Agriculture

In collaboration with The Waikato Times this book covers the history of the phenomenon that is the Fieldays. It looks at the origins, how it evolved, key players, royal family involvement, competitions, inventions, themes, international growth/exposure, rural bachelor competition, AgArt wear, economic benefits, the organisation today and the future

The working dogs of New Zealand certainly deserve our respect. Generations of careful breeding have produced the traits of stock-handling skill, loyalty, hardiness and courage that are now inherent in their bloodlines. This book has been written to assist those who use working dogs to handle livestock and provides a practical, step-by-step guide to training them the natural way. Sound training will ensure that a dog’s potential can be realised and that both handler and dog will enjoy a rewarding relations... read more

This lavishly illustrated collection celebrates all the classic tractors, from the earliest models to the most modern.

DoP - NOvember 2008, Auckland The average age of a New Zealand farmer is 58-years-old. Most of these hard working men and women of the land are approaching retirement without a well-planned exit strategy in place. This book tackles each and every difficult issue facing farmers today - from selling the farm and getting the right price, preparing the family and safeguarding the farm's future, to life after the farm and investing their hardearned money. Farming is a complete and absorbing lifestyle, as well as a way of life. How does... read more

This is a comprehensive and attractive lifestyle guide to beekeeping - from finding your bees to getting them home, housing them, collecting honey and using their produce.It includes a detailed look at the history of bees and beekeeping, and an extensive introduction to help you to fully understand your bees and keep them happy.Whether you have a tiny balcony or acres of land; live in the middle of a city or in the countryside surrounded by flowers, this book caters for every situation, discussing the different types of hive availa... read more

In today's economic climate, self-sufficiency is increasingly seen as a viable means of taking control of our lives and safeguarding for the future - this is the book that will help every householder do just that. Each of the twelve chapters focuses on key topics for living a more self-sustainable life, with practical information and expert guidance that will make the subject come alive for everyone, whatever their needs, circumstances and resources. This means that the gardening chapter, for example, is appropriate both for people... read more

Emjoying a relaxed rural lifestyle on a smallfarm is the dream of many New Zealanders. But running a few sheep and goats on even a modest block can be anything but relaxing if you don't have the farming know-how or experience, and don't recognise the many problems that cn occur with livestock and plants. This book has all the answers. Specifically written for New Zealand conditions, it is filled with practical advice on everything smallfarmers need to know to make their dream a successful reality: How to manage and care for livest... read more

Presents an introduction to the rewarding hobby of poultry keeping. This book reveals how, as well as being useful, chickens are interesting and colourful characters that make good pets and can enliven any garden.

A complete guide to producing a rich harvest from a small area for both your own consumption and profit. Mini Farming describes a holistic approach to small-area farming that will show you how to produce 85 percent of an average family's food on just a quarter acre and earn cash while spending less than half the time that an ordinary job would require. Even if you have never been a farmer or a gardener, this book covers everything you need to know to get started: buying and saving seeds, starting seedlings, establishing rais... read more

For the aficionado of farm equipment, or the scion of an old farming family nostalgic for the old days, or the grown-up boy who still loves a classic piece of old-time machinery, the vintage tractor can be a thrilling find like no other. This book tells dozens of stories of such discoveries, of the treasured old tractor parked in a shed since 1927, of the pristine model unearthed at an estate sale, of the broken-down old beauty stashed in a barn where generations of children have made their secret hideaways. These are the classic t... read more

Make the break, realise the dream and start living "The Good Life!" with John Seymour. The new edition of this enduring classic from the founding father of modern self-sufficiency, John Seymour, is still the key reference to living off the land. Covering all the practicals from ploughing fields to milking cows as well as information on how to create an urban organic garden and harness natural energy, this is perfect for anyone aspiring to the self-sufficient lifestyle. Packed with Seymour's tried-and-tested tips and invaluable nugg... read more

A guide to raising farm animals. It offers information on chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs and honey bees. It helps readers learn how to raise these animals successfully, from selecting the rights breeds for the space and resources available to producing delicious cheese, honey, milk, eggs and meat.

This book provides a practical guide to chicken husbandry, from hatching your first chicks to cooking with produce that you know has come from happy, free-range birds.

As life gets busier and backyards get smaller, it is a challenge to grow food and live more sustainably. Janet Luke shows that it can be done. She calls it Gurbing or Green Urban Living - a way of working with nature to create a productive urban garden. There are no hard and fast rules, and it might just be a worm-farm on an apartment balcony or some herbs in pots but the basic principles are the same. This book evokes some of the methods used in traditional Kiwi backyards, with modern concepts like recycling, organics and using wa... read more

For more than 25 years Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand has been the bible for New Zealand beekeepers. The only comprehensive guide to keeping bees in New Zealand, it provides both amateur and professional beekeepers with details on honey bee management throughout the year, advice on handling hive products and information about many other beekeeping subjects. As well as being a guide to beekeepers, Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand appeals to those interested in apiculture and deciding whether to keep bees, and horticulturalis... read more

"Here is all you need to know to get started and establish a successful smallholding or garden plot to provide you and your family with food throughout the year. The Self-Sufficiency Manual has been written to cater for southern hemisphere gardening, including information on heat and drought, pests and diseases, common plants and vegetables and more. There is practical advice on planning, establishing and maintaining a smallholding, allotment or garden, as well as a step-by-step and fully illustrated guide to planting, growing, har... read more

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 o... read more

It's no shock that the beekeeping trend is steadily on the rise. These fascinating and beautiful insects can be kept anywhere, whether your garden is a large country plot or an urban rooftop terrace. What's more, there's no sting in this tale: bees are a source of delight for honey lovers, hay-fever sufferers and gardeners alike. This charming and practical guide is intended for both the beginner and experienced beekeeper. It covers everything from setting up hives and maximising bees in the garden, to optimum honey production and ... read more