range explains, amongst the similarities there are a number of important differences that should be taken into consideration when rearing these young ruminants.

Keeping the food bills down

Can a smallholding be a lifeline in a tough economy?

The unsung hero of wildlife – the hedgerow

Mark Nowers, RSPB Conservation Turtle Dove Advisor gives so many reasons to get planting this autumm to help wildlife and people in the future