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

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  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about breeding season and buck management.  I'll share our management plan for bucks through the year, some mistakes we've made and tips to avoid making the same mistakes, as well as some simple things you can do that make a big difference when dealing with common buck problems.  With adequate space and good fencing, you can have a great buck experience.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington: https://12weekyear.com     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  

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about replacement does and how and why our management system has changed over the past couple of years.  Should you breed your does to kid as yearlings or 2-year-olds or something in between?  It's a question we hear a lot, and every breeder does it differently, so I'm going to walk you through the evolution of our breeding plan and what we're doing now.  By the end of this episode, you'll be able to plan your doe management with confidence.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions: Advent books: https://www.jothamsjourney.com/jotham-s-journey-series   Episode Mentions:   26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed?  How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready Have Their First Kids https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000672044152   27 | Which Goats Should I Keep for Breeding? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000673014490     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 been a while since I did an off-grid living episode, so today I'm going to give you the big picture of our off-grid move and then talk about what we miss the most after 2+ years living here and what we're doing to remedy that.     All the Best! Millie   Episode Mentions:   09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000658444169     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!  In today's episode we'll be talking more about winter hay feeding, monitoring your feed and waste, and how to determine if you're meeting the nutrient requirements for your goats.  I'll go through the process I use to evaluate our hay feeding and how to make changes if things aren't working the way you planned.  This one's loaded with details, so grab a pencil, and let's jump in!   All the Best! Millie   Episode Mentions:   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   14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Available Forage Nutrition https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000662283120   29 | Are Your Goats Too Fat or Too Thin? How to Body Condition Score and Adjust Your Feeding Strategy for Healthier Goats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000674700045     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

Hi friends!  In today's episode we'll be talking about animal loss in livestock herds, how to prepare for it, how much death loss is likely to happen, and how to get your expectations in line with the realities of raising animals and the losses that come along with it.  It's important to understand that success isn't necessarily keeping them all alive, because that's not possible, but you can have realistic expectations that help you define success in a better, more meaningful way.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions: Episode 10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000659257580     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!  In today's episode I'll be answering some questions that came in after last week's dairy goat episode.  I'll be focusing on the actual milking process including stand training your does, milking equipment, and milk handling the way it works for us.  We're a little unconventional in our dairying practices, so listen in if you lean towards doing things your own way.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions: Instagram Reel – Milking: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cov7E3wAKf8/?igsh=MTd6bmFvaTgwc2JzbQ%3D%3D   Milk Strainer: https://www.caprinesupply.com/stainless-steel-mini-strainer.html   Milk Filters: https://jefferspet.com/products/schwartz-filter-clean-disc-green-6-1-2-box-of-100?variant=44371305529533     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!  In today's episode I'll be sharing why we got started with dairy does, how we manage them in a very unconventional way, the challenges we had, why it works for us and our busy life, and how you can do it too.  If you're thinking about getting dairy goats for your own milk consumption or to feed bottle babies, this episode is for you!   All the Best! Millie   Mentions: Sage Ag Labs for testing: https://sageaglab.com   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!  In this episode we'll be talking about preparing your coop and chickens for winter.  We'll talk about the changing nutritional needs of your birds as they molt and how to meet those needs, some options for easier water, requirements for their shelter and bedding, and the big question, heat lamps.  Should they be used or not?  I'll also share my strategy to avoid a winter egg drought, and touch on some ways to store eggs for winter use.  Let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie   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!  In this episode we'll be talking about making livestock decisions on the ranch or homestead, how to evaluate your decision-making process, and how to use that information to make a better-informed decision the next time.  To help explain this, I'll be sharing about a frustrating and slightly embarrassing problem we faced on the ranch recently.  There are lots of nuggets of knowledge in this episode, so grab your notebook and pen and let's dive in.   All the Best! Millie   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!  In this episode we'll be talking about evaluating your goats to see if they're healthy, need any hoof work, and if their body condition is right for the season they're in.  I'll talk you through determining Body Condition Score, why it's important, and how to use it to improve the overall health and productivity of your goat herd.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   Body Condition Scores in Goats by Langston University https://www.in.gov/boah/files/Goats_BCS_pamphlet.pdf   Episode 16: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000663669520   Episode 14: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000662283120   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!  In this episode we'll be talking about winter feeding, how to calculate how much hay you need, the best way to store it and a strategy that will help you thrive even when hay prices are volatile or the weather gets extreme.  This information will apply to all species not just goats.  I'll also be sharing some exciting news and some fun things coming up, so grab a notebook and pencil and let's jump in!   All the Best! Millie   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

