Mud and Livestock Don’t Mix Whether it’s early spring, late winter, or any other rainy time of the year, it’s mud season on farms. And things get particularly muddy when you have livestock like cows wandering over dirt, hay, and manure after heavy rain. In fact, the single … [Read more...]
The Pros and Cons of Raising Pigs
Adding pigs to the homestead can be a big step. There are many things to plan for when upgrading your livestock from small animals. And as with any kind of livestock, there are mistakes that you will make and learn from along the way. Pigs are a great way to raise your own … [Read more...]
How $30 Can Feed Your Goats All Winter
Got goats? If so, then you need to figure out how to keep them fed throughout the winter when plants aren't growing as much. According to Arms Family Homestead, the best way to feed and sustain goats all winter long is by planting a wheat and rye pasture mix. You should plant it … [Read more...]
How to Keep Your Livestock Nice and Warm This Winter
While some homesteads experience mild to warmer temperatures year-round, there are those of us who have a wide swing of temperatures during the year. Homesteaders in the Northern regions of the country have unique climates that can significantly differ. Hot and humid summers keep … [Read more...]
Best Homestead Animals (Pros & Cons of Each)
Are you thinking about raising animals on your homestead? The idea is an exciting one and can be a great next step in becoming more self-sufficient. It can also be a daunting task, especially if you are new to animal husbandry. Which animal should you start with? How do you … [Read more...]
Raising Goats 101: Here’s How To Get Started
As a homesteader, you are always looking for what works best on your land and anything that might add to your lifestyle or augment your goals. Goats are often an overlooked option, but they will add value to many farmsteads. There are many reasons you may want to consider … [Read more...]
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Pigs
Pigs are a great animal for homesteaders for many reasons, the most important of which is that they literally turn vegetables into bacon! For the amount of money you spend on feed, you'll get a huge return on your investment in the form of bacon, ham, pork chops, and more. Of … [Read more...]
15 Best Goat Breeds for Homesteaders
Keeping goats on the homestead can provide the family with both a steady supply of milk and protein-rich meat. Goats are exceptional foragers, or “browsers,” and will gladly take over your brush clearing and mowing chores. Choosing the right breed of goats to keep on your … [Read more...]
20 Pet & Livestock First Aid Supplies to Stockpile
Homestead pets and livestock can become ill or injured at the most inconvenient times. Even before an SHTF scenario, you might not be able to get a vet to come save an animal in time. Learning how to handle minor or even life-threatening livestock emergencies could save not only … [Read more...]
DIY Automatic Pig Waterer
Pigs have a reputation for being messy for a good reason: they are very messy! If you put down a bowl or trough of water, it is going to get dirty fast and you are going to have to freshen it all the time. Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Consider Sheep for Your Homestead
If you have a small homestead or are fairly new to homesteading, sheep are an excellent livestock option. They don't require a lot of space and are fairly easy to handle. That's just a couple reasons why you should consider getting them for your homestead. Want to save this … [Read more...]
12 Best Rabbit Breeds for Raising Meat
It's been said many times that meat rabbits and goats are a poor prepper’s cows, but I don’t think that mantra is quite right. Don’t get me wrong, cows are great — although they intimidate me a bit, which is insane because I love horses — but not everyone has the space, … [Read more...]
10 Best Goat Breeds for Off Grid Living
The best goats for off-grid living are not only great weed eaters but also hardy enough to survive on low-quality brush and rugged terrain while still producing quality meat and ample milk. Before you whip out your wallet and start buying goats to cultivate a herd, you must … [Read more...]
The Best Livestock Fencing For Your Little Farm
If you can't afford to build a perimeter fence around your property, start with your animal pen. There are many types of animal pens, but what's really important is that it's easy to build and sturdy enough to last a long time. So what does Becky from Becky's Homestead … [Read more...]
Protect Your Livestock from Deadly Diseases – Part 2: Mammals
This week we continue our two-part series on protecting livestock from deadly diseases. (Click here to read part one.) Keeping livestock healthy in order to provide meat and dairy for the family table is a top priority for all homesteaders. There won't always be time to wait … [Read more...]
5 Myths About Goats
There are many, many benefits of raising goats. The most obvious benefits are that they produce milk and meat, which is delicious. But you can also use the milk to make soap, you can use their dung as fuel, they'll eat all your food scraps, they'll eat all your weeds, they … [Read more...]
6 Things You Need to Get Started with Sheep
There are many great reasons to raise sheep on your homestead. For starters, sheep wool is wonderful. It's nice and warm and very valuable. Sheep milk is super nutritious with far more calcium and vitamins than cow milk. And if you decide to breed your sheep, you can make a lot … [Read more...]
