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, vegetables, eggs, and meat can be fresher, more nutritious, more flavorful, and free from chemicals you choose to avoid. It also gives you greater variety, a stronger connection to how your food is produced, and the satisfaction of putting something on the table that you raised yourself.

🎧 Choosing a Goat Mineral Choosing a goat mineral can be confusing because many products contain more salt than the nutrients your goats actually need. In this episode, I explain what to look for in a loose mineral, including the proper levels and balance of copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. You’ll also learn why mineral antagonists matter and why copying another herd’s supplement routine can cause problems. Listen in

▶ It Worked for My Goat… Or Did It? How the Placebo Effect Misleads Us As animal caregivers, it’s easy to believe a treatment works just because our goat, sheep, or cow seems better afterward. But what if that improvement is only in our minds? In this video, we uncover the caregiver placebo effect, how it shows up in livestock care, and why the right dose—or proven treatment—matters. 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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PO Box 181, Cornell, IL 61319
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