Grass is a wonderful thing. On a lifestyle farm we usually either have too much or too little and the grass that does grow is often not where we need it - on the lawn, not the paddock! This article covers the things you need to consider when buying a ride on and lists the 9 really important things you should discuss with your salesperson.

Nothing ever is dead easy, is it?  Troubled of Horsham Downs, Waikato, has a tiny worry.  Her husband is often out of the country on business trips leaving her to mind their 3½ha lifestyle block.  While she and daughter are awfully competent types, she does wonder what would happen if an animal died. “Goldfish are a piece of cake, you flush them down the toilet.  But a 500kg Friesian steer is a different matter.  We don’t have a front end loader or any useful machinery for moving the thing…”

Spring is a wonderful time on the farm. It means a new crop of youngsters - lambs and kids, calves and foals - beautiful, delicate little creatures that represent your farming future. Watching a normal birth can be a wonderful and moving experience, especially for children. However, all herd animals have a strong instinct to give birth alone in a quiet safe and sheltered place with no disturbances.