Lifestyle Farming in New Zealand

Description

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Living in the country on a lifestyle farm is a cherished dream for many New Zealanders, clearly reflected by the current boom in sales and development of lifestyle blocks.

The most popular use of these lifestyle farms is running a small number of animals, but for those without farming experience this can be a daunting challenge. Lifestyle Farming in New Zealand addresses this head-on. Written by a veterinarian with extensive experience of working with lifestyle farmers, and also of running a small holding himself, the book was inspired by a frequent comment, ‘I wish there was a simple book on how to do it’.

The book focuses on the livestock most commonly farmed on lifestyle blocks in New Zealand: sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, alpacas and llamas.

It begins with an explanation of the farming methods for each animal, explains the common procedures required to care for an animal, explains the key points of animal health, and deals with handling and moving. Included, as well, are water and feed requirements, pasture management, dealing with pests, fencing, tools and equipment, and tree planting and erosion control.

This book is packed with useful information, copiously illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and is written in an extremely accessible and down-to-earth manner. Without doubt this is the most comprehensive and up-to-date book available on this subject, an essential resource for the New Zealand lifestyle farmer.

about the author

Paul Martin started life as a ‘townie’ in Wellington, though as a teenager he moved with his parents to a lifestyle block north of Wellington. The family developed this block from scratch, and Paul soon took over the farm management. This culminated in the Martin family being awarded the Small Farmer of the Year award in 1995. After leaving school Paul studied animal science at Massey University and then completed a veterinary degree. For a number of years he worked as a vet in the Franklin region south of Auckland, which is one of the fastest developing areas for lifestyle blocks in New Zealand. His experiences there inspired him to write this book. He currently works as a farm veterinarian and farm consultant in Northland, where he lives with his wife and daughter on a commercial farm.