For the Love of Goats

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/mastitis-in-goats-misconceptions/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description It’s probably safe to say that most goat owners think they understand mastitis, but it’s often more complicated than it seems. While many people associate it with a hot, hard udder, that’s only one form of the disease, and it’s not even the most common type seen in goats. In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Dr. Michelle Buckley of Cornell University and Dr. Patrick Gorden of Iowa State University about what mastitis really looks like and why it’s so often misunderstood. They explain the difference between clinical and subclinical mastitis, and how infections can be present without obvious symptoms while still affecting milk production and udder health. They also discuss why it’s important to identify the specific cause of mastitis through a milk culture before choosing a treatment. Some infections may clear up on their own, while others, like Staph aureus, can become chronic and very difficult to manage. Understanding the difference can make a big impact on your goat’s long-term health. Dr. Buckley and Dr. Gorden also share practical advice on preventing and managing mastitis, including proper milking hygiene, how infections spread, and when treatment is necessary. This episode will help you avoid common mistakes and make more informed decisions when mastitis shows up in your herd. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

In this episode, Deborah Niemann talks with veterinarian and researcher Jennifer Halleran about squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that commonly affects goats—especially Nigerian Dwarfs. The conversation was inspired by a listener question about whether there are any new treatment options available for goats diagnosed with this aggressive cancer. Dr. Halleran shares insights from a case study that explored the use of a mycobacterial cell wall stimulant (Immunocidin) as a possible treatment. In some animals, the therapy helped shrink tumors and provided several additional years of good quality life. They discuss how squamous cell carcinoma typically appears in goats, often affecting the perineal area, and why early diagnosis is important. Dr. Halleran explains how veterinarians evaluate these tumors, including when biopsy, surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing the tumor), or other treatments might be used. The episode also highlights newer experimental approaches such as H-FIRE therapy, which uses electrical pulses to damage cancer cells and may become a promising option in the future. Deborah also shares her own experience with a goat that developed this disease, illustrating how frustrating and confusing the diagnosis can be for goat owners. Together, they emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, understanding treatment goals, and focusing on improving a goat’s comfort and quality of life. The episode concludes with practical advice for goat owners, including risk factors such as lack of pigmentation and sun exposure, and why goats with suspicious lesions should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/cae-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description In this episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes back Dr. Melissa Holahan, a small ruminant veterinarian, Nigerian Dwarf breeder at Chubby Acres, and owner of Caprine and Ewe, to revisit a disease that still catches many goat owners off guard: CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis), recently renamed Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLV). They break down what CAE is, why it can quietly enter a herd with zero outward symptoms, and how it spreads, especially through milk and colostrum via white blood cells. Dr. Holahan explains what “slow and progressive” looks like in real life, why goats can test negative early and later turn positive, and how to approach herd testing responsibly, including age timing, yearly screening, quarantine, and retesting before introducing new animals. You will also hear a detailed, practical discussion on testing options (ELISA vs. PCR), what to do with a positive result, and why a single test should never trigger an immediate euthanasia decision. Deborah shares her own experience with a long-lived doe that repeatedly tested ELISA-positive but had negative PCRs and never spread CAE, highlighting the importance of confirmatory testing and working with trusted labs. Finally, they walk through real-world management strategies for CAE-positive goats, including snatch-raising, colostrum and milk handling, heat-treating guidelines, and biosecurity considerations at shows. Whether you are building a herd, buying goats, or simply trying to reduce disease risk, this episode offers clear, calm, science-based guidance and reassurance that CAE is manageable when you understand how it works. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/when-a-goat-needs-a-c-section/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a veterinarian and experienced goat breeder, to tackle one of the most anxiety-provoking topics in goat keeping: C-sections and difficult births. Together, they walk through what actually happens when a goat needs surgical intervention during labor, why panic and delay often cause more harm than transport to a veterinarian, and how healthy does can tolerate long labors far better than most owners realize. Dr. Holahan explains the real reasons goats need C-sections, including malpositioned or tangled kids, immature does, malformed kids, and true failure to dilate — while also clearing up common misconceptions about labor timelines. The conversation also covers how to recognize true emergencies like pregnancy toxemia and hypocalcemia, why nutrition in late gestation plays such a critical role in preventing complications, and what goat owners should expect before, during, and after a C-section. From anesthesia options to post-surgical care, herd management, and future breeding decisions, this episode provides practical, experience-based guidance grounded in veterinary medicine. If you’ve ever worried that your goat “wouldn’t survive the trip to the vet,” felt unsure about when to intervene during labor, or wondered whether a doe can safely be bred again after a C-section, this episode will help you replace fear with clarity and confidence. