For the Love of Goats
We are talking about everything goats! Whether you're an owner, a breeder, or just a fan of these wonderful creatures, we've got you covered. Join host and author Deborah Niemann as she interviews experts and goat lovers so we can all learn more about how to improve the health and production of our goats, improve our relationships, and possibly even start a goat business.Happy anniversary to us! FTLOG is five years old! As we enter our sixth year, you can continue to expect to hear from more goat experts like vet professors and researchers who are on the leading...
Are You Buying Dewormer-Resistant Worms?
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Show Notes
Before you buy a goat, there's one important question you may not have thought to ask: How does the seller manage internal parasites?
When you purchase a goat, you could be bringing home more than just a new addition to your herd. You might also be introducing dewormer-resistant worms that could create serious health problems for your goats for years to come.
In thi...
Dewormer Resistance in Sheep and Goats: Southwest New York Study Findings
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Show Notes
Parasite problems and dewormer resistance can look different from one farm to another. In this episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Cornell Extension specialists Amy Barkley and Jess Waltemyer about an applied research project with sheep and goat farmers in southwest New York.
The team looked at individual animals and farm management to better understand parasite burdens and dewormer effectiveness. Amy and Jess share why a f...
CL Study in Goats and Sheep
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Show Notes
An abscess on a goat does not automatically mean caseous lymphadenitis (CL). In fact, a study looking at 10 years of diagnostic testing at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory found that roughly two-thirds of samples submitted for targeted CL culture came back negative.
In other words, two-thirds of the goats that had an abscess did NOT have CL.Â
In this episode, Deborah...
Homestead Decluttering: What to Keep and What to Let Go
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Show Notes
Clutter can build up quickly on a homestead. Tools, livestock supplies, equipment, canning jars, soap-making ingredients, and all those things we might need “someday” can slowly take over barns, workspaces, and even our homes. But when does being prepared cross the line into simply having too much stuff?
In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Melanie Cohen, founder of Thoughtfully Coaching and...
Why a Fecal Egg Count Doesn't Always Tell You Whether a Goat Needs to Be Dewormed
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Show Notes
If you've ever been told that a high fecal egg count means you should automatically deworm a goat, this episode is for you.
A fecal egg count is one of the most valuable tools we have for monitoring internal parasites—but it's only one piece of the puzzle. It tells you how many parasite eggs a goat is shedding, not whether that goat is actual...
How to Use Kickstarter for Farm Projects
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Show Notes
Kickstarter can be a useful option for farmers who have a creative project in mind but want to test demand before making a large investment. Instead of taking out a loan for equipment, products, or a new farm experience, a campaign can help show whether enough people are interested to make the idea worth pursuing.
In today’s episode, Deborah Niemann talks with Oriana Le...
Parasite Resistance, Resilience, and Dewormer Resistance
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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 resilienc...Email Marketing for Farm Businesses
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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...
Goat and Sheep Tour to Portugal
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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 Portu...
Mastitis in Goats: Myths and Misconceptions
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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 Univer...
Skin Cancer Treatment in Goats
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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 myco...
A Vet Discusses CAE in Goats
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes back Dr. Melissa Holahan, a small ruminant veterinarian, Nigerian Dwarf breeder at Chubby Acres, and owner of Caprine and Ewe, to revisit a disease that still catches many goat owners off guard: CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis), recently renamed Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLV).
They break down what CAE is, why it can quietly enter a herd with zero outward symptom...
When a Goat Needs a C-Section
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a veterinarian and experienced goat breeder, to tackle one of the most anxiety-provoking topics in goat keeping: C-sections and difficult births.
Together, they walk through what actually happens when a goat needs surgical intervention during labor, why panic and delay often cause more harm than transport to a veterinarian, and how healthy does can tol...
Goats in Nepal: Changing Lives Through Goats
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Description
When people think about international development work, they don’t always picture goats at the center of it. In this episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with Daniel Laney, founder of Worldwide Goat Project Nepal, about how a lifelong love of goats grew into a far-reaching program that is improving lives across rural Nepal.
Daniel shares how a childhood dream of visiting Nepal eventually combined with more...
Medications for Goats: Understanding Antibiotics, Labels, and Safe Treatment Practices
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Pat Gorden of Iowa State University and Dr. Michelle Buckley of Cornell University to break down one of the most confusing topics for goat owners: medications and antibiotics.
You’ll gain a clearer understanding of how drug use works in goats, including what extra-label drug use actually means and when it is legal and appropriate. The discus...
Running a Goat Rescue: What It Really Takes
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Description
When people think about animal rescue, they often picture a few animals and a lot of good intentions. In this episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol, California, about what it really takes to run a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary with dozens of goats and more than 150 animals total.
Deborah...
