You know you're a serious goat farmer... When you spend hours researching and planning an efficient pasture rotation area. In my years owning goats, I've learned that raising a healthy herd of goats can come naturally if you understand their behavior and instincts. Goats don't eat grass. At least they aren't happy with grass alone. One of the … [Read more...]
Homemade Udder Balm Recipe {with free printable label}
Breastfeeding mothers can relate. It hurts to have a milk supply. And goats are no different. That's why I created this udder balm to soothe and protect the skin of my goat's most precious feature -- their udders. After you get the "how to milk a goat" part down, it's time to make sure those teats and udder are healthy. An udder balm can … [Read more...]
The Best Brand of Essential Oils
Your story might be like mine. For those of you who don't know me, I've struggled with my health for years. I've had thyroid problems, back surgeries & debilitating dizziness & fatigue which has left me wondering if I'd ever be normal again. As a nursing student, I'd always thought there would be some magical drug that would cure … [Read more...]
How to Grow Strawberries ANYWHERE!
When you live in the desert... You have to get creative. Because I don't take no for an answer. No siree, I figure out a way to do it, and I do whatever it takes. I'm like Rocky, but with farming. I'll take anybody out, I will! But not really, 'cause it's just strawberries here. So let's all just calm down. The … [Read more...]
Assisting a Goat Birth Delivery {A Video Tutorial}
Can you believe... ... that it's taken us 7 years of goat-owning, over 20 assisted deliveries, and countless little baby goats running around for us to finally film a birth? Gee whiz willikers. But last Tuesday, on a sun-shiney morning while we were still in our PJs, we realized our Luna gal was about to give birth. And darn it, I was … [Read more...]
Natural Pesticides for the Garden
You'd be amazed at the lack of natural pesticides available. I've met so many master gardeners who insist that growing food without pesticides is impossible. As a new gardener years ago, I was discouraged to hear this same rhetoric from trusted gardener friends. I needed some natural pesticides, and I wasn't going to take 'no' for an … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life of a Homeschooler: Year 3
Here we are, ending our third year of homeschooling! It was harder than I thought to document our homeschooling doings for the day. But, because I'm a diligent gal, I kept the camera by my side all day to share with what a day of homeschooling/farming/blogging looks like! I realized a few days ago that I haven't spoke much of homeschooling … [Read more...]
Homemade Wool Tampons
You're not still using those "regular" organic cotton tampons, are you? Oh dear. You and me need to have a chat. Because, I'm sorry to tell you this, but... homemade wool tampons are now the most natural way to go. They're, like, totally what sets you apart from those "wanna be but aren't really" natural folks. Most people … [Read more...]
How to tell if your goat is pregnant
It seems like it should be simple, right? A pregnant goat would look... well, pregnant. The problem is, goats have naturally large stomachs, due to the activity in their rumen. So, figuring out if your goat just has a large stomach or is actually pregnant can be harder than you think. The difference between a bloated rumen and pregnancy: If … [Read more...]
Creating an HOA-approved Backyard Farm in the City
Backyard farming is truly one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. Sure, some plants will die and you'll make beginner mistakes like the best of us, but your life will become so much richer in the process. Gathering fresh eggs from your chickens and milk from your goats in the morning, along with some chives, kale, and blueberries … [Read more...]
Fruit Trees Galore! What we’ve planted this spring.
It's spring in Arizona, and you know what that means... Everything's rejuvenated, including my passion for growing stuff! I'm definitely not the expert, but I love trying new adventures, even if that means a pretty good chance of failure. Because, what's life with some good ol' failure mixed in, am I right? You fellow homesteaders get … [Read more...]
Supplements for Goats
The best thing about goats... ... is that they do amazingly well on a simple diet. Aside from hay and an occasional bit of grain, they are good to go! Well, except for a few supplements. You see, a goat's basic diet is their foundation. Click here if you want to learn the basics about what goats eat. I truly believe if you can get … [Read more...]
Goats & Minerals: What you need to know
Minerals are the backbone of a goat's diet. Really, they're the backbone of any diet, including yours. Assuming you've got a good foundation of quality food in your goat's diet, now it's time to understand how minerals work to make your goats thrive! When we first had goats we offered a (white) salt mineral block and a (red) trace … [Read more...]
How to Grow an Avocado Tree in the Desert!
Some people say I'm crazy... But those people must not understand the depth of my love for avocados. I mean, not only are there some amazing health benefits from eating avocados, the more avocados I can get in mah belly, the better. So, like any farmer chick, I researched how to grow an avocado tree. Because, guac! So, this girl … [Read more...]
Growing Blueberries in a Desert Climate
Hey, old people... I get it now. I get why you love gardening so much. On the surface, it seems like a boring pastime, full of failed crops and wasted time on food you could just buy at the store. OH, but it is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! I'm just glad that I'm starting young. Because man alive, does gardening feed my … [Read more...]
Goat Diseases: Signs, Symptoms, & Testing From Home
Goat diseases? Ew, gross! I know. I shudder just thinking about it. We've been really fortunate to have very few goat ailments here on the farm. Goats are actually really hardy animals and if given the right diet and environment, can live a long, healthy life. What we don't want is a sickly goat. That's why today I'm going to give ya'll a … [Read more...]
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