Hello Reader, Want to go to Portugal with me and visit farms? I’m starting to map out a small-group trip (just 8–12 people) for fall 2026 or spring 2027, and it’s shaping up to be a really special blend of learning and relaxing. We’ll spend a week visiting a variety of farms—goat dairies, homesteads, vineyards, and more—while also enjoying the slower pace of life, great food, and time to just soak it all in. A friend of mine who lives in Lisbon will be helping us connect with local farmers...
4 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Yesterday, I was on Zoom with a friend who moved to Portugal a couple of years ago—and by the end of the conversation, we had the beginnings of something I’m really excited about… A small-group farm tour in Portugal. This is still taking shape, but here’s what I know so far: I’m planning a one-week trip in fall 2026 or spring 2027 (avoiding the rainy season), with a very small group—just 8 to 12 people. We’ll visit a mix of farms—goat dairies, homesteads, vineyards, and...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This week’s newsletter covers some of the most common goat keeping challenges, from does rejecting kids and figuring out when to wean baby goats to dealing with mites and understanding why a dewormer may not seem to work. Plus, there’s a simple ricotta recipe that came from an unexpected kitchen surprise. When a Doe Rejects Her Kid: How to Encourage Re-Bonding Goat rejection can feel heartbreaking—but it’s not always the end of the story. Whether it’s caused by disbudding,...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Sheep can be a great addition to a homestead, especially if you’re looking for animals that are relatively easy to care for. In this article, I share the basics of getting started, from choosing the right breed to feeding and health considerations. It’s a helpful overview to give you a realistic idea of what to expect. Chicken lice are a common concern for flock owners, but they’re usually manageable with the right approach. This article explains how to identify lice, prevent...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, One of my favorite herbal books for beginners is Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide. Learn more about this book, which includes complete instructions for making teas, syrups, oils, salves, tinctures, poultices, and more. Beekeeping can be a rewarding addition to your homestead, but it helps to understand the basics first. This article shares practical insights on what beekeeping really involves, from equipment and costs to choosing your first bees. It’s a...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Goat keeping doesn’t always go as planned, and some situations can leave you with more questions than answers. In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing practical insights on stillbirths, castration, buck management, and tattooing to help you better understand what’s happening and what to do next. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ Did My Goat’s Baby Die Because I Was Too Slow? (The Truth About Stillborn Kids)...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Storms are always a little scary on the homestead because losing electricity is pretty normal for us, but we’re prepared with a generator and a battery-operated backup sump pump. Or at least we thought we were prepared. Illinois had a horrible storm Friday night, with tornado sirens going off and of course lost electricity. The generator failed, so Mike volunteered to sleep in the barn with Jennifer, who was getting close to giving birth. Without electricity the baby monitor...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Goat keeping doesn’t always go as planned, and some situations can leave you with more questions than answers. In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing practical insights on stillbirths, castration, buck management, and tattooing to help you better understand what’s happening and what to do next. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ Did My Goat’s Baby Die Because I Was Too Slow? (The Truth About Stillborn Kids)...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Parasites and disease prevention are some of the biggest challenges goat owners face. In these podcast episodes, we dig into important topics like CAE, dewormer resistance, and smarter ways to manage parasites through pasture management and better herd practices. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full transcript is available too! CAE in Goats Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Holahan joins me to...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
