Get Goat Wise | Homestead Livestock, Raising Goats, Chickens, Off-grid living

Breeding season success doesn't start when the buck goes in—it starts weeks earlier with intentional management decisions around feed, body condition, mineral, and water. In this episode, I'm walking through how we prepare our goat herd for breeding season on our ranch, and why flushing is less about grain and more about timing and rising energy intake. I explain how our does typically come off pasture somewhat thin due to declining forage quality and demands of lactation, how we use a gradual hay-based recovery phase after weaning, and why we don't rush into flushing too early. You'll hear how we intentionally set the stage so that a modest energy increase 2–3 weeks before breeding actually produces a favorable reproductive response. We also dig into forage-based flushing using high-quality hay, why mineral intake is often the hidden limiting factor in breeding success, and how winter water access quietly controls feed intake, mineral consumption, and overall herd health. If breeding hasn't gone the way you expected in the past, this episode will help you evaluate the foundational pieces before blaming genetics or the buck. In This Episode, I Cover: What flushing really is—and why it's primarily an energy strategy, not a grain strategy Why flushing needs to start 2–3 weeks before breeding, not the day the buck shows up How our does come off pasture thin from limited forage and lactation—and why that matters Our post-weaning feeding strategy to gradually rebuild body condition without overdoing it Why flushing works best when does are moderate condition or slightly thin, not fat How forage-based flushing works with high-quality hay like sainfoin Why intake—not just feed quality—determines whether flushing is effective The critical role of mineral intake in estrus expression, conception, and early pregnancy Why bucks are often overlooked in mineral programs—and how we handle that The trace minerals most closely tied to reproductive success How winter water access limits feed and mineral intake Why water is often the most overlooked nutrient in breeding prep Signs that water intake may be holding your herd back reproductively How consistency—not perfection—sets the stage for a successful breeding season Key Takeaways: Breeding success starts weeks before breeding with intentional preparation Flushing works because of rising energy intake, not because of grain Gradual post-lactation recovery sets the stage for an effective flushing response High-quality forage can support flushing when intake truly increases Mineral intake—not just availability—can make or break reproductive success Bucks need mineral too, even when feeders don't cooperate Without adequate winter water, goats won't eat enough feed or mineral Water is often the limiting nutrient in cold-weather breeding preparation Consistency and timing matter more than aggressive feeding Related Episodes: 14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition 17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy 09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid 24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option? 26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready to Have Their First Kids All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

Regenerative agriculture can feel like a buzzword, a badge, or a list of practices you're supposed to follow. But in real life, and especially in a challenging climate, regeneration is a process of learning, comparing ideas against your own environment, testing small changes, observing what your land and animals are telling you, and adjusting as you go. In this episode, I'm sharing the decision-making loop we use on our ranch with both goats and cattle, and why I see multi-species grazing as a long-term benefit—even though it adds complexity in the beginning. I also walk through our big-picture goal of reducing supplemental hay by extending the grazing season, and the real constraints we have to work within, like limited moisture, fragile pasture, frozen ground, predators, and wildlife pressure. You'll hear how we're approaching water infiltration and soil building in a dry climate, why we're testing straw bales to slow runoff first, and what we've already observed from years of intensive rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and summer bale grazing. I also explain why certain popular practices don't translate well to goat management in our conditions—and how we adapt without abandoning the principles. In This Episode, I Cover: Why regenerative agriculture is a process, not a destination The decision-making loop: Learn → Compare Context → Clarify Goals → Test → Observe → Adjust → Repeat How to learn from other producers without copy-pasting their practices Shifting from “this won't work in my climate” to “how do these principles apply here?” Why nature is the best teacher and how to use observation as your guide Our big-picture goal: reducing hay by extending spring and fall grazing The resource bottleneck in dry country: water infiltration and water-holding capacity Why soil cover and organic matter are critical in moisture-limited environments Using straw bales to slow runoff as a low-risk way to test water flow paths What we've observed after 5 years of intensive rotational grazing The forage improvements we've seen from chicken tractors and summer bale grazing Why winter bale grazing is risky/not feasible for us right now (electric netting in frozen ground, elk pressure) A winter feeding strategy that works within predator pressure and management reality A soil-building feeding approach we're preparing to test (and why snow cover matters) Why we're not buying a no-till drill right now—and what we want in place first Why starting with annuals can make sense before investing in expensive perennial seed Key Takeaways: Regenerative practices aren't universal—principles transfer, but application must fit your climate and animals. Nature is the best teacher: observation turns theory into real management decisions. Start with clear goals and real constraints, then break big objectives into small, testable steps. Moisture-limited land requires prioritizing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and soil cover. Testing small and reversible ideas (like straw bales) can prevent expensive mistakes. Multi-species grazing