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Hello Reader,
We are dealing with some incredibly cold weather in Illinois right now, especially for December. We don't usually see single digits until January, but we saw them last night (and this morning)! The animals have always done fine in those temperatures, but we have on ocassion had a problem with a frozen or busted pipe. So far, so good, and fingers crossed it continues that way!
❄️🐐🏚️
When I first moved to the country, I had no idea how unprepared I was for winter—I froze my way through that first year. In this post, I share the five things that finally made winter chores bearable for me, from truly warm boots to insulated overalls and wool socks. If you’re dreading the cold, these essentials can make a huge difference.
Heat lamps may seem harmless, but they’re one of the most common causes of barn fires—and I learned that the hard way. In this article, I share how we narrowly avoided two fires on our farm and what finally convinced me to switch to a safer heat lamp design. If you use heat lamps around livestock, this is a must-read for keeping your animals and buildings safe.
Looking for reliable goat supplies—or meaningful gifts for the goat lovers in your life this holiday season? Our Goat Tools & Supplies Gift Guide features items Goats 365 members rely on most. From milking and cheesemaking gear to barn tools and enrichment toys, these recommendations come straight from real farms and everyday use.
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🎧 Miscarriages in Goats Caused by Infections
Goat miscarriages and stillbirths are heartbreaking, and infections are one of the leading causes. In this conversation with Dr. Jamie Stewart, we cover the major pathogens that trigger abortion storms or single losses, along with prevention, testing, and safety tips. This episode is packed with practical guidance every goat owner should know.
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▶ Why Your Goat's Fecal Results May Be Lying to You
A negative fecal doesn’t always mean your goat is worm-free!
In this video, I'm explaining all the reasons a fecal egg count might show fewer worms than your goat actually has. You’ll learn how collection mistakes, timing, and even the goat’s biology can lead to misleading results — and how to make sure your fecal exams tell the real story about your herd’s parasite load.
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📄Butternut Squash Soup
One of my quickest and simplest recipes is for butternut squash soup. You can make this using almost any type of fresh or frozen winter squash - acorn, delicata, butternut, etc. This makes a delicious first course in a multi-course meal or could be served as a hearty main dish with a salad and homemade bread.
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Happy homesteading!
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team
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📚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.
💛 Appreciate what we share?
Support our work through the tip jar—every little bit helps us keep creating helpful content for you and fellow homesteaders.
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