If you're not familiar with farm tractors, choosing one that’s suitable for a small farm can be a daunting task. Will a compact tractor suffice and how important is tractor size?

A good starting point when choosing a small-farm tractor is to be clear just what you want a tractor for. If it is just to mow an acre or two, or to cart a few small bales of hay, then a ride-on mower or quad bike with a tow bar may be all you want.

However, if you need to cultivate soil, spread some fertiliser or feed out some large round bales, then you are likely to require what I like to term a ‘real tractor'.  Unlike most ride-ons, a real tractor is full unit construction where the engine, transmission and rear drive train are all housed in rugged castings.  It will also have a Power Take Off (PTO), a three-point linkage and external hydraulics capability.

For most small-farm operations, all your requirements can be found within the Compact Utility (compact) range of tractors. These are essentially small tractors of 15kW (kilowatt) to 50kW (20hp to 70hp) that have many of the exact same features that are found in larger, more expensive tractors. 

So, you’re thinking about throwing in the towel at your city gig and moving to the country for some peace, quiet and fresh air. A shift  in gear that gives you  time to start work on that novel you’ve always wanted to write, raise some ducks and a cow or two and grow your own veggies.

You crave a quieter existence and the joys of hobby farming, but you want to do it without channelling Chevy Chase’s character from Funny Farm, whose attempts to embrace rural life are wrought with one disaster after another.

It's been a tough month for many communities across Victoria as bushfires ravaged the state. If you or someone you know is in need of some support, below are a few resources.

Ground Support

Footbaths are a simple but effective component of on-farm biosecurity, helping reduce the spread of infectious pathogens that can be carried on footwear. They are especially useful during outbreaks of diseases that spread through soil, manure, or organic matter such as foot-and-mouth disease. A large emphasis of use is especially important for high-risk visitors who have been visiting other farms. 

Sustainable farming, also known as sustainable agriculture, can be defined as agricultural practices that meet our current food and fibre needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their food and fibre needs. It is a holistic approach that integrates environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility. 

An important part of sustainable farming is improving soil health by increasing soil biology, improving soil structure and water-holding capacity, and increasing soil nutrient availability.

Farmers in Central Western New South Wales have recently noticed signs of photosensitisation in lambs just days after moving them onto fresh irrigated lucerne. Cowpea aphids were spotted in high numbers on the plants.

The good news: early action makes a big difference. In this case, moving the mob to a paddock with shelter helped them recover quickly.

If you're considering acquiring livestock as pets, for extra income, or as a hobby, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Proper planning and understanding of your responsibilities will ensure a rewarding experience.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist:

1. Appropriate Yards and Fencing
Space Requirements: Ensure you have sufficient land to accommodate the type and number of livestock you plan to keep. Research specific space needs for each animal.

New to calving or wanting to learn more? Maybe you just need a quick refresher!

This two-part FREE webinar is perfect for you – hosted by the Stock Sense team and Dr Rob Bonnano.

Get ready for the calving season with a checklist covering everything you need to know.

For hobby farmers and small livestock producers in Australia, navigating compliance and identification requirements can be overwhelming. Among the most critical components are the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), earmarking, and branding. Understanding the purpose and regulations for each can help ensure compliance and maintain traceability within the livestock industry.