is a long-term benefit, but it adds complexity—especially in the beginning. “Not yet” is a valid answer on tools and investments; timing matters. Progress comes from repeated cycles of learning, testing, observing, and adjusting—not from perfection. Mentions: Gabe Brown — Dirt to Soil Related Episodes: 84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris 78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock 53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them 21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset All the Best, Millie   Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Coccidiosis is one of the most common kid-health problems goat owners face, and it's one of the most misunderstood. Some herds battle it every year. Others hardly see it. In this episode, I'm breaking down what coccidia actually is, how it functions inside the gut, which strains are the most dangerous, and why stress and environment play such a big role in outbreaks. I'm also sharing the major shifts we made in genetics, kidding season, and management that completely changed our coccidia situation. After years of losing show goats to coccidiosis, we haven't had a single case in our main herd in three years—and I'll walk you through exactly why. And I'll touch on some natural, tannin-based supplements that some producers use to support gut health in herds that battle chronic coccidiosis pressure. We're incorporating one into our mineral mix right now, mainly for our show-goat breeders, and I'll share updates as we see results. Finally, if you think a kid might be dealing with coccidiosis, I explain why getting your vet involved quickly makes all the difference. In This Episode, I Cover: What coccidia is and how it functions in the intestinal lining How infection spreads and why kids are most vulnerable The strains of coccidia that cause the most damage The genetic component: why some goats struggle more than others How stress, moisture, overcrowding, and management influence outbreaks Our real-world experience with coccidiosis in show goats How shifting genetics and kidding season broke our coccidia cycle Why chickens donot give goats coccidia Natural tannin-based supplements some producers use for gut support When it's time to call your vet and why timing matters Key Takeaways: Coccidia are microscopic protozoa that damage the gut by destroying intestinal cells. The most pathogenic strains includeEimeria ninakohlyakimovae, arloingi, and  Stress + moisture + high oocyst load = ideal conditions for coccidiosis. Genetics and kidding-season timing have a huge impact on resilience. Chickens cannot give goats coccidia—the strains are species specific. Tannin-based supplements may support gut health in high-pressure herds. Bottle kids remain more vulnerable due to stress and barn exposure. Good management prevents most cases—but if you suspect coccidiosis, contacting your vet early is critical. Mentions: 86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What's Safe, What's Not, and How to Do It Right Related Episodes: 82 | Internal Parasites in Goats: Monitoring, Prevention, and Treatment for Barber Pole and Other Worms 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep 08 | When Animals Aren't Working Out on the Homestead/ How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

This week on the ranch, we've got our young hens working half the barn, scratching through the bedding and cleaning up after the goats. They're doing what chickens do best—turning packed areas into loose, manageable bedding. Watching them work reminded me how often I get asked whether goats and chickens can safely live together, so that's what we're diving into today. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real benefits of keeping goats and chickens together, the legitimate risks you need to manage, and the simple guidelines that make mixed housing safe. I'm also sharing what the newest research says about coccidia—specifically whether chickens can give it to goats—and how to decide if this setup is right for your farm or homestead. At the end of the episode, I'll give you a quick preview of next week's topic where we're going deep into coccidia: what it is, how it works, why some strains are more dangerous, and the management shifts that helped us break the cycle of coccidiosis in our own herd. In This Episode, I Cover: Why goats and chickens can safely share space How chickens help disrupt goat parasite cycles The barn-cleanup advantage of having chickens around goats The #1 rule of mixed housing: keep goats out of chicken feed What modern research really says about coccidia and species-specific strains When mixed housing becomes risky How to set up a safe, low-stress environment for both species When you should NOT mix species—especially if anyone is sick Key Takeaways: Chickens do not give goats coccidiosis. The strains are species specific. Goats getting into chicken feed is the biggest danger—and it's completely preventable. Dry bedding, enough space, and clean feeding areas make mixed housing much safer. Some diseases can move between species, so never mix sick animals. With the right setup, mixed species can simplify chores and support parasite management. Related Episodes: 06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals 20 | Lessons from Raising Livestock: 5 Problems That Can Be Avoided or Solved with a Good Mentor 21 | Seeking Sustainability?  How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset 31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts then grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

