The Country Smallholder Magazine - February 2023

In this issue

Smallholding to save money
What you need to know to keep your food costs down throughout the year.

Legal advice on out of control dogs
With lambs in the field, a Solicitor advises of what the law is on dog attacks.

Camping and Caravanning for an extra income
Your smallholding could be host to a small site..

RHS make predictions for 2023

As we head towards 2023, the nation's 30 million gardeners can look forward to flourishing houseplants, bountiful herbs and a multitude of ways to help the environment says the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

2 mins

Look out for Potato Day!

For heritage varieties and a huge selection, Potato Days up and down the UK are back this year.

2 mins

British Wool praised for wool prices

British Wool has been hailed as an example of collective marketing and praised for its success in improving prices for UK sheep farmers.

1 min

NFU say Urgent action needed to secure home-grown food supply

Government faces a stark choice: back British food production in order to secure a homegrown supply of sustainable food or risk seeing more empty shelves in the nation's supermarkets.

1 min

Keeping the food bills down

Can a smallholding be a lifeline in a tough economy?

10 mins

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.

5 mins

Complying, Managing, Measuring & Happy Factor resistance reduction

Ear Tagging is not dull according to experts Kiwikit Roxan

3 mins

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.

3 mins

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.

4 mins

How long do alpacas live?

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

4 mins

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.

5 mins

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.

3 mins

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.

6 mins

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.

2 mins

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.

7 mins

The BHWT 900,000th hen finds her new home

Lucky little Lottie settles down in Scotland

1 min

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.

6 mins

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.

6 mins

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.

3 mins

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.

3 mins

How genetics influence some areas of poultry breeding.

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

5 mins

Saving resources for the future

John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas

3 mins

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.

3 mins

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.

2 mins

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...

5 mins

Time for the winter pruning of fruit trees

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

4 mins

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.

5 mins

The murmur of a thousand Starlings

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

2 mins

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.

2 mins

My gander is very aggressive

This gander is warning you not to come any closer

1 min

Dirty Ducks

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

1 min

What are good companions?

Companion planting with tomatoes and marigolds

1 min

Making money from your smallholding

You can sell surplus eggs at outside your gate (subject to it not being a danger to traffic)

3 mins

Animal Behaviour?

Two welsh ponies interacting but are they fighting or playing?

3 mins

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.

2 mins

Meet an amazing countryman with a remarkable life

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

2 mins

Read all stories from The Country Smallholder

The Country Smallholder Magazine Description:

The Country Smallholder is aimed at the ever-increasing UK audience interested in living a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable way of life. From people already living on a smallholding, to allotment owners; from those with a couple of acres of land, to those aspiring to get more out of their garden or even window box. With 73% of UK residents claiming to want to live more sustainably post Covid, The Country Smallholder has something for everyone.

Every issue will carry; free vet advice; helpful practical features on all aspects of smallholding, from keeping chickens to crop rotation; information on poultry, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, and alpacas; rural crafts; property; small tractors and machinery, as well as keeping readers up to date with all the latest news and innovations.