The Small Farm Training Group

FREE! Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies and Excesses in Sheep - Online with Zoom
2022-02-07 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
This is a theory workshop with lots of pictures and it is recommended that you watch on a PC monitor rather than a phone screen if you can. The advantage of a Zoom course is that there is no travelling and you can drink as much coffee (or alcohol) as you want while you listen!
Jenny has had sheep for more for more than 20 years. Most of the time sheep are hardy animals but they do suffer from various vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses and these are most noticeable when sheep are stressed. Lambing is a very stressful time for the ewe and the new born lamb (and probably equally as stressful for the shepherd!) so this is why we are running the workshop in the run up to lambing time. Prevention is always better than cure and Jenny will cover common ailments and what you can do about them. There will also be a question and answer session at the same time on the following day - so email Jenny using the following link email our training organiser after this Zoom event and we can cover your questions and comments on the 8th Feb at 7 p.m. (if you book on this event you will also receive a link for the event on the 8th Feb, but if you don't want to come, just don't click on the Zoom link). This year we are also running another Free Zoom workshop Lambing Theory on 22nd February (Q & A 23rd Feb) and also a practical lambing morning with Peter Froggatt which is highly recommended if you are new to lambing (they are bookable on our website - you need to be a member of the SFTG for the practical lambing).

Willow Workshop
2022-01-29 10:30 - 16:00
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills. You will cut your own willow stems and make a willow obelisk or peony frame and other smaller objects.
New member, Richard Vidal, is going to be our tutor. He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures, living willow structures, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing, harvesting, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility.
Before his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience of working with cane, willow or other wood.
Richard will start the day (indoors if weather inclement) with an introduction to the growing of willow and how to create colourful practical artistic objects. You will then harvest a mixture of red, yellow, green and maroon varieties of willow and create your own garden obelisk, frame or smaller structure. Some people may want to make garden structures outside whilst others may prefer being under cover or inside if cold.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available). If you have a large car or roof rack this will be useful for transporting larger creations. If you can't fit an obelisk in your car we will endeavour to find someone nearby who can deliver it in due course.
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet.
Richard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Dehydrating For Beginners
2022-01-23 10:30 - 13:00
Learn to dehydrate food for storage - Workshop with Denise Taylor
If you have ever wondered how to dehydrate, what you can dehydrate, and how to do it, Denise has all the answers. An avid dehydrator, she will talk us through why we do it, and how to do it successfully. You will learn how to make delicious Fruit Leathers, tasty Beef Jerky, and your own chilli powder, as well as vegetables for storage - all from the comfort of the kitchen table. We will even learn how to make our own healthy pot noodles!
We will also discuss the various ways to store your dehydrated produce, and have practical hand on experience using a vacuum sealer.
There will be plenty samples and tasting as well as practical hands on experience. This workshop is open to members and non members. This course is part of our "food preservation" training, you can also learn in our other workshops how to preserve food using a water bath canner, and pressure canning for beginners, both of which produce shelf stable food without the need for refrigeration.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

FREE TALK: Keeping Rheas (not ostriches!)
2022-01-21 19:30 - 21:30
Pauline Burnett-Dick will tell us all about keeping these fascinating birds, their role in ground clearance, in pasture management and as fox deterrents. Pauline keeps her own and they are wonderful birds, and her talk in very engaging.
There will also be plenty of time for catching up with other members - if you would like to bring goods or produce for sale, please do so, and likewise bring some cash in case you want to purchase something.
Friday January 21st at the Goward Hall, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.
Doors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.
The Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply ‘take-out’ drinks.
Booking is not essential but it would help us if you do in that we can then contact you in the case of last minute changes or cancellation.
NON-MEMBERS WELCOME AT THIS EVENT

Stock Fencing
2022-01-15 10:00 - 15:00
Have you ever considered livestock fencing?
If you have or are considering keeping animals or doing horticulture, you will find it invaluable being able to do some or all your own stock fencing. Even if you don’t there will undoubtedly be times fences will need repairs!

This is a course where you will learn the rudiments of erecting and fixing stock fencing.
We shall look at the basic tools needed and the sorts of fencing and posts.
It will be a ‘hands on’ course.’

Ruminant Herbal Health - A brief Introduction with Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
2026-06-18 20:36
Ruminant Herbal Health – A brief Introduction 13th May 10-2pm
With Medical herbalist and farmer Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
As a farmer and shepherdess I have always had a keen interest in self selection in ruminants, and when I studied herbal medicine it gave me a much greater understanding of how the phytochemicals contained in plants work within not just the human body but within animals too. I started to understand how for example tannins help control worm burden with their astringent properties, and how other plant chemicals and micro nutrients in diverse pasture can help boost immunity within the flock or herd.
This workshop will encompass native British plants found in meadows, hedgerows and herbal leys and explain how they can help ruminant health , with a herb walk to identify plants and talk about them in the field after a talk and an after lunch hands on workshop making simple first aid remedies with a handout and plenty of opportunity to ask questions throughout the day
Please bring a notebook and pen and outdoor gear for the farm/herbal walk, packed lunch

Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.