In today's episode, we talk about the mindset that actually makes farming, homesteading and livestock work sustainable. Not ease, not perfection — but gratitude, grit, and learning to find the good even when the hard days hit. I'm sharing two real-life stories from our ranch that shaped how I approach challenges, and practical ways you can apply this mindset on your own homestead. What You'll Learn Why gratitude is a daily management tool, not a once-a-year feeling How accepting “hard” as normal keeps you steady with livestock The value in finding the good inside messy or frustrating situations What a difficult kidding season taught me about leadership and problem-solving How a major off-grid setback revealed long-term clarity we wouldn't have gained otherwise Practical ways to build a resilient, realistic homesteading mindset Key Takeaways Gratitude keeps you grounded, especially when things go sideways Hard days aren't a sign you're failing — they're part of learning and building competence Finding the good in a situation helps you move forward instead of getting stuck Livestock and off-grid life will test you; mindset determines whether you burn out or grow Long-term sustainability depends more on steadiness than skill Related Episodes 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully 15 | The Most Important Lesson We Learned Going Off-Grid, and How You Can Do the Same Thing to Simplify Your Off-Grid Plan 30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts then grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about the transition from conventional agriculture and livestock production to a regenerative or restorative system.  I spent two days in the truck, listening to Will Harris' book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn, and it gave me some great insights into the decades-long journey of White Oak Pastures, as well as a look into the future of our ranch.  If you're considering a production system that is closer to nature's design or if you're in the messy middle like we are, this episode will help you see the possibilities, problems, and the beautiful potential.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat   21 | Seeking Sustainability?  How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset   08 | When Animals Aren't Working Out on the Homestead: How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell   Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, then grab your FREE Kidding Due Date Chart here: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart   Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/   Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about goat fence, specifically, a night trap which is one part of a big fence project we're working on.  A night trap is a pen that is used to keep goats in at night and when they can't be out grazing during the winter.  It's designed to easily contain the goats as well as protect them from outside predators.  We've built a few of these over the years, and I'm going to give you the overview of how to do it with very little tools like we did in the beginning to now, using some helpful equipment, but not required.  Having a secure place to contain your goats will ease your mind and make raising goats so much easier.   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   55 | Fencing for Goats: Two Things You Must Have to Keep Your Goats Contained and Safe   56 | True or False? Goats are Escape Artists (Hint/ The Answer Is in Your Management Strategy)   13 | Using Electric Fence with Goats? What You Need to Know to Keep Your Goats Contained and Alive with Electric Netting     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/   Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about internal parasites, or worms, different species, the problems they cause, and how you can help your goats resist parasites, how to monitor your herd, and how to treat them when you need to.  Internal parasites are one of the biggest problems that goat owners face, and being armed with some strategies to monitor, support, and treat your goats is the best defense against these little invaders.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   https://kinderground.org   https://lakelandfarmandranch.com/usa/     Related Episodes:   08 | When Animals Aren't Working Out on the Homestead: How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell   17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral?  How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy   22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1   23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/   Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about breed registries, making decisions based on performance data, livestock industry problems created by breeding for maximum production, hybrid vigor, and what you need to know before you decide if you should raise registered or unregistered goats.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1   23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2   27 | Which Goats Should I Keep to Breed? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season   76 | How to Choose Future Breeding Bucks for Your Goat Herd     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about weaning goat kids, different methods for weaning, timing to prevent unintentional breeding by buck kids, if you should wean wether and doe kids at all, and how to decide what weaning strategy will work best for your goat herd and management system.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   46 | Early Banding vs Late Banding in Buck Kids: Will Your Goats Be Healthy if You Band Them Early?   Related Episodes:   14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition   20 | Lessons from Raising Livestock: 5 Problems That Can Be Avoided or Solved with a Good Mentor   26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready Have Their First Kids     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about youth livestock programs, gaining wisdom by learning from experience, and the importance of teaching kids about livestock and where their food comes from.  Whether kids are involved in a formal program or have their own projects on the homestead, farm, in the back yard, or even a rented space at a nearby farm, raising livestock can be a life-changing experience for kids.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   12 | Raising Kids and Livestock? Teach Life Lessons, Build Character, and Strengthen Your Relationships While Raising Animals   18 | Interview with Sage Bradshaw on Life with Livestock and 4-H Projects PART 1   19 | Interview with Sage Bradshaw on Life with Livestock and 4-H Projects PART 2   70 | How Livestock, Chores, and Good Mentors Create Resilient, Confident Kids Who Are Prepared for the Challenges Life Brings   75 | How Livestock Shaped My Life and Why I'm Here to Help You   Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about winter grazing and the different ways you can feed your livestock in a sustainable, regenerative way while meeting their needs and promoting nutrient cycling and land improvement.  