The year started off with a Liftout full of description and ideas on summer maintenance for the farms. Our Breeders Digest section featured Highland cattle, a fascinating breed popular with lifestyle farmers in New Zealand. Above all, we paid our heartfelt tributes to Sir Ed, a great New Zealand icon, and remembered him and his achievements.

February

While it was a fabulous summer, the dry weather created drought like conditions for farmers. Breeders Digest focused on sheep – including information on suffolks, wiltshires and dorpers, and the kind of breeds to look for when planning to have sheep on your block. The Liftout included animal handling and health. We also talked to Louisa Tarver, a talented young horse handler.

March

We profiled two successful women – Sophie Gosselin (winner of the Merial NZ ‘Outstanding In Your Field’ award) and Charlotte Greaves (2008 Northland Farm Manager of the Year). Ducks and poultry featured in the Breeders Digest section. Organic farming was described in detail in the Liftout, including the use and breeding of worms, and waste management. Northland Field Days was a triumphant event and we reported the winners too besides other details.

April

This issue had Jim Anderton, the then Minister of Agriculture write about the effects of NZ’s free-trade agreement with China. Angelique Jurd talked to the breeder Barry McAlley about his exotic Galloway cattle. Pasture Management featured in the Liftout, while the farmers were feeling relieved at the improving weather conditions after the drought.

May

We kicked off with a new column ‘Over the Gate’, with Jim Anderton giving us his views on the future of growth for NZ agriculture. Goats- their types and uses were part of the Breeders Digest. Drought Management was talked about, as well as the resources for farmers when seeking help to overcome its effects. Horticulture formed the essence of the Liftout.

June

A new spotlight section featured Kaitaia and the region’s facts and highlights. Kunekune pigs were described in the Breeders Digest, while the Liftout had comprehensive details on legal obligations and planning for rural properties. Angelique Jurd also profiled a couple who settled down on a lifestyle block in Auckland, coming from Devon in England.

July

The ‘Over the Gate’ column featured David Carter from the National Party. Breeders Digest had the description of various types of house cows. The spotlight in this issue was on Clevedon, a rural centre close to and south east of Auckland. Liftout had farm machinery and transport information. Rural Living photographer, Wayne Martin’s beautiful pictures described the scenes at the Tuakau Sale Yards.

August

Coloured sheep was the highlight of the issue in Breeders Digest, while Waipapa, in Northland, featured in the spotlight section. Animal handling and planning information was described in the Liftout. ‘Over the Gate’ had the Rural Bachelor of theYear, Mark Woodcock, reflect on his experiences in the competition.

September

We talked to the successful owners of an Olive groove, Don and Teresa, about their rural lifestyle journey. Don Nicholson of Federated Farmers was featured in ‘Over the Gate’.  Breeders Digest had the description of horses, and Liftout had some ground breaking ideas on landscaping, trees, weeds and pastures. The spotlight was on Kumeu, a wine producing rural district close to Auckland. We were delighted to offer a range of gifts for our readers as we were celebrating our first birthday.

October

Building and renovating on a lifestyle property was in the Liftout, while Miniatures, mainly horses, featured in Breeders Digest. Russel Norman, Green Party Co-Leader, talked to us for ‘Over the Gate’ column. The beautiful Matakana Coast was on the spotlight page.

November