Hello Reader, Todayâs episode features Dr. Kandice Marchantâa former physician who traded her lab coat for a cheese cave. She shares how a love for European cheeses and a background in science led her to launch her own artisan cheese business (without owning any goats or cows!). Whether you're a cheesemaker, homesteader, or just love a good story, this episode will inspire you. We hope you listen in! Click here to listen in! Happy goatherding, Deborahand the Thrifty Homesteader Team You are...
17 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
Hello Reader, If your goats are scratching, biting at their skin, or losing patches of hair, mites might be the culprit! These tiny parasites can cause discomfort and even serious skin issues if left untreated. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent mites in goats to keep your herd healthy. Are your chickens losing feathers or constantly scratching? Mites might be to blame! These pests can make your flock miserable and even impact egg production. Find out how to spot, treat, and prevent...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Thinking about starting a backyard flock? This guide on buying chicks covers everything you need to know, from hatcheries to farm stores, to help you make the best choice for your new feathered friends. Ready to hatch your own chicks? Itâs easier than you think! Weâll walk you through the step-by-step process of incubating chicken eggs, from selecting fertile eggs to ensuring optimal temperature and humidity. Whether youâre a beginner or seasoned chicken keeper, this guide will...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Spring is almost here, and weâre thrilled to announce something special for all homegrown entrepreneurs: the Grassroots Entrepreneurs Spring Training is happening March 4-7. This FREE online training is packed with expert insights to help you build a thriving farm-based business. Whether youâre just starting out or looking to scale your existing operation, this event is for you. Hereâs what you can look forward to: Grassroots Entrepreneurs Spring Training Highlights: Learn from...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 1 min read
Hello Reader, Curious about keeping pygmy goats? These pint-sized charmers are not only adorable but also hardy and easy to care for. Whether youâre looking for a family-friendly pet or a productive addition to your backyard, discover everything you need to know about their care, diet, and housing. Who can resist a chicken that lays pastel blue eggs? Ameraucana chickens are as delightful as they are practical, offering a sweet temperament and unique aesthetic. Learn how to care for these...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Thinking about adding goats to your homestead? This article covers essential information for prospective goat owners. From their long lifespan to their social nature and specific housing needs, you'll learn crucial facts to ensure you're well-prepared for these charming and mischievous creatures. Discover the joys and challenges of raising peafowl on your property. This article explores the history of peafowl keeping, their unique characteristics, and practical advice for their...
3 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Thinking about getting some ducks for your farm? Before you jump in, read what Rebekah Pierce of J&R Pierce Family Farm has to say about the negatives she wishes she had known before she got ducksâand also why they're still 100% worth the trouble! Chickens can be a good addition to a farmâthey're generally easy to care for and pay you back with fresh eggs and meat. But they do require some planning before you bring home your first brood. Here are some considerations and pro-tips...
4 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, How long does a goat live? As I often say, it depends! Find out the average lifespan for a healthy goat, and which lives longerâbuck or doe. Also find out how long they can reasonably be bred and several factors that can put your goat's long lifespan on the line. Cats are a popular choice to help control rodent problems in the barn, but they aren't necessarily a set-it-and-forget-it approach to the problem. They often seem to disappear or outright die. I'm sharing my tips so you...
4 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, In this month's issue, I am sharing all the highlights and top takeaways from my awesome trip to the American Dairy Goat Association conference which took place in Wisconsin last month. Check out this playlist to discover interesting points on a variety of topics such as research on intersex goats, the current spread of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) into goats, the existence of polled goat breeds in Mexico and Germany, and some important considerations on extended...
5 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