We'll define terms like swath grazing, bale grazing, cover crop and residue grazing and discuss how each of them could benefit your management system.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money   35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation:  Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste   42 | Surviving Extreme Cold with Livestock When Your Animals Aren't Adapted to Freezing Temperatures   Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about preparing for winter on the ranch and homestead, and what we do to make sure the animals and people are taken care of through the cold winter months.  We'll talk about livestock feed and water, general fall clean up that makes winter work easier, and a quick overview of what we prepare for our family that supports us through the winter as well as the rest of the year.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money   31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter   36 | What We Miss the Most While Building Our Off-Grid Life   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about selecting replacement bucks, the criteria we use to qualify bucks as breeding stock, and we'll walk through the sorting process and how we handled it this year.  I'll also be sharing some interesting things we observed while sorting and how it's going to affect future decisions and data collection.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   46 | Early Banding vs Late Banding in Buck Kids: Will Your Goats Be Healthy if You Band Them Early?     Related Episodes:   24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option?   38 | Buck Management That Will Keep You, Your Goats, and Your Neighbors Happy   62 | The Buck Effect: What Is It, What Causes It, and How It Affects Goat Herd Management     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today's episode is a little different.  I've been deep in thought as I'm sure many of you have been also, reflecting on all that has happened recently.  I want to share some of what I've been thinking about, particularly as it relates to why I care so much about raising livestock, healthy food, and self-sufficiency, as well as what's coming up for our ranch, the meat business, and this podcast.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   01 | The Story Behind "Get Goat Wise" and How I Went from Ranch Kid to Homesteader   25 | Concerned About the Food Supply?  Simple Ways to Ensure That Your Family Will Be Fed in the Event of a Food Availability Crisis   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  It's time for a chicken episode! Today we're talking about what to do with all those roosters you ended up with after buying straight run chicks this year – because that was all you could find, right?  We'll talk about options to deal with this year's roosters as well as long-term strategies for your flock, including rooster management and setting goals for meat and egg production.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   41 | What Type of Meat Bird Should I Raise? Cornish Cross, Hybrid and Dual-Purpose Explained   Related Episodes:   06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals   31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/    

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about handling stress before butcher, and how it can affect meat quality.  We'll talk about the meat science behind stress and I'll give you practical tips you can use to make sure you and your animals are prepared for hauling on butcher day.  You're already putting in the work to raise your own meat, and with a few management practices you can make sure that meat will be the highest quality possible.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Related Episodes:   25 | Concerned About the Food Supply?  Simple Ways to Ensure That Your Family Will Be Fed in the Event of a Food Availability Crisis   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm   54 | Butchering Meat Goats: How Much Meat Do I Get from a Goat Compared to Other Livestock Species?   57 | The Ideal Weight and Age for Butchering Meat Goats to Get Premium Quality Meat     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today I'm going over the numbers from our 2025 kidding season!  We'll talk about our challenges, victories, and the things we learned this year and I'll be sharing the actual production numbers from our herd.  We'll comb through the data, pull out the important stuff, and talk about what worked great and what we'll change for next year.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed?  How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready Have Their First Kids   16 | The Results Are In! Our 2024 Kidding Season Numbers for the Meat Goat Herd, and What You Should Be Keeping Track of in Your Herd     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today I've got an update from County Fair, and then we're talking about a management decision we're making to sell some of the goat herd.  We'll talk about the factors influencing the decision, which goats we're selling and why, and how it will help us improve our herd long term.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  It's almost time for County Fair here, and with that comes a lot of reflecting about the kids and their growth doing livestock projects.  Today we're talking about the power of animals and livestock in the lives of our kids, and how responsibility, work ethic, and good mentors can launch kids into a new level of self-confidence doing hard things even when they don't want to or think they can't.  Whether you are interested in 4-H, FFA or giving your kids the responsibility of raising livestock outside of a formal program, this episode gives insight into some unexpected benefits when kids grow up raising animals.   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   12 | Raising Kids and Livestock? Teach Life Lessons, Build Character, and Strengthen Your Relationships While Raising Animals     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about another way to make money with goats – grazing for hire.  We'll talk about the infrastructure you need and different ways you can use the goat herd you already have to bring in some extra income while grazing your goats for other people to help clear out overgrown forage or mitigate fire risk.  I'll talk about our experience grazing for hire, what was challenging, what we loved, and what I think the future holds for this income option.