For the Love of Goats

Got a question? 🤔 
Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/parasite-resistance-resilience-and-dewormer-resistance/-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 
Show Notes
Have you ever heard someone talk about parasite resistance in goats, only to have someone else start talking about dewormer resistance? Although they sound similar, they're describing completely different things.
In this first official Goat Note, Deborah explains three concepts that every goat owner should understand:
Parasite resistance – A goat's ability to limit the number of parasites living inside its body.
Parasite resilience – A goat's ability to stay healthy and productive despite carrying a parasite burden.
Dewormer resistance – The worms' ability to survive treatment with a deworming medication.
Understanding the difference isn't just about using the right terminology. These concepts affect breeding decisions, parasite management, and how we preserve the effectiveness of the dewormers we still have available.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why parasite resistance and resilience are not the same thing
How parasite-resistant goats help reduce pasture contamination
Why resilient goats can still shed large numbers of parasite eggs
Why dewormer resistance is a problem with the parasites—not the goats
How confusing these terms can lead to poor management decisions
Goat Note Takeaway
Parasite resistance and parasite resilience are traits of the goat. Dewormer resistance is a trait of the worms.
Once you understand that distinction, many of the recommendations you hear about breeding, parasite control, and selective deworming become much easier to understand.
If you enjoyed this Goat Note, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future short episodes where Deborah breaks down one goat question, one common misconception, or one research-based concept in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Resources
Learn more about parasite management at Goat Worms: A Complete Guide to Winning the War in Your Pasture
Explore the Parasites in Goats course at Goats365.com.
link to previous parasite episodes …Episode 113 - Pasture Management for Parasite Control
Episode 95 - 5-Point Check for Parasites
Episode 6 - Natural Parasite Control with Lespedeza
Episode 153 - Dewormer Resistance: A Goat Owner’s Experience
Episode 68 - New Goat Dewormer Guidelines
Episode 24 - Using Dewormers Correctly
Episode 114 - Goat Worms: Myths and Misunderstandings 

Thanks for tuning in!
If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.
🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership
🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy
🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.
Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 
Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/email-marketing-for-farm-businesses/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 
Show Notes
Email marketing has always been a valuable way for farm businesses to connect with customers, but the rise of AI is changing what stands out in the inbox. As more businesses rely on AI-generated content, authentic emails that sound personal and human can be even more effective.
In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes back email marketing expert Liz Wilcox to talk about what has changed since her first appearance four years ago. They discuss why email remains more dependable than social media, how often farm businesses should contact subscribers, and why sharing real stories, personal updates, and original farm photos can help build stronger connections.
Liz also shares practical ideas for growing an email list, especially for local businesses selling goat cheese, goat milk soap, goat-related experiences, or other farm products and services. She explains how farmers markets, local events, and collaborations with other small businesses can help attract subscribers, and why even a list of 20, 50, or 100 people is worth using.
They also discuss what to write in a weekly email, how to restart a list after months of silence, and why every business should have a welcome email. Liz explains how AI can be useful for brainstorming and ideas, but emphasizes the importance of editing carefully so the final message still sounds like you.
Resources & Links
Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership
Email: The GOAT for Marketing Your Goat Business (previous podcast episode)
Check out our Goats 365 membership

Thanks for tuning in!
If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.
🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership
🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy
🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.
Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 
Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-tour-portugal/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 
Description
If you've ever dreamed of combining your love of goats with a European adventure, this episode is for you.
In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Janelle Holden, author of the From Montana to Portugal Substack newsletter, to talk about an exciting upcoming goat and sheep tour through Portugal. Together, they share how the idea came about, what participants can expect, and why Portugal offers such a unique opportunity to learn about small-ruminant agriculture while experiencing the country's incredible culture, food, and scenery.
The tour will take travelers through Portugal’s mountainous Serra da Estrela region and the agricultural heartland of Alentejo, where they’ll visit goat and sheep farms, learn about traditional cheese making, tour a renowned wool factory, and discover heritage breeds that have been raised in Portugal for centuries. Along the way, they’ll also experience local wineries, cork forests, castles, and some of the country’s most celebrated cuisine.
Deborah and Janelle discuss the value of visiting farms in different parts of the world, seeing a variety of production systems firsthand, and learning from producers who have adapted to unique climates, landscapes, and traditions. They also talk about Portugal’s distinctive cheese-making practices, including the use of thistle rennet, as well as the important role goats and sheep continue to play in preserving local culture and agriculture.
Whether you're interested in goats, sheep, fiber arts, artisan cheese, wine, agritourism, or simply exploring a beautiful country with like-minded people, this episode offers a preview of an unforgettable experience.
Featured Guest
Janelle Holden – Author of the From Montana to Portugal Substack newsletter, agricultural entrepreneur, and Portugal resident who specializes in helping visitors discover the country's culture, food, and agricultural traditions.
Trip Information & Registration
Goat Tour to Portugal: October 25–November 1, 2026
Tour Registration & Deposithttps://thriftyhomesteader.thrivecart.com/portugal-trip/ 

Thanks for tuning in!
If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.
🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership
🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy
🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.
Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 
Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/mastitis-in-goats-misconceptions/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 
Description
It’s probably safe to say that most goat owners think they understand mastitis, but it’s often more complicated than it seems. While many people associate it with a hot, hard udder, that’s only one form of the disease, and it’s not even the most common type seen in goats.
In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Dr. Michelle Buckley of Cornell University and Dr. Patrick Gorden of Iowa State University about what mastitis really looks like and why it’s so often misunderstood. They explain the difference between clinical and subclinical mastitis, and how infections can be present without obvious symptoms while still affecting milk production and udder health.
They also discuss why it’s important to identify the specific cause of mastitis through a milk culture before choosing a treatment. Some infections may clear up on their own, while others, like Staph aureus, can become chronic and very difficult to manage. Understanding the difference can make a big impact on your goat’s long-term health.
Dr. Buckley and Dr. Gorden also share practical advice on preventing and managing mastitis, including proper milking hygiene, how infections spread, and when treatment is necessary. This episode will help you avoid common mistakes and make more informed decisions when mastitis shows up in your herd.

Thanks for tuning in!
If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.
🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership
🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy
🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.
Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔 
Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/skin-cancer-treatment-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! 
Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann talks with veterinarian and researcher Jennifer Halleran about squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that commonly affects goats—especially Nigerian Dwarfs.
The conversation was inspired by a listener question about whether there are any new treatment options available for goats diagnosed with this aggressive cancer. Dr. Halleran shares insights from a case study that explored the use of a mycobacterial cell wall stimulant (Immunocidin) as a possible treatment. In some animals, the therapy helped shrink tumors and provided several additional years of good quality life.
They discuss how squamous cell carcinoma typically appears in goats, often affecting the perineal area, and why early diagnosis is important. Dr. Halleran explains how veterinarians evaluate these tumors, including when biopsy, surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing the tumor), or other treatments might be used. The episode also highlights newer experimental approaches such as H-FIRE therapy, which uses electrical pulses to damage cancer cells and may become a promising option in the future.
Deborah also shares her own experience with a goat that developed this disease, illustrating how frustrating and confusing the diagnosis can be for goat owners. Together, they emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, understanding treatment goals, and focusing on improving a goat’s comfort and quality of life.
The episode concludes with practical advice for goat owners, including risk factors such as lack of pigmentation and sun exposure, and why goats with suspicious lesions should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Thanks for tuning in!
If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.
No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.
🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership
🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy
🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.
Happy goat-keeping! 🐐