AS SEEN ON BBC TWO'S HIT TV-SHOW 'THIS FARMING LIFE' 'A heartwarming tale of life on the land' Alan Titchmarsh 'There's love and loss, challenge and adversity, but above all it's warm, insightful and inspiring' Helen Skelton 'Will inspire any reader to look at the countryside - and all those who work there - with newfound appreciation' Jimmy Doherty 'Uplifting, charming and beautifully written' Adam Henson Emma Gray was just twenty-three when she moved to an isolated farm in Northumberland, becoming Britain's youngest solo shepherdess. In the seasons that followed, Emma fell in love with its rolling fields, surrounding forest and sturdy farmhouse, tending her sheep and training her dogs - and even found romance. But when Emma finds herself suddenly alone again, heartbroken and recovering from a serious accident, she wonders if her isolated existence is still such a sensible idea. Even if she recovers, how could she make a proper living on Fallowlees Farm? In her heartwarming book, Emma tells the story of how she picked herself up and expanded her cattle herd, added more horses to her menagerie, and became one of the country's most successful breeders and trainers of Border Collies - unexpectedly discovering true love and lasting happiness along the way. Written with warmth and humour, My Farming Life is a joyous celebration of nature and community, and a delight for anyone who's ever dreamed of living closer to the countryside.

A stunning book from Amanda Owen - shepherdess, wife, mother of nine children, bestselling author and star of C5's Our Yorkshire Farm - that brings her world to life in glorious colour. In Celebrating the Seasons, Amanda shares funny and charming stories about life with her family and their many four-legged charges and describes their activities at Ravenseat, from lambing and shearing to haymaking and feeding the flock in midwinter. Her gorgeous photographs showcase the famous Swaledale landscape she writes about, from the sweeping moors to rare wildflowers and the elusive hares glimpsed in the field. She lives in tune with nature and Amanda's attitude to food is the same. She believes in buying good, seasonal ingredients when it comes to feeding her family and includes her favourite recipes here, from wild garlic lamb with hasselback roast potatoes to rhubarb and custard crumble cake and Yorkshire curd tart. As inspirational as Amanda herself, this book is a beautiful keepsake that will delight everyone who has followed her adventures so far.

In the 1970s, scientists claimed that farm animal breeding was finally evolving from an art into a science. In their view, the switch to scientific breeding was as inevitable as the ongoing process of agricultural modernization. However, the art-to-science scenario is too simplistic to do justice to the complex dynamic that characterized the transformation of the field. The livestock breeds that take centre stage in this book - dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, and horses - were products of the twentieth century. The methods used by breeders to improve their animals, however, were much older. Tracing the history of practical stockbreeding, the role of Mendelism in scientific breeding, and the emergence of quantitative genetics, Beauty or Statistics shows that the story of the scientific modernization of livestock breeding can be more fruitfully analysed from the perspective of changing cultures of breeding, taking practical, commercial, normative, and aesthetic considerations into account.

Chickens are an ideal family pet, requiring less attention than a dog yet being entertaining, productive and educational. For the family and would-be smallholder, chickens are the obvious first step when venturing into keeping livestock. This practical, full colour book, is ideal for the complete beginner. Even someone who has never kept animals before should be able to follow the clear, detailed guidance that is given at every stage. It includes: Planning for your first chickens Understanding Chicken behaviour Choosing housing for different sized gardens Choosing the right chickens for the job Exploring useful equipment such as poultry feeder and drinkers What to feed your chickens on Buying your chickens and introducing them to their new home Routine care for your chickens Outfoxing The Fox - and other predators Eggs - and What to do With Them Dealing with parasites and ailments Keeping a cockerel Broody hens and hatching eggs When Chickens Die Chickens and the Changing Seasons With true-life portraits of chicken keepers, little known facts, and personal anecdotes this accessible book is an easy and enjoyable read, suitable for both adults and children.

Keeping Pigs is a task that requires knowledge, but not necessarily time. Aimed at people with busy schedules this instructive book gives practical information about how to manage a small herd and keep pigs happy and healthy under the time constraints of modern life. The Commuter Pig Keeper is all-inclusive covering various breeds both as breeding herds and food sources. Topics addressed include all aspects of pig rearing, including an in depth look at breeding, housing, and handling techniques. This essential guide also discusses the administrative and business issues of pig keeping, as well as giving advice on contingency planning for when problems occur.Written by a member of the Animal and Plant Health Agency's Pig Expert Group, this book offers useful information for both novice and expert pig keepers.