SHOW NOTES:   Hi friends!  Last week we talked about does, age of breeding, and I briefly mentioned keeping replacement does out of the top 1/3 of the doe kids, but what I didn't tell you, is how to determine which doe kids make up the top third or how to rank the does.  So today, we're going to break this down a little more as well as talk about goat breeding plans and strategies.   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi friends!  Today we're talking about does, different options on when to breed them, and I'll give you a strategy to use to determine whether your does are ready to breed or not.  I'll also be talking about replacement does, expected replacement percentages and how to use those numbers to reach your goals of herd improvement and growth.  You might want to jot down some numbers today, so grab a notebook and pen and let's dive in!   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock    

Hi friends!  We're harvesting animals and stocking the freezers, so what better time to talk about the food system, food storage, and how to build your food security, specifically as it relates to meat and protein.  We'll be talking about simple ways to get started building your food storage, things to consider when it comes to buying and storing meat, and how to build a relationship with a local rancher so you'll still have access to food if we see another large-scale failure in our food system.   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  The bucks are in rut and smelling ripe, so today we're going to talk about what you need to know about buck management and selection, if you should own a buck or not, the options you have to get your does bred without owning a buck, and how to select your buck if the time is right for you to own one or two.  Let's dive in and figure out the best breeding option for your farm or homestead!   All the Best! Millie   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   Mentions:   Marking harness reel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwjRp_SNqUu/?igsh=dGp0YnowOG10MjZr   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  Last week we started talking about how to choose the right meat goat for your climate and environment, and the things you need to consider.  This week we're talking about the five most prominent meat goat breeds, and we'll wrap up with tips on where to get your first meat goats and how to get them off to a great start.  This episode is loaded with information, so grab a pencil and notebook and let's talk meat goats!   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friends!  In the next two episodes we're talking about how to choose the right meat goat for your climate and environment.  Today we'll discuss things to consider, and next week in Part 2 we'll talk about the five most prominent meat goat breeds, and we'll wrap up with tips on where to get your first meat goats and how to get them off to a great start.  This episode is loaded with information, so grab a pencil and notebook and let's talk meat goats!   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friend!    Hi friends!  Today we're talking about sustainability, how to evaluate options to determine which ones are most sustainable long-term and how that will help you increase your future self-sufficiency.  We'll be talking about a sustainability mindset as it relates to your home, food, and especially livestock.   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi friend!    Today we're talking about lessons learned raising 4-H livestock over the last decade, and how those same lessons apply to raising livestock for food, homesteading, and self-sufficiency.  We'll be talking about the way we approach the 4-H livestock program, which tends to be quite different than others, but it's resulted in a lot of success for us, and how we use those same things we've learned to fast-track our progress raising livestock and growing the homestead.   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today I have a special guest on the show, my oldest daughter, Sage, who turned 18 in March and is finishing up her last year in 4-H.  We talk about the lessons she's learned raising livestock, how it has affected her and her life view, the way it opens communication as we work together, and she even has a bit of advice for parents who want to give their kids the same experience.  This is part 2 of 2, and the first part aired last week.  You don't want to miss this!   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today I have a special guest on the show, my oldest daughter, Sage, who turned 18 in March and is finishing up her last year in 4-H.  We talk about the lessons she's learned raising livestock, how it has affected her and her life view, the way it opens communication as we work together, and she even has a bit of advice for parents who want to give their kids the same experience.  This is part 1 of 2, and the second part will air next week.  You don't want to miss this!   