by Liz Shankland Smallholdings are a popular way to increase self-sufficiency, and come in many shapes and sizes. Many people choose to keep a smallholding in order to downshift to a calmer pace of life, and to ensure that their produce is healthy and fresh. From larger smallholdings with livestock to simply growing fruit and veg on a plot of land, this manual provides comprehensive advice on every aspect of the process. Even for the experienced smallholder, information about being wildlife-friendly and money-making ensure that this is an essential investment for the future of your smallholding. The information is presented with clear, pictorial step-by-step guides to help make the most of smallholdings of every size and age.

To go-to guide for women who want to be part of the farming revolution. Women are leading the new farming revolution in America. Much of the impetus to move back to the land, raise our own food, and connect with our agricultural past is being driven by women. They raise sheep for wool, harvest honey from their beehives, grow food for their families and sell their goods at farmers' markets. What does a woman who wants to work the land need to do to follow her dream? First, she needs this book. It may seem strange to suggest that women farmers need a different guide than male farmers, but women often have different strengths and goals, and different ways of achieving those goals. Audrey Levatino shares her experiences of running a farm and offers invaluable advice on how to get started, whether you have hundreds of acres or a simple lot for an urban community garden. Filled with personal anecdotes and stories from other women farmers, from old hands to brand new ones, from agricultural icons like Temple Grandin, to her own sister, this book is a reassuring and inspirational guide that discusses: Should you do an internship or jump right in? How to find a farm or how to handle one that you’ve inherited Best practices for selling at the farmer’s market and how to sell your goods locally Farmhouse chores and how to get them done right How to handle large power tools, including a chainsaw Planning and growing an organic farm garden Incorporating animals as part of a farm ecosystem Where to get started if you want to farm-school your kids Tips for keeping your mind, body and spirit healthy while undertaking the demanding nature of farm work It's all here, in the same warm and friendly voice that readers embraced in The Joy of Hobby Farming. Full-color photography throughout provides step-by-step instructions for anything you’ll need to do on your farm.

The Smallholder's Handbook is a detailed manual to start, plan and manage your own smallholding. Suzie explains the level of work involved, how much space you need and how to prepare your land. There are chapters on keeping poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese), as well as pigs, goats and sheep, cows and bees. She also explains why having a variety of animals makes the best use of your resources and how many of each type to keep. Comprehensive advice includes choosing breeds, transporting, feeding, housing, daily care and wellbeing, as well as international legislation that applies to livestock.

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