☀️ Drought, Welsummers, goatscaping, and wormy goats


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 can be invaluable on a homestead, but choosing and training the right one takes more than simply placing a large dog in a pasture. Drawing on 24 years of experience, this article shares practical lessons about selecting a puppy, introducing it to livestock, preventing common behavior problems, and helping it become a reliable farm guardian.

Not all chickens are prized for the number of eggs they lay. Welsummers are known instead for their beautiful terracotta-colored eggs, calm personalities, and striking appearance. Learn what makes this Dutch breed unique and whether it's the right addition to your flock.

🎧 Turning Goatscaping Into a Thriving Business

Rent-a-goat sounds like a simple business idea, but there's much more to it than dropping goats off on someone's property.

Join me and Margaret Chamas from Goats on the Go as we discuss how targeted grazing works, what equipment you'll need, and the biggest lessons she's learned from helping people start successful goatscaping businesses.

▶ The Surprising Cause of Death in Wormy Goats

It's no surprise that a parasite infestation has the potential to kill a goat. What is surprising is that it may not be the parasites themselves that end up killing your goat. It could be something far more sneaky and is often the last thing on a goat owner's mind when they are treating for worms.

Find out what you need to do to give a worm infected goat the best chance at recovery.

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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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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Read more from Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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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...