The season to-date has been good. However, a long period of this intense heat, winds and humidity can ruin a promising run quite quickly. We have ensured we keep to a lower than usual stocking rate which in times like these is a godsend and molasses helps gives the cows the energy they need.

Might try some myself, this heat certainly saps it out of you. However, I have read certain weather reports that are saying frosts for March, so in typical Kiwi fashion, our climate could have a complete turnabout over the next couple of weeks.

The March issue of NZ Lifestyle Farmer magazine is now on sale. This month we feature a wide array of articles, covering with a unique Taranaki block on which the owner is carving out a living by growing lavender and garlic as complimentary crops.

The lavender while acting as a windbreak provides oil which is sold on or used to make other products for his range and the garlic is popular at local markets and sold through his website throughout New Zealand. The crops aren’t certified organic, however farmed under organic principles in most ways.

We also show how to build your own earth pizza oven for outside, a great feature in the garden/patio area and adds ambience to social gatherings with the cavemen stepping up to cook and letting us enjoy a glass of wine in the background while they stare into the embers… that’s the plan anyway.

There are also articles on Welsh ponies, choosing a water tank, pest management with possums and rats, natural alternatives in your garden, breeding ducks, hazelnut pollination, growing gourmet mushrooms for the marketplace, growing cranberries and specialty greenhouse crops.

If you would like to see more on the magazine visit www.lifestyle-farmer.co.nz or to subscribe phone 0800 651-652 and go in the draw to win a home greenhouse.