Magazine Issues - Practical Farm Ideas

Current issue

80 Vol 20 issue 4 Winter 2011/12

Back issues

79 Vol 20 - Issue 3 - Autumn 2011

78 - Vol 20 - Issue 2 - Summer 2011

77 - Vol 20 - Issue 1 - Spring 2011

76 - Vol 19 - Issue 4 - Winter 2010

75 - Vol 19 - Issue 3 - Autumn 2010

see all back issues

What they say about us...

Just a note to let you know how we have enjoyed reading Practial Farm Ideas. It's one of the best farm magazines we have had for a long time and will pass it around for our friends to read - it's so interesting that you just can't put it down. Keep up the good work!

S.J.Perry, Exeter

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Essentials

The magazine is published on February 8, May 8, August 8 and November 8.
Each issue is 48 pages, printed in full colour, all editorial - It carries no advertising.
Main sections are: 'Made it Myself', approx 30 pages of workshop innovations; 'Farm World' innovations and farming developments from overseas; 'Financial Focus', tax, money management, diversification.

Why no advertising?

Bluntly, advertising influences content. No editor can afford to upset a £20,000 a year advertiser. Ads have become the driving force behind a high proportion of magazines, which have two sets of customers, their readers and their advertisers. The advertisers are far less numerous, but individually are more important than any reader. Commercial publishers can't understand how Practical Farm Ideas continues, but no adverts means no advertising staff, expenses, selling costs. It also makes the magazine completely different to others - and so worth buying!

Background

As a farmer, cost cutting was central to the business plan. It generated funds for expansion from the farm resources instead of borrowing from the bank. As the business grew, so the benefits of cutting costs increased. Finding out how farmers did things the more economic way was important, and machinery was one area where savings could be made. Farm business surveys show that machinery costs are a major part of most farm budgets. They are of course good at keeping the tax bill low, but even when farming is prospering, there are those who are finding the kit in their yard a millstone around their necks. Then there are others who, like myself, would prefer to grow the business in other ways, expanding acreage, increasing stock numbers, adding a new enterprise.

Essentials: What on the page?

There are lots of pictures, showing detailed shots of unique farm machinery built and modified by farmers in their workshops. Some machines are totally unique and represent a major technical step forward. Others will feature a home built version of something made commercially. In both instances there are pictures and text to follow for anyone planning to do the same project - not blue prints or detailed instructions but a description of the methods sufficient to help and inspire the reader.

Contributors

Come from all over the UK and increasingly from Europe. If you have made or adapted a machine, this year or ten years ago, we would be interested in talking with you about it. The size and complexity of the idea is unimportant, we will publish and promote any size of farm innovation, and travel across the country regularly to drop in and see farmers who have made and adapted equipment.

Back Issues

Want to see all of our back issues, click here

Sample Issue

Click here to download a full sample issue: Vol 13 - 1 (great feature on sheep management)

Pictures

Most project stories have a series of Hi-Res digital pictures which can be emailed to subscribers who are interested. To take advantage of this, a current subscription is essential.