We moved to Otago in 2008 with the aim of becoming self sufficient on a small lifestyle block while also giving our Vallhunds the room to run and play.  Since arriving we have been managing the farm organically and in the course of our explorations of the area we discovered our farm has had a very interesting history.  The property dates back to the 1900"s where it was home to the first School in the area until the 1930's when the bridge was put in over the river. We have heard some wonderful old stories from the people who went to school here and coupled with some of the old farming techniques we are employing it was decided to call our new home Old School Farm.  The property has established Oak, Silver Birch and Macracarpa all on 5 acres of rolling land and is a doggie paradise, the Vallhunds love the freedom of being able to run and play over the property while we are able to relax and make the most of the beautiful countryside.

   

  

                                            Old School Farm 1900's & Winter 2009                  

                                                                    

                         

        

Old School Farm, Spring 2011

Photo's by I.R. Morgan

 

The beautiful Catlins are at our doorstep and are part of the Southern Scenic Route which is an extremely picturesque part of the country!  Here we are privileged enough to enjoy the wildlife of NZ; Fur Seals, Yellow Eyed Penguins, Gannets, Albatross, Sea lions, Hectors Dolphins and other extensive smaller bird life.  There are many lovely bush walks, lakes and falls to be enjoyed, along with trout fishing and spectacular beaches!

Views from Nugget Point		NZ Fur Seal		Purakaunui Falls

Old School Farm's Heritage Breeds:

 

Having put a lot of research into how we were going to develop the property and what animals we would raise we finally decided that the  older, traditional breeds of livestock which were developed around the world to suit local farming conditions prior to the Western change to an industrial method of farming would suit us perfectly.  These traditional breeds are suited to the low-input style of farming which organic agriculture is based upon. They normally have a higher natural immunity to pests and disease and are able to do well on unimproved but more balanced pastures.

 

Our Wiltshire Sheep joined us in 2009.  They are a hardy breed of meat sheep which dates back to Roman times.  The breed is characterised by high quality meat production and the ability to shed its wool eliminating the need for shearing, they fit wonderful into an organic system and have lovely calm natures.

 

 

After the First World War ended there was a high demand for fresh eggs, so selective breeding programmes using already established high performing chickens were formed to create the Modern Hybrid Chickens of today.   The influence of the hybrid has been significant becoming the mainstay of the developed worlds industry over the past 50 years.  The popularity of the commercial producing battery hens as back yard chooks has put at risk the older traditional chickens from which they came and many are now listed as Rare Breeds.  Thankfully in recent years a resurgance of interest in the Heritage breeds has been occuring as people are rediscovering the many qualities that made them popluar .

Below are some pictures of our Heritage chickens, we have :

Purebred Rhode Island Reds,

Purebred Silkies, exhibiting the correct characteristic of the breed.

The RIR is an ideal backyard chook as they are hardy and mature reasonably early, they are good foragers and are generally docile and calm.  We are looking forward to adding Leghorns and Barnevelders to the mix and all our chickens are allowed to free range over our property.

 

Willing Workers:

Old School Farm is one of the organic farms that welcomes willing workers to come and gain experience in return for acommodation. Wwoofers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) have to be registered members with Wwoof NEW ZEALAND.      

 

Please see there website for more details   www.wwoof.co.nz

 

 

Vanaheim Swedish Vallhunds the beginning:

 

My family have always been dog lovers and owners with my parents having had a variety of breeds from Golden Retrievers to Dachshunds over their life time.  It was then, of no great surprise to my parents when the next generation came along and we all turned out to be just the same!

My fathers side of the family have owned and hunted gundogs for what seems like eons and I am lucky enough to have cousins who are training dogs and competing at National Level overseas.

 

I became in a due course a Qualified Veterinary Nurse combining my love of animals with everyday life and have worked in many different animal related fields in my time.  In 2005 I started an animal behaviour degree through Massey University and in 2009 became a founding member of the Swedish Vallhund Club of New Zealand.

 

It all really began for me however in 2003 when an extremely good friend of mine who was an instructor at the North Shore Dog Club in Auckland at the time talked me into going along to watch an obedience competition.  My curiosity was piqued and as I watched I realised it looked like so much fun!  That was all it took for me to become truly inspired by the world of obedience and agility. 

Arriving home I couldn't wait to begin researching into breeds of dogs which might be suitable as a companion, friend and competitor. 

The NZ Kennel Club website was a wonderful help and it was here that I discovered the Swedish Vallhund.

 

In April of 2003 NZ Ch Murivall Antares, or Kindle as he is known, became a part of the family.  A wonderful ambassador for the breed, Kindle is an amazing boy who never fails to bring a smile to the face of those who meet him. 

 

Having become thoroughly hooked by the Swedish Vallhund, I approached Rose Madsen of Valkrista and in 2006 NZ CH Valkrista Alatna joined our family.  Ash has a wonderful personality, loves shiny stones and is a regular water baby,   it is not uncommon to see her with her whole head under water as she selects her perfect stone! Not one to hog the spoils of the day, she always shares her discoveries with Ian and myself before neatly plopping her gains onto her ever-growing pile by the river.  Ash loves to show off, is an absolute superstar and knows it!

 

Vallarity Day Tripper became the newest member of our family in 2008 bringing with him some wonderful breed lines from Sweden, Finland and Australia.  Sparky is a lovely young boy and as his name implies is full of vim and vigour, he is a boy who is comfortable with home life, long walks, fun in the snow and is always up for a good ball game.

Our Swedish Vallhunds live inside with us and are valued members of our home.  They are included in every aspect of our lives so much so that we often take them on holiday.  A wonderful versatile, intelligent breed and we are very proud and privileged to be owned by them!

 

I hope you enjoy looking around our website while learning about this  Ancient Viking Breed. 

 

 

You can't catch me...........

Photo by N. Morgan

 

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SWEDISH VALLHUNDS