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For the Love of Goats — Kids & Family
For the Love of Goats

We are talking about everything goats! Whether you’re an owner, a breeder, or just a fan of these wonderful creatures, we’ve got you covered. Join host and author Deborah Niemann as she interviews experts and goat lovers so we can all learn more about how to improve the health and production of our goats, improve our relationships, and possibly even start a goat business.

Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 For the Love of Goats

Latest Episodes:

Anemia in Goats Oct 23, 2024

Goat owners should be well-versed in the art of the FAMACHA check. We know that bright red mucous membranes of the eyes are a good sign while pale or white mucous membranes could indicate a heavy parasite load and anemia. But if your goat is anemic, outside of administering a dewormer, should you offer additional treatment? Did you know that your goat may also be anemic from causes other than a heavy parasite load?
In this episode, we are joined again by Dr. Robert Van Saun, professor of veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University and a specialist in ruminant nutrition. Dr. Van Saun covers various other ailments that could lead to anemia in your goat. He also discusses those oral iron supplements and the science behind whether or not they are actually effective in treating an anemic animal. Plus, should you be worried about anemia if your goat eats kale?
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/anemia-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Choosing a Goat Mineral Oct 09, 2024

Does attempting to select the right minerals for your herd make your head spin? Do you know which three minerals are the primary keys to your herd’s health? How about the proper levels that should be included in a good mineral? Is there an easy way to know that the mineral you selected is appropriate and worth your money?
In this episode, I cover the nutrients that goats are most likely to become deficient in and what you should look for when shopping for a great loose mineral. I also touch on mineral antagonists and how balance really is key in your nutritional program. Stop throwing your money away buying minerals that are mostly salt. Learn the whats, whys, and hows for choosing a good mineral.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/choosing-goat-mineral/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Breeding Champion Goats with Ed Jodlowski Sep 18, 2024

Welcome to the world of showing goats! Have you ever dreamed of picking the perfect breeding pair that produces such a successful combination of genetics that you wind up with a doe that wins the title of Grand Champion at the National Show? It is likely that more than a few of us have, and the reality is, with the right education on goat conformation and breed standards coupled with an exacting eye, it is possible to produce that winning goat.
In today’s episode, we are talking to Ed Jodlowski, the breeder and owner of this year’s ADGA Grand National Champion doe. He is also the owner of Kickapoo Valley Dairy Goats and the current president of the American Dairy Goat Association. Having personal experience with all dairy goat breeds except Guernseys, Ed tells the story of the evolution of his own winning herd, and whether luck, skill, or both played into his success.
He also fills us in on the pros of being a judge in the show ring, confirms the significant benefit of attending goat shows now even if you aren’t yet ready to show your own goats, and shares his surprising plans for the future.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/champion-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Hay Testing: Labs, Equipment, and Results Sep 04, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of forage and hay testing to ensure your herd is receiving maximum nutrition, today’s episode will provide you with lots of valuable information. We are talking to Cassy Streeter, an expert in near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) who directs Dairy One’s NIR affiliate network of more than 30 members in 16 countries. She also holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in animal science from Cornell University.
Understanding hay quality can help you optimize animal nutrition and productivity, whether you’re raising goats for meat, dairy, or both. Forage testing can be a component in balancing and managing your herd’s nutrition, and even keep you from spending money on unnecessary supplements or expensive feeds.
Wading into the world of hay testing can feel overwhelming. Cassy clarifies the entire process–from collecting a sample, choosing which test best fits your needs, how to send your samples to the lab, and what to do with your results once you receive them.
Cassy also offers some great advice on accessing hay bale corers, also known as hay probes, for sample collection without having to make a costly investment. More importantly, she outlines how to use them correctly. She also pulls back the curtain on how forage testers process and analyze hay samples for accurate results.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hay-testing/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pasture Grasses and Browse Aug 21, 2024

In this bonus episode with Dr. Woody Lane, a livestock nutritionist and forage specialist and consultant, who's the owner of Lane Livestock Services and the author of three books on forages, grazing, soils, and livestock nutrition, we are tackling some great questions submitted by several Goats 365 members.
Dr. Lane addresses warm season grasses–great for warmer climates–and the unique biochemical makeup that differentiates them from cool season grasses. He also gives important management advice that could prevent your animals from being sickened by the toxic compounds found in sorghum sudangrass and some tall fescue. He also answers the question we all want to know: “What is the best kind of pasture for goats so you can stop worrying about them dying?”
This the second half of Dr. Lane’s awesome interview which lasted more than an hour. If you haven’t yet heard the first half, be sure to listen in as Dr. Lane covers the four basic principles of good grazing, offers a practical way to measure how many goats per acre your pasture can support, and explains the amazing function of a rumen.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pasture-grasses/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

4 Good Pasture Principles Aug 14, 2024

It can be a seemingly insurmountable challenge to balance the grazing needs of your herd with the necessity to maintain pasture and forage growth. If only there was a formula to strike that perfect balance between allowing your goats to get the nutrition they need while sustaining plant growth for future grazing. We have good news! There is a clear path to harmony when it comes to grazing.
Today, we’re talking to Dr. Woody Lane, a livestock nutritionist and forage specialist and consultant, who's the owner of Lane Livestock Services and the author of three books on forages, grazing, soils, and livestock nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Lane delves into the world of management intensive grazing, a nuanced extension of rotational grazing.
Dr. Lane details the four basic principles you need to implement in order to get the most out of your forage growth and grazing. He also tackles the common question “how many goats per acre?” with a simple, yet brilliant, task you can perform to answer that question with precision for your specific land and herd. As a bonus, Dr. Lane reveals the reason it has been such a challenge to comfortably address that question in the past.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/good-pasture/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Herd Shares: Legalities and Liabilities Jul 31, 2024

Herd shares are often considered to be a sneaky way to circumvent state laws prohibiting the sale of raw milk. But did you know that herd shares themselves are not legal in all 50 states? In addition, there is far more nuance to the endeavor than simply selling shares in your herd–both in terms of legalities and liabilities.
Today, we’re talking to Alexia Kulwiec, an attorney and Executive Director of the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. In this episode, Alexia discusses how herd shares work, the general nuances of state laws regarding herd shares, what a sufficient herd share contract should contain, and, most importantly, the steps you as the producer can take to protect yourself from legal issues.
She also touches on the Raw Milk Nation interactive map found on the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s website and reveals why maps like this are far from the end-all-be-all when it comes to determining if raw milk sales or herd shares are legal in your state.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/herd-shares/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Listeriosis in Goats Jul 17, 2024

Listeriosis can strike fear into the hearts of goats owners, not only because it needs prompt treatment to increase the odds of survival, and because it can be difficult to diagnose due to the fact that it shares symptoms with several other serious illnesses, but also because Listeria bacteria exist everywhere.
Today, Dr. Melissa Holahan, a postdoctoral researcher from the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, is joining us to talk about listeriosis and how we can prevent these zoonotic bacteria from sickening both our goats and us. She details the symptoms to watch for, the most common approach to treatment, and the medications you should have available on your farm in order to offer swift treatment.
Dr. Holahan also touches on popular fermented hays, such as Alfahay and Chaffhaye, and whether or not they are putting your herd at risk of listeriosis. She also stresses the importance of proper hay storage to reduce mold and keeping feeding areas clean.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/listeriosis-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Farm Stays: The Key to a Diversified Farm Jul 03, 2024

Have you ever thought about hosting guests on your farm for additional income, but were too unsure about the logistics to take the first step? Today’s podcast will offer clarity and may even inspire you to finally venture into the world of agritourism.

We are talking to Scottie Jones, co-owner of Leaping Lamb Farm in Oregon and the founder of FarmStay USA, a national marketing and referral website for working farms that offer agritourism opportunities.

Agritourism has been growing in popularity for some time. First it was glamping, and now Airbnb has added a “farm stay” category. It is obvious that agritourism could help many farms not only survive, but thrive.

Agritourism is also an essential educational tool in bridging the gaping divide between urban and rural life, especially in a time when many no longer understand where their food comes from or how hard it can be to produce it.

In this episode, Scottie discusses the necessary insurance requirements, how FarmStay farms differ from other “farm stays” offered on sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, how to offer a true experience rather than just “a place to stay,” how to effectively market your farm, and her top tip for those looking to get into agritourism. Scottie also addresses the most asked questions: how much should I charge, and how much can I expect to make?
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/farm-stays/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Milk Test Reports: What We Learn About our Goats Jun 19, 2024

If you ever wondered about the benefits of milk testing, today’s episode contains an abundance of valuable information. Today we are talking to Jeremy Leather, a field technician at Dairy One, a milk testing lab in New York State. While Dairy One offers multiple services, including forage and soil testing, we are focusing on their excellent milk testing services and how milk testing can have a major positive impact on the health of your herd.
Jeremy discusses the basics of milk testing and the most common things goat owners test for and why. He also explains the usefulness of the data that comes from each test and how testing could even help your veterinarian provide more effective treatment to a goat suffering from mastitis. Speaking of data, one benefit of milk testing is that you will always have access to it. No more losing binders containing years of collected data on your herd. Replacement data is always available online.
Finally, Jeremy touches on the added perk of testing for pregnancy through milk testing and the many reasons you should begin milk testing in your herd right away.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/milk-test-reports/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Raw Milk Safety Jun 05, 2024

Have you ever wanted to try raw milk, lauded for its health benefits, but were concerned about the safety? Like all raw foods from lettuce to oysters, there is a risk of contamination, but there’s a lot we can do to be sure that all of our raw food, including milk, is as safe as possible.
We are talking to Mark McAfee, the chairman of the Raw Milk Institute, which was founded in 2011 to help meet the growing demand for safe raw milk and to educate consumers on raw milk safety. He is also the founder of Raw Farm, the largest producer of raw milk in the world.
Raw milk has been a controversial topic for some time. The debate rages between those who praise its health benefits and the regulators who insist that consuming raw milk holds far more risk than benefit. So, what is the truth? And if we choose to consume raw milk, how can we be certain that it has been handled properly – from the milk stand to cold storage – and is safe to drink?
In this episode, Mark discusses common pathogens present in raw milk, the basics of what makes raw milk more beneficial than pasteurized, the historical reasoning behind the pasteurization of milk, and how we can ensure that the raw milk we drink is clean and safe. He also touches on the process behind commercial dairy-to-store pasteurized milk.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raw-milk-safety/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Anesthesia in Goats May 22, 2024

Every goat owner has heard that goats don't do well with anesthesia, so we are always understandably nervous when our goats need to be sedated. Dr. Kelly Chen, Veterinary Anesthesiology Resident at Cornell University, joins us in this episode to talk about why goats are so challenging when it comes to anesthesia.
First, we discuss the difference between anesthesia and analgesia and then we talk about some of the common procedures where anesthesia is used.
Dr. Chen talks about pain associated with disbudding and what the options are for veterinarians who disbud, as well as owners who do their own disbudding.
For c-sections, there are three different anesthesia and analgesia options, and Dr. Chen talks about why general anesthesia is no longer preferred.
In severe cases of urinary calculi, anesthesia is required for a couple of the different treatment options.
Dr. Chen also talks briefly about other surgical procedures being done on livestock now, such as joint replacement, pacemaker placement, and mastectomy, which require anesthesia.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/anesthesia-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Creating a Website for Your Goats May 08, 2024

New goat breeders frequently ask where and how they can sell their goat kids. When I started with goats in 2002, I bought goats from breeders who had websites, so I assumed I would also need a website for selling my goats. That has been the only sales channel for my goats forever.
In this episode, Emily Nyman and I discuss what information you need on your website, such as an about page, health history of your herd, photos of your breeding stock, pedigrees, and terms of sale.
We also talk about user-friendly options for building your website, so you don't have to hire a web designer.
Because the cornerstone of every good goat breeder website is the photos, we spend a lot of time talking about the time of day, shadows, lighting, position of the goat, where to take photos, and more, including equipment.
In addition to breeding goats, Emily is also a professional photographer. You can see her photography at her website Emily Nyman.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/creating-a-website-for-your-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Success with Dairy Goats: Goat Milk Stuff Apr 24, 2024

If you've ever thought about starting a business with your dairy goats, today's episode will give you a lot of valuable information. We are talking to PJ Jonas, founder of Goat Milk Stuff, which sells all sorts of products made from goat milk. Although they focus on soap and body care products today, they also sold cheese, yogurt, gelato, and caramels before the pandemic.
PJ talks about why she started making soap and how it got turned into a business. She explains how she scaled the business from making batches of 28 bars in her kitchen to one of her sons making 415 bars per batch today. You'll also hear what it was like when her soap was featured in major media outlets like The Today Show and Oprah magazine.
We also discuss the potential downsides of owning a business, such as liability and taxes, and what it's like dealing with some members of the public who make life challenging.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/success-with-dairy-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Brewers Grain for Goats Apr 10, 2024

