Fodder Farm is an off grid homesteading farm of 6.2 hectares located in a remote valley in the Ruapehu district, which is in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand. This rugged landscape comes with its share of challenges, one of which is 4 hectares of pines, which is to be returned to pasture and the landscape regenerated. This website follows our experience on this little piece of paradise, developing, improving and enjoying. But it also shares with you what we have learnt along the way, helping pave the way for others who wish to choose this lifestyle. It is a journey that will take time, just as the plants around us take time to grow.
One of the focuses of Fodder Farm is to grow plants which enhance the sustainability of landscape in which we live. By growing plants which are multi use, soil enhancing, medicinal, shelter and fuel providing, or edible for both people and animals, we gain independence, self-reliance and often, health.
It is this other focus of Health which has led us to embrace the Homesteading way of life. The raising of animals for food, fiber and fertiliser etc. The growing of fruit and vegetables, fodder and forage for ourselves and our animals. An awareness of what we eat and what we use in our home and on our skin and hair, leading to making most of what we eat and use ourselves.
This journey is shared with you through our blogs on this website, on our Facebook page Fodder Farm and in our group Homesteading New Zealand. You can also find us on Instagram at fodderfarmnz
We are now publishing our information in handbooks, available in both paperback and Kindle eBooks, these books expand on the information provided on this website. The first of these books ‘Fodder and Forage‘ and ‘ Edible perennials‘ are available from our shop, selected bookstores and suppliers.
‘Life on Fodder Farm – A journey to self-sufficiency’ was released in August 2023. This book is both the story of our life on the land and a helpful guide for others who are on this journey too. It is available in all good bookstores.
Rebecca Stewart also writes a monthly blog for thisNZlife an online magazine and has articles published in the NZ Lifestyle Block magazine.