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today we'll be talking about mineral for goats, why they need it, what works best, how to keep from wasting expensive mineral and the short- and long-term benefits.  I'll tell you about the mistakes we've made, the lessons we've learned, and what we're doing now that is working really well for the goats and for us.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   Replamin Gel Plus: https://www.jefferspet.com/replamin-gel-plus-300cc/p?skuId=28441   Ketcham's Mineral Feeders: https://www.ketchamssheepequipment.com/product/mineral-feeder/   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today I'll be reporting in on the 2024 kidding season for our commercial meat goat herd.  I've been crunching the numbers and I'm going to share them with you, along with how they're calculated and why we do it the way we do.  I'm also giving quite a bit of detail on our management decisions, production goals, and lots of explanations on terminology related to livestock.   All the Best! Millie   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: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking about the most important lesson we learned going off grid, and how you can learn from our experiences and mistakes to make your own off-grid journey much smoother.  We'll talk about changing your expectations about power, thinking differently about electricity to find alternatives, and modifying the way you live to make your power system serve you in the best way possible.   All the Best! Millie   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking about the annual production cycle we follow with our goats, timing of breeding and kidding, why we do it that way, and lots of other things we've tried.  I'll also share other options that are popular and successful in other areas.  This episode will be a high-level walk through of our production calendar, and the big picture view of our production system.   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   The Meat Goat Handbook: Raising Goats for Food, Profit, and Fun by Yvonne Zweede-Tucker: https://www.amazon.com/Meat-Goat-Handbook-Raising-Zweede-Tucker/dp/B00QAWBD8U   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking about electric netting for goats, different types and their uses, when it works, when it doesn't, and how to use it effectively.  I'll be giving tips for success and things to be aware of when using electric netting with goats.  This episode is packed full of tips I've learned from 6 years of experience (and some failures) with electric netting.     All the Best! Millie   Mentions: Backyard Green Films YouTube Video:  https://youtu.be/U4myLanaDc0?si=3MOmRZ_odrFU1Suq   Premier 1 Supplies Electric Netting Kits (A great place to start): https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/electric-netting-kits   Premier 1 Supplies Electric Netting: https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/electric-netting   Premier 1 Supplies Energizers:  https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/electric-fence-energizers   Our favorite mallet: https://www.harborfreight.com/1-12-lb-soft-face-mallet-69048.html       Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock  

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking about raising kids with livestock, the skills and life lessons they'll learn, and how it will benefit them for the rest of their life.  I'll be sharing tips on age-appropriate work, motivating kids to do their chores, teaching them to be self-motivated, and how to strengthen your relationship with your kids while working alongside them.   All the Best! Millie   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking all about tagging goats for identification, what the USDA rules are on tags and how we do it here at Dry Creek Livestock.  I'm sharing all the information you'll need to make a decision on tagging that is right for you and your situation.  Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Mentions:   How to obtain a Premise ID:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-disease/traceability/pin   Animal ID and Recordkeeping, USDA Requirements:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs-scrapie-recordkeeping.pdf   Premier 1 Supplies Tags:  https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/ear-tags-and-tattoo-supplies/ear-tags   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock

Hi, friend!   Today we are talking about raising bottle kids   Today we are talking all about bottle goats!  Pros and cons of bottle kids compared to dam-raised kids, and I'll be sharing 5 tips to help you successfully raise your bottle goats: Let's get to it!   All the Best! Millie   Mention: Pritchard Teat: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/pritchard-teat?criteria=Pritchard+Teat&species_id=0&cat_id=0   Connect with me:   Email: drycreekgoats@gmail.com   See what's happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock