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 offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full transcript is available too!
Parasite Resistance, Resilience, and Dewormer Resistance
In this first Goat Note, I explain the important differences between parasite resistance, parasite resilience, and dewormer resistance—and why they matter when managing your herd.
Why a Fecal Egg Count Doesn’t Always Tell You Whether a Goat Needs to Be Dewormed
In this second Goat Note, I explain why a fecal egg count alone cannot tell you whether a goat needs to be dewormed.
Building on the first episode about parasite resistance and resilience, I explain why two goats with similar egg counts may have very different treatment needs—and why a low count does not always mean a goat is healthy.
Homestead Decluttering
Clutter can build up quickly on a homestead as tools, livestock supplies, equipment, and all those things we might need “someday” begin taking over our spaces.
In this episode, I’m joined by decluttering expert Melanie Cohen and several Goats 365 members to discuss where preparedness ends and clutter begins—and how to decide what to keep and what to let go.
How to Use Kickstarter for Farm Projects
Could Kickstarter help you fund—or test demand for—your next farm project?
In this episode, I share what I learned from using Kickstarter for our farm’s glamping tent and talk with Kickstarter’s Oriana Leckert about how crowdfunding works, what makes a project a good fit, and what creators should know before launching a campaign.
Happy Goatherding!
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team