Goat Notes: What to Feed a Pregnant Goat
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Description:
Proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential for keeping both does and kids healthy — but more isn’t always better! In this short, science-based episode, Deborah Niemann explains how to balance feed, minerals, and body condition during gestation, and why following feeding advice from other species (or even other parts of the world) can lead to trouble.
She also shares lessons from her own herd, including w...
Goats in America: A Cultural History with Author Tami Parr
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Description
If you’ve ever wondered how goats went from being banned in colonies to beloved on social media, this episode is for you!Â
In this episode of For the Love of Goats, host Deborah Niemann talks with Tami Parr, author of Goats in America: A Cultural History (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases), about how g...
Goat Milk Gelato in Sweden
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Description
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your goat milk into something people line up for, this episode is for you!Â
In this episode of For the Love of Goats, host Deborah Niemann chats with Oskar Edwall from Sweden, who started with just a few goats and ended up creating a thriving business making goat milk ice cream and gelato.
Oskar shares how...
Goat Yoga: A Story of Connection, Calm, and Cuddly Goats
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Description
When people hear you have goats, one of the first questions they ask is, “Do you do goat yoga?” In this fun and fascinating episode, host Deborah Niemann talks with the person who started it all—Lainey Morse, founder of the original Goat Yoga in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Lainey shares how goat yoga began in 2016 during one of the most difficult times of her life—and ho...
Uterine Tears in Goats
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Daniela Luethy, Assistant Professor of Large Animal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss the realities of uterine tears in goats, risk factors, and what goat owners need to know as kidding season approaches. Dr. Luethy shares the results of a new multicenter study on reproductive complications in goats and clarifies common misunderstandings about prevention, symptoms, and man...
The Science of Goat Milk and Skin Care
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Description
Goat milk has been used for centuries to soothe and nourish skin—but now science is catching up to explain why it works so well. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Brent Ridge, physician and co-founder of Beekman 1802, to explore the research behind goat milk’s unique skin benefits. From maintaining the skin’s pH to supporting a healthy microbiome, Dr. Ridge shares insights from...
Goat Packing and Public Lands: How NAPgA Keeps the Trails Open
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Chris Gifford, president of the North American Packgoat Association (NAPgA), to talk about the growing challenges that pack goat owners face when it comes to accessing public lands.
Chris explains what goat packing is, how it works, and why goats make excellent trail companions. He also shares the history of NAPgA and its advocacy efforts to keep pub...
Packgoats 101: Getting Started with Hiking Companions on Hooves
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Description
If you're considering adding pack goating to your goats’ resumes, this episode is packed with practical tips and essential insights. Deborah Niemann chats with Nathan Putnam, a board member of the North American Pack Goat Association and owner of Putnam Pack Goats. Together, they dive into the world of pack goats, from choosing the right goats to the gear you'll need for your trips.
In this e...
Turning Goat Milk into Pet Food: Labeling and Licensing Essentials
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Description
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to legally sell raw goat milk or farm-made pet treats, this episode is full of first-hand insight and practical tips. Deborah sits down with Carly Brown and Shawn Phillips of The Good Steward Farm in Virginia, where their herd of 28 goats helps power two small businesses: goat-powered landscaping and licensed raw milk pet products.
Carly and Shawn wal...
The Secret to a Successful Farm Volunteer Program
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Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes Anne Petersen of Rosasharn Farm—one of the longest-standing Nigerian Dwarf breeders in the U.S.—to talk about her farm's long-running and highly successful volunteer program. What began as hosting a foreign exchange student over two decades ago has evolved into a dynamic educational experience that has inspired many former volunteers to start their own farms and even veterinary careers.
How Beekman 1802 Used GOAT Wisdom to Build a Beloved Brand
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Description
What do you get when two city guys buy a goat farm during the Great Recession? A global skincare brand built on goat milk—and timeless wisdom.
In this inspiring episode, Deborah talks with Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, the founders of Beekman 1802, about how they went from weekend farmers to building a multi-million-dollar business using lessons learned from goats, neighbors, and small...
Call the Vet Now
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DescriptionÂ
Most goat owners have faced a moment of uncertainty—staring at a sick goat and wondering, “Should I call the vet?” In this solo episode, Deborah Niemann lays out the answer with clarity and urgency.
While goats are often thought of as hardy animals, they are also prey animals that instinctively hide illness until they’re critically sick. This episode covers the top emergency s...
Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Goat or Pet
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DescriptionÂ
Losing a beloved animal—whether a goat, dog, cat, or any other companion—can be absolutely heartbreaking. In this episode of For the Love of Goats, I’m joined by Beth Bigler, a double-certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor, animal companion end-of-life doula, and trained pet chaplain. Beth is also the author of the upcoming book Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss (out June 3 from...
