Got a question? 🤔 

Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/homestead-decluttering/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Show Notes

Clutter can build up quickly on a homestead. Tools, livestock supplies, equipment, canning jars, soap-making ingredients, and all those things we might need “someday” can slowly take over barns, workspaces, and even our homes. But when does being prepared cross the line into simply having too much stuff?

In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Melanie Cohen, founder of Thoughtfully Coaching and host of the Lighten Up: The Art of Living Clutter-Free podcast, along with several Goats 365 members. They discuss why decluttering should come before organizing, how to deal with “just in case” clutter, and how emotional attachment, cost, and fear of needing something later can make it difficult to let things go.

They also talk about the difference between clutter and preparedness, how clutter can affect productivity and stress, and why maintaining a decluttered space requires ongoing effort. 

Melanie shares practical ideas such as looking at what you have actually used in the past, borrowing rarely used equipment, setting aside short periods of time to declutter, and asking whether an item still serves you in your current season of life. The goal isn’t minimalism—it’s creating enough space to do the things you truly want and need to do.

Featured Guest

Melanie Cohen is the founder of Thoughtfully Coaching and host of the Lighten Up: The Art of Living Clutter-Free podcast. She helps people understand how clutter can affect productivity, stress, daily routines, and overall well-being, while creating practical habits for letting go of what no longer serves them. 

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/fecal-egg-count/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Show Notes

If you've ever been told that a high fecal egg count means you should automatically deworm a goat, this episode is for you.

A fecal egg count is one of the most valuable tools we have for monitoring internal parasites—but it's only one piece of the puzzle. It tells you how many parasite eggs a goat is shedding, not whether that goat is actually sick or needs treatment.

In this Goat Note, Deborah explains why two goats with the same fecal egg count can have very different parasite burdens and very different treatment needs. You'll also learn why a goat with a relatively low egg count may still require immediate attention.

This episode builds on the previous Goat Note about the difference between parasite resistance, parasite resilience, and dewormer resistance. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, it's a great place to start because it lays the foundation for understanding why fecal egg counts don't tell the whole story.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. What a fecal egg count actually measures—and what it doesn't
2. Why parasite egg counts don't always reflect how sick a goat is
3. How parasite resilience affects treatment decisions
4. Why a low fecal egg count doesn't always mean a goat is healthy
5. What other factors should be considered before deciding to deworm a goat
6. Why "It depends" is often the most accurate answer when someone asks whether a goat needs treatment

Goat Note Takeaway

Treat the goat—not the fecal egg count.

A fecal egg count is an important management tool, but it should never be used by itself to decide whether a goat needs to be dewormed. Always consider the whole animal, including FAMACHA score, body condition, age, production stage, appetite, and other clinical signs before making treatment decisions.

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/kickstarter-for-farm-projects/-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Show Notes

Kickstarter can be a useful option for farmers who have a creative project in mind but want to test demand before making a large investment. Instead of taking out a loan for equipment, products, or a new farm experience, a campaign can help show whether enough people are interested to make the idea worth pursuing.

In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, about how the platform works and how it can be used for farm-related projects. They discuss why Kickstarter is designed for specific, creative projects rather than general business expenses, and why having an existing audience is one of the strongest predictors of a campaign’s success.

Deborah also shares what she learned from using Kickstarter to fund a glamping tent for her farm. She explains how the campaign helped her confirm that people were interested in staying on the farm before she purchased the tent. Oriana discusses how to choose a realistic funding goal, create appealing rewards, build trust with potential backers, and avoid common mistakes such as setting a goal that does not match the size of your audience.

They also talk about the difference between Kickstarter and GoFundMe, whether a campaign needs a video, how far in advance creators should begin preparing, and what to do if a project does not reach its goal. Oriana shares practical advice for first-time creators, including backing other campaigns, creating a detailed budget, involving your audience early, and beginning promotion long before the campaign launches.

Featured Guest 

Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter. She works with creators to help them understand crowdfunding, plan successful campaigns, and bring creative projects to life. Although her primary focus is publishing, she shares strategies that can also be applied to farm products, agritourism experiences, events, and other creative agricultural projects.

Resources & Links

• Kickstarter
• Kickstarter Creator Resources
• Check out our Goats 365 membership

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/parasite-resistance-resilience-and-dewormer-resistance/-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Show Notes

Have you ever heard someone talk about parasite resistance in goats, only to have someone else start talking about dewormer resistance? Although they sound similar, they're describing completely different things.

