Use summer weather for farmyard maintenance jobs.

So you’ve just bought a lifestyle block and while farming is not exactly the plan, you’re keen to have a few animals, perhaps some crops, maybe run some steers? Sounds good, but have you considered every aspect and made a plan?

Before rushing out and investing in expensive equipment, livestock you may know little about or buildings which may not meet your needs ask yourself – why do I want to farm? What knowledge do I really have? Am I up to dealing with the multitude of tasks a small farm block can toss my way?

For example, you may have thought that slaughtering an animal wouldn’t be part of the plan but what if an animal in your charge injures itself and needs to be put down promptly? Are you up to the task? Would you know how to go about it humanely and once the job was done, would you know how to dispose of the carcass.

Now this is just one sticky question for newbie lifestylers who may have no set goals or have formed a plan.

Firstly, consider the type of farm you want – hobby, income producing, horticulture or agriculture-based, free range chooks perhaps, or feed-producing?

Be realistic when making your plan. If your farm is a hobby and you work elsewhere Monday to Friday, will you need assistance during the week and can you afford it?

If you are planning to keep livestock consider veterinary care and bills and the know-how needed to ensure animals remain in good health.

If you thought annual ‘shots’ for the cat was enough to worry about, then farm animals may provide a much bigger headache.

On the other hand if you are seeking a relaxed, rural lifestyle, growing veges, smelling the roses and gathering a few eggs, it’s time to think very carefully about how much effort you are really prepared to put into “farming.”

Remember with any large block of land there is pasture to maintain, fences to repair, security to ensure, animal care to provide for. And what happens when you take a holiday?

A farmlet can range from one hectare with a few hens and a vege patch to 16 hectares with a few hens, a large vege garden, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, even alpacas or perhaps a few field crops.

Choices may well be limited by the size of the land and its condition as well as personal resources.

When planning a ‘farm’ there is a time to dream and a time to be realistic. The chooks, the lambs, a few ducks and maybe a goat together with a vege patch which will feed the family may seem idyllic but is it? What vegetables, fruits, trees and grains do you want to grow? Do you have the space and the knowledge?

Make a list of everything you thought necessary or want on your farm – then start evaluating options. Consider what you know and what you don’t know.

Will you need help choosing animals and crops? Do you have enough land for the type of animals you want and the crops you plan to grow? And don’t forget water requirements – not just for the house but for the animals, crops and pasture too. Seek advice from every quarter.

At this time of year everything can seem pretty rosy but farming, even on a small block, isn’t just a good weather lifestyle.

When it’s pouring rain, blowing a gale and dastardly cold, land owners have a responsibility to the land, the animals in their care, and to ensure the property can weather all storms.

Every new venture is a learning curve and one such as this may require an early learning exercise in order to avoid pitfalls.

Those who do decide to make a fist of small block farming and leap in boots and all, should have a first, second and even a third year plan in place.

Be sure you have touched base with knowledgeable breeders and growers. Talk to other farmers or people in a similar position.

Check your finances carefully and remember it’s not about initial purchases - build in ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.

Once you set off on your planned path constantly monitor and assess progress. Adjust the plan where necessary and stop altogether if you are not coping with one or more aspects.

Each year, sit down with your farm plan and decide what you want to tackle during the upcoming seasons. Now being the heart of summer means getting on to jobs that require good weather – painting, fixing fences, repairing animal shelters, drives, building and more.