Living on a small block of land in the country is a cherished dream for many New Zealanders, and with the current boom in lifestyle farming this is a dream that is increasingly becoming a reality for these people. Running a small number of animals is the most popular use of lifestyle farms in this country, 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 does not however, diffuse the practical value of the book by attempting to deal with those animals that require very specialised knowledge, such as deer and horses. 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.