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   13 | Using Electric Fence with Goats? What You Need to Know to Keep Your Goats Contained and Alive with Electric Netting     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Last week we talked about all the reasons to start with terminal livestock if you're a beginner or just getting started raising farm animals.  Today I'm going to dive into that a little deeper and talk about why you should start with smaller livestock like sheep and goats instead of cattle.  We're going to talk about meat and dairy and risk management, especially through those beginner phases where lots of mistakes and learning happen.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   67 | Why Beginners Should Start with Terminal Livestock First   06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about all the reasons to start with terminal livestock if you're a beginner or just getting started raising farm animals.  I'll explain the advantages to starting with meat animals rather than breeding stock, and how those animals will be your best teacher and set you up for success with your future breeding herds.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about what's happening in the beef market, and what that means for future meat prices.  I'm sharing advice from a local rancher on how to build a good relationship so that buying directly from a farmer or rancher works long-term.  Mostly, though, I want you to make a plan now to take at least some control over your food supply so you can weather whatever storms come your way.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about what to watch for once you've gotten your baby goats through that first critical week.  We're talking about the most common problems we see in the first month after goat kids are born, what to watch for, and what to do.  I'm also sharing about a big loss we had this year, what we learned from it, and I'm reminding myself that it's only a failure if you don't learn something.  Listen in and learn how to keep those goat kids healthy until they're ready to wean.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Related Episodes:   43 | How to Treat Entropian or Inverted Eyelids in Baby Goats   52 | What's in My Kidding Bucket and the Supplies You Should Have On Hand When Your Goats Kid   59 | Get Ready for Kidding: Last Minute Details that Support a Successful and Fun Kidding Season     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about how to avoid overwhelm and make real progress on your journey to healthier food, self-sufficiency and homesteading.  We'll talk about the power of focusing so that your progress is sustainable over the long term, creating real impact and lasting change in your life.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   04 | Avoiding Homestead Comparison:  The “Good, Better, Best” of Homesteading and Your Definition of Best   Related Episodes:   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm       Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about the unique way we got started with our own livestock, and how you can do the same.  Spoiler:  We didn't inherit anything!  We'll talk about ways to get creative and start increasing your self-sufficiency no matter where you live or what resources you have.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive   Related Episodes:   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm   58 | Don't Make This Mistake When Choosing Your First Livestock Animals:  Focusing on Breed Only   61 | How to Build a Simple Off-Grid Water System with a Solar-Powered Pump and Water Storage     Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about the buck effect, what it is, why it happens, and why we didn't see it in our meat goat herd this year.  I'm walking you through my thought process evaluating why it didn't happen, how it has affected our kidding season, and what that means for our goat herd.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Buck Effect Instagram Reel (ranch humor and lots of marking paint)     Related Episodes:   53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them   38 | Buck Management That Will Keep You, Your Goats, and Your Neighbors Happy   29 | Are Your Goats Too Fat or Too Thin? How to Body Condition Score and Adjust Your Feeding Strategy for Healthier Goats   28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money   Get your farm fresh meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about off grid water and digging a little deeper into the options you have for a solar water system.  We've had our system going for nearly 5 years, and it's pretty much maintenance free, which is really nice.  Water is so important in every aspect of our lives, and the last thing you need is to have water issues when you're trying to do so many other things to get your off-grid place up and running.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   15 | The Most Important Lesson We Learned Going Off-Grid, and How You Can Do the Same Thing to Simplify Your Off-Grid Plan   09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid       Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  We're in the thick of kidding season, and today I'm sharing about a new kidding experience I had a couple days ago, assisting a doe with a posterior (breech) kid.  We've had lots of breech kids before, but never one that I couldn't safely get the back legs repositioned, so this was a new one.  Goats never stop teaching me new things.  I'm also sharing some tips on how to be prepared for emergencies before they happen, which is vital.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Fill Your Freezer with Premium Meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Goat Medicine, 3rd Edition (affiliate link)   Other Related Episodes:   52 | What's in My Kidding Bucket and the Supplies You Should Have On Hand When Your Goats Kid   50 | Get Ready for Kidding: Order Your Tags in 4 Easy Steps       Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock   *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about getting ready for kidding.  We've already done the early preparations – ordering tags, making sure we have the needed supplies on hand, and now it's time to get everything organized and in place so we're ready when that first kid is born soon.  