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-in-nepal/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description When people think about international development work, they don’t always picture goats at the center of it. In this episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with Daniel Laney, founder of Worldwide Goat Project Nepal, about how a lifelong love of goats grew into a far-reaching program that is improving lives across rural Nepal. Daniel shares how a childhood dream of visiting Nepal eventually combined with more than 50 years of raising dairy goats and decades as an ADGA judge. What began as an effort to support dairy goat genetics—specifically Saanen goats imported to Nepal—evolved into a comprehensive, community-based project focused on education, sustainable agriculture, clean water, and long-term self-reliance. In their conversation, Laney explains the early challenges of introducing dairy goats in a region where goats had been raised for centuries, but never for milk. From nutrition and water access to housing, forage, and mineral supplementation, he describes how small management changes led to dramatic improvements in goat health and productivity. He also shares how crossing Saanens with local khari goats created hardy, dual-purpose animals better suited to local conditions. This episode goes far beyond goats. Daniel talks about working with schools to provide daily meals, supplies, and hands-on agricultural education; partnering on clean water initiatives to reduce parasite illness; supporting women’s cooperatives through fair-trade crafts; and helping communities build sustainable systems that continue even when he’s not there. Whether you’re interested in goats, international development, nonprofit work, or simply what it looks like to live with purpose well into your later years, this episode offers an inspiring look at how one person—and a lot of goats—can create lasting change. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/medications-for-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Pat Gorden of Iowa State University and Dr. Michelle Buckley of Cornell University to break down one of the most confusing topics for goat owners: medications and antibiotics. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of how drug use works in goats, including what extra-label drug use actually means and when it is legal and appropriate. The discussion explains why toltrazuril (Baycox) is controversial and why the FDA has issued cease-and-desist letters related to its promotion, as well as how improper drug use can result in dangerous residues in milk and meat. You’ll also hear why antibiotics became prescription-only, the public health concerns driving those changes, and why veterinarians cannot recommend expired antibiotics. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gorden and Dr. Buckley emphasize the critical role of management, nutrition, and husbandry in preventing diseases like coccidiosis and reducing the need for antibiotics, while also addressing why social media advice is often misleading and why building a relationship with a knowledgeable goat veterinarian is essential. If you’ve ever struggled to get prescriptions, wondered why dosing information for goats is so hard to find, or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this episode will give you the clarity and science you’ve been missing. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-rescue/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description When people think about animal rescue, they often picture a few animals and a lot of good intentions. In this episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol, California, about what it really takes to run a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary with dozens of goats and more than 150 animals total. Deborah Blum shares how a simple love of goats turned into Goatlandia, a sanctuary that provides lifelong care for abused, neglected, stray, and surrendered farm animals. What began with just a few goats has grown into a complex operation involving quarantine protocols, disease management, veterinary partnerships, volunteers, fundraising, and constant decision-making about when to say yes—and when to say no. In their conversation, Blum opens up about the realities of rescue work, including caring for goats with chronic diseases like CL, managing biosecurity, and helping animals recover not just physically, but emotionally. She also shares unforgettable rescue stories, from feral goats found wandering the woods to animals that survived severe injuries and neglect and went on to thrive at the sanctuary. This episode also explores the behind-the-scenes work that many people never consider, such as building a reliable veterinary team, supporting staff and volunteers, educating the community, and creating sustainable revenue streams to keep a sanctuary running long-term. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of starting a farm animal sanctuary, are involved in rescue work, or simply want a deeper understanding of what compassionate goat care looks like on a large scale, this episode offers an honest, thoughtful look at the challenges and rewards of running a goat rescue. Goat Health & Disease Resources Testing Goats for CAE, CL, and Johne’sAbscesses and CL in GoatsCaprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in GoatsJohne’s Disease in GoatsThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/what-to-feed-a-pregnant-goat/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description: Proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential for keeping both does and kids healthy — but more isn’t always better! In this short, science-based episode, Deborah Niemann explains how to balance feed, minerals, and body condition during gestation, and why following feeding advice from other species (or even other parts of the world) can lead to trouble. She also shares lessons from her own herd, including what happened when overfeeding resulted in giant kids, and how choosing the right hay and minerals can help prevent pregnancy complications such as hypocalcemia and toxemia. Additional Information: Study Referenced in This EpisodeDo Goats Need Grain During Pregnancy?Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goats-in-america/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description If you’ve ever wondered how goats went from being banned in colonies to beloved on social media, this episode is for you! In this episode of For the Love of Goats, host Deborah Niemann talks with Tami Parr, author of Goats in America: A Cultural History (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases), about how goats have shaped — and been shaped by — American society for over 400 years. Tami shares how her background as a cheese writer and historian led her to explore the surprising role of goats in U.S. history — from being despised agricultural “troublemakers” in the 1600s to starring in today’s goat yoga classes and artisan cheese shops. She also explains how perceptions of goat milk shifted during the tuberculosis outbreaks of the 19th century, leading to a complete transformation in how Americans viewed goats and dairy. Whether you raise goats, love history, or are simply curious about how these resilient animals earned their place in American culture, this episode offers a fascinating journey through time — full of unexpected stories, social change, and a few laughs along the way. Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-milk-ice-cream-and-gelato/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your goat milk into something people line up for, this episode is for you! In this episode of For the Love of Goats, host Deborah Niemann chats with Oskar Edwall from Sweden, who started with just a few goats and ended up creating a thriving business making goat milk ice cream and gelato. Oskar shares how his curiosity for goat milk led to raising his own herd, experimenting with recipes, and eventually perfecting creamy, flavorful gelato that customers can’t get enough of. From using Swedish dairy goats and Anglo-Nubians to learning gelato-making, he explains the science, creativity, and passion behind his success. Whether you’re dreaming of selling your own goat milk ice cream, experimenting with gelato recipes, or just love hearing about creative ways goats can support a homestead, this episode is packed with inspiration (and maybe a few cravings too!). You may also enjoy: Turning Goat Milk into Pet Food: Labeling and Licensing EssentialsFrom Lab Coat to Cheesecloth: Dr. Kandice Marchant’s Delicious Second ActPrairie Fruits Farm and CreameryThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-yoga/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description When people hear you have goats, one of the first questions they ask is, “Do you do goat yoga?” In this fun and fascinating episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with the person who started it all—Lainey Morse, founder of the original Goat Yoga in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Lainey shares how goat yoga began in 2016 during one of the most difficult times of her life—and how a simple idea for “Goat Happy Hour” transformed into a viral global phenomenon featured on CNN, People Magazine, The New York Times, and more. You’ll hear how she built her business from her farm to multiple licensed locations across the U.S., what makes goats perfect partners for yoga, and the practical realities—like insurance, zoning, and goat care—that many people overlook when they try to start goat yoga on their own. Whether you’ve thought about starting goat yoga yourself, or just want to understand why the world fell in love with it, this episode is full of heart, humor, and inspiration. You may also enjoy: Goat Business Ideas: How to Make Money With Your GoatsHow Beekman 1802 Used GOAT Wisdom to Build a Beloved BrandRent a Goat: Turning Goatscaping into a Thriving BusinessSuccess with Dairy Goats: Goat Milk StuffFarm Stays: The Key to a Diversified Farm Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-tears-in-goats/-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Daniela Luethy, Assistant Professor of Large Animal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss the realities of uterine tears in goats, risk factors, and what goat owners need to know as kidding season approaches. Dr. Luethy shares the results of a new multicenter study on reproductive complications in goats and clarifies common misunderstandings about prevention, symptoms, and management of uterine tears. If you raise goats, are anticipating kids, or want expert insight into kidding emergencies, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn: Resources: Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitalsPregnancy Toxemia in GoatsFacebookInstagramThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/the-science-of-goat-milk-and-skin-care/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description Goat milk has been used for centuries to soothe and nourish skin—but now science is catching up to explain why it works so well. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Brent Ridge, physician and co-founder of Beekman 1802, to explore the research behind goat milk’s unique skin benefits. From maintaining the skin’s pH to supporting a healthy microbiome, Dr. Ridge shares insights from more than a decade of clinical studies and product development. In this episode, you’ll learn: Whether you make your own goat milk soap or simply want to understand the science behind it, this episode offers fascinating insights into how nature’s original moisturizer works at a cellular level. Resources: Beekman 1802Goat WisdomBuy on AmazonBuy on BookshopThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-packing-and-public-lands/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Chris Gifford, president of the North American Packgoat Association (NAPgA), to talk about the growing challenges that pack goat owners face when it comes to accessing public lands. Chris explains what goat packing is, how it works, and why goats make excellent trail companions. He also shares the history of NAPgA and its advocacy efforts to keep public lands open to pack goat users in the face of increasing restrictions—most of which stem from unproven concerns about disease transmission between goats and wild bighorn sheep. If you’ve ever wanted to take your goats hiking or are curious about the barriers pack goat users face, this episode offers both inspiration and insight into an issue that affects animal lovers, hikers, and land use advocates alike. What You’ll Learn: not Resources Mentioned: North American Packgoat AssociationNAPgA Facebook PageMycoplasma In GoatsThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/packing-with-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description If you're considering adding pack goating to your goats’ resumes, this episode is packed with practical tips and essential insights. Deborah Niemann chats with Nathan Putnam, a board member of the North American Pack Goat Association and owner of Putnam Pack Goats. Together, they dive into the world of pack goats, from choosing the right goats to the gear you'll need for your trips. In this episode, you’ll learn: Whether you’re looking to start pack goating or just want to learn more about it, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration. Nathan shares his experience and knowledge, making it easier than ever to embark on your own pack goat adventure. Resources: North American Pack Goat Association (NAPgA)Putnam Pack Goats If you’ve ever thought about earning an income with goats, check out our list of goat business ideas to spark your own inspiration. Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to legally sell raw goat milk or farm-made pet treats, this episode is full of first-hand insight and practical tips. Deborah sits down with Carly Brown and Shawn Phillips of The Good Steward Farm in Virginia, where their herd of 28 goats helps power two small businesses: goat-powered landscaping and licensed raw milk pet products. Carly and Shawn walk us through the behind-the-scenes process of getting a pet feed license, working with state inspectors, completing nutritional testing, and creating professional packaging that customers trust—all while reducing waste and adding value to every part of the farm. In this episode, you’ll learn how Carly and Shawn: Whether you're exploring a goat-based business, interested in pet food production, or just love hearing what’s possible with a little grit and goat love, this episode is sure to inspire. Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

In this episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes Anne Petersen of Rosasharn Farm—one of the longest-standing Nigerian Dwarf breeders in the U.S.—to talk about her farm's long-running and highly successful volunteer program. What began as hosting a foreign exchange student over two decades ago has evolved into a dynamic educational experience that has inspired many former volunteers to start their own farms and even veterinary careers. Anne shares how her program organically developed through her involvement in 4-H, homeschooling, and local agricultural organizations. She emphasizes that the key to a successful volunteer program is education, not free labor, and dives into how she models tasks and responsibilities for volunteers of all ages. Whether you're thinking of starting a volunteer program or just love hearing about farm-based community building, you’ll find inspiration, insight, and practical advice in this thoughtful and experience-rich conversation. What You’ll Learn: withResources Mentioned: Rosasharn Farm Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-wisdom/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description What do you get when two city guys buy a goat farm during the Great Recession? A global skincare brand built on goat milk—and timeless wisdom. In this inspiring episode, Deborah talks with Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, the founders of Beekman 1802, about how they went from weekend farmers to building a multi-million-dollar business using lessons learned from goats, neighbors, and small-town living. 🧼 From making goat cheese and soap 📚 To releasing their new book G.O.A.T. Wisdom: How to Build a Truly Great Business with Harvard Business Review 💡 They share actionable insights for homesteaders, small business owners, and anyone dreaming of turning their passion into a meaningful business. You’ll hear about: youResources Mentioned: Buy on AmazonBuy on BookshopBuy on AmazonBuy on BookshopConnect with the Beekman Boys Beekman 1802 WebsiteJosh & Brent on InstagramBeekman 1802 Boys on Facebook Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/call-the-vet-now/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description Most goat owners have faced a moment of uncertainty—staring at a sick goat and wondering, “Should I call the vet?” In this solo episode, Deborah Niemann lays out the answer with clarity and urgency. While goats are often thought of as hardy animals, they are also prey animals that instinctively hide illness until they’re critically sick. This episode covers the top emergency symptoms that signal you need to stop Googling, skip the Facebook group, and call a veterinarian immediately. Drawing from decades of goat-keeping experience and real-life stories (including her own hard lessons), Deborah walks through what serious symptoms look like, what they might mean, and why waiting too long can cost your goat its life. She also explains when supportive care at home can help while you wait for the vet to arrive—and when it can’t. What you’ll learn: not eating or drinkingbloatscreaming, grinding teeth, or lying down and not standingruminalabomasalneurological distressurinary blockagepooping and peeing behaviorbloody or rusty urinefever (or low body temp)tetanusResources Mentioned: Goat BloatListeriosis in GoatsGoat PolioUrinary CalculiSkin Cancer in Goats: MelanomaTetanus in Goats🐐 🐐 🐐 To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com Want to support the content you love? Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Send us a text - we love hearing from you! Just a heads-up: this is a one-way inbox, so we can’t respond here! Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/loss-of-a-beloved-goat-or-pet/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! Description Losing a beloved animal—whether a goat, dog, cat, or any other companion—can be absolutely heartbreaking. In this episode of For the Love of Goats, I’m joined by Beth Bigler, a double-certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor, animal companion end-of-life doula, and trained pet chaplain. Beth is also the author of the upcoming book Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss (out June 3 from Quarto Books), and the creator of the popular Instagram account @honoringouranimals. Together, we discuss how grief over losing an animal is real, valid, and deserving of support. Beth shares insights from her years of working with grieving pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal care workers—and how we can start to heal after a loss. Whether you’re currently grieving or want to better support someone who is, this conversation is filled with compassion, honesty, and practical tools for navigating this tender experience. 🐐 🐐 🐐 See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/loss-of-a-beloved-goat-or-pet/ To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com Want to support the content you love? Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar Thanks for tuning in! No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy Happy goat-keeping! 🐐