Who wouldn't love free food for your goats? But before you call your local brewer or distiller and ask if you can pick up their spent grain, listen to this episode with Dr. Robert VanSaun, vet professor and ruminant nutritionist at Pennsylvania State University.
Spent brewers grain and distillers grain are popular feed for cattle, but are less commonly used to feed goats. We've used brew grain to feed our pigs and chickens for about ten years, but have shied away from feeding it to our goats because it doesn't come with a guaranteed nutritional analysis or even an ingredient list.
In this episode, Dr. VanSaun discusses the nutrients we know are in brewer's and distiller's grains and what may or may not be in them, including potentially harmful substances such as sulfur and mycotoxins. We talk about what questions you need to ask the brewmaster before picking up grain, as well as other sources of spent grains.
Many thanks to our listener, Doris, who requested this episode.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/brewers-grain-for-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Arapawa Goats: Discovering the Charms of this Rare Breed Mar 27, 2024

If you've been looking for a smaller breed of goat that's parasite resistant, has excellent mothering skills, and comes in a variety of colors, the Arapawa goat from New Zealand might be a good fit, especially if you are interested in conserving rare breeds.
In this episode, we are joined by Emily Nyman, Arapawa Goat Breeders Association President and Livestock Coordinator at Conner Prairie in Indiana, a living history farm museum that has a herd of Arapawa.
Their feral history means that this breed is very hardy, but there are also challenges for those who want to raise them, such as finding breeding stock. With only 300 total goats in the United States, you probably won't find them locally.
Emily talks about the Arapawa's history, appearance, size, and more in this exciting episode.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/arapawa-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Diseases and Women's Health Mar 13, 2024

Can goats threaten your health if you're a pregnant woman? If you are a woman, there are some specific precautions you should be taking with goats giving birth and also when using drugs for synchronization.
Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and a reproductive specialist, is talking about zoonotic diseases that are of special concern to pregnant women, including toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, campylobacter, brucellosis, and q-fever. We talk about wearing gloves, a face mask, and even eye protection to protect yourself from unexpected splashes of goat body fluids, which can contain infectious organisms that can threaten pregnancy and the unborn child.
In addition to diseases, women of all reproductive stages can be affected by drugs like Lutalyse, Estrumate, and CIDRs when they come in contact with skin or mucus membranes. The potential for negative outcomes is much worse, however, for pregnant women.
One of the things we forgot to mention in this episode is that you should never perform mouth-to-mouth on a newborn baby goat because of the risk of contracting a zoonotic disease, a topic that we did discuss in our episode on Infectious Causes of Abortions in goats.
For more information, you can also check out our episodes on Zoonotic Diseases.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-diseases-and-womens-health/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Carpal Hyperextension in Nigerian Dwarf Goats Feb 28, 2024

If you've ever had a goat with wonky knees, today's episode will shed some light on the problem. When a goat has carpal hyperextension, it means that the knees bend backwards rather than being straight.
We are joined today by Dr. Erica McKenzie, Professor of Large Animal Medicine, Oregon State University and Dr. Leah Streb, 3rd year Laboratory Animal Medicine Resident, UC Davis, who are just putting the finishing touches on the first study ever to look at this disease. They are talking about how it is diagnosed and the possible genetic link that they are seeing, which may mean that the disease can be passed on to offspring.
The research on this disease is in its infancy, and if you would like to contribute to future research efforts, you can contribute through one of these options:

Send a check payable to OSU Foundation at 4238 Research Way; Corvallis, OR 97333. In the memo section, specify Large Animal Medicine/Wonky Leg
Make a gift online by going the college’s giving page here. In the field underneath “I want to give to” press the x, and instead select or type in “Large Animal Medicine Fund/Wonky Leg.”

Many thanks to goat owner and podcast listener Carole Zempel of Dragon Hollow Dairy Goats for letting us know about this study.
See full show notes here >>https://thriftyhomesteader.com/carpal-hyperextension-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Precocious Udders in Goats Feb 07, 2024

Have you ever had a goat get an udder even though you are 100% sure she has not been anywhere close to a buck so could not possibly be pregnant? Normally, goats have to go through pregnancy and have a baby before they produce milk, but it's not impossible for a doe to start making milk without getting pregnant.
A precocious udder is one that fills up with milk even though the doe has not been bred. Most of these will just go away as mysteriously as they appeared with no intervention needed. However, that is not always the case.
In this episode, we are talking to Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, about what causes a precocious udder and what we should and should not do in managing it.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/precocious-udders-in-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?

Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Milk Testing: What, Why, and How Dec 20, 2023

Milk testing can provide you with a plethora of information about your does' milk production and the components of their milk, and they can even earn milk stars, but a lot of people never get started because they find the process daunting.
Lisa Shepard, board member and former Performance Program Coordinator for the American Dairy Goat Association, joins us to talk about the different types of milk testing and how to get started. We talk about where to find a tester, as well as owner-sampler and group testing. You'll learn about one-day tests, 305-day tests, DHI, and DHIR. Lisa also explains how does and bucks earn milk stars, as well as the things that most commonly trip up owners when they are getting stared.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-milk-testing/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

The Scoop on Poop Dec 13, 2023

Some of the most common questions I receive from new goat owners are on the topic of manure management. Many new goat owners think they need to clean out the barn weekly or even daily, so in this episode I'm talking about how our barn cleaning practices have evolved through the years.
I am also joined by some of our Goats 365 Premium members so they can ask questions. We cover everything from the basics of mucking out stalls to deep bedding, stall mats, straw versus shavings, and different types of barn flooring.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/the-scoop-on-poop/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Natural Resources Conservation Service: How It Can Help Your Farm Nov 01, 2023

If your farm plans are bigger than your budget and you're not even sure where to start, help is available. Your local USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service office can help you with technical assistance, cost-share programs, and grants.
Joshua Hammond, a public affairs specialist with the NRCS, joins us in the podcast to discuss some of the projects the government agency can help you with, including rotational grazing, fencing, and irrigation. For example, a specialist can come to your farm and develop a rotational grazing plan for you and then can help pay for it with a government grant. One hundred seventy conservation practices are at the root of what the NRCS does, such as using high tunnels, cover crops, composting, and irrigation water management.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/natural-resources-conservation-service/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

ADGA Genetics: Your Guide to Dairy Goat Information and More Sep 27, 2023

If you want to view everything we know about individual ADGA-registered dairy goats in one place, check out ADGA Genetics. It's the brainchild of Gene Dershewitz, who created the database and website. He also responds to questions from goat owners or wanna-be goat owners.
Gene says that most people are simply using the site as a pedigree viewer, but it has so much more to offer. In addition to a planned breeding function where you can see what a hypothetical breeding between a specific buck and doe would look like, you can see performance data on individual goats and more.
In this episode, we talk about how the site can be used when you are goat shopping, as well as how you can use it for goats you already own.
You can reach Gene through ADGA Genetics site or the Facebook page.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/adga-genetics/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Cystic Ovaries and Other Reproductive Problems in Goats Sep 14, 2023

What do you do when your doe gets bred but doesn't get pregnant? There are a number of reasons why this can happen, and Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, joins us in this episode to discuss five of the possibilities.
We are talking about the causes and treatments for cystic ovaries and false pregnancy (pseudo-pregnancy), as well as how nutrition and some plants can negatively affect a doe's ability to get pregnant. Finally, we are talking about does that might not really be does, meaning they don't have a complete reproductive system or perhaps are intersex.
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Risks of Buck Service Aug 30, 2023

Whether you are interested in finding buck service or renting out your bucks, you don't want to miss today's episode with Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Although it is important to be sure that all goats have tested negative for CAE, CL, and Johnes, that is only the beginning. Dr. Stewart is talking about a variety of diseases that can be transmitted during breeding. Some of them are not too serious, but others can cause long-term, tragic outcomes, such as an abortion storm in a few months.
Dr. Stewart tells us how you can protect your herd from these diseases and what tests are available.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/risks-of-buck-service/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Predators: What Killed My Goat? Aug 09, 2023

Losing an animal to a predator is every goat owner's worst nightmare. When it does happen, you want to know who did it and stop them from doing it again. But figuring out whodunnit can often be a challenge.
It this episode, we are talking to Gowan Batist, co-existence programs manager of the Mountain Lion Foundation. She is also a regenerative sheep rancher, hand-shearer, wool spinner, writer, and dog enthusiast who grew up outdoors with wildlife in Northern California and is committed to fostering a land stewardship ethic that increases and preserves biodiversity for future generations.
This episode is the wildlife edition of CSI as Gowan talks about how she helps farmers and ranchers figure out what predator killed their livestock and how to stop them. We also talk about the role that predators play in a healthy ecosystem.
Gowan talks about how and why different predators, including coyotes, lions, bears, and even birds and domestic dogs, kill goats and other livestock. She also talks about how different deterrents work for some predators and not others.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-predators/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Worms: Myths and Misunderstandings Jul 04, 2023

A couple of months ago, we had a Facebook post that elicited a lot of very passionate responses and also uncovered a lot of myths and misinformation about worms in goats.
In today's episode we are talking about many of the comments that were made on that post and explaining what current research says specifically about goat worms, which are different from worms in other species like dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and even cattle. We are joined by Dr. Michael Pesato, a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in Food Animal Practice. He most recently served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University.
We start by explaining what "smart deworming" means and what it does not mean, and what really causes dewormer resistance. We also talk about what fecals can and cannot tell you about the worms your goat may have.
Dr. Pesato gets into the nitty gritty of why we should never use the calendar as a tool for deworming, whether you are talking about deworming in a specific month, every X number of months, or X numbers of days after the last deworming. These are all old practices that were not based on research. We also discuss when and where eggs hatch and how larvae mature, which is not commonly known.
In addition to a thorough explanation of goat worms, we also talk about continuing education for veterinarians and why you can't trust Google to give you the latest information on worms.
For additional information, check out our podcast episodes on Using Deworming Correctly (Episode 24) and New Guidelines for Using Dewormers in Goats (Episode 68).
See full show notes here >>
https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-worm-myths-and-misunderstandings/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pasture Management for Parasite Control Jun 14, 2023

Rotational grazing is the key to parasite control. After all, if you limit infection of your goats, you limit the potential for them to become severely parasitized. But there is more to rotational grazing than simply dividing up your pasture by a magic number.
Heather Glennon, Associate Professor of Animal Science at University of Mount Olive and goat owner, is talking about pasture management for parasite control in this episode.
She explains how different species of grasses have different ideal grazing heights, as well as how you can use annual forages and browse in your parasite control program. We also had a great discussion about forages rich in condensed tannins, and I realized why the chicory in my pasture might not have as much effect on parasites as sericea lespedeza.
You'll learn how you can improve your forage quality to make it more nutritious for your goats and help them be more parasite resilient. We also discuss the role that other livestock and harvesting hay can play in cleaning up your pasture and reducing the parasite load.
If you have questions, Heather can be reached via email.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pasture-management-for-parasite-control/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Antibiotics for Goats: Availability and Usage May 31, 2023

New restrictions on over-the-counter antibiotics used in livestock will start in June 2023. Until now, anyone could walk into a farm store and buy penicillins, sulfa drugs, and other antibiotics without a prescription, but that's about to change.
In this episode, we talk to Kevin D. Pelzer, DVM, MPVM, a Professor, Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, about how these changes will impact goat owners and what they must do to prepare.
The first thing to know is that it won't affect drugs used only in veterinary medicine, such as amprolium, used to treat coccidiosis in goats. It only affects antibiotics that are also used in human medicine. Dr. Pelzer lists all of the antibiotics that are being included in the new directive.
We also talk about why having over-the-counter antibiotics was not the best idea to begin with. Although it allows owners to treat quickly, they may not always use the correct antibiotic because different drugs work on different organisms. So, you can't simply have a bottle of penicillin or a sulfa drug in your cabinet and assume that one antibiotic is going to treat anything that pops up.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/antibiotics-for-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Vaginal Prolapse in Pregnant Goats May 17, 2023

It can be scary for a goat owner to see something bulging from the vulva of a pregnant goat days or even weeks before the doe is due.
In today's episode, we are talking to Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, about what causes vaginal prolapses, the different levels of vaginal prolapse in goats, when to use a prolapse retainer, and when to call the vet.
Dr. Stewart also talks about the difference between a vaginal prolapse and a uterine prolapse, including when you can wait and watch — and when you have an emergency situation.
And finally, we talk about the genetics involved and when it's a good idea to stop breeding a doe.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/vaginal-prolapse-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Marketing Goat Meat: Tips for Selling to Consumers May 10, 2023

If you are raising goats for meat or other products, marketing is a big part of a successful business.
In today's episode, we are talking to Leslie Svacina, owner of Cylon Rolling Acres, about what they do to market their goat meat.
Luckily Leslie had a background in marketing before they started their goat farm. She gives you a timeline of how they got started selling live animals and delivering them to the locker and then moving on to selling individual cuts, as well as how they sold through a food hub.
Now they have online sales, including a "farm club" subscription, which is similar to a CSA. Leslie talks about packaging and labeling for their retail products.
You'll also hear how they use social media and SEO to drive traffic to their website. And if you don't know what to share on social media or in your farm newsletter, Leslie talks about that too!
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/marketing-goat-meat/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Necropsy: Why did my goat die? May 03, 2023

Whenever a goat dies, we always want to know why. But the only way to know for sure is to get a necropsy, and that's what we're talking about in this episode.
I was convinced of the importance of necropsies after owning goats for only five years when a seemingly healthy doe suddenly started screaming and was dead an hour later. Without the necropsy, we never would have known that she had died from Tyzzer's disease, which is not normally seen in goats.
Dr. Jonathan Samuelson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomic Pathology in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about what a necropsy is, what it can tell us, and what it can't.
We talk about gross necropsy, histopathology, electron microscopy, and other aspects of a necropsy that can tell us why our goat died about 85% of the time, according to Dr. Samuelson. But even if the necropsy can't pinpoint the exact cause of death, it can rule out causes, which can also be helpful.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-necropsy/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Hoof Rot in Goats Apr 26, 2023