We'll talk about the details – the little things that make caring for kids and keeping good records easier, and the things that keep frustration away, which helps us all win in the long run.  Over the years, I've found this detailed preparation makes a huge difference in the overall success of our kidding season.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   52 | What's in My Kidding Bucket and the Supplies You Should Have On Hand When Your Goats Kid   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial       Other Related Episodes:   50 | Get Ready for Kidding: Order Your Tags in 4 Easy Steps   46 | Early Banding vs Late Banding in Buck Kids: Will Your Goats Be Healthy if You Band Them Early?   Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Fill Your Freezer with Premium Meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about within-breed variation and how it affects the way you select your livestock.  This will help you avoid a common mistake when choosing your first animals – focusing on breed only.  Getting clear on your goals, deciding what traits are important to you, and asking questions to figure out if the livestock you're looking at will fit your goals and management plan will help you get to success faster when raising livestock.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Fill Your Freezer with Premium Meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     Other Related Episodes:   22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1   23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2   20 | Lessons from Raising Livestock:  5 Problems That Can Be Avoided or Solved with a Good Mentor   06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals   03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats   Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're answering a listener question about butchering meat goats.  What is the best age and size to butcher, and how to feed them so the meat quality is amazing.  We're going to talk about commercial weight and age standards or, rather, the lack of standards, and what I have found works really well to meet our goal of premium quality meat.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Fill Your Freezer with Premium Meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral?  How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy   46 | Early Banding vs Late Banding in Buck Kids: Will Your Goats Be Healthy if You Band Them Early?     Other Related Episodes:   54 | Butchering Meat Goats/ How Much Meat Do I Get from a Goat Compared to Other Livestock Species?   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat   44 | Small vs. Large Ruminants on the Homestead/ Why Raising Goats First Will Help You Raise Cattle Later     Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Last week we talked about building fence for goats, and today we're talking about how to manage your goat herd so that they respect your fence.  Goats are notorious for challenging fences, usually by jumping or shimmying under, but it doesn't have to be that way.  I'm going to share what we've learned about dealing with problem goats, and what you can do to prevent problems in the first place.  If your goats respect your fencing, you'll have a much better goat-raising experience.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   43 | How to Treat Entropian or Inverted Eyelids in Baby Goats   55 | Fencing for Goats: Two Things You Must Have to Keep Your Goats Contained and Safe   Other Related Episodes:   13 | Using Electric Fence with Goats? What You Need to Know to Keep Your Goats Contained and Alive with Electric Netting     Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about building fence for goats.  Fence is one of the biggest investments in owning goats, and I've heard it many times that if your fence won't hold water, it won't hold goats!  That sure seems true sometimes, but today I'm going to share some strategies we've used to successfully fence our goats, keep them contained, and keep them safe from predators.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   07 | Should My Goats Have Horns or Not? Pros and Cons of Disbudding Goats   13 | Using Electric Fence with Goats? What You Need to Know to Keep Your Goats Contained and Alive with Electric Netting     Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise   Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about how much meat you can expect when you butcher livestock.  We'll go over averages for the common species, and I'll also share how our last goats performed as far as meat yield, comparing Boer and Spanish breeds.  If you're raising your own meat or hoping to in the future, this episode is packed with valuable information.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Get your Goat Meat here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Related Episodes:   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat   44 | Small vs. Large Ruminants on the Homestead: Why Raising Goats First Will Help You Raise Cattle Later   22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1   23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2           Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about big picture management and goals for your farm, ranch or homestead.  It doesn't matter if you have a few acres or a few hundred, it's important to have a plan.  I'm going to walk you through our plan for livestock and land, talk about why we've made some of the decisions we've made and our plans for the future.  This is and will always be a work in progress, so I expect I'll be doing updates every so often as we learn more and apply that knowledge to our plan.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   48 | How to Trim Hooves on Goats + Big Announcement/ Beef and Pork Sales are OPEN!   08 | When Animals Aren't Working Out on the Homestead/  How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell   Related Episodes:   22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1   23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2       Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock    