An informative and beautifully illustrated celebration of our favourite farmyard animals. Readers of The Country Set and Flying the Nest should dust down their wellingtons once again and come and meet The Farmyard Set. This handsome and lavishly illustrated gift book features 50 of farming's best-loved creatures, brought to life by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. Among them are old favourites, such as the Jersey cow and the Gloucester Old Spot, the Indian Runner duck and the Shetland pony, known for their charm and striking appearance. Descriptions and helpful facts illuminate these evocative paintings.

Piggy Parade observes the amusing expressions and behaviour of these irresistible creatures from close up, with original pictures and special perspectives. With more than 100 charming photographs of pigs playing, relaxing and socialising you can get to know these loveable animals as they really are, from their snuffly snout to their curly tail. Interpret piggy behaviour and their habits with the help of brief captions and quotations. Surprising, amusing and impossibly cute, this celebration of all things piggy will delight any animal lover.

With his signature hands-on style, Mike Loades experiences what it is like to handle various dogs engaged in their traditional tasks. These adventures take him to the Jordanian desert, where he shares the saddle of his camel with a Saluki and to the green hills of Wales, where he works cattle with a Corgi. He mushes Huskies in Alaska, drives carriages with Dalmatians and flies falcons with spaniels. Each encounter not only highlights the bond between humans and dogs, it also frames that connection in its historical context. Different types of dogs appear the way they do because, at some stage in their development, they were bred selectively for a specialist job. The author takes key types on a walk through history. Along the way he explores the methods and practices of their original occupations. He delves into when, where and why they were first bred as the types we recognize today. The fascinating and engaging text is supported by over 250 stunning colour photographs of dogs in action. It results in an illuminating journey through many cultures and time periods. This book is a personal and heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnership between humans and dogs.

In the 60 years that Yorkshire farmer Roger Nicholson has lived at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley, he has turned what was once a humble small family farm into an inspiring success story. This book covers the history of the Nicholsons and their farming dynasty, which dates back to the 1600s. From tales of Roger's father, Charlie, and his prize-winning beer-drinking bull, to how Roger had to take over the farm at just 16 years old. Decades of financial struggle followed for Roger, his wife and their three children, but through love and sheer determination, the family turned their lives around. This is a story of dedication, optimism and heart

Throughout the course of the Second World War, many millions of animals were enlisted to serve. Though they had no choice, yet they demonstrated loyalty, determination and bravery as they shared the burden of war with their human companions both on active service and on the Home Front. From the dogs trained to locate air-raid victims buried under rubble, to the mules that carried ammunition and supplies through the jungles of the Far East, each animal played a crucial role in the war effort. In fact, such was their contribution that those animals that showed exceptional gallantry or devotion to duty were recognised officially with the introduction of the Dickin Medal in 1943. This fascinating book draws from first-hand accounts and contemporary sources to reveal the wide-ranging contributions that animals made both on and off the battlefield.

The nineteenth century was the golden age of the horse. In urban America, the indispensable horse provided the power for not only vehicles that moved freight, transported passengers, and fought fires but also equipment in breweries, mills, foundries, and machine shops.

Clay McShane and Joel A. Tarr, prominent scholars of American urban life, here explore the critical role that the horse played in the growing nineteenth-century metropolis. Using such diverse sources as veterinary manuals, stable periodicals, teamster magazines, city newspapers, and agricultural yearbooks, they examine how the horses were housed and fed and how workers bred, trained, marketed, and employed their four-legged assets. Not omitting the problems of waste removal and corpse disposal, they touch on the municipal challenges of maintaining a safe and productive living environment for both horses and people and the rise of organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In addition to providing an insightful account of life and work in nineteenth-century urban America, "The Horse in the City" brings us to a richer understanding of how the animal fared in this unnatural and presumably uncomfortable setting.