All these years I thought we were just lucky to have never had a case of hoof rot in our goats, but in today's episode, I learned that luck has nothing to do with it.
Dr. Kevin Pelzer, Professor of Production Management Medicine at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, talks about the bacteria that cause hoof rot and hoof scald in goats, how you know your goat has one or the other, as well as the treatment.
We also talk about the prevention of hoof rot, which boils down to good biosecurity, and prevention of hoof scald, which means keeping your goats on dry ground.
We also talk about laminitis, also called founder, and what causes it, as well as the treatment.
Dr. Pelzer also gives us some bonus tips towards the end on how we can reduce the amount of time we have to spend trimming hooves.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hoof-rot-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Red Cell for Goats: Study Examines Its Effectiveness Apr 19, 2023

Although it is a fairly common practice for goat owners to treat anemic animals with Red Cell after deworming, there had not been any research on whether it was helpful — until now.
Today's guest, Joan Burke, PhD, Research Animal Scientist at the USDA, ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, is one of the co-authors on a study that looked at whether using Red Cell could help an anemic goat or sheep recover more quickly after being treated with a dewormer.
Dr. Burke talks about the 4 different experiments that were done, using different dewormers, with and without Red Cell. She talks about how much Red Cell was used and the effect on the animals' packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg count (FEC) after one week and two weeks.
We also get into a similar study that was done using injectable iron, and she even gives you a bonus tip at the end on treating strogyloides (threadworm).
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/red-cell-for-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Tetanus in Goats: Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis Apr 12, 2023

Almost everyone has a tetanus shot to protect us from a deadly disease that can be transmitted from an injury that breaks through the skin.
Although some animals are not as susceptible to tetanus, such as dogs and cats, goats can get tetanus. Like humans, which have been protected by the vaccine since the first world war, goats can also be protected from tetanus by a vaccine.
In this episode, which is sponsored by Colorado Serum, we are joined by Dr. Randy Berrier, Staff Veterinarian and Senior Vice President of Colorado Serum, which makes tetanus toxoid and antitoxin, as well as the CDT vaccine, which includes tetanus toxoid.
We are talking about how the disease is transmitted, what the symptoms are, as well as the prognosis once an animal is infected.
Dr. Berrier discusses the differences between the toxoid and the antitoxin and when it's appropriate to give each one, as well as how adding the enterotoxemia vaccine to CDT affects the timing of boosters.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/tetanus-in-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Placenta: Understanding Its Function and Management Apr 05, 2023

Not only is a goat placenta very different from a human or horse placenta but how it functions is also different, as well as how it should be managed after birth.

In this episode, we are talking to Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, about what the placenta does and how it functions in goats. Like all ruminant placentas, it is actually a big blanket of membranes and cotyledons, which is why it usually takes at least two hours after birth to be expelled but can take longer and is not cause for concern.

We talk about what to do in case of retained placenta, including what does not work (although it is frequently attempted) and what you should never do because it will actually make the problem worse and could even cause death.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-placenta/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Co-Owning a Goat Mar 29, 2023

If you only have a few does to breed each year, it might seem like a waste to own your buck. But even if you have a buck, who do you breed his daughters to? One option is artificial insemination, but another option is to co-own a buck.
Although I had heard of two people co-owning a goat before, I had never heard of four until I met today's guests when we were recording last week's episode on Pygmy goats.
Gary and Karole Miller of Fox Haven Pygmy Goats, Andrea Pursley of High Caliber Pygmy Goats, and Diane Keith of Fair View and Shasta View are co-owners of Flying Turtle's Gather Gotta Get Away, who is more commonly known as Mick.

In this episode, they tell us Mick's story on the road to becoming the National Champion and how they share ownership of him, from where he lives to where he goes to shows.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/co-owning-a-goat/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pygmy Goats Mar 22, 2023

As a Nigerian dwarf breeder myself, I am acutely aware of how many people think that "pygmy" is a size, not a breed of goat. In this episode, we are talking to four National Champion Pygmy breeders about what exactly makes a Pygmy goat.
Pygmy breeders Karole and Gary Miller of Fox Haven Pygmy Goats, Andrea Pursley of High Caliber Pygmy Goats and Diane Keith of Fair View and Shasta View, talk about the breed standard, what it takes to register a Pygmy goat, and what the judge is looking for in the show ring.
Unlike Nigerian dwarf goats, which can be any color or pattern, Pygmies have very strict color requirements in both coat and eye color. Our guests also talk about the difference in the body type between Pygmies and Nigerians and the historical use of Pygmy goats.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pygmy-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pygmy-goats/

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

External Parasites in Goats Mar 08, 2023

At one time or another, every goat owner will probably be faced with external parasites on their goats, which usually means lice or mites.
Dr. Michael Pesato, Assistant Clinical Professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University, joins us to talk about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mites and lice in goats.
While lice in goats are very common, and can be seen with the naked eye, mites are microscopic and thankfully not so common.
We are also busting myths about external parasites, such as goats getting mites or lice from fresh bales of straw or hay. And we talk about why diatomaceous earth does not kill goat lice although it can kill chicken lice.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/external-parasites-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Mini Dairy Goats Mar 01, 2023

If you think a Nigerian dwarf goat is too small and standard sized dairy goats are too big, then mini dairy goats will meet your needs perfectly.
Miniature dairy goats are a hybrid that starts with a Nigerian dwarf buck and a standard size dairy goat, such as a Nubian, LaMancha, Saanen, or any of the standard dairy goat breeds.
In today's episode, Dee Daniels, president of the Miniature Dairy Goat Association and the Milk Committee Chairperson, talks about these little powerhouse milk goats. We talk about the breed standards for the various mini dairy goats, including how you get those famous little LaMancha ears and Nubian ears, as well as the best miniature milk goat.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/mini-dairy-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goats and University Vet Hospitals Feb 22, 2023

If you don't have a veterinarian in your area who sees goats, you can take them to a veterinary teaching hospital. Many people don't realize they are open to the public and even have emergency services 24/7.
In this episode, goat breeder Tammy Gallagher and I talk about our experiences utilizing veterinary teaching hospitals at Texas A&M and University of Illinois. Even though we both went there initially because of their emergency services, we have now become huge fans.
Since Tammy is close enough to Texas A&M, she has also utilized their field services team where vets and students come to the farm to do routine herd assessments and other veterinary care.
In addition to access to 24-hour service, we also talk about having a diagnostic lab on site, as well as specialists in reproduction, surgery, dermatology, and more.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-and-university-vet-hospitals/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Mycoplasma in Goats Feb 15, 2023

If you had a doe with mastitis, a kid with stiff joints, and another kid with pneumonia, would you ever assume that all three were infected with the same disease? If mycoplasma is in your herd, it could cause all of these seemingly unrelated illnesses.
In this episode, Dr. Claire Burbick of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory talks about this fascinating disease that can cause a wide variety of symptoms, is challenging to diagnose, and equally challenging to treat.
Dr. Burbick talks about why penicillin does not work for mycoplasma, as well as how ear mites can transmit the bacteria between goats, in addition to other methods of transmission.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/mycoplasma-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

BioWorma for Goats Feb 08, 2023

If you have a worm problem with your goats, and rotational grazing is not an option, we now have a new tool that can be helpful in breaking the life cycle of the worms. Bioworma came on the market in the U.S. in 2018 and is available through Premier 1 Supplies.
BioWorma is not just another chemical dewormer, which worms can become resistant to. It’s Duddingtonia flagrans, a natural fungus that eats the worm larvae in manure. Fungal spores are added to the livestock feed and go through the animal’s digestive tract unchanged.
After the manure lands in the pasture, the fungus goes to work eating the larvae as the eggs hatch in the manure. This breaks the life cycle of the roundworm, which gets out of control because animals are continually re-ingesting larvae from the pasture. (That’s why pasture rotation is so important.) In fact, it is estimated that 90 percent of worms on a farm are actually in the pasture rather than inside animals.
In this episode, which is sponsored by Premier 1 Supplies, we are talking to Dan Morrical, one of the "Ask an Expert" specialists at Premier 1.
Because this fungus is a very picky eater, you don’t have to worry about it upsetting the balance of anything else in the environment, such as earthworms or soil nematodes. The fungus only consumes roundworm larvae in manure of grazing animals, so it won’t work with poultry. Since it is eating the larvae, not killing them, it’s unlikely the larvae will become resistant to them the way they become resistant to chemical dewormers. (Has anything ever become resistant to being eaten?)
It’s also important to understand that the fungus does not consume 100% of the larvae, so things like pasture rotation can still help. Animals have lived with parasites inside their bodies since the beginning of time, and it’s not an entirely bad thing. We just don’t want the worms to get out of control and make the animals sick, and that’s exactly what the research showed. The fungus reduced the worm load enough that animals did not need chemical deworming.
This product won’t be for everyone, but I do see it as a lifesaver for those who are losing animals to worms because of dewormer resistance. In this episode we are talking about how to get started with Bioworma, as well as what works and what doesn't.
See full show notes here >>https://thriftyhomesteader.com/bioworma/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Vaccines for Goats Jan 18, 2023

We have a lot of episodes on various diseases that can be prevented by vaccines, but rather than tell you to listen to all of those episodes to figure out which vaccines your goats might need, we decided to have an episode devoted to all the vaccines your goats need — as well as vaccines they probably don't need.
Dr. Kevin Pelzer, Professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, is talking about the CDT vaccine, which is for enterotoxemia type C and D, as well as tetanus, including dosages, timing, and frequency, including some that are off-label.
He also talks about vaccines for campylobacter and chlamydia, which can cause abortions. Then we move on to vaccines for CL, sore mouth (orf), leptospirosis, pneumonia, rabies, and the new staph aureus vaccine for mastitis.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/vaccines-for-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Miscarriages in Goats Caused by Infections Jan 04, 2023

One of the most common questions I get during kidding season is, "why was this kid born dead?" Unfortunately, I can't answer that question because there are dozens of possibilities, starting with a long list of possible infections that can cause abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal death.
As I was planning this episode with Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, I thought we'd discuss all the possible infectious causes of abortion, but when I opened just one veterinary textbook and looked at the possibilities, I realized there was no way we could cover all of them in a single episode.
Dr. Stewart and I decided to cover the most common causes that she sees in practice, and I added the diseases that I get the most questions about.
In this episode, we are talking about the causes, symptoms, and diagnoses of chlamydia, q-fever, campylobacter, toxoplasmosis, Cache Valley virus, the goat version of hairy shaker disease in lambs, blue tongue, brucellosis, mycoplasma, e. coli, and strep. We also cover transmission, prevention, and treatment.
While some of these diseases will affect only a single goat, others can cause an abortion storm, affecting potentially every pregnant doe in your herd. This is why it is so important to get a proper diagnosis if you have more than one doe giving birth prematurely or to stillborn kids.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/miscarriages-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

5-Point Check for Parasites Dec 14, 2022

If you've listened to previous podcast episodes on parasites, you have heard us talk about the 5-point check, but what exactly is it? How can you use it to determine when you need to use a dewormer?
Quite simply, the 5 things to check are:

FAMACHA
Body condition
Poop
Coat condition
Bottle jaw

In this episode, I'm talking about how you can use this information, which you can get for free, to keep an eye on the parasite status of your goats.
I also talk about which worms cause which symptoms, and how different combinations of symptoms can mean different worms.
To learn more about using dewormers correctly, check out our previous episode with Dr. Michael Pesato, discussing the newest recommendations of the American Consortium of Small Ruminant Parasite Control.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/5-point-check-for-parasites/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Kiko Goats Nov 30, 2022

If you've been thinking about a meat breed and are looking for one that does well on pasture and forage, is parasite resistant, and hardy in general, the Kiko might be the breed for you.
In today's episode we are talking to Karen Kopf of Kopf Canyon Ranch in Idaho about their experience raising dairy goats and then switching to meat goats and specifically Kiko goats. One of the reasons I wanted to interview Karen is because of the amazing records they keep on their herd, so we get into all of the details on the breed.
Kikos were developed from feral goats in New Zealand and dairy goats, and they have no breed standard. This means there is a lot of variation between individual Kiko goats. Karen talks about the wide variation in sizes, as well as feeding, kidding, and selling meat.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/kiko-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Rabies in Goats Nov 23, 2022

Although rabies in goats is not common, it is possible. In today's episode we are talking to Dr. Kevin Pelzer, a Professor of Large Animal Clinical Science, Production Management Medicine at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.
We are talking about how goats can get rabies, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and vaccination options. Rabies in goats looks considerably different than the stereotypical rabid dog, and luckily humans are much less likely to get rabies from their goat on the rare occasion when a goat does get infected. Goats are also unlikely to give rabies to each other.
Although there is not a rabies vaccine labeled for goats, we discuss the best option that is available, and why you should avoid the dog rabies vaccine.
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/rabies-in-goats/

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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pneumonia in Goats Nov 16, 2022

