Summer Maintenance 2
Pond-ering the matter of water
Friday, 28 January 2011
Ponds on farms can have several purposes. They may provide water for cattle or other animals, be used for fishing or to breed fish, theycould be a swmming hole or they may be built purely for beauty. »
Organisation gets the job done
Friday, 28 January 2011
In recent years there has been a big shift to lifestyle and small block farming with former townies opting to explore everything from alpaca breeding to running beef cattle. »
Avoiding a septic health hazard
Friday, 28 January 2011
Rural properties not connected to the main town sewage system, will, in every likelihood, have a septic tank. »
Learning difficulties
Friday, 28 January 2011
The summer arrived on the Kaipara before Christmas all right, but that sure didn’t stop it raining. »
Getting rid of Gorse
Monday, 19 January 2009
Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a spine bearing, nitrogen fixing bush. Originally from southern Europe, gorse is now easily New Zealand’s most widespread and problematic weed. »
Tools for a lifestyle
Monday, 19 January 2009
As with most maintenance situations tools for one job will often be fine for others as well and second hand need not mean second rate. It’s a good idea to so do some homework before making a choice, and have a basic list of tools you will need throughout the year for your lifestyle block. »
Pond safety
Monday, 19 January 2009
During the summer holiday, kids are more likely to be active on your farm – whether it’s helping out with the daily running and seasonal maintenance or just having fun exploring. The tragic spate of drownings this summer serves as a sad reminder to all of us to be especially vigilant around water – even water you know.  »
Share and share alike
Monday, 19 January 2009
With the rising costs of farm equipment and tools, the idea of sharing your equipment with others can not only provide financial relief, it is also great for fostering community spirit and helping the environment. »
Don't spark a fuel emergency this summer
Monday, 19 January 2009
Special precautions need to be taken with fuel when you are dealing with machinery and vehicles this summer. »
Safety with ag chemical storage
Monday, 19 January 2009
All chemicals  should be stored in a secure, preferably locked, designated area away from children and animals. They should be stored in their original containers, with a clear label that should  include manufacturers’ instructions on safe use and disposal as well as first aid steps in the event of an accident with the product. »
Keeping your landscape lovely
Monday, 19 January 2009
Whether you just finished landscaping your section or if you have been enjoying it for years, unless you keep it maintained it will soon lose it’s appeal. If you don’t keep on top of maintenance it can soon become overwhelming and difficult. »
Mulch marvellous mulch
Monday, 19 January 2009
There are basically  two types of mulch - organic mulches which include bark, wood chips, leaves, lawn clippings, straw, paper and other organic by products; or inorganic mulches that include crushed stone, asphalt and concrete. »
Maintaining an existing landscape
Monday, 21 January 2008
“What do we do now?” may be the question you find yourself asking after having a new landscape installed. »
Time to fix up the yards
Monday, 21 January 2008
On far too many small farms, the yards if they exist, are a potential disaster. Owners know this and are reminded every vet visit and Tb test, but it’s a question of finding time to fix things. »
Tools and commonsense
Monday, 21 January 2008
It’s a good idea to have a basic list of tools you will need throughout the year for your lifestyle block. »
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