[benkt]

sell it before you buy it
or perhaps it should be extended to "sell it before you buy/breed/grow it."

We're doing 13 weaners/piglets-> pork over the summer and have sold 11.5 of them already. Same with veg boxes and eggs. For us, its too much of a risk to end up with a lot of stock or produce that we can't shift at a good price. Obviously our community model doesn't work for everyone, but beyond our members, we also have 'Friends of the farm'. We email them before we're going to buy weaners or goslings or what-have-you and get them to sign up for the end result (and pay a small deposit!) so we end up buying roughly the same amount as we know we can sell.

[Fleecewife]

Mine, unfortunately, is don't rely on anyone but yourself to achieve something.

I think that is a rule for life in general too.  We may live in a social setting, but when it comes to the crunch, you are really the only one who cares totally what happens to you.

[bazzais]

Anything you buy with an engine - will break down - Buy a hammer, a big one and WD40.

[deepinthewoods]

dont plant laurel

[goosepimple]

Agree with everyone above, with the addition of remember to stop and smell the roses, it's those moments that make it all worth while and they don't come every day.

[ShaunP]

Anything you buy with an engine - will break down - Buy a hammer, a big one and WD40.

And use 'easy start' sparingly....it is additive!!

[hughesy]

No passengers. Everything has to pay for itself in some way. Not necessarily in hard cash but must contribute to the overall picture.

[Fowgill Farm]

To have both the physical and the mental strength to get thro all the tasks especially when its blowing a gale the mud is sucking off your wellies and you're trying to move stock between paddocks or buildings.
To take time out everyday and thank god you're alive and so lucky to live where you do and how you do.
Mandy
ps and major shares in pallets and baler twine :

[YorkshireLass]

With stock, learn to recognise the point when they're so wound up they simply won't go through that gate. Leave 'em alone, go for a brew, try again tomorrow.

[Bangbang]

Have an even distribution of the workload and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[Lesley Silvester]

Don't get attached to the animals going for slaughter.

[Penninehillbilly]

Talk to the animals.
Some years ago dad had a sow needing the boar, dad was in hospital. I arranged for someone to come and take her. she WOULD NOT go in that trailer. to save stressing her we gave up, next day tried again, she walked straight in. Farmer commented how he'd stayed quiet, while I had talked to the sow all the time, he realised the sow was listening to me and stayed calm. Something I've never forgotten.
I'm sure we all do it, do we realise the effect we have?

after writing this just seen the Dr Doolittle post - co-incidence!

[goosepimple]

..and I won't forget that next time I go out today..I do always make sure I smile at them 

[sabrina]

Take each day as it comes.

[doganjo]

I've just read all of these posts and decided I can't handle being a smallholder.  I resign!