When some people hear a goat cough, pneumonia is often the first thing that comes to mind, but it is really not common in goats. A cough is also not a good indication of whether a goat has pneumonia or when it has recovered from pneumonia.
In today's episode we are talking to Dr. Michael Pesato, Assistant Clinical Professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University. He is board certified with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, specializing in Food Animal Practice.
We discuss the wide variety of reasons that goats cough, as well as the real symptoms of pneumonia and how it is diagnosed. We also talk about which antibiotics work best when a goat has pneumonia and why penicillin should not be the one you reach for first.
Dr. Pesato discusses the pneumonia vaccine in cattle and why it's not appropriate for goats, as well as how management is the key to avoiding pneumonia.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pneumonia-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Johne's Disease in Goats Oct 19, 2022

If you have goats, or if you are considering getting goats, you should be aware of Johnne's disease. It is an infectious disease that is highly contagious, and there is no cure.
Today's guest is Dr. Michael Pesato, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University. He is a board certified practitioner with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in Food Animal Practice.
We are talking about how Johne's is transmitted, the symptoms, and diagnosis. We also discuss the different types of testing, as well as the efficacy of each one, and when it makes the most sense to do a blood test or a fecal test. And finally, we talk about what to do if you discover that you have Johne's in your herd.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/johnesdisease/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Email: The G.O.A.T. for Marketing Your Goat Business Oct 12, 2022

Do you struggle with marketing your goat-based business? Or do you think you've got it covered because you have a website and a Facebook page? Or maybe you send out an email every month or two just to let people know what you're selling at the moment or what's on sale.
In today's episode, we are talking with Liz Wilcox, the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, about how you can use email to build a relationship with your customers. We talk about becoming friends with your fans and followers, and not simply trying to sell your product in every email.
Liz has helped thousands of people dial in their email including a plumber, a podiatrist, and even a nun, and she shares lots of ideas for those of us with goat-based businesses.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/email-marketing-goat-business/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Saanen Goats Sep 21, 2022

In today's episode, we are talking with the oldest Saanen breeder in the US about these gentle giant of the dairy goat world. If you've ever looked at the American Dairy Goat Association's Top Ten list for milk production, you've seen his goats.
Scott Hoyman of Caprikorn Farms has been raising Saanens for more than four decades along with his wife Alice. He talks about why they originally chose Saanen goats and why they went on milk test. He also talks about how ADGAGenetics.org can help you to choose more productive goats for your herd, as well as herd sires that are more likely to improve milk production in their daughters.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/saanen-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Testing Goats for CAE, CL, and Johne's Sep 14, 2022

Whole herd biosecurity screening is a valuable tool that we can use to feel confident that we have a healthy herd. Washington State University has a biosecurity screening test that uses one tube of blood from a goat to run tests for caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), and Johnes.
In this episode, we are talking to Dr. Claire Burbick, Associate Professor at Washington State University and a faculty member of Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
CAE, CL, and Johnes are all highly contagious, so if you bring in a new goat and don't test, you could wind up with multiple goats testing positive in a few years.
Dr. Burbick goes into detail about how each test works, how accurate they are, and next steps if you get a positive result.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/testing-goats-for-cae-cl-and-johnes/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

CL in Goats: Caseous lymphadenitis Sep 07, 2022

Caseous lymphadenitis, usually called CL, in goats is an incurable and highly contagious disease. I recently helped one of our Goats 365 members think through her options when several of her goats tested positive, and I discovered that eradication of this disease from a herd is not nearly as simple as the textbooks make it sound — emotionally or medically.
In this episode, Dr. Michael Pesato, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, is talking about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of CL.
Dr. Pesato says that although abscesses can be treated, CL cannot be cured. While some people think it's not a big deal, it can negatively affect a goat's overall health and even fertility. Kids born to infected moms may not be as healthy as those born to CL-negative does.
We talk about what CL is and how goats can get infected. Then we talk about your options if you have goats that test positive. If a pregnant goats tests positive, can her kids be born with it? Can they get it from her after birth? Do you cull the positive goat before or after kidding
We also talk about the fact that although there used to be a CL vaccine for goats, it is no longer available, and Dr. Pesato talks about why the sheep vaccine is not recommended for goats.
If you are buying goats — or sheep — it's important to educate yourself about this important disease and how you can bring it onto your farm.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/cl-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Urinary Calculi in Goats Aug 31, 2022

Most people think that avoiding urinary calculi in male goats is as easy as balancing the calcium and phosphorus ratio, but that's only the beginning.
We are talking to Dr. Robert VanSaun, professor of veterinary science and extension veterinarian at Penn State University, about all of the different types of urinary stones, what causes them, how to prevent them, and how to treat them.
Balancing calcium and phosphorus is only helpful for preventing struvite stones, and that may not even be helpful if the goat simply has too much phosphorus in the diet.
In addition to struvite stones, goats can wind up with calcium stones from consuming too much calcium, and unlike struvite stones, calcium stones cannot be prevented or treated by adding ammonium chloride to the goat's diet.
If you live in the western US, you may see more silica stones if your goats are consuming grasses that are high in silica.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone who has male goats, whether they are intact or not.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/urinary-calculi-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Business Ideas: How to Make Money With Your Goats Aug 24, 2022

It's not unusual for people to love their goats so much that they want more! But we all have our financial limits. So the next question is, how can your goats make money for you?
In this episode I'm talking about a variety of goat businesses, starting with those that don't have a huge financial start-up investment and moving on to those that cost six figures to get started in most states.
I also mention the importance of being sure that you are doing everything legally and are covered in terms of liability.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-business-ideas/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Alpine Goats Aug 17, 2022

If you want a standard size dairy goat that gives a gallon or more of milk daily, then the Alpine might be for you.
In this episode, we are talking to Emily Thompson of Kara Kahl Alpines in Southeast Minnesota who has been raising goats her whole life with her sister and her parents, who started raising alpines in the 1970’s.
Emily talks about the general attributes of Alpines, as well as why she's continued to raise them for decades.
She has been a judge with the American Dairy Goat Association for 22 years and is also co-chair of judges training assessment and licensing committee.
The family shows their goats at the national level and even brought home the title of grand champion doe. They are also on milk test.
See full show notes here >>https://thriftyhomesteader.com/alpine-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Buck Health and Breeding Aug 10, 2022

Every aspect of your buck's health is critically important during breeding season, from his eyes and legs to his reproductive system.
Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the vet school at Virginia Tech, who previously joined us for an episode on artificial insemination in goats, talks about the various aspects of a buck's health that can affect breeding success, as well as the success of your kidding season.
Dr. Stewart talks about what a vet does in a breeding soundness exam, as well as what goat owners can do to be sure their buck is in the best condition for breeding season.
We discuss epididymitis and orchitis and the many potential causes for those problems, from physical trauma to infectious disease, including some that can wind up causing an abortion storm during kidding season.
If you've ever wondered why it's so hard to find a goat owner who will provide buck service, this episode will help you understand the possible diseases that can be transmitted during breeding.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/buck-health-and-breeding/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Skin Cancer in Goats: Melanoma Aug 03, 2022

Although melanoma in goats is quite rare, it is devastating when it does happen because there is no cure. In this episode, we are talking to Julie Jarvis PA-C, a retired Dermatology Physician Assistant who practiced human medicine for 21 years. She has also been a goat farmer since 2004, and one of her goats was recently diagnosed with melanoma.
In my post on squamous cell carcinoma, I talked about how easy it is to misdiagnose it, and the same is true of melanoma. Since Julie had 21 years experience in human dermatology, she knew something was seriously wrong when she saw what most people would have assumed was an injury or hoof rot.
Julie goes into detail about what she saw and what she did, as well as the research she found on melanoma in goats.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/skin-cancer-in-goats-melanoma/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

LaMancha Goats Jul 27, 2022

If you've ever seen the goats without ears, that's what we're talking about today! LaManchas are best known for having tiny little gopher ears, which most people either love or hate. If you raise LaManchas you know the most common question you hear is, "What happened to their ears?"
But LaManchas have a lot going for them beyond their cute looks. Today we are talking to Tania Love of Love Acres Dairy Goats, who has a small but impressive herd of LaManchas that have earned spots on the American Dairy Goat Association's Top Ten list for production.
Tania also has some great advice for anyone getting started with dairy goats, regardless of whether they choose LaManchas or another breed.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/lamancha-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Oberhasli Goats Jul 20, 2022

If you are looking for a medium sized dairy goat that produces about a gallon a day, then consider the Oberhasli, which originally came from Switzerland.
Morgan Allen of Haycreek Farm in Minnesota has been raising Oberhasli goats since the mid-1990s. Their goats have done well showing at the national level, and they have several does on the American Dairy Goat Association's Top Ten list for production.
In today's episode, Morgan is talking about what drew her to the Oberhasli and why she's still raising them after all these years. She also talks about selling their milk to a commercial cheesemaker and making their own caramel sauce.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/oberhasli-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

How to Compost a Dead Goat Jul 13, 2022

We first composted a dead goat many years ago when it died in winter when the ground was frozen solid. At the time, we thought of it as the second-best option because burial was not possible. However, as we discuss in this episode, composting actually causes a carcass to decompose faster than burying.
J. Craig Williams, extension agent with Pennsylvania State University Extension in northern Pennsylvania talks about advantages of mortality composting, as well as how to do it so that you avoid bad odors and don't attract predators.
Although you can use the finished compost in your fields or gardens, mortality composting is really about disposing of a dead animal more than making compost. That means you won't be out there turning the pile every couple of weeks.
Because a compost pile can heat up to more than 130 degrees, it will kill bacteria and viruses, however it is important to note that it won't kill prions, so you should not compost a goat or sheep that had scrapie. To learn more about scrapie, check out episode 45, Scrapie in Goats and Sheep.
For more information on mortality composting, check out Cornell Waste Management Institute's website.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/how-to-compost-a-dead-goat/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Artificial Insemination in Goats Jul 06, 2022

If you've ever wanted to add some genetics to your herd, but the cost of a live animal was out of your price range, artificial insemination is a great way to reach the same goal at a fraction of the price.
In today's episode we are talking to Dr. Jamie Stewart, Assistant Professor in Production Management Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. We are answering all of the basic questions about artificial insemination, often called AI for short.
How do you artificially inseminate a goat? There are actually three different types of AI, and Dr. Stewart discusses how each one is done, as well as the chances of success of each method and how much it costs. She also talks about some money-saving tips, such as splitting straws and renting space in a semen tank.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/artificial-insemination-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

The Year of the Goat: A Memoir Starring Goats Jun 29, 2022

Today's guests first visited Antiquity Oaks Farm about 17 years ago when they were traveling across the United States looking for all things goat. That year-long trek from the east coast to the west was chronicled in their book, Year of the Goat, which was originally published in 2007.
This year, in honor of its 15th anniversary, the publisher is bringing it back with an all-new introduction, sub-title, and cover, as well as lots of photos that were not in the original book.
In today's episode, author Margaret Hathaway and her husband, photographer Karl Schatz, are talking about how that year changed the trajectory of their lives. Like me, they went from a couple of clueless city slickers to goat breeders and farmers.
In addition to reminiscing about their visit 17 years ago when we had our first baby goat in the house, we also talk about some of their other adventures and how this book is a great read for anyone who thinks they might want to do something with goats but isn't sure exactly what.
Although they started their trek with the idea that they'd become cheesemakers, ultimately they started their own homestead and today they have an agritourism business with goat hikes as their main attractions, which was the subject of an episode with Margaret last year.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/year-of-the-goat/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Older Goats: Arthritis, Dental Issues, and More Jun 22, 2022

Even though most of you reading this probably don't think of your goats as food animals, that is how they are categorized in the veterinary world. Since very few food animals don't have the opportunity to live out their natural lives, there is little research on dealing with health challenges in individual animals. The focus tends to be on herd health, contagious diseases, and production. It can become even more challenging to care for them in old age because there is even less research on the health issues faced by senior animals.
So, what's a goat owner to do when our favorite goats get old? In this episode, I'm talking to Dr. Michael Pesato, assistant clinical professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners for Food Animal Practice.
In a previous article on senior goats, I discussed what to expect in terms of reproduction as your goats get older, as well life expectancy, and parasites in older goats.
In this episode, we are discussing some of the most common challenges faced by senior goats, including how to deal with age-related arthritis, dental issues, and extremes of hot and cold temperatures, which are especially challenging for older goats.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/older-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Mastitis in Goats Jun 15, 2022

Whenever a doe's udder has a different texture or temperature than normal, mastitis is the first thing that we all worry about. Today's topic has been one of the most requested from my listeners, so I know it's something we all worry about from time to time.
Dr. George McCommon, professor of veterinary science and public health at Fort Valley State University, joins us today to talk about the basics of mastitis, as well as his current research project.
We start with mastitis symptoms and how a hot, hard udder is not always present when a doe has mastitis. In fact, when a doe has gangrenous mastitis, her udder may actually be cold. We discuss the California Mastitis Test, better known as the CMT, and I got my question answered about when the reagent expires!
We discuss conventional antibiotic treatments, and we also talk about how probiotics might play a role in treating mastitis. That's the subject of Dr. McCommon's research right now, and they are still working on figuring out which probiotic strains work best.
In this episode, we also talk about one of my biggest mistakes as a goat owner. Years ago I thought a doe had hypocalcemia when in fact, she had gangrenous mastitis. To learn more about how those two things could get confused, check out our episode on hypocalcemia in goats.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/mastitis-in-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Importing Goats Jun 08, 2022

