Hello Reader, For most of my childhood, āI canātā was defined by doctorās 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 āI Canātā Really Means, I share how those experiences shaped my understanding of human capabilityāand 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,...
6 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 2 min read
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! Weāll 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 oneāweāll have some available, too. The cost is $25 per person, and you can register here. š§āļø š
š Breeding goats and sheep is a natural process, but the first breeding season can...
9 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 2 min read
Hello Reader, If youāve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Thrifty Homesteaderāor inside the mind of the person who created itāIāve been sharing more personal stories on my Substack, On the Banks of Mud Creek. Here are my five newest articles: What āI Canātā Really MeansGrowing up with dislocating kneecaps, leg braces, and bone surgeries shaped my understanding of what humans are capable ofāand taught me to question the stories we tell ourselves about what we canāt do. Where Do I...
9 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 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...
23 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 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 offlineāperfect if youāre out in the...
24 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
Hello Reader, The Portugal farm tour hasnāt 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, Iām exploring another possibilityāthis 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 Iām considering is Norwegian Cruise Lineās...
24 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 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...
27 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 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, Iāve spent years sharing the practical information I wish Iād had when we started. But information...
28 days agoĀ ā¢Ā 2 min read
Hello Reader, Whether youāre 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. Weāre 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...
about 1 month agoĀ ā¢Ā 2 min read