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about preparing for kidding goats, specifically, what I have in my kidding bucket and what I like to have on hand in case of an emergency.  This episode will give you a great place to start getting your supplies together for kidding, as well as some ideas to put on your list to have around when things don't go as planned.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   NEW Ground Beef Bundle: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/groundbeef   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   FREE Freezer options to jump start your self-sufficiency journey: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Kidding Supplies: (*Affiliate Link) In the kidding bucket for daily use: 3.5 Gallon Bucket* Toolbox for kidding box* – we have this and still use it for a vet box, it's great Lamb and Kid Sling Digital Scale Tags we use Allflex Tag Marking Pen* Allflex Universal Tagger* Allflex Tag Removal Tool* Tag Storage Pencil Box* Nolvasan* dilute according to instructions Iodine Spray* Iodine Navel Dip Cup Steno Notebook*   In the kidding bucket for occasional use: ARS 140DXR Smooth Blade Hoof Trimmers* My favorite hoof trimmers Budget Hoof Trimmers* Pruning Shears* Nitrile Gloves* OB Sleeves* SuperLube or OB All Purpose Lubricant* OB Snare or make your own with parachute cord Bulb Syringe* Surgical shears*   On the shelf available when needed: Feeding Tube – I like the red ones 60cc Catheter Tip Syringe* Wound Clips and Forceps Probios* Pritchard Teat Nipples -these attach to a regular soda pop bottle, get the original Pritchard not a copy Kid blankets – use with care   Things to think about adding to your kidding supplies: Umbilical tape* and Buhner OB needles* Ketone test strips* Dextrose CMPK*     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock   *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about meat, ground beef specifically, and what it really costs to buy a burger at the drive through.  We'll talk about things you need to look for when purchasing ground beef and the options you have to feed your family one of the most nutritious foods on the planet – red meat, in the form of ground beef.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   NEW Ground Beef Bundle: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/groundbeef   04 | Avoiding Homestead Comparison:  The “Good, Better, Best” of Homesteading and Your Definition of Best   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   FREE Freezer options to jump start your self-sufficiency journey: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     Related Episode:   49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm   47 | How to Adjust to the Flavor of Homegrown Meat and Eggs Before You Raise Your Own   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about getting your tags ordered for kidding season.  We'll talk about tagging laws, and we'll walk through the step-by-step process I use to decide what tags to order and how many we need.  We have lots of goats to tag, but I'm also going to give you a simple, affordable, and legal way to tag if you only have a few goats.  Let get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Get your 50th Episode Double Gift Cards here: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   FREE Freezer options to jump start your self-sufficiency journey: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page   Premier 1 Supplies tags we use     Related Episode:   11 | Should I tag my goats?  What You Need to Know About Government Requirements and How to Use Tagging to Benefit Your Herd     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about freezer meat storage and how to make the best use of bulk meat you either raise or purchase.  I'm going to share three different strategies we've used to make sure we utilize everything in our freezer, eliminate waste, and take the stress out of dinner time.  No more staring in the fridge at 5:00 p.m. wondering what to cook, and no more freezer overwhelm! Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Giveaway for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   FREE Freezer options to jump start your self-sufficiency journey: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/pages/collection-page     Related Episode:   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about trimming hooves on goats.  This is really a simple task most of the time, but it's one of the hardest to start because of the fear of doing it wrong or hurting your goats.  Today I'm going to talk you through hoof trimming, factors that affect hoof growth, the tools you need, how to do it, and a couple pro tips that will make trimming easier and may even reduce the frequency of hoof trimming required for your goats.  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Gift Cards for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   Zip Bandit for banding bull calves: https://zipbandit.com   My Favorite Hoof Trimmers: ARS 140DXR Smooth Blade Hoof Trimmers (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/41Mxkk9   Budget Hoof Trimmers (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3R0pqxf   Pruning Shears (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4bDIPO0     Related Episode:   17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral?  How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock   *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about homegrown food – meat and eggs specifically – and why they taste different than what you buy at the grocery store.  Some people have a hard time liking homegrown food, so we'll talk about some tips and strategies to help you adjust to the taste of home grown.  If you're getting ready to raise your own eggs and meat, this episode will help you avoid the ultimate homestead disappointment -- not liking the food you raise.  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Gift Card for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Related Episode:   45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about early versus late banding of buck kids, things you should consider, the pros and cons of early banding, and the results of our experiment we did last year testing out early banding on a handful of kids.  They're 11 months old now, so it's time for an update!  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Dry Creek Heritage Meats Gift Card for podcast listeners: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me: Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about goat meat and other ruminant meat vs monogastric meat, the health benefits and the “why” behind it all.  