If you've ever thought about importing goats from another country, today's episode is for you. Buying a goat from across the globe is not nearly as simple as buying a goat from across the country.
There are a number of restrictions and testing required for goats, depending upon which country they are coming from, and Dr. Mary Kate Anderson, Staff Veterinary Medical Officer at the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, joins us in this episode to talk about everything you need to know before importing goats or sheep into the U.S.
We talk about rules for importing live animals, as well as sperm and embryos. Dr. Anderson also discusses some of the recent rules changes that actually make it easier to import goats, so if you looked at this option a few years ago and gave up, now is a good time to revisit it.
If you want to learn more about selling goats to people in other countries, check out our episode on exporting goats.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/importing-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Cashmere Goats Jun 01, 2022

Recently the Cashmere Goat Association voted to make Cashmere goats a breed. Prior to that vote, a "cashmere" goat was just a goat with a specific type of cashmere fiber. Although all goats have a cashmere undercoat, cashmere goats must have fiber of a specific length, and they must produce at least 2 ounces per year.
In this episode I'm having a conversation with Christine Hulse, secretary of the Cashmere Goat Association, talking about the breed standard, as well as the fiber standards. Christine talks about why people raise Cashmere goats, how to harvest the fiber, and what you can do with their fiber.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/cashmere-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Cache Valley Virus: One Breeder's Experience May 11, 2022

Until recently, most goat breeders had never heard of Cache Valley Virus. I heard about it two years ago when an animal scientist told me that they were having a horrible time with it in their research flock.
Today's guest had never heard about Cache Valley Virus until a few months ago when she started seeing a lot of very weird things happening in her goat herd — a doe freshening with no milk, kids born with birth defects, kids dying within the first couple of weeks after birth, a tiny 2-pound LaMancha kid, an amorphus globosus, and more.
Cache Valley Virus is spread by carrier mosquitoes that bite a doe or ewe in the second month of pregnancy. In this episode we are talking to Briana Desfosses of Fox Pride Dairy Goats in New Hampshire about her experience when Cache Valley Fever struck her herd this past kidding season.
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/cache-valley-virus/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Keeping Goats and Chickens Together Apr 27, 2022

Have you thought about adding chickens to your goat farm? Have you heard about keeping chickens and goats together? Maybe you already have chickens and the challenges with the goats are driving you crazy?
In today's episode, I'm talking about things to consider when chickens and goats share the same space, as well as what you can do to keep them apart. I explain leader-follower rotational grazing with chickens and small ruminants (sheep or goats), including what type of equipment you need in order to be successful.
Today's episode is sponsored by Premier 1 Supplies because we've been using and loving their products with our poultry, goats, and sheep for 20 years. These are the products I talk about in today's episode:
Poultry Door for Chicken Coops
ElectroNet 9/35/12 Electric Netting for sheep and goats
PoultryNet 12/42/3 Electric Netting
See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-and-chickens/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Tips on Buying Goats Mar 30, 2022

How do you avoid scams when buying goats? Should you buy registered goats? How do you know you're buying healthy goats?
If you are getting started with goats or still building your herd, you probably have a few questions. In this episode, I'm answering all of the above questions and more.
I also talk about why you should not buy goats from the sale barn, and what questions to ask a breeder when goat shopping.
Since I teach college, I can spot plagiarism a mile away. I share some of my secrets with you, so you can figure out if a website is legitimate or if it's a bunch of photos stolen from Instagram and Facebook along with paragraphs of text that have been copied from the websites of legitimate goat breeders.
See full show notes and download the cheat sheet here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/buying-goats-mistakes/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Tips on Selling Goats Mar 23, 2022

If you are new to selling goats, you might feel like you can't say "no" to any potential buyers. I am here to tell you otherwise.
You will hear two main points today as I tell you a few stories of people that I refused to sell goats to.
First, you should always ask questions to be sure that the buyer has done their homework and knows what a goat needs — and that they can provide that! After all of the love, care, and money you have put into raising healthy goats, you want to be sure that they go to a home that's going to continue that same excellent care.
You also want to be sure that the buyer knows what to expect as a goat owner. Goats need proper housing and food, and no, they can't be taught to not eat your rose bushes.
The second thing I talk about is requiring a deposit to hold goats so that you don't wind up holding a goat and saying no to potential buyers because you think the goat is already sold.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/selling-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

New Guidelines for Using Dewormers in Goats Mar 16, 2022

Since parasite research in goats is always evolving, I was excited to see that the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control has revised their dewormer usage chart. Although most of the dosages have stayed the same from previous chart, there are a lot of new recommendations that you'll find in the footnotes.
We are joined in this episode by one of the authors of the revision, Michael Pesato, DVM, DABVP, Assistant Clinical Professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Pesato talks about what off-label drug usage means — and what it does not. And he talks about why we should discontinue some of the practices that have been around "forever," such as giving an injectable orally. That means injectable dewormers have no place in a goat owner's medicine cabinet.
We cover all the dewormers, including morantel tartrate — the only dewormer that's a feed additive. It's also one that I've never heard a vet recommend. Dr. Pesato even dispels the myth that combination horse dewormers are combination goat dewormers.
For more information on using drugs off-label, check out the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-dewormers/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Fainting Goats (aka Myotonic Goats): History, Myths, and Facts Mar 02, 2022

It's probably safe to say that everyone has heard of fainting goats, which are more correctly called myotonic goats, and they don't actually faint.
Today we are separating fact from fiction in our conversation with Phil Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D. of Virginia Tech who has been breeding myotonics for 30 years. He is also the technical advisor for The Livestock Conservancy, which has the myotonic goat on the "recovering" section of the Conservation Priority List, where the breed was originally considered critically endangered.
Dr. Sponenberg discusses the history of the myotonic goat and what exactly is a "fainting goat." Although you can milk any goat, this breed is primarily a meat goat.
If you've thought about goats but were scared off by the idea that they are loud and hard to keep fenced in, then a myotonic might be the breed for you. They are quieter than some breeds, and that same medical condition that causes them to faint also means that they can't jump or climb fences.
But if you are strictly considering the myotonic because you wanted to be entertained by fainting goats, then you might want to reconsider because "fainting" really doesn't happen that often.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/fainting-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Hypocalcemia in Goats Feb 23, 2022

Hypocalcemia in goats, sometimes called milk fever, is one of the most misunderstood maladies in the goat world. This confusion stems from research done on cows, which does not apply to goats, but is still often referenced by many sources as if it does apply.
Today's guest, Dr. Robert Van Saun of Pennsylvania State University, once again reminds us that goats are not little cows. We are talking about the causes of hypocalcemia in goats and how that compares to cows, as well as how to prevent it and the treatment.
Dr. Van Saun talks about intravenous, sub-q, and oral treatment, and how quickly we should expect each one to work.
We also discuss the relationship between hypocalcemia and pregnancy toxemia and how a diet to prevent one can also help to prevent the other.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hypocalcemia-in-goats/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats Feb 02, 2022

During kidding season, lots of goat owners start to worry about ketosis and pregnancy toxemia in their does.
In today's episode, Dr. Robert VanSaun, professor of veterinary science and extension veterinarian at Pennsylvania State University, talks about what causes does to go into ketosis and how that can lead to pregnancy toxemia.
If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to a doe's death. So, we are also talking about how to prevent this potentially devastating condition in the first place.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pregnancy-toxemia-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Birthing: How Much Should You Help? Jan 26, 2022

Practices with birthing goats vary tremendously from one breeder to another. Some people are very hands-on while others want to stay away as much as possible. How do you figure out what you feel comfortable with?
In today's episode, I'm talking about the different reasons why a kid may be born weak or why a doe may have difficulty giving birth. Although it sounds like you are breeding the best of the best when you are more hands-off, I give you an example of when that was not true — and the tiny weak one turned out to be the best.
Here's the link to the free course - https://thriftyhomesteader.teachable.com/p/kidding-season
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-birthing-how-much-should-you-help/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Can Goats be Raised Naturally? Jan 12, 2022

It's not uncommon for someone to contact me about a goat problem that they have, and to resist doing anything "unnatural," such as providing a commercial mineral for their goats. What most people don't realize is that they aren't raising their goats naturally to begin with.
In this episode, I'm talking about why my book is called Raising Goats Naturally, what that means, and what it does not mean. I also talk about the five reasons it is impossible for most of us to raise goats naturally in much of North America.
Other episodes referenced in this episode:
#46 Healthy Weeds and Poisonous Plants with Kim Cassida, April 28, 2021
#54 Nutritional Wisdomwith Dr. Fred Provenza, August 4, 2021
#41 Copper Deficiency with Dr. Robert VanSaun, March 17, 2021
#37 Selenium Deficiency with Dr. Robert VanSaun, February 16, 2021
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-goats-naturally/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Experimental Goats Dec 15, 2021

If a herd has more than one breed of goat, odds are good that they also have some experimental goats, which are crosses of other purebred standard-sized goats. Bucks are determined creatures, and unplanned breedings happen in most herds.
However, there is a huge difference between accidental crosses and crosses that are planned to create the best goats to meet your goals. For Erika McKenzie, head cheesemaker and dairy herd manager at Pennyroyal Farm, that means creating crosses of her three different breeds to create the goats with the best milk for making cheese.
In this episode, Erika talks about her breeding strategies and why she loves being unencumbered by specific breed standards, as well as the dairy's business model and their cheese subscription program. She also discusses her early days with the goat herd at UC-Davis and how her goats wound up on ADGA's Top Ten list the year after starting to milk test.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/experimental-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Toggenburg Goats Dec 08, 2021

If you are interested in a medium-sized goat for milking, you should consider the Toggenburg, which is always a shade of brown, somewhere between tan and dark chocolate. The Toggenburg goat's butterfat average is the lowest of the dairy breeds, but it still makes great cheese.
Today we are talking to Leslie Cardoza owner of Bar XX Dairy Goats, who has been breeding Toggenburgs for milk and show in California since 2003. She has had goats on the ADGA Top Ten list for milk production every year since 2010, and one year her goats took seven of the ten spots.
In addition to talking about characteristics of the Toggenburg goat, she also talks about milk testing and how that affects her breeding decisions.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/toggenburg-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Sable Goats Dec 01, 2021

If you are looking for a larger dairy goat that produces a lot of milk and has fairly low butterfat, then the Sable goat might be the one for you, especially if you like the idea of having a breed that is not very common.
In this episode, I'm talking to Klisse Foster who has been raising Sable goats since the 1980s. Her goats are often on the American Dairy Goat Association's Top Ten list for milk production. She shows her goats too and can usually be found at the ADGA national show, even in years when Sables are not sanctioned.
We also talk about how to overcome the challenges of raising a goat breed that is less common by doing things like using frozen semen for artificial insemination and leasing bucks.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/sable-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Nubian Goats and Cheesemaking Nov 24, 2021

Today's episode started as a discussion of Nubian goats with Joanne Danielson who has been raising them for 40 years. However, because of Jo's experience as a professional cheesemaker, it quickly turned into a deep dive into the science of cheesemaking and how starting with the right goats can make all the difference.
At 5%, Nubian goats have the highest butterfat of any of the standard breeds. But because Jo is serious about making the best cheese, she has incorporated genetic testing into her toolkit so that she can focus on breeding goats with the best genes for making cheese. And she quickly adds that if you have any issues with milk sensitivities, these goats would not be the best choice for you.
If you love goats and you love cheese, this is the episode for you!
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/nubian-goats-cheesemaking/
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Choosing a Goat Breed for Your Farm Nov 03, 2021

It can be so challenging to choose a breed of goat to raise. But you should not choose your goats like you choose pets, which is often based on appearance, color, or size. If you want your goats to serve a purpose, such as dairy or meat, you really should choose the breed that is going to help you meet your goals.
Since we don't drink milk, our goat milk is almost all used exclusively for making cheese, which is why we have Nigerian dwarf. Since they have the highest butterfat of any breed, we get a much higher cheese yield than we would with another breed. But if you need several gallons of milk a day, I would suggest one of the larger dairy goat breeds.
In this episode, I also discuss why you should start with only one breed, as well as the disadvantage of having breeds of different sizes.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/choosing-a-goat-breed-for-your-farm/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Iodine Deficiency in Goats Sep 29, 2021

As I've received more messages from people with kids born hairless or with goiters, I've become more interested in the topic of iodine and goats because those symptoms occur in kids that are iodine deficient.
You don't usually hear anyone talking about iodine and goats unless the topic of kelp comes up, and then the conversation can swing wildly between people worried about deficiency or toxicity. In today's episode, I am joined again by Dr. Robert VanSaun, Professor of Veterinary Science and Extension Veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Pennsylvania State University.
We talk about symptoms of iodine deficiency in adult goats, as well as newborn kids. We also take a deep dive into providing kelp for goats and how labels don't always give you the information you need.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/iodine-deficiency-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Q-Fever and Coxiellosis Sep 15, 2021

Coxiella burnetii is the bacteria that causes coxiellosis in goats and Q-fever in humans, and although it is not super common, all goat owners need to be aware of it so that they can prevent their goats and themselves from being infected.
Coxiellosis in goats is highly infectious and can cause abortion storms in herds. Humans can be infected via aerosols (like COVID), birth secretions, feces, and raw milk. This disease can be especially bad in pregnant women.
In this episode, I am talking to infectious disease expert Dr. Charles Gaiser from the USDA about the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this devastating disease.
Full show notes here -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/q-fever-and-coxiellosis-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goats in a Hand-Harvested Food Year Aug 25, 2021

Have you ever wanted to produce 100% of your food? Well, that's exactly what Alexia Allen and her husband Daniel Kirchhof did in 2017. In this episode, she talks about how goats played a central role in their year of hand-harvested food. They ate nothing — not even salt — that was not harvested by them or their friends.

How did they get the idea to go a whole year without purchased food? What did they do to prepare? How did goats fit into the picture?
Alexia talks about her experience making cheese without purchased cultures or rennet, as well as how she as a former vegan was able to butcher some of their baby goats to make rennet from the stomaches. This episode includes my favorite laugh-out-loud moment when Alexia tells us about a 6-year-old's assessment of the cheese she made with her homemade rennet.
I also share our experience from many years ago trying to make cheese without store-bought cultures, and we talk about how much tolerance we have for learning things by trial and error. And ultimately, how important is it that we strive for total self-sufficiency?
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-in-a-hand-harvested-food-year/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Nutritional Wisdom of Goats Aug 04, 2021

Although everyone pretty much agrees that goats do a good job of consuming just the right amount of loose minerals when they are available free choice, there are still a lot of people who don't think goats (or other animals) can selectively choose to consume plants that they need when they need them.
The concept of "nutritional wisdom" is something that Dr. Fred Provenza wound up studying throughout his career at Utah State University. I've heard about Dr. Provenza's research for about as long as I've raised goats, so it was really interesting to be able to talk to him in this episode.
While most people would look at goats eating urine-soaked rat houses or a cow eating a rabbit and assume that it had no clue what it was doing, Dr. Provenza asked why.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/nutritional-wisdom-of-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
For more information
Read about Dr. Provenza's research and other researchers studying "Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation, and Ecosystem Management" at Behave.net.
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Nigerian Dwarf Goats Jul 28, 2021

After writing about our experience when one of our does had squamous cell carcinoma, I've been contacted by quite a few other goat owners who have had a goat that also had that form of skin cancer.
But Mary Brennan really got my attention when she emailed and told me she has had six goats with confirmed squamous cell carcinoma! She noticed that some of the goats were related, which caused her to dive deep into the history of the Nigerian dwarf breed, as well as skin cancer in other species. Ultimately that led her to a researcher at the University of California at Davis, who is now collecting data to study the potential role that genetics might play in this deadly disease.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/squamous-cell-carcinoma-in-nigerian-dwarf-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

You can visit Herron Hill Dairy online at...

For more information

Cancer in Goats: Squamous cell carcinoma

What’s So Great About Nigerian Dwarf Goats?
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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Microchipping Goats Jul 21, 2021

Someone emailed me after her first experience tattooing goats and said, "There has to be a better way to identify goats. What can you tell me about microchips?" Luckily I had already scheduled an interview with Allysse Sorenson, Chief Executive Herder of The Munch Bunch and webmaster at HireGoats.com.

Allysse has microchipped all of her caprine "employees" to not only identify them but also to keep track of them. In this episode, we are talking about why she decided to microchip her goats, how a microchip works, and some common misconceptions about microchips.

We also talk about Scrapie program requirements for identifying each goat, the different brands available, and where to place the microchip on the goat, as well as who might not want to microchip their goats.

Allysse goes on to talk about apps and technologies related to microchips and how they can make your record keeping easier.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/microchipping-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Zinc for Goats Jun 30, 2021

Zinc deficiency is often suspected when a goat is losing hair, but there are other reasons for hair loss, and that is not the only symptom of zinc deficiency. In this episode, we are talking about zinc with Dr. Robert VanSaun from the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Pennsylvania State University.

First, he talks about how zinc affects 200 different functions in the body, and it is unfortunately deficient in all forage in the U.S. Goats need at least 40 ppm zinc in their diet, but most forage is closer to 25 ppm.

Then we discuss interactions with other minerals and how too much of some minerals can cause a zinc deficiency.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/zinc-for-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Sheep vs. Goats Jun 16, 2021

Some people talk about sheep and goats as if they are practically the same species, but nothing could be further from the truth. I've been breeding and milking Nigerian dwarf goats since 2002 and LaMancha goats for about 10 years. It may come as a surprise that I also bred Shetland sheep for 12 years and have had Katahdin hair sheep for six years now.
In this episode, I am talking about how the two species are similar and different and why you might prefer one species over the other.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-vs-sheep/
To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Showing Goats Jun 02, 2021

When my daughters were teenagers, they loved showing our goats. It was a great way for us to learn about goat conformation and to see how our goats compared to others. It also provided an opportunity for us to meet other goat owners.

In this episode, we are talking to Ellen Dorsey of Dill's-A Little Goat Farm in Oklahoma, who has been raising goats for two decades and showing for almost as many years. She talks about why she started showing goats and provides tips for anyone who wants to get started showing goats or improve their herd with an eye towards showing.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/showing-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

You can visit Dills-A-Little Goat Farm online at …

Facebook
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Common But Unimportant Worms in Goats May 26, 2021

Because barber pole worm (haemonchus contortus) causes so many deaths among goats, we don't talk about other worms much. Barber pole is the worm that sucks blood and causes goats to become anemic, which can cause a goat to go downhill rapidly and even die.

Goats can be walking around with a host of other worms in their body, however, and ironically most of those worms are unimportant and don't cause disease. So, why are we talking about them? Because most people think that all worms must be killed, and ultimately, the attempt to kill all the worms can result in the barber pole worm killing your goats.

Since barber pole worm can become resistant to dewormers, we should only use dewormers when the health of the goat is being negatively affected by worms. The more we use a dewormer, the sooner barber pole is going to become resistant to that dewormer — and then barber pole can kill your goats.

In this episode, I am talking about these common but unimportant worms with Dr. Ann Zajac, Professor Emeritus of Parasitology at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. We're discussing tapeworms, threadworms (strongyloides), pinworms, whipworms, and lungworms, and why we don't usually need to be worried about their existence inside our goats.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/common-but-unimportant-worms-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information:

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Genetic Resistance to Worms in Goats May 12, 2021

If you have goats for very long, you may realize that some never need deworming while others need it frequently. There is definitely a genetic component involved in a goat's natural resistance or resilience to worms.

In this episode I'm talking to Andrew Weaver, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University about genetic resistance to worms in goats and sheep. Although there has been a lot more research done on genetic resistance in sheep, goat owners can learn from their playbook and use some of the same selection tools for improving the worm resistance of their herds.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/genetic-resistance-to-worms-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information:

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Healthy Weeds and Poisonous Plants Apr 28, 2021

If you look online for a list of plants that are poisonous to goats, you might think you need to chop down trees and pull up dozens of weeds to keep your goats safe. Those lists can include things like oak and maple leaves, which my goats eat regularly because my farm is covered with them. The fact is that goats actually have a much higher tolerance for poisonous plants than horses and some other animals. So, what's a conscientious goat owner to do?

In this episode, I'm talking to Kim Cassida from Michigan State University as we talk about the fact that many weeds can actually very nutritious for goats while the number of plants poisonous to goats is actually pretty low.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/healthy-weeds-and-poisonous-plants/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Scrapie in Goats and Sheep Apr 21, 2021

If you ever wanted to sell your goats or sheep to someone in another country, then you are already familiar with the US's problem with scrapie. It's not a huge problem, but having anything more than zero cases for seven years means that most countries will not allow our sheep and goats to be imported into their country.

In this episode, I am talking to Charles Gaiser, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, who is a sheep and goat epidemiologist with the USDA, APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service), VS (Veterinary Services), RHC (Ruminant Health Center), Small Ruminant Health Team, and we are talking about scrapie, which is a spongiform encephalopathy similar to "mad cow disease" but in goats and sheep.

Because we have animals in the US with this disease, breeders can only sell goats and sheep to other countries if they have a herd or flock that is certified scrapie free, which takes seven years of testing and surveillance.

Every time I get an inquiry from someone in another country who wants to buy my goats, I have to say no because my flock is not certified free of scrapie. I've thought about enrolling, but then I just keep hoping that the US can go seven years without any cases. I got really excited in 2019 when I heard that we had gone three years with no positive cases of scrapie! But then there was another one, so that resets the national clock back to zero.

In this episode, we are talking about the disease, the symptoms, testing, and what you can do to get your herd certified free of scrapie and sell goats internationally.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/scrapie-in-goats-and-sheep/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information

Main USDA Sheep and Goat Webpage:

USDA APHIS | Sheep and Goat Health

National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) Webpage:

USDA APHIS | National Scrapie Eradication Program

NSEP Standards:

Microsoft Word - nsep_program_standards 2019 final.doc (usda.gov)

Designated scrapie epidemiologists in each state for questions on scrapie:

Official Designated Scrapie Epidemiologists and Local Points of Contact List (usda.gov)

To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). Free tags can be provided if producer has not received free tags in the past 5 years or as an incentive for providing scrapie surveillance samples from their animals.
SFCP Webpage:

USDA APHIS | Free Flock Certification Program

SFCP Standards:

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Agritourism on Ten Apple Farm Apr 07, 2021

Margaret Hathaway and Karl Schatz first entered our lives in 2004 during their Year of the Goat when they traveled from coast to coast learning about all things goat. They were enamored with these amazing creatures, and they knew they wanted to do something with goats. But what?

Instead of just reading a couple of books, they decided to literally write a book, as they visited goat dairies, the circus, pack goat operations, slaughterhouses, and even homesteads that had goats as an integral part of their plan for greater self-reliance.

After 12 months and thousands of miles, they ultimately settled on a small homestead in Maine and decided to start an agritourism business with goats as the centerpiece.

In this episode, I'm talking to Margaret about their trip, their experiences, and why they ultimately decided on tourism rather than one of the other many goat businesses they learned about. And what it's like sharing your farm with total strangers, both pre-Covid and during.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/agritourism-on-ten-apple-farm/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

You can visit Ten Apple Farm online at ...

If you are thinking about starting an agritourism business, also check out previous episodes on ...

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Avoiding Diseases with a Biosecurity Plan Mar 31, 2021

There is an old veterinary saying that most animal diseases are bought and sold. It can be so tempting to buy every cute goat that you see, but there are some very good reasons to only buy your animals from reputable breeders who have herds that have tested negative for common diseases.

In this episode, I am talking to Patty Scharko, DVM, MPH, a Field/Extension Veterinarian at Clemson University in South Carolina about keeping your goats health with a good biosecurity plan. It all starts with buying healthy animals and then being careful to not bring home any germs that will cause diseases.

We talk about annual herd testing for the most common diseases, as well as how to keep your goats safe when people visit your farm or you go to goat shows.

To learn more about caprine arthritis encephalitis, check out the "Working to Eradicate CAE" podcast we did a few months ago.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/avoiding-diseases-with-a-biosecurity-plan/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

To learn more about biosecurity:
Dr. Julie Smith’s biosecurity grant funding provides:
Biosecurity Training (videos)
Youth, 4-H and FFA Biosecurity Learning Modules

Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health:
Small Ruminant Diseases and Resources

For more information on infection control:
Disinfection (info about disinfectants, bacteria, and viruses)
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Zoonotic Diseases and Agritourism Mar 24, 2021

Most of us love our goats so much and want to share their awesomeness with the world. Unfortunately, that is not a risk-free proposition because there are some diseases that goats can transmit to humans — even healthy goats!

In today’s episode, we are talking to Megin Nichols, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, at the Center for Disease Control where she leads the team that investigates multi-state outbreaks of salmonella, E. coli, and other zoonotic diseases. I first heard her speak at a conference of the American Dairy Goat Association where she talked about a huge outbreak of E. coli that occurred in Connecticut when a farm decided to have an open farm day where visitors could get up close and personal with their goats.
We are talking about how you can protect yourself, as well as guests who visit your farm. In addition to that, we also talk about protecting yourself when delivering baby goats, butchering chickens, and doing just about anything that involves poop or bodily fluids that come from livestock.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/zoonotic-diseases-and-agritourism/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Stickers to hand out at events:

Washing hands after petting zoo: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/images/social-media/v1-wash-your-hands-ig.jpg
Washing hands after an animal exhibit: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/images/social-media/v4-wash-your-hands-after-exhibit-ig.jpg

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Copper Deficiency and Toxicity Mar 17, 2021

If you're confused by everything you've heard about copper needs in goats, then hopefully this episode will clear things up.

We are joined again by Dr. Robert VanSaun who teaches veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University and specializes in ruminant nutrition, and he debunks common myths while explaining symptoms of deficiency and toxicity, and how they are different, as well as where to start in your copper supplementation program. He also drives home the idea that all nutrition is local, and you can't simply copy what someone is doing on another farm.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/copper-deficiency-and-toxicity-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Worms During Kidding Season Mar 10, 2021

Although we are finally getting the word out that current research shows that you should not routinely deworm goats or deworm the whole herd at one time, one of the last old-fashioned ideas about dewormers is still hanging on -- the idea that you must deworm all does after kidding (or within a week or two before kidding). The fact that does have often have an increase in their fecal egg counts around the time of kidding has caused people to believe that deworming is necessary. However, this comes from a misunderstanding of how correlation in this case does not mean there is a cause and effect.