In this first official Goat Note, Deborah explains three concepts that every goat owner should understand:

1. Parasite resistance – A goat's ability to limit the number of parasites living inside its body.
2. Parasite resilience – A goat's ability to stay healthy and productive despite carrying a parasite burden.
3. Dewormer resistance – The worms' ability to survive treatment with a deworming medication.

Understanding the difference isn't just about using the right terminology. These concepts affect breeding decisions, parasite management, and how we preserve the effectiveness of the dewormers we still have available.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why parasite resistance and resilience are not the same thing
2. How parasite-resistant goats help reduce pasture contamination
3. Why resilient goats can still shed large numbers of parasite eggs
4. Why dewormer resistance is a problem with the parasites—not the goats
5. How confusing these terms can lead to poor management decisions

Goat Note Takeaway

Parasite resistance and parasite resilience are traits of the goat. Dewormer resistance is a trait of the worms.

Once you understand that distinction, many of the recommendations you hear about breeding, parasite control, and selective deworming become much easier to understand.

If you enjoyed this Goat Note, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future short episodes where Deborah breaks down one goat question, one common misconception, or one research-based concept in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Resources

1. Learn more about parasite management at Goat Worms: A Complete Guide to Winning the War in Your Pasture
2. Explore the Parasites in Goats course at Goats365.com.
3. link to previous parasite episodes …
   • Episode 113 - Pasture Management for Parasite Control
   • Episode 95 - 5-Point Check for Parasites
   • Episode 6 - Natural Parasite Control with Lespedeza
   • Episode 153 - Dewormer Resistance: A Goat Owner’s Experience
   • Episode 68 - New Goat Dewormer Guidelines
   • Episode 24 - Using Dewormers Correctly
   • Episode 114 - Goat Worms: Myths and Misunderstandings 

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/email-marketing-for-farm-businesses/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Show Notes

Email marketing has always been a valuable way for farm businesses to connect with customers, but the rise of AI is changing what stands out in the inbox. As more businesses rely on AI-generated content, authentic emails that sound personal and human can be even more effective.

In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes back email marketing expert Liz Wilcox to talk about what has changed since her first appearance four years ago. They discuss why email remains more dependable than social media, how often farm businesses should contact subscribers, and why sharing real stories, personal updates, and original farm photos can help build stronger connections.

Liz also shares practical ideas for growing an email list, especially for local businesses selling goat cheese, goat milk soap, goat-related experiences, or other farm products and services. She explains how farmers markets, local events, and collaborations with other small businesses can help attract subscribers, and why even a list of 20, 50, or 100 people is worth using.

They also discuss what to write in a weekly email, how to restart a list after months of silence, and why every business should have a welcome email. Liz explains how AI can be useful for brainstorming and ideas, but emphasizes the importance of editing carefully so the final message still sounds like you.

Resources & Links

• Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership
• Email: The GOAT for Marketing Your Goat Business (previous podcast episode)
• Check out our Goats 365 membership

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-tour-portugal/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Description

If you've ever dreamed of combining your love of goats with a European adventure, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Janelle Holden, author of the From Montana to Portugal Substack newsletter, to talk about an exciting upcoming goat and sheep tour through Portugal. Together, they share how the idea came about, what participants can expect, and why Portugal offers such a unique opportunity to learn about small-ruminant agriculture while experiencing the country's incredible culture, food, and scenery.

The tour will take travelers through Portugal’s mountainous Serra da Estrela region and the agricultural heartland of Alentejo, where they’ll visit goat and sheep farms, learn about traditional cheese making, tour a renowned wool factory, and discover heritage breeds that have been raised in Portugal for centuries. Along the way, they’ll also experience local wineries, cork forests, castles, and some of the country’s most celebrated cuisine.

Deborah and Janelle discuss the value of visiting farms in different parts of the world, seeing a variety of production systems firsthand, and learning from producers who have adapted to unique climates, landscapes, and traditions. They also talk about Portugal’s distinctive cheese-making practices, including the use of thistle rennet, as well as the important role goats and sheep continue to play in preserving local culture and agriculture.

Whether you're interested in goats, sheep, fiber arts, artisan cheese, wine, agritourism, or simply exploring a beautiful country with like-minded people, this episode offers a preview of an unforgettable experience.

Featured Guest

Janelle Holden – Author of the From Montana to Portugal Substack newsletter, agricultural entrepreneur, and Portugal resident who specializes in helping visitors discover the country's culture, food, and agricultural traditions.

Trip Information & Registration

• Goat Tour to Portugal: October 25–November 1, 2026
• Tour Registration & Deposit
  • https://thriftyhomesteader.thrivecart.com/portugal-trip/ 

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/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! 🐐 

Got a question? 🤔 

Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/skin-cancer-treatment-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 

Description

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! 🐐