Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

🐔 Sussex chickens, feeding goats for fertility, and apple cinnamon muffins

Hello Reader, In 2004, we built our house ourselves — literally with a hammer, nails, and wood. For almost two decades, we thought we had done a pretty good job.But a series of decisions that seemed perfectly logical at the time eventually led to problems we never saw coming. In my latest Substack, We Thought We Knew Enough to Build Our House, I share how a little knowledge, a lot of confidence, and some unexpected lessons turned our dream of self-reliance into something very different....

40 minutes ago • 2 min read

There's no rabies vaccine for goats — here's what that means for you 🐐

Hello Reader, For about a week now, there's been a really important conversation happening inside our Goats 365 community. It started when one of our members — who has a goat-related landscaping business and takes her goats out to properties where they could come into contact with people — brought up a question that doesn't have a tidy answer. In late July, a skunk got into the pen of a traveling petting zoo's goats in North Carolina. Three of those goats have since tested positive for...

4 days ago • 2 min read

🐐 Healthy bucks, Crèvecœur chickens, and spiced pear butter

Hello Reader, I moved to the farm partly because I wanted a healthier, more active life, and the daily work gave me the exercise I had struggled to maintain for years. But when I received the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming an author, my daily life changed in ways I never expected. In Farm Life vs. a Writer’s Life, I share how achieving one dream gradually pulled me away from the lifestyle that had been keeping me healthy—and the toll it took on my body. Bucks are half of...

7 days ago • 2 min read

🎙️ Parasite resistance, fecal egg counts, and homestead decluttering

Hello Reader, This August, I released four new podcast episodes about parasite resistance, fecal egg counts, homestead decluttering, and funding farm projects. I also introduced Goat Notes, a new series of short episodes that takes a closer look at one goat question, misconception, or research-based concept at a time. Whether you raise goats, manage a busy homestead, or dream of starting something new on your farm, there’s something here for you. You can download the episode to listen...

8 days ago • 2 min read

🏡 Single homesteading, choosing goat mineral, and homegrown food

Hello Reader, For most of my childhood, “I can’t” was defined by doctor’s notes, leg braces, and bone surgeries. Even after my knees were "fixed" at age 15, overcoming a lifetime of fear was another challenge entirely. In What “I Can’t” Really Means, I share how those experiences shaped my understanding of human capability—and why the stories we tell ourselves can limit us more than our circumstances. Growing your own food offers benefits that go far beyond saving money. Homegrown fruits,...

11 days ago • 2 min read

🐄 Dutch Belted cattle, cookbooks, and goat goulash recipe

Hello Reader, Two cataract surgeries this summer really slowed down my plans for events on the farm, but I am excited that we are finally offering a yoga class this Friday at 6 pm! We’ll enjoy an hour of yin and gentle yoga by the pond at sunset, with optional goat cuddling afterward! Bring your yoga mat if you have one—we’ll have some available, too. The cost is $25 per person, and you can register here. 🧘♀️ 🌅 🐐 Breeding goats and sheep is a natural process, but the first breeding season can...

14 days ago • 2 min read

A more personal side of my homesteading story

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...

15 days ago • 1 min read

🌾 Hay choices, beekeeping, and making granola

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...

28 days ago • 2 min read

🎙️Beyond the Milk Pail: Creative Ways to Use Goat Milk

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...

29 days ago • 3 min read

Want to join me on a goat tour and cruise around Hawaii?

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...

29 days ago • 2 min read