Most people are not aware that worms do NOT hatch inside the goat, so more eggs in a fecal does not equal more worms in the goat. Worms need oxygen to hatch, so they only hatch on pasture. That means that the increase in fecal egg count does not cause the poor body condition that you may see in some does after kidding. In this episode, I am once again talking to Susan Schoenian, a sheep and goat specialist at the University of Maryland Research Center, as we talk about how kidding affects a doe's immune system, as well as what we need to do about it -- or not. And what can we do other than administer a dewormer?
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/worms-during-kidding-season/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information

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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Colostrum for Baby Goats Mar 03, 2021

I've always referred to colostrum as liquid gold. Whenever someone asks me what they should give a kid when it's born, the answer is short and simple -- colostrum. When a kid is born, the number one goal is to get colostrum into it as soon as possible. After recording this episode, I am even more appreciative of this amazing food that mama goats make for their babies.

Dr. Robert Van Saun, a professor of veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University, returns to talk about all of the amazing properties of colostrum, as well as how much kids need, when they need it, and what can mess things up. (Hint: do not milk your goat before she kids!)

Dr. Van Saun also talks about how you can tell if colostrum is higher or lower quality, including recent research and how to test colostrum.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/colostrum-for-baby-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Kidding in Cold Weather Feb 24, 2021

Whether you live in Florida or Canada, odds are good that you will be worried about your goats giving birth when it is cold out. However, the definition of cold can vary dramatically between those two places. When I'm talking to people in southern states, they are worried when temperatures are dipping below 50. Whereas those of us in Illinois and other northern states don't worry too much until it looks like temperatures will be dipping into the single digits or below zero.

We've had more kiddings below zero than I can recall at this point, and personally, I'd be happy if it never happened again. There are so many things to worry about at those temperatures, which are not a concern at warmer temperatures.

In this episode, I am talking to Lisa and Michael Davis of Sweet Doe Dairy, whom you first met in Episode 18, which was about their gelato dairy in Vermont. Since they have temperatures that are similar to Illinois in winter, I thought it would be interesting to compare stories and experiences about goats giving birth in cold weather.
You can follow Sweet Doe Dairy on Facebook and Instagram.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/kidding-in-cold-weather/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Selenium Deficiency and Toxicity in Goats Feb 16, 2021

Selenium is a very important mineral in a goat's diet. However, since most soil in the U.S. is deficient in selenium, and the U.S. government limits the amount of selenium that can be added to goat feeds and minerals, it's not that easy to make sure your goats get enough selenium.
In this episode, I'm talking to veterinary and ruminant nutritionist, Dr. Robert Van Saun, a professor of veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University. He talks about the notorious history of selenium, as well as symptoms of deficiency. You'll learn how much selenium goats need in their diet and how to make sure they are getting it. We also talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of selenium supplements. (Spoiler alert: So-called "selenium gel" does not actually have enough selenium in it to be helpful for a goat that is actually deficient in selenium.)
If you are listening to this episode while driving or milking goats, and you have an urge to start taking notes, remember that the transcript is on the Thrifty Homesteader website, so you can review all of the numbers that Dr. Van Saun shares.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/selenium-deficiency-and-toxicity-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Basics of Goat Research Feb 10, 2021

What is the difference between a controlled study and observations that you make on your farm? In this episode, I’m talking to Joan Burke, Ph.D., who has been researching alternative dewormers in small ruminants for about two decades.

In addition to talking about some of her parasite research, we also are debunking some myths that you may have heard. Plus we are talking about the importance of randomly assigning goats to a control group (that receives nothing) to compare to a treatment group, as well as a few others important factors involved in figuring out what treatment caused what response.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/basics-of-goat-research/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Extended Lactations and "Impromptu" Cheeses Feb 03, 2021

In addition to being the author of the newly released book, Grow Your Own Spices, Tasha Greer is also a homesteader and goat owner. Today we are talking about extended lactations in Nigerian dwarf goats, as well as making cheese without a recipe.

Although most people only milk their goats for a few months or a year at most, many goats are capable of continuing to produce milk for two to three years. This is something we've been doing on our farm for awhile, so I was excited to learn that Tasha milks her does for an extended period without rebreeding.

Tasha uses her goat milk to make homemade cheese for her family, and we also talk about how she doesn't let her cheesemaking be defined by recipes. Instead, she has created her own unique cheeses.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/extended-lactations-and-impromptu-cheeses/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Deer Worms in Goats Jan 27, 2021

Meningeal worm, also known as deer worm, is a worm that is normally found in white tail deer, but goats can become infected. In this episode Dr. Tatiana Stanton, a goat and sheep specialist with Cornell University Extension, is talking about how deer worm is different than intestinal worms that goats have, symptoms of an infection, and treatment.

Although deer worm is not nearly as common as intestinal worms, they can be much more deadly. While a goat can walk around with thousands of roundworms in its digestive tract, a single deer worm in the spinal column or brain stem can paralyze a goat and even kill it, if it is not treated. Getting treatment started as quickly as possible also plays a big role in a successful outcome.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/deer-worm-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information:

Deer Worm Factsheet for goat and sheep producers, Cornell University

Deer Worm Treatment Protocols, Small Ruminant Parasite Research, Cornell University

Meningeal Worm (Deer, Brain Worm) by Dr. Mary Smith, DVM, and Dr. Tatiana Stanton (PowerPoint presentation)
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery Jan 06, 2021

If you've had friends taste your cheese and tell you that you should go pro and start selling it, this is the episode for you. Years ago when that happened to me, I visited Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Illinois for a two-day workshop to learn more about turning my passion into a business.

Unlike most of my guests whom I've only known online, I've personally known Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell for more than a decade, so this is an especially fun episode for me. Leslie tells the story of why they decided to build a creamery and how they got started, as well as some of the lessons learned along the way.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/prairie-fruits-farm-and-creamery/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Meat Goat Genetic Research Dec 30, 2020

If you ask any goat breeder what is their favorite breed, they will most likely tell you it's the breed they are raising. However, there is no perfect breed. Each one has its own pros and cons. In the world of meat goats it is not uncommon to hear people say that boers provide more meat, whereas kikos have better parasite resistance — and the discussion usually ends with those two breeds.

Richard Browning, Ph.D., of Tennessee State University, has been studying the genetic differences between boer, kiko, Spanish, and myotonic goats since 2001. In this episode he talks about the differences that they have found in their research herd, which numbers about 250 head.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/meat-goat-genetic-research/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Listener Q&A Dec 23, 2020

Today we have questions from three listeners, so we are talking about

urine scald,
does in heat, and
what you may want to have in your goat medicine cabinet. Remember that I am not a vet, and that this information is provided for educational purposes only. I'm talking about why people may have specific items in their medicine cabinet and what they may be used for.

If you would like to ask a question that may be used in a future Q&A episode, click here to record your question.
For more information on topics I discuss in this episode, check out these links:

Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/listener-qa-your-goat-medicine-cabinet/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Today's episode was sponsored by Standlee Premium Western Forage, which makes my favorite alfalfa pellets and timothy hay pellets!
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Copper Oxide as a Dewormer Dec 09, 2020

Whether you are facing resistance to chemical dewormers, or whether you prefer to use more natural remedies, copper oxide wire particles may be helpful in the fight against barber pole worm (haemonchus contortus) in goats and sheep. Joan Burke, Ph.D., has been studying the effects of copper oxide and other alternative dewormers on intestinal worms since the early 2000s. She has had multiple studies published in peer-reviewed journals, such as Veterinary Parasitology. In this episode, Dr. Burke talks about using copper oxide in goats, as well as her research on herbal dewormers.

Dr. Burke is also a member of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, where you can find links to more than a decade's worth of studies done on worms in goats, sheep, and camelids.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/copper-oxide-as-a-dewormer/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Livestock Guardian Dogs Nov 18, 2020

Many people who have owned pet dogs assume that they know all about choosing, buying, and training dogs, but livestock guardian dogs are a completely different animal. In this episode we are talking about those differences with Bill Costanzo from Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in San Angelo.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/livestock-guardian-dogs/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Eradicating CAE Nov 11, 2020

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis, usually referred to as CAE, is a disease unique the goats and sheep, which has no cure. It spreads easily because goats in the early stages of the disease have no symptoms, and some may remain symptomatic forever. In the 1970s, it was discovered that most goat herds in the United States and many other countries had multiple goats that were infected.
Since the disease is spread by bodily fluids, including blood, milk, and mucus, it is easy to control the disease when you know a goat is infected. After decades of taking kids away from their dams at birth, the number of goats with CAE has decreased dramatically. However, with the increase in the popularity of goats, I am hearing of more and more cases of CAE in the US.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Sandra Baxendell, a goat vet in Australia, who talks about how her country has started to bring the disease under control, as well as how other countries have eradicated it completely.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/working-to-eradicate-cae/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Airbnb with Goats Nov 04, 2020

Have you thought about renting out a room or a small cottage or cabin on your farm through Airbnb? Meet Tammy Gallagher of Texas who has done just that! In this episode, she talks about why they opened up their farm to guests and exactly how that works with her goats and other livestock.
Shady Paddock Farm - Willow House
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/airbnb-with-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Landscaping Oct 28, 2020

It might sounds like it's too good to be true -- take your goats to someone else's land and have them eat the brush and weeds while you are being paid. Goat landscaping is now more popular than ever, but it is not quite as simple as loading up your goats and having someone pay you while also providing free food for your goats.
Today I'm talking to Aaron Steele of Goats on the Go about what it's really like to run a goat landscaping business. He is talking about how he got started, pitfalls to avoid, and how he helps other entrepreneurs start their own goat grazing businesses.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-landscaping/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Milk Soap Business Oct 21, 2020

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own goat milk soap business? That's exactly what Jill Spruance and her family did almost a decade ago, and they are still going strong. They make about 20,000 bars of soap annually and sell them on their farm and online, as well as wholesale through 35 retailers across the country.

In this podcast, Jill talks about why she started making soap, why they started selling soap, and how their business has evolved. She also talks about how they pivoted when COVID changed everything, as well as the wildfires near their farm in California.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-milk-soap-business/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Using Dewormers Correctly Oct 07, 2020

There is probably no other goat-related subject that confuses goat owners more than deworming. If you check five different online sources, you could wind up with five different recommendations about how to use dewormers. The problem is that there was not much research done on worms until the last 15 years or so, which means there are a lot of outdated recommendations still floating around online. And it's also challenging to get the new info to veterinarians, so some of them are even working with outdated information.
In this episode I'm talking to Susan Schoenian, a sheep and goat specialist with the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center, where she has been since 1988. That means she has seen a lot of changes in what is considered best practices for using dewormers. In addition to talking about the different dewormers and when to use them, she also gives us a little history on what used to be done and why the recommendations have changed.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/using-dewormers-correctly/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Breeding Season Sep 30, 2020

Rather than waiting for spring and wondering why your goats didn't get pregnant, now is the time to get your ducks in a row -- er, um, goats! In this solo episode I'm talking about all of the things you need to consider during breeding season.

If you breed your goats now, will they give birth at a time when you are not traveling or overly busy with work? Will it be freezing outside?
How old or how big should your does be before the first breeding?
How old do bucks need to be to successfully service does?
Should you "flush" your does before breeding? (What does that even mean?)
What are the pros and cons of pen breeding vs hand breeding?
What are the sign that a doe is in heat?
What does normal buck behavior look like (and sound like) during breeding season?
What does a successful breeding look like?
Should you try artificial insemination?

Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/breeding-season/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

For more information on breeding your goats:
My free course on Goat Breeding includes videos to help you recognize signs of heat, as well as successful and unsuccessful breeding attempts -- and more!
Goats need proper nutrition for successful breeding, pregnancies, and birthing. That means they need a good, loose goat mineral, NOT a "sheep and goat" mineral and not a block or poured tub.
To learn more about copper deficiency, check out my free course on that topic here.
Today's episode was sponsored by Standlee Premium Western Forage, which makes my favorite alfalfa pellets and timothy hay pellets!
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goats in Nepal Sep 24, 2020

Dan Laney, a goat breeder and a judge with the American Dairy Goat Association, has been helping people in Nepal raise goats since 2014. In this episode, he talks about how being in a coma for a month and then losing his mother to cancer ultimately led him to finding more meaning in his life by helping others. In this episode he talks about how he got started, as well as how he has continued to help the people of Nepal with their goats in recent years, and what he plans to do when he we can all travel again. He also talks about how you can help.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-in-nepal/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

2 Goat Milking Challenges Sep 16, 2020

Today we are talking about two separate problems that a lot of goat owners encounter -- milk that tastes "goaty" and does holding back their milk.

First I'm talking to Katherine Boehle, Ph.D., about how bacteria in milk causes a bad taste -- and it doesn't matter whether that bacteria is alive or dead, so pasteurization is not the answer. Dead bacteria tastes just as bad as live bacteria.

Then we are talking about one of the greatest frustrations of anyone who has ever milked a goat (or cow or sheep or whatever) -- knowing that there is still milk in the udder but being unable to get it to come out. If you're an experienced milker, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't experienced this yet, you will at some point if you are milking a goat that is raising her own kids.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/2-goat-milking-challenges/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

Homeschooling with Goats -- another episode with Katherine talking about how growing up on a farm turned her into a science nerd.
2:30 Fixing Gross Milk in Kenya

5:00 How Bacteria Affects Taste

13:30 Milking Devons

14:30 Getting Optimal Milk-Fat
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Homeschooling with Goats Aug 27, 2020

Katherine Boehle is taking us on a trip down memory lane to discuss her upbringing on the farm, learning alongside nature, and using goats and other livestock as an educational tool.

