Hello Reader,

In this issue, we’re covering some of the most serious and misunderstood health challenges goat owners face — from listeriosis and Johne’s disease to parasite resistance and natural worm control — along with an inspiring look at how one farm turned extra goat milk into a unique business opportunity.

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!

​Listeriosis in Goats

Listeriosis is one of the most feared diseases in goats—not just because it can be fatal without prompt treatment, but also because it mimics several other serious conditions.

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Holahan shares what every goat owner needs to know about preventing, identifying, and treating listeriosis before it’s too late. She also clears up myths about fermented hay and offers practical tips to keep your herd (and family) safe.

​Johne’s Disease in Goats

Could a goat look perfectly healthy while silently spreading a deadly disease?

In this episode, Dr. Michael Pesato joins me to discuss Johne’s disease in goats, including how it spreads, why it’s so difficult to detect early, the limitations of testing, and the hard decisions goat owners may face if it enters their herd.

​​Natural Parasite Control with Lespedeza

Parasite resistance is becoming one of the biggest challenges in goat health, which is why many goat owners are searching for more sustainable ways to control worms.

In this episode, Dr. Tom Terrill explains how sericea lespedeza has been scientifically studied for controlling barber pole worms and coccidia, along with practical tips for feeding, growing, and using it as part of a parasite management program.

​Turning Goat Milk into Pet Food: Labeling and Licensing Essentials

What does it really take to turn extra goat milk into a profitable farm product?

In this episode, Carly Brown and Shawn Phillips share how they built a licensed pet food business around their goats, including the realities of labeling laws, nutritional testing, packaging, freeze-dried treats, and balancing multiple goat enterprises while still working full-time jobs.

​
​

Happy Goatherding!
​
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team

P.S. If you’ve been thinking about learning to make your own cheese, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, and more, now is the perfect time to join Your Home Dairy. Our 20% off promotion ends Tuesday, June 9, 2026, so enroll today and start your home dairy journey!

Support Our Podcast: It Only Takes a Minute!

You probably know that I create the podcast and pay my editing and publishing team at no cost to listeners.

The best way you can help is by rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast after listening. It only takes a minute, but it can make a big difference for other goat owners who are looking for reliable information.

If you’d like to go one step further, you can also support our work directly—kind of like buying us a cup of coffee! ☕

​​​

📚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.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our email list, downloaded a free resource from our website, or purchased one of our products, memberships, or courses.

PO Box 181, Cornell, IL 61319
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

If you unsubscribe you'll be removed from all future emails. This includes important information and updates about products or courses you have purchased. If you want to opt out of a particular series of emails and don't see a link above to do so, just hit reply and let us know. We'll take care of it!