one-day course

introduction to livestock smallholding

location: nr Chard, Somerset

This is a course aimed at the novice or anyone thinking of setting up their own smallholding. The course will give an insight into keeping livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry; covering the basic care and equipment requirements in each case along with land management techniques.

Tutor Nick Cox has extensive livestock experience including pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep and alpacs and as a result has a great knowledge of what livestock suits what environment.

The course includes:

Legislation (Paperwork)

  • Movement books or movement licenses
  • Holding numbers
  • Flock/herd numbers & Trading Standards
  • Registering with a vet and Trading Standards
  • Public liability insurance

Introduction to Livestock

  • What breed
  • Pedigree stock
  • Charts of breeds with relevant information
  • Where to source your livestock – private, through breeders and markets
  • Intentions of keeping livestock – when will livestock be ready for slaughter
  • Associations and relevant contacts

Meeting the livestock

  • Equipment – adequate fencing, housing, feeding equipment, veterinary equipment
  • Types of feed
  • Housing
  • Signs of good and poor health
  • Breeding – signs of heat, service vs AI, number of times to service, signs of birthing and what to do.
  • Medicines and medicine books
  • Identification
  • Land issues pertaining to keeping livestock

dates: see 'book online' below

more on smallholding

how to book:
  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
for a 10am prompt start
depart:
  
after the course finishes at 3.30pm
directions:
  
sent with booking confirmation
what to bring:
  
pen and notebook; work clothes
let us know:
  
if you have any special needs
price:
  
£69
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
lunch:
  
provided
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


the venue is a 132-acre organic farm near Chard