5:35 Exploring ecosystems and collecting bones

10:00 Rotational grazing

12:46 First field necropsy

Goats 365 Membership

19:09 Necropsy advice

21:30 Goats as parenting training

22:45 Potty training goats

24:30 Writing about science

Science on the Farm

30:30 Homeschooling advice
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/homeschooling-with-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Accounting and Goats Aug 17, 2020

Are your goats or goat expenses tax deductible? It depends! Learn the many ways goats can affect your taxes (or not) with Harley Raptor CPA and "Accountant Warrior" as she describes the different ways to treat goats on your taxes and what differentiates a business from a hobby.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/accounting-with-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
2:00 What's the difference between a hobby and a business.

9 factors from IRS

5:39 Do marketing expenses help create a legitimate business?

6:28 Contractors vs Employees

9:58 Additional accounting expenses to think about

12:00 What are quarterly taxes and why do people have to pay them?

14:35 What if you file as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S-corp?

Goat Law Episode

20:50 How do we keep good records for accounting purposes?

26:00 What criteria must you meet to write something off as a business expense.

How to find Harley Raptor:

https://www.facebook.com/HarleyRaptorCPA

http://www.harleyraptor.com/
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Gelato with Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk Jul 29, 2020

If you ever thought about starting a commercial dairy, today's episode is for you. I am talking to a couple of New Yorkers who moved to Vermont to start a goat dairy selling gelato! Michael and Lisa Davis talk about the realities of having a goat dairy, from both the perspective of raising goats, as well as making gelato.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/gelato-with-nigerian-dwarf-goat-milk/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

3:20 the decision to start a herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats for the dairy

6:22 finances

8:00 growing a herd and selling goats

13:08 unusual expenses of having a dairy (cleaning agents, nutritional info on labeling, daily testing, and more!)

18:29 cost of infrastructure, budgeting, working with state inspectors

26:25 graduating from making personal ice cream in your home kitchen to creating a business selling gelato

30:16 why not sell ice cream or cheese?

34:40 the difference between gelato and ice cream
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Rare San Clemente Island Goats Jul 19, 2020

The San Clemente Island Goat originally came from off the coast of California where they had become so invasive that the government started an eradication program in the late 1970s. Today less than a thousand of these goats are found in small herds around the US and Canada. In this episode I'm talking to Erin Link, who raises them and helped to start the new breeders association.
In addition to having a goat meat CSA, Erin also milks her goats and sells goat milk soap to raise awareness about the breed.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/rare-san-clemente-island-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
5:30 making soap
7:15 milk production
15:00 size of the goats
17:00 selling goat meat through a CSA
20:18 history of the breed
23:00 San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association
26:00 registering goats
CIG Breeders Association website

SCIG Breeders Facebook page

SCIG Breeders Association Facebook page

EB Ranch LLC website

EB Ranch LLC Facebook page

EB Ranch LLC Instagram
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goat Law Jul 11, 2020

Learn about your responsibilities and liabilities as a goat owner with Eva Moss, Farmer and Partner Development Manager at Farm Commons, which is a non-profit specializing in legal education for farmers.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-law/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
2:50 zoning
6:20 goat yoga
7:20 liability
8:30 signed waivers
10:00 agritourism liability statutes
11:56 insurance
17:40 incorporation
20:49 types of business entitities
24:00 liability for goat bite and rabies
31:22 product liability
For more information about farming and legal issues, visit Farm Commons.
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Roundworms in Goats Jun 26, 2020

Steve Hart, Ph.D., of Langston University talks about roundworms in goats, including the infamous barber pole worm, which causes a lot of heartache and financial loss for goat owners every summer.
Did you know ...?

a barber pole worm can lay 2000-6000 eggs per day
can consume a pint of blood per week from your goat
the larvae survives on pasture by eating the e.coli in the fecal pellets
the larvae can survive on pasture for up to three months if temperatures are in the 50s

Dr. Hart explains why this worm is such a problem for goats and their owners, as well as what you can do about them. We also talk about other roundworms and how they cause different symptoms than the barber pole worm.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/roundworms-and-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com

2:54 barber pole worm
9:50 risk factors for goats
10:55 dewormer resistance
12:14 integrated pest (parasite) management
14:00 FAMACHA
15:11 5-point check
17:20 using dewormers
21:35 Bioworma
23:12 creating a parasite management plan
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Dairy Goats in the City Jun 19, 2020

Do you want dairy goats but don't have a farm in the countryside? It is possible to have goats in many cities, but there are a few unique challenges. In today's episode, I'm talking to Glenna Rose of Vancouver, Washington about the Nigerian dwarf dairy goats that live in her backyard and provide her with milk that she uses to make ice cream, cheese, and more.
We talk about fencing, housing, milking, birthing, and how to handle neighbors who want to feed your goats or who may worry about your screaming goat in heat.
Today's episode is sponsored by Standlee Premium Western Forage, maker of my goats' favorite alfalfa pellets.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/dairy-goats-in-the-city/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Pet Goats in the City Jun 11, 2020

Today I'm talking to Matt Ruben who has two pet wethers in Chicago. If you live in the city and wonder if pet goats are right for you, here's what we're talking about:

choosing does (female goats) or wethers (castrated males)
dealing with noise and being a good neighbor
legalities of having goats in the city
dealing with poop
buying and storing hay
challenges of finding a goat vet
and more!

Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/pet-goats-in-the-city/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Goats Giving Birth Jun 01, 2020

Have you ever wished you could attend a few goat births with a mentor? That's the idea behind my newest book, Goats Giving Birth! In today's episode I'm reading the introduction, as well as the first birth story in the first chapter. The book includes more than 20 birth stories from normal to complicated to tragic. Each birth includes two parts -- the original blog post that I wrote when the birth occurred and then my thoughts on the birth today. It also includes dozens of full-color photographs of births.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-giving-birth/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Thinking of getting goats? May 01, 2020

If you are thinking of getting goats, this is the episode for you. I'm busting myths and telling you about things you need to think about before buying your first goats. And yes, that's goats with an s at the end. Goats are herd animals, which means they need at least one other goat friend. You can't have just one, and I explain why.
This is also a good episode for breeders to share with potential buyers!
I talk about the need for goats to give birth before making milk, as well as the need for them to give birth again to continue making milk.
I explain why you can't just tie a goat out in the yard and why you need good fencing and housing to keep your goats safe and healthy. And if you were thinking about keeping a goat in your house, I'll share some stories from my youngest daughter's teen years when she thought she needed to have at least one baby goat in the house every spring.
If you live in an urban area, you'll definitely need to hear about the unique challenges faced by people who keep goats in a city.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/thinking-of-getting-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
For more information check out the following episodes that I talk about during the show:

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

All About Electric Fencing Apr 08, 2020

If you own goats, you only get one chance to get fencing right. One of the first things I learned about goats was that they were too smart for me to use a sub-standard fencing option. When people say that goats are hard to keep fenced in, that's because they're not using the right kind of fencing. Any animal is hard to keep fenced in if you use the wrong kind of fencing.
In this episode I'm talking to Joe Putnam of Premier 1 Supplies, the company that makes my favorite brand of electric fencing. I've been using it since at least 2004 or so. He talks about everything you need to know to get your fencing right -- the first time. We're talking about pulse, joules, volts, amps, and ohms, as well as energizers, conductors, and insulators. This information will be helpful to anyone who wants to use electric fencing, regardless of whether or not it's from Premier 1.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/electric-fencing/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Equipment and Housing for Goats Apr 01, 2020

This episode includes a basic equipment list for goats, as well as what goats need for housing. You'll learn what you need -- and what you don't. We'll answer these questions:

Why do you need a hay feeder?
Why do you need a mineral feeder for loose minerals rather than just getting a mineral block?
Why is a water bucket is better than a water trough -- and why are two 2-gallon buckets better than a 5-gallon bucket?
What's the best kind of feed pan to use?
Why do you need hoof trimmers? (Who trims a goat's hooves in nature?)
Why do you need a thermometer?
What can you use a milk stand for (other than milking a goat)?
Why should your barn NOT be insulated or heated?

This is a must-listen episode for anyone new to goats. And if you breed goats, this is a good one to recommend to buyers so that you can be sure they have what they need before taking home your babies.
The full show notes include links to information on what goats eat and what minerals they need, as well as photos of housing, feeders, and other equipment and a hoof trimming video.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/equipment-and-housing-for-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
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Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Raising Meat Goats on Pasture Mar 25, 2020

If you've heard that meat goats need to be finished on grain, you'll want to hear this interview with Jennifer Miller, DVM, a small animal veterinarian who raises meat goats with her husband on their small farm in central Illinois. Although Jennifer doesn't work with goats as a veterinary professional, you'll see that she has put a lot of research into their decision to raise their goats on pasture and hay. We talk about how they got started with goats and why they decided to raise them on pasture and hay. She also discusses their experiment with spent brew grain from beer breweries in her area and corn.

She also does the math and explains how a pound of protein from hay costs much less than a pound of protein from grain, which costs less than a pound of protein from a protein tub. She shared this formula for "Calculating Cost of Complete Protein," which means, figuring out how much you are paying for a pound of protein for whatever you are feeding.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-meat-goats-on-pasture/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Kinder Goats Mar 18, 2020

If you are still trying to decide which breed of goat to raise, or if you're looking to add another breed to your farm, you might consider kinder goats. They were originally a cross between a pygmy and a Nubian, but today they are their own breed. In this episode, I'm talking to Sue Beck, president of the Kinder Goat Breeders Association, who has been raising kinders for 12 years.

She talks about the milk, the meat, the myths, and the misconceptions that people have, and we also talk about the lure of getting goats from lines that tend to throw quadruplets or quintuplets. And if you've ever said that you couldn't eat meat from an animal that you knew when it was alive, Sue has a solution for you!
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/kinder-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Natural Parasite Control with Sericea Lespedeza Mar 11, 2020

#006 Worms in goats are a common problem, and resistance to chemical dewormers is growing. Would you like to have an all-natural feed for your goats that was scientifically proven to kill intestinal worms, coccidia, and even housefly larvae in the goat manure? What if that food was also non-bloating and reduced the somatic cell count of milking does? Sericea lespedeza does all of that!

Today I'm talking to Tom Terrill, Ph.D., of Fort Valley State University in Georgia, an animal science professor and researcher who has studied sericea lespedeza for more than a decade. Dr. Terrill talks about how to incorporate lespedeza into your goats' diet as forage, as pellets, or as hay. He also provides tips on planting and growing, as well as harvesting lespedeza hay.

Here is a fact sheet about sericea lespedeza authored by Dr. Terrill. Want more to read? Here are more than two dozen other studies and articles about sericea lespedeza, most of which were written by or co-authored by Dr. Terrill.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/natural-parasite-control-with-lespedeza/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Angora Goats with Chris McLaughlin Mar 05, 2020

#005 Angora goats are not just cute. They also produce mohair, which is an exquisite fiber used in clothing, tapestries, and rugs. In this episode, Chris McLaughlin of Laughing Crow & Co Flower and Fiber Farm talks about her angora goats. Since she also raises Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, she explains how the angoras have different needs and personalities. She also shares her secrets on how they can co-exist with her flower farm.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/angora-goats-with-chris-mclaughlin/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Getting Ready for Kidding Season Feb 26, 2020

In this episode, I'm talking about what you need to have ready before kidding season starts, and I'm sharing some of the things we learned the hard way so you don't have to make the same mistakes. (Like don't leave your clean kidding towels in the barn because mice will make a mess of them!) I'm also giving you tips and tricks for kidding in the middle of a cold winter so that you can reduce the risk of hypothermia for your baby goats.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/getting-ready-for-goat-birthing/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Packing With Goats Feb 16, 2020

#003 - Today we are stepping out of the milk, meat, and fiber goat worlds. We are talking about the elite athletes of the caprines -- pack goats -- with our guest Marc Warnke of packgoats.com. We're discussing how to choose future pack goats, as well as training, and feeding. These are not your typical pet wethers that spend their days lounging in the pasture. These goats grow bigger than any I've ever seen. They walk several miles per day while carrying one-third of their body weight. We also talk about how they compare to using horses, mules, or llamas for packing adventures.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/packing-with-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

Forage and Feeding Goats Feb 16, 2020

#002 - Today we're talking to ruminant nutritionist Laura Marie Kramer, Director of National Accounts for Standlee Premium Western Forage, about the difference between different types of hay, as well as the difference between pellets and long-stemmed forage. But first we get nerdy about the whole ruminant digestive tract and how it is different from monogastrics.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/forage-and-feeding-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

My Goat Story Feb 12, 2020

#001 - Join host and author Deborah Niemann as she tells you her goat story, which started in 2002, as well as why she decided to start a podcast and what you can expect in the coming weeks.
Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/my-goat-story/
To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.com
Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Standlee Premium Western Forage
We've been using and loving hay pellets from Standlee Premium Western Forage for more than 10 years!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for listening!
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership.
Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

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