From Lab Coat to Cheesecloth: Dr. Kandice Marchant's Delicious Second Act
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What happens when a medical career ends—but a passion for something totally different begins? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kandice Marchant, a retired physician who traded her lab coat for a cheesecloth. After years of serving patients, Kandice now crafts artisan cheese, bringing a scientist’s precision and a cheesemaker’s creativity to every batch.
We talk about:
How her medical background turned her on to cheesemakingWhat sparked her interest in ar...Understanding Goat Polio: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-polio/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!Â
Description
Goat polio is a serious and often misunderstood condition—frequently mistaken for other neurological diseases like listeriosis, meningeal worm, or even rabies.Â
In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a small ruminant veterinarian, goat breeder, and former lecturer and research assistant at Washington State University. As a breeder of Nigerian Dwarf and Alpine goats herself, Dr. Holahan brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and hands-on ex...
Raising Goats in Canada
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Description
In this episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Mallory Kaiser, president of the Alberta Goat Association and vice chair of the Canadian National Goat Federation. Mallory shares insights into the goat industry in Canada, including available breeds, import/export challenges, traceability regulations, and the demand for goat products. Whether you're curious about how goat farming differs in Canada or considering expanding your own herd, this episode is packed with valuable informa...
Dewormer Resistance: A Goat Owner’s Experience
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/dewormer-resistance-goat-owners-experience/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!Â
Description
In this insightful and eye-opening episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Tammy Gallagher of Shady Paddock Farm in Texas to discuss the challenges of dewormer resistance and parasite management in goats. Tammy, a certified FAMACHA instructor and Nigerian Dwarf breeder, shares her personal experience of losing goats to barber pole worms and the lessons she learned in regaining control of her herd’s health.
Tammy’s story underscores the importanc...
An American's Experience with Goats in Kenya
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Description
In this fascinating episode, Deborah Niemann sits down with Mark Hicks, an author and adventurer, to discuss his unforgettable experience with goats during a trip to Kenya. Mark’s journey was part of his seminary doctorate program, where he stayed with a pastor who also happened to be a goat farmer. What he encountered there was a completely different approach to goat farming—one that challenged his...
Scrapie Updates in Goats and Sheep for 2025
As goat owners, understanding diseases that can affect our herds is crucial for maintaining healthy animals and preventing the spread of illnesses. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Linda Detwiler, staff veterinarian on the sheep and goat health staff at the USDA APHIS Veterinary Service, to discuss scrapie, a neurological disease affecting sheep and goats.
Dr. Detwiler provides an update on the current state of scrapie in the United States, including its history, transmission, symptoms, testing methods, genetic resistance, and efforts to eradicate it.
What You’ll Learn in Th...
Hermaphroditism, Freemartinism, and Goat Infertility: Exploring Non-Infectious Causes
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-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!Â
Description
When our does have trouble conceiving, our minds often tend to go toward infectious causes. But there are non-infectious causes of infertility to consider as well.Â
In this episode, Dr. Fauna Smith, Assistant Professor of Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses in detail the non-infectious causes of infertility. She explains the difference between true hermaphrodites and pseudo-her...
Our First C-section: Caboose’s Story
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/c-section-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!Â
Description
In this episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the emotional and educational story of Caboose, the first goat on her farm to undergo a C-section. As part of the podcast’s fifth-anniversary celebration, Deborah reflects on the challenges, lessons learned, and how this experience helped her understand the critical importance of timely veterinary intervention during kidding complications.
Deborah details what led to Caboose’s C-section, including the initial signs of trouble, her...
Sharing Milk with Baby Goats
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Description
The answer to, “When can I start milking my doe?” is not as simple as listing the specific age of the kids. In this episode, we are discussing the complexities of sharing milk with baby goats and offering practical advice for goat owners who want to balance kid health with milk production.Â
Deborah draws on her experience as both a homesteader and a former Board Certified Lactation Consultant to share import...
For the Love of Goats Turns 5: A Look Ahead with Deborah Niemann
Happy anniversary to us! FTLOG is five years old! As we enter our sixth year, you can continue to count on us to help you cut through the clutter of conflicting information out there so that you can be confident that your goats will be living their best lives!Â
You can expect to hear from more goat experts like veterinary professors and published scientists who are on the leading edge of goat research. You’ll also hear from goat owners who have turned their love of goats into a successful business. And this year, you’ll hear more...
Uterine Rupture and Hemorrhage: Coco’s Story
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-rupture-and-hemorrhage-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!
Description
In this deeply personal and emotional episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the heartbreaking story of her goat, Coco, who experienced a uterine rupture and hemorrhage during a challenging kidding in 2013.Â
Deborah takes listeners on a journey through Coco's life, from her birth to her tragic passing after giving birth to quintuplets. This episode not only honors Coco’s memory but also provides valuable insights into the risks of uterine tears and...