A wide-ranging manual on sheep diseases which offers to increase productivity and profitability by improving the standard of husbandry and upgrading the health status of the flock. The book stresses the understanding of the causes and development of disease so that a full prevention programme can be planned. A major section describes the latest techniques for fertility control. Quick reference pages offer action checklists at key points in the shepherd's year. Appendices cover such basic but essential techniques as dipping procedures. David Henderson has experience of the practical side of raising sheep He qualified as a veterinary surgeon and has worked in a general veterinary practice. He has been an agricultural college lecturer and has worked in pharmaceutical research and development. This manual is for sheep farmers but has also been prepared with the needs of agricultural and veterinary students in mind.

What is it about the humble pig that holds such a special place in our hearts? In a frosty field on the longest night of the year, eight little piglets snuffle their first breaths, and jostle close to their mother to feed... So begins the life of the farm animal that you think you already know. But think again... This is the magical account of the life and times of a gang of Saddleback pigs, from one of the most forward-thinking organic farmers in the United Kingdom. Helen Browning shines a light on the secret lives of these mischievous, intelligent, and inventive animals - and shares her vision for the future of ethical farming. If you liked The Secret Life of Cows and A Shepherd's Life, you'll love this evocative and illuminating tale... What people are saying about Helen: 'A woman who won't be cowed in the war against titan farms' - Independent 'Pioneering' - Guardian

Miniature livestock are so much more than their good looks. Pint-size animals can be exhibited in 4-H events and at country fairs, mini sheep can be raised for wool or meat, and little cattle can be milked or raised for beef, more productive per pound than their standard counterparts. Tiny horses, donkeys, cattle, and goats can be trained to pull wagons, and miniature animals work as therapy animals in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. While owners have different reasons for raising miniature livestock, they all share a basic need for essential, expert instruction and advice. That need is met with "Storey's Guide to Raising Miniature Livestock" by Sue Weaver. This is the go-to-guide that takes the mystery out of minis. Breeding, feeding, housing, diet, nutrition, exercise, as well as disease prevention and treatment - new and experienced farmers will find everything they need to keep minis healthy and productive.

A seek-and-find board book for young learners with entertaining characters to follow and fun farmyard things to spot. Let your child's imagination run wild in this busy, search-and-find board book! Little ones can follow fun characters, spot and count different farmyard animals, and have an exciting i-spy adventure. A perfect interactive book to share with pre-reading toddlers or older children who are just beginning to read, every scene has "Can you spot?" questions, farm-related things to find, and prompts to encourage observation, exploration, and conversation. From a cosy barn and a muddy farmyard walk, to a beautiful field and busy farm stalls, little ones will build their vocabulary by visiting this fun farm, searching through the engaging scenes, then pointing to and identifying a variety of different farmyard animals, objects, and vehicles. Children will count playful lambs, mucky tractors, waddling ducks, and much more. Plus there are delightful countryside scenes to admire, and the cutest mouse hiding somewhere on each page! Inside the pages of this search-and-find board book, you'll find: - Search-and-find activities that are highly interactive, accessible, and fun - following entertaining characters and spotting lots of farmyard favourites. - 5 busy, search-and-find artwork scenes - at the entrance, in the barn, on the farm walk, in the field, at the end of the day. - A sturdy board book format that is perfect for little hands to hold. - A mix of accessible and some more challenging search-and-find activities, encouraging concentration, observation and cognitive skills. Find my Favourite Things Farm has so many exciting farm things to talk about, and characters to follow from page to page, children can use their imaginations to tell their own stories while learning important farm words along the way. Perhaps they will even continue the story after they have finished the book! This imaginative I-spy book for 3-5 year olds encourages observation, concentration, and cognitive skills, as well as stimulating talking and storytelling, supporting counting and colour recognition, and building language skills.

From domestic cats to shire horses to dromedaries, from farmyard Jersey cattle to pandas to stick insects, Animals Visual Encyclopedia is an exploration of the wonders of nature, featuring more than 750 of the world's mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. Each featured animal is illustrated with an excellent full-colour artwork, showing in great detail its characteristics and colouring, and completed with an informative caption and a box of key facts including height, weight, diet and lifespan. With more than 750 outstanding colour artworks, Animals Visual Encyclopedia is an authoritatively researched book that celebrates the natural world and all its inhabitants.

Is this the right book for me? Raise Happy Chickens is a quickly accessible but authoritative guide, suitable for total beginners, that provides all the information you need to start keeping your own chickens. Telling you which breed of bird lays best and providing useful guidance on housing, equipment and the necessities of day-to-day care, it meets all the needs of anyone who dreams of a garden full of happy, clucking birds. It also goes beyond just chickens to other types of poultry, and gives advice and practical guidelines on housing, with full explanation of key areas like welfare, behaviour and diet.

Have ewe herd? ‘Stuck in the Middle with Ewe: or how I lost my heart and found my flock in Northern Ireland’, is a chaotic, funny and poignant tale, recounting how an English journalist fell in love with a Northern Irish farmer, his sheep and a new way of life. Holly Crawford has finally found the man of her dreams. This is good. Unfortunately he lives 500 miles away on the other side of the Irish Sea. This is bad. Never one to do things by halves, Holly decides there’s only one thing for it: she will marry him (during a pandemic) and relocate to his homeland. Having swapped deadlines for dairies and suits for Wellington boots, she’s soon causing chaos as she encounters cantankerous cows, riotous rams and cute lambs while finding out just what it takes to be a farmer’s wife. She has one husband, 200 sheep and not a clue.

In the last few years, poultry-keeping has enjoyed massive growth, with heavy TV coverage featuring chefs such as Jamie Oliver. It is another symptom of our weariness of mass-produced, tasteless supermarket food - the appeal of being able to nip into the back garden to get fresh eggs for breakfast, knowing that the hens have been well kept, fed and loved. This highly practical book is aimed at beginners to the hobby and will explain everything you need to know to get started keeping chickens, from how to choose, house, feed and handle them to how many eggs they will lay, their affect on the local ecosystem and protection from foxes.

Escape the rat race by heading to the Yorkshire Moors in Jane Lovering's funny, warm and magical new novel. Perfect for fans of Our Yorkshire Farm!Needing an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad's Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors. When Dora's glamorous but quarrelsome sister Cass, her teenage nephew Thor and his handsome tutor Nat, turn up for an unexpected and unreasonably long stay, life on the farm is thrown into chaos. Cass brings with her unwelcome memories from the past, and of someone who once stole Dora's heart. Dora takes refuge in the comforting routine of the farm, the sheep never allowing her too much time to dwell. But, as the seasons change, the snow starts to melt, and as lambs begin to fill the fields, Dora can't keep hiding in the hills. Because even though she's trying, Dora can't run away from a love that never really let her go... Let Jane Lovering whisk you away to the beauty and serenity of the Yorkshire Moors, far away from the noise of the city. Just right for fans of Emma Burstall, Holly Martin and Kate Forster. Please note that HOME ON A YORKSHIRE FARM was previously published as HOME ON FOLLY FARM. Praise for Jane Lovering: 'A funny, warm-hearted read, filled with characters you'll love.' Matt Dunn on A Country Escape What readers are saying about Jane Lovering: 'Jane Lovering has that ability to choose exactly the right words and images to make you laugh, with a wonderful touch of the ridiculous, then moving seamlessly to a scene of such poignancy that it catches your breath.' 'It is very difficult to explain just how wonderful this book is. The power of her words and her descriptive prowess to put it bluntly is amazing... the emotional impact it has had on me will be long lasting.' 'Fall in love with reading all over again with this cracking tale from Jane Lovering. An excellent reminder, if one is needed, of the absolute pleasure of losing yourself in a good book.'

With more than 10,000 years of agricultural experience, dogs are essential partners on the farm, whether they're guarding goats, herding sheep, or eliminating rats and other small vermin from barns. Farm Dogs profiles 93 breeds specially equipped for farm work, including herders, guardians, terriers, and other traditional working partners. This browsable, practical guide features compelling photographs of each breed in action, as well as breed descriptions, history, and behavioural trails. A fascinating look at the animals who became man's best friend, Farm Dogs will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about our oldest working partners.

Backyard chickens meet contemporary design! Matthew Wolpe and Kevin McElroy give you 14 complete building plans for chicken coops that range from the purely functional to the outrageously fabulous. One has a water-capturing roof; one is a great example of mid-Modern architecture; and another has a built-in composting system. Some designs are suitable for beginning builders, and some are challenging enough for experts. Complete step-by-step building plans are accompanied by full-colour photographs and detailed construction illustrations.