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The Smallholder’s Seasonal Journal: September Edition
Introduction
September signals the start of autumn on the smallholding. The days shorten, nights cool, and both livestock and land begin the transition to winter routines. It’s a month for preparing housing, reviewing feed stores, and making the most of the season’s final growth.
Grazing, Feed & Autumn Nutrition
Grass growth slows and nutrition drops, so keep a close eye on animal condition. Rotate grazing to prevent poaching and allow paddocks to recover before winter. Now’s the time to plan supplementary feeding for cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock—check your stocks and order in advance to avoid autumn shortages.
If you need to top up, our cattle feed, sheep feed, and goat feed collections have trusted options.
If you need to top up, our cattle feed, sheep feed, and goat feed collections have trusted options.
Tip:
Consider providing a Horslyx Smallholder Block Mineralised Feed Lick to support ruminants as pasture quality declines.
Consider providing a Horslyx Smallholder Block Mineralised Feed Lick to support ruminants as pasture quality declines.
Poultry & Small Animal Care
As daylight wanes, egg production may slow and birds start their autumn moult. Ensure coops are clean, dry, and free from draughts—top up with fresh poultry bedding as needed.
Nutrition is key for healthy feather regrowth, so keep up with quality feed and consider a supplement during the moult.
Nutrition is key for healthy feather regrowth, so keep up with quality feed and consider a supplement during the moult.
Tip:
Give housing a deep clean before the weather turns wet, and check for signs of pests like red mite.
Give housing a deep clean before the weather turns wet, and check for signs of pests like red mite.
Housing, Bedding & Welfare
Now’s the time to review all animal housing. Check for leaks, draughts, and worn bedding. Clean and disinfect sheds, coops, and stables, and lay in extra bedding for the coming months—see our farmyard animal bedding range for options.
Tip:
Store bedding somewhere dry and raised off the ground to prevent damp and mould.
Store bedding somewhere dry and raised off the ground to prevent damp and mould.
Fencing, Repairs & Autumn Prep
Walk your boundaries and repair any damage before winter weather sets in. Test electric fencing—replace batteries or posts as needed. If you need to set up new paddocks or secure stock for the wetter months, our electric fencing kits are a practical solution.
Tip:
Trim back overgrown hedges and check gates for smooth operation before mud season.
Trim back overgrown hedges and check gates for smooth operation before mud season.
September Checklist
- Rotate and rest grazing areas
- Review and top up feed and bedding stores
- Deep clean and repair animal housing
- Collect eggs regularly and monitor moulting birds
- Check and repair fences, gates, and electric fencing
- Prepare for autumn storms and falling temperatures
Where to Find Help
Need advice on feed, bedding, fencing, or autumn prep? Chestnut Mill has a wide range of trusted products and friendly support—browse our collections or get in touch for help tailored to your holding.