July 30, 2025

The Smallholder's Seasonal Journal: July Edition

Introduction

July is the height of summer on the smallholding—long days, rapid plant growth, and plenty to do to keep animals healthy and land productive. With the heat comes new challenges, from managing grazing and water supplies to keeping pests at bay. Here’s your practical guide to staying on top of seasonal jobs and supporting your livestock and poultry.

Grazing & Nutrition in Hot Weather

Grass quality can drop fast in summer. Rotate grazing areas to avoid overgrazing and allow pastures to recover. Keep a close eye on your animals’ condition, especially cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminants. If pasture quality falls, supplement with high-quality feeds from your animal’s specific range:

Tip for Ruminants:
When grass is dry and animals are grazing less, a Horslyx Smallholder Block Mineralised Feed Lick can help maintain health and productivity.

Poultry & Small Animal Care

Poultry need shade, fresh water, and well-ventilated housing in July. Collect eggs more frequently to avoid spoilage, and keep bedding dry and clean with top-ups from our Poultry Bedding range.
Check out our specialist feeds for:

Don’t forget Poultry Grit & Scratch for healthy digestion, and Poultry Treatments & Supplements to support wellbeing during stressful spells.

Water, Shade & Welfare

All livestock need more water in hot weather. Check troughs and drinkers daily, and add extras in busy paddocks—see Farmyard Feeding Equipment and Poultry Feeding & Drinking Equipment for practical solutions.

For fly and pest control, keep bedding fresh and clear up muck regularly. Field Forks & Muck Scoops, Brushes & Brooms, and Stable & Yard Cleaner/Disinfectant make yard work easier.

Fencing & Paddock Management

Animal activity peaks in summer, so check fences and gates regularly. If rotating grazing or creating temporary paddocks, our Electric Fencing Kits, Netting, Energisers, Insulators, Batteries, Posts, Gates, and Accessories help you set up and maintain secure boundaries.

Smallholder’s Checklist for July

Rotate grazing and monitor pasture quality
Top up water and check drinkers daily
Add shade/shelter in exposed paddocks
Watch for signs of heat stress or fly strike
Collect eggs more frequently and refresh bedding
Inspect and maintain fencing and gates
Stay ahead of mucking out and yard cleaning

Looking Ahead

August brings harvest gluts, late sowings, and prep for autumn. Now’s the time to plan for forage crops, review feed stocks, and think about storage.

Need help?

Not sure which feed, fencing, or equipment is right for your setup? Drop us a message—Chestnut Mill is here to help with practical advice and trusted products for every season.

Filed in: better farming, Extensive Farming, Farm, Farm Animal Housing, Farming, Farming Year, small holder, Small Holding, smallholder, smallholders, smallholding, sustainable farming

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