Episode 14 For the Love of Goats Do you want dairy goats but don't have a farm in the countryside? It is possible to have goats in many cities, but there are a few unique challenges. In today's episode, I'm talking to Glenna Rose of Vancouver, Washington about the Nigerian dwarf dairy goats that live in her backyard and provide her with milk that she … [Read more...]
Pet Goats in the City
Episode 13 For the Love of Goats If you live in the city and wonder if goats would make a good pet, then listen to this episode. I'm talking to Matt Roben who has two pet goats in the city of Chicago. We're talking about choosing does (female goats) or wethers (castrated males) dealing with noise and being a good neighbor legalities of … [Read more...]
Goats Giving Birth
Episode 12 For the Love of Goats Have you ever wished you could attend a few goat births with a mentor? That's the idea behind my newest book, Goats Giving Birth: What to Expect During Kidding Season. In today's episode I'm telling you a little about the book and reading the introduction, as well as the first birth story in the first chapter. The book … [Read more...]
Thinking of getting goats?
Episode 11 For the Love of Goats I have recently heard that a lot of people are panic buying livestock right now. If you are one of those who are thinking of getting goats, this is the episode for you. I'm busting myths and telling you about things you need to think about before buying your first goats. And yes, that's goats with an s at the end. Goats are herd … [Read more...]
All About Electric Fencing
Episode 10 For the Love of Goats If you own goats, you only get one chance to get fencing right. One of the first things I learned about goats was that they were too smart for me to use a sub-standard fencing option. When we brought home our first goats, we thought that the existing single-wire electric fencing that had been installed for the former horse farm would … [Read more...]
Equipment and Housing for Goats
Episode 9 For the Love of Goats This episode includes a basic equipment list for goats, as well as what goats need for housing. You'll learn what you need -- and what you don't. We'll answer these questions: Why do you need a hay feeder? Why do you need a mineral feeder for loose minerals rather than just getting a mineral block? Why is a water bucket better … [Read more...]
Raising Meat Goats on Pasture
Episode 8 For the Love of Goats If you've heard that meat goats need to be finished on grain, you'll want to hear this interview with Jennifer Miller, a small animal veterinarian who raises meat goats with her husband on their small farm in central Illinois. Although Jennifer doesn't work with goats as a veterinary professional, you'll see that she has … [Read more...]
Kinder Goats
Episode 7 For the Love of Goats If you are still trying to decide which breed of goat to raise, or if you're looking to add another breed to your farm, you might consider kinder goats. They were originally a cross between a pygmy and a Nubian, but today they are their own breed with their own breeder's association. In this episode, I'm talking to Sue Beck, president … [Read more...]
Natural Parasite Control with Lespedeza
Episode 6 For the Love of Goats Worms in goats are a common problem, and resistance to chemical dewormers is growing. Would you like to have an all-natural feed for your goats that was scientifically proven to kill intestinal worms, coccidia, and even housefly larvae in the goat manure? What if that food was also non-bloating and reduced the somatic cell count … [Read more...]
Angora Goats with Chris McLaughlin
Episode 5 For the Love of Goats Angora goats are not just cute. They also produce mohair, which is an exquisite fiber used in clothing, tapestries, and rugs. In this episode, Chris McLaughlin of Laughing Crow & Co Flower and Fiber Farm talks about her angora goats. Since she also raises Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, she explains how the angoras have different needs … [Read more...]