Hello Reader, If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Thrifty Homesteader—or inside the mind of the person who created it—I’ve been sharing more personal stories on my Substack, On the Banks of Mud Creek. Here are my five newest articles: What “I Can’t” Really MeansGrowing up with dislocating kneecaps, leg braces, and bone surgeries shaped my understanding of what humans are capable of—and taught me to question the stories we tell ourselves about what we can’t do. Where Do I...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, If you've ever wondered why I refused to give up on my goats when they were sick and dying two decades ago, I explain it in my article, I Was the Sickly Kid. Choosing the right hay is one of the most important feeding decisions you'll make for your goats. In this article, I explain the differences between alfalfa and grass hay, when each is appropriate, and why "more nutrition" isn't always better. Understanding these basics can help you feed your herd according to their...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Goat milk is far more versatile than the bottle in your refrigerator or the cheese on your table. In this edition, we explore how farmers, scientists, artisans, and entrepreneurs are transforming it into skin-care products, frozen desserts, pet treats, and handcrafted cheeses. These featured episodes offer practical insights and inspiring stories for anyone curious about making the most of every drop. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the...
17 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, The Portugal farm tour hasn’t even happened yet, but the response to it has shown me that quite a few of you are interested in combining travel with learning about goats and the people who have built businesses around them. So, I’m exploring another possibility—this time closer to home. How would you feel about spending a week cruising around Hawaii while visiting goat dairies, agritourism farms, and other goat businesses? The cruise I’m considering is Norwegian Cruise Line’s...
17 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, If you've ever wondered why I'm so passionate about sharing research-based information, I recently wrote a more personal piece about what goes on behind the scenes. I talk about my tendency to disappear down rabbit holes searching for the best scientific answers, why I sometimes need to force myself to step away from work, and how a little Shakespeare and college volleyball help me recharge. It's a reminder that even goat nerds need an occasional break. Livestock guardian dogs...
20 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, When we moved to the country, we were completely clueless city slickers. We made mistakes. Some were expensive. Some were heartbreaking. We even lost goats before I finally figured out what I was doing. If you found me because you wanted help raising goats or building a homesteading life, you probably know me as the person with answers. Through my books, classes, and membership, I’ve spent years sharing the practical information I wish I’d had when we started. But information...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Whether you’re planning for breeding season or simply looking for ways to keep your goats healthy and thriving, here are a few helpful resources to explore this week. We’re sharing tips for selecting the right herd sire, identifying sore mouth and similar conditions, choosing the right free-choice minerals, and learning a few fascinating facts about goats. Then, put your goat milk to good use with an easy Instant Pot yogurt recipe. Selecting the Perfect Herd Sire Fall breeding...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Four years ago, email marketing expert Liz Wilcox joined us to explain why email is the GOAT of marketing. Now she’s back with practical advice to help farm businesses build stronger connections with customers through email. In this week’s episode of the For the Love of Goats Podcast, Deborah and Liz discuss why email remains one of the most dependable ways to reach your audience. They share tips for growing your email list, deciding what to write each week, reconnecting with...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, After last week's business retreat, my brain is busy trying to figure out where to fit memoir writing into my current schedule. Thank you to all of you who responded to last week's email, telling me that you're looking forward to reading it. It's always encouraging to get feedback from you. 🐐🪿🍶 How often should you deworm your goats? Never! That would be the ideal, but life isn't perfect and neither are all of our goats. You can win the war in your pasture by learning more about...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