I'm going to dive deep into ruminant digestion and show you why ruminants are magical!  Ruminant Nutrition is my specialty and I'm excited to share how the uniqueness of the ruminant digestive process positively impacts the meat they produce.  This is a good one!  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Happy Birthday!  Double-Your-Gift-Card Special, 5 days only, February 17-21, 2025 Get your $25 Gift Card here and it will automatically double at checkout: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial   “Steak: One Man's Search for the World's Tastiest Piece of Beef” by Mark Schatzker (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/413Z6ae     Related Episode:   44 | Small vs Large Ruminants on the Homestead: Why Raising Goats First Will Help You Raise Cattle Later     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock     *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about the benefits of starting out your livestock raising journey with small ruminants like goats and sheep instead of starting with cows.  We'll compare the investment and risks, and the reasons why getting started with goats might be a good decision even if your ultimate goal is to raise cattle.  There's a lot of valuable insider tips in this episode, so let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Online goat meat sales open today, February 10, 2025 at 12:00 MST Get your $25 Gift Card here: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com/podcastspecial     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about entropian or inverted eyelids in goat kids and how to treat it.  We'll go over what causes it to happen, how to recognize it quickly, and the options for treatment, both with a veterinarian or on your own at home.  This episode will teach you how to easily handle what can be a scary situation, so let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   Wound Clips and Forceps: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/wound-clips-forceps-for-inverted-eyelids?criteria=clips   My favorite Eye Patch Kit: https://jefferspet.com/products/shut-eye-patches-cow-size-kit?_pos=1&_sid=aae872319&_ss=r&variant=44374467543229   Eye Patch Kit that comes with a bottle of Curicyn (I like the patches in the first kit better): https://jefferspet.com/products/curicyn-pink-eye-solution-3-oz?_pos=4&_sid=4a8d0e84e&_ss=r&variant=44379621327037   Terramycin Eye Ointment: https://amzn.to/4jHN2DY   Curicyn Pink Eye Solution: https://amzn.to/4jCJtz7       Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers:  https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider     Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me: Email: millie@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock   *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases  

Hi friends!  A couple weeks ago, we talked about how to help goats thrive in winter, and right after that, a good portion of the United States started experiencing extreme cold temperatures for their typical climate.  So, today, I want to talk specifically about how to support your livestock during extreme cold when you and your animals are not accustomed or adapted to it.  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   40 | How to Help Your Goats Thrive in Winter https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000683774553     Related Episode:   31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000676488967   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: hello@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock    

Hi friends!  It's time for a chicken episode!  Today we're talking about meat birds because it's time to order if you're going to raise chicks this year and you want to be able to get the exact birds you are looking for.  We'll be talking about the different types, pros and cons of each, and by the time we're done, you'll be ready to decide what is going to work best for you whether it's Cornish Cross, a hybrid, or a dual-purpose heritage breed.  Grab a pencil and notebook, and let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions:   06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000656132607   “Pastured Poultry Profits” by Joel Salatin (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/40mw8lB   Related Episode:   31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000676488967     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: hello@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock   *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about how goats adapt to winter weather, things you can do to help them thrive in winter, and some things you shouldn't do that seem helpful, but end up being problematic.  We'll talk about winter coats and shelters, and how other animals compare in their ability to tolerate cold and snow.  In ranch-terms, we use the word “winter” to not only indicate the season but as a term to indicate how an animal performed through the winter.  You'll hear phrases like “How did they winter?  Are the cattle wintering well?” and “That goat wintered well!” meaning she might be a little on the chubby side.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie     Mentions: Charlotte Smith's Farm Marketing Program https://charlottemsmith.com     Related Episodes:   03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000653906784   28 | Winter Feed for Livestock/ Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000673834994   31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000676488967   35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation:  Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000679742828     Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: hello@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about the social needs of livestock and why they need to be raised with others, preferably of their own kind, to make sure they are happy, healthy and productive.  Listen in to find out why you don't want to raise animals alone whether you're raising them for food or breeding purposes.   All the Best! Millie     Related Episode:   24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000670395623   Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com   Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise     Connect with me:   Email: hello@getgoatwise.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock