The joy of owning a farm is that you get to spend hours outside doing something you love. It’s a fantastic release from the hustle and bustle of city life, and many people don’t understand the true beauty of farming until they try it. 

One of the things that got me interested in farming is that it’s such a diverse area. You can set up any type of farm you want, and spend your days doing something entirely different from a neighboring farmer!

Saying that, while farms can be diverse, there are also elements that are consistent throughout. Mainly, this revolves around specific things a farm needs. No matter what type of farm you own - or how big it is - every farm needs to have all of these things:

Some principles of agriculture have stayed the same since the beginning of time. For example, a crop isn't likely to achieve high yields if a farmer grows it under the wrong conditions. Another thing farmers know is that all their expertise can't necessarily compensate for the times when Mother Nature throws curveballs in the form of things like adverse weather conditions and livestock epidemics.

You’ll be hard pushed to find people that aren’t interested in some way about growing their own crops. It might be for financial reasons, it might be to learn something new, or potentially it might be because they are eco-conscious. There are very few reasons that aren’t great for considering starting your micro-farming journey.

If we’re to do right by the planet we all share, each and every one of us needs to do our part for a more sustainable tomorrow. And that’s as true for us as consumers as it is for us as farmers. In our day to day lives there are a plethora of ways in which we can live more sustainably and consume fewer resources in ways that don’t come at the expense of our lifestyles. For example, we can install low flow shower heads, buy fewer pre-packaged goods and repurpose and recycle instead of throwing our waste into landfill. Not to mention taking steps to reduce energy consumption from switching to CFL light bulbs and installing smart meters around the home to track energy usage.

With a continually growing population, the demands for worldwide food sustainability reach new heights each day. People living in developing areas are especially vulnerable to issues like hunger and food scarcity, yet farming methods used in these third world countries don't always address these issues. In some developing areas, the environmental damage caused by the agricultural industry threatens to worsen the problem even more.

If we hope to live as green and environmentally-friendly a life as possible, then we need to look at all aspects of our life in order to determine whether or not we are doing it right. And one part of our life which is bound to be particularly caught up in this is our work. For one thing, it is probably what you spend most of your life and time doing, so what you do there really counts towards how green you are living. It is also often the case that the nature of work is such that people struggle to work in a way which is all that environmental, and it could be that you yourself can identify some ways in which that might be true for you. As it happens, there are always ways to work in a greener fashion, and in this article we are going to take a look at some ways to do that.

Winter's approach marks a drop in production for many agriculturists, but others power through the weather like any other season. Snow on the ground doesn't mean crop growing or cattle raising has to stop. Farmers find little reason to throw in the towel during winter due to new technologies and better agricultural methods.

The popularity of plastic pipes nowadays is no secret. Most companies have decided to use plastic over metal for a whole host of reasons. Not only is plastic more cost-effective, but also it is more durable and it is the more environmentally friendly option as well. Nonetheless, instead of looking at a general overview of plastic pipes and why they are recommended, this post assesses plastic pipework in relation to the agricultural industry. After all, an increasing number of farmers are choosing to go down this route when it comes to their pipe systems. Thus, keep on reading to discover everything you need to know…

Farm life is both rewarding and hard work. You could be up at the crack of dawn and not finish until long past nightfall. But, without you hard grafters out there, this world would not be the place we know and love it today. You keep food on our tables and milk in our fridges. So we are here to give you some ideas on making the most of your land. Are you using it in the best possible way? Is everything designed to maximize your profits? Could you have a little side earner, something easy to add a few more bucks into your pocket? Perhaps you could view it as an investment for the children or grandchildren? There is always something that can be done to add value to your property, and by doing this, it may make you just a little bit richer.

When it comes to farming, you automatically think of tractors, huge pieces of machinery and all the pollution that comes with it. It's safe to say that most people wouldn't associate farming with being eco-friendly. However, that doesn't mean your small farm can't be! After all, the last thing anyone wants to harvest the land at any cost and potentially destroy it for future generations.

As warmer days draw to a close, it's essential to prep your farm for the new season. While winters can signal a change in routine, you can prepare for what's to come. Here's a look at 10 ways to make sure your farm is ready to handle winter.

Opening a farm shop is a fantastic way to cement yourself in the local community and provide a much-needed extra income. Unlike one-off money-making attempts such as open days, a farm shop offers ongoing profits, and could even become a significant earner during the depths of winter if you play your cards right. 

Industrial agriculture is the norm in most of North America. But as population levels rise and concerns grow about natural resources like soil and water, more and more farmers are making sustainable agriculture a top priority. But is seeking sustainable certification worth it — does sustainability really have a positive impact on the environment? And what are the costs and benefits for farmers of being certified sustainable?