Hello Reader,

For years, I thought goats were my ikigai. But after reflecting on a few powerful books and the things that make me feel most alive, I realized something deeper: writing is my North Star, and goats are one of the subjects I love writing about.
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In Discovering My Ikigai, Dharma, and North Star, I share how this realization is leading me back to a memoir that has been waiting in the cloud for 13 years—and why I’m inviting readers to join my writing salon and offer feedback as the book takes shape.

My favorite livestock guardian dog was Sovalye, an Anatolian Shepherd who killed his first raccoon at only eight months old. It was only after he died and we had our first problem with meningeal worm that we realized he had also been keeping white-tailed deer away from our farm. I share what made him such an effective guardian and what owners should understand about training and caring for this powerful, independent breed.

According to legend, Lakenvelders trace their ancestry to chickens raised in Armageddon nearly 4,000 years ago, yet today the breed is threatened. Their striking black-and-white feathers hide a bold personality and surprising abilities that make them ideal for some homesteads but a poor match for others.

🎧 Breeding Season I once tried to stagger our kidding seasons by breeding half the herd in the fall and the other half in the spring, but not one doe in the spring group became pregnant. That mistake taught me that a successful breeding season begins long before a buck meets a doe. In this solo episode, I walk through the decisions that can make the difference between welcoming kids five months later and wondering what went wrong. Listen in

▶ When, How, and Why to Combine Dewormers In this video, I delve into the mechanics behind combining dewormers to treat parasite infections. Combining dewormers may seem dangerous, scary, or confusing, but it is a reliable practice to treat heavy parasite loads and even prevent future parasite resistance by ensuring that an effective percentage of worms are killed by the dewormers. Learn which dewormers to combine, which to avoid in a pregnant doe, and how to dose them. Watch video

Happy homesteading!

​
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team

📚Want to Learn Even More?

• Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 700 videos? From goat care to soapmaking, cheesemaking, and more—you’ll find practical, real-life tips to support your homesteading journey.
• Looking to dive deeper? Visit the Goat Academy—your go-to resource for online courses on everything from goat health and nutrition to soapmaking, gardening, composting, and starting a homestead business. Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your skills, there’s a course for you.
• Need ongoing guidance and community support? Goats 365 is our membership program that gives you full access to six comprehensive courses, live Q&A sessions, and an engaged group of goat owners who are learning and growing together—365 days a year.

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