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’s (podcast)
• Abscesses and CL in Goats (article)
• Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) in Goats (article)
• Johne’s Disease in Goats (podcast)

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/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 Episode
• Do Goats Need Grain During Pregnancy? (article)

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:

• Episode 161 - Turning Goat Milk into Pet Food: Labeling and Licensing Essentials 
• Episode 156 - From Lab Coat to Cheesecloth: Dr. Kandice Marchant’s Delicious Second Act
• Episode 33 - Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery

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-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:

• Ep #85 Goat Business Ideas: How to Make Money With Your Goats
• Ep #159 How Beekman 1802 Used GOAT Wisdom to Build a Beloved Brand 
• Ep #142 Rent a Goat: Turning Goatscaping into a Thriving Business
• Ep #127 Success with Dairy Goats: Goat Milk Stuff
• Ep #132 Farm 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:

• Why uterine tears happen in goats and why they’re often misunderstood
• The challenges of researching goat reproductive disorders
• Study findings: prevalence, risk factors, and survival rates for uterine tears
• Why small breed goats are at greater risk—especially with on-farm intervention
• The warning signs of uterine tears and how they differ from vaginal tears
• When to call a vet and how to reduce the risks during kidding
• What goat owners can do to help prevent serious complications
• Why veterinary involvement can save lives
• What’s still unknown about rebreeding goats that survived a uterine tear
• Areas where more research is needed on goat reproductive health

Resources:

• Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals
• Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats (podcast)
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - Facebook
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - Instagram

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/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:

• Why goat milk’s pH is so important for protecting sensitive skin.
• How gentle cleansing with goat milk helps preserve the skin’s barrier.
• The role of oligosaccharides in nourishing beneficial bacteria on the skin.
• What the skin microbiome is—and why balance matters more than “good” or “bad” bacteria.
• How lactic acid in goat milk provides gentle daily exfoliation without irritation.
• The discovery of goat milk exosomes and their potential in advanced skin care.
• The science behind peptides in goat milk and how smaller fragments may deliver targeted benefits.
• Why Beekman 1802 lists “kindness” as an ingredient in every product—and how it’s linked to overall wellness and longevity.

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 1802
• Goat Wisdom by Brent Ridge & Josh Kilmer-Purcell
  • Buy on Amazon
  • Buy on Bookshop

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! 🐐