The Wooly Whey

Today is the first installment of a two part episode with a small panel of dairy sheep homesteaders who discuss finding balance between homesteading, homemaking, sometimes homeschooling, off farm jobs, the idealism social media portrays, and how we navigate our way through it all.

We hope you are encouraged as we share our thought processes in prioritization, comisserate, and encourage one another in making this lifestyle work for us.

#homesteading #homemaking #balance #timemanagement #dairysheep

Here's the second half of our interview with Genevieve at Dandelion Hill Farm (New Zealand).

#dairysheep #northamericadairysheepassociation #homesteading

After a brief break for lambing and other things, Liv and Rachel are back! Today we share part one of our interview with Genevieve Bennet of Dandelion Hill Sheep Dairy in New Zealand! This episode covers how they chose their particular genetics to create their own cross breed that can thrive in their unique environment.

Find Genevieve and watch her adventures on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...



Have ideas for podcast guests? Email Rachel at mailto:Whoopsydaisyfarm@gmail.com or Olivia at mailto:Craftyfoxacres@gmail.com


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Liv and Rachel sit down and share updates from both their homesteads. We then discuss the differences between line breeding in your flock, how that is similar or different to inbreeding, why and when to use a terminal sire, and the necessity of culling hard in your flock. We also discuss the mindset shift to being willing to butcher culls and excess rams briefly.

Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com 

Like our content? Let us know! Want to s...

The conversation covers a range of topics related to dairy sheep, homesteading, raising Icelandic sheep, butchery, and the art of tanning hides. It also delves into the challenges and grace in skill development, as well as the comfort and significance of sheepskins in daily life. The conversation delves into the world of sheep farming and dairy production, highlighting the importance of adaptation to lifestyle and region, as well as the flexibility required in homesteading. The speakers share insights on the challenges and joys of raising sheep, managing dairy production, and the need to align farming practices with personal circumstances...

In this episode Liv and Rachel discuss how the Breed Up Program with the North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA) works. The documents/rules can also be found on NADSA's website www.northamericadairysheep.org

#NADSA #northamericadairysheepassociation #dairy #dairysheep #sheep #breedup #homesteading #homesteaders #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

Today we have Lydia from Harmony Heritage Farm, an off grid homestead in Washington State. We discuss how she started with dairy sheep, what breeds she raises, what she does with her milk, and how she feeds her sheep and deals with parasites.

Find Lydia on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/harmonyheritagefarm/

Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com 

Like our content? Let us know! Want to see something in particular on our channel? Tell us w...

In this episode Liv & Rachel have guest Brieanne Rice from coastal California as a guest. Brieanne discusses how she uses regenerative agriculture on her farm, what predators have been problematic and how the "issue" was resolved. Brieanne also discusses her up and coming book due to be published Fall 2026.

#dairysheep #dairy #sheep #regenerativeag #agriculture #homesteading #northamericadairysheepassociation #NADSA #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

In today's episode we interview Vera Strogolova from Strong's Microbials. She shares the why, when, and how of administering probiotics to your dairy flock, how she got into this field, and why she is so passionate about getting these products into the hands of farmers.

Want to try probiotics on your dairy flock? Go to https://www.strongmicrobials.com and use the code WhoopsyDaisy at checkout for a 20% off discount on your entire order

The original product she worked on studying probiotic effects on cows: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26783130/<...

In this episode Liv talks with Samantha who recently imported purebred East Friesian sheep into the USA! Hear about Samantha's ranch management and some hurdles they've overcome throughout their shepherding years.

#dairysheep #dairy #pasture #eastfriesian #thewoolywhey #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres #nadsa #northamericadairysheepassociation #shepherd #homesteading

In this episode Rachel & Liv talk about the purpose of the North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA). As well as what are the perks of paying for annual membership. Liv also breaks down and explains how to enroll in the Milk Star Program.

#northamericadairysheepassociation #nadsa #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres #dairysheep #dairy #sheep #milk #milkstarprogram #homesteading #homedairy

In this episode we have Katya back explaining how to use her Slavic Beauty Cream Separator. She discusses the materials she chooses for each model and some troubleshooting guides for her unit.

If you would like to purchase from Katya's website directly, go to https://slavicbeauty.net and use code SHEEP20 for a discount. you can find her various models of cream separators here, as well as her book, 'The Art of Clabber' and other milk processing supplies.

Find Katya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slavicbeautyseparator/

Facebook: https...

Liv & Rachel have guest Robyn Jackson, known as Cheese From Scratch on Instagram. We discuss clabber, how to use it and some basic cheese making tips & tricks.

Robyn's book can be purchased here -> https://a.co/d/01diISkC

#cheese #artisancheese #rawmilkcheese #homestead #homesteading #dairy #dairysheep #milksheep #milk #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

Rachel interviews guest Katya Luniova who defines what clabber is, how to start your own clabber & how to use your clabber.

Find Katya on

Her website: https://slavicbeauty.net Use code SHEEP20 at Checkout for a discount on your order!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/slavicbeautyseparator/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=slavic%20beauty

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlavicBeauty

Book 'The Art of Clabber' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cQ1WXM

Book 'The Art of Clabber' from publisher, Sawdust Publishing...

Liv interviews Fae Goodman, a dairy shepherd in central North Carolina. Fae has been breeding Tunis sheep & selecting for strong dairy qualities, parasite resistance & wool quality (just to name a few). You can follow Fae's farm on facebook at Acorn & Fern Tiny Sheep Dairy & Eggery.

Liv & Rachel talk with Natalie author of Eco Flock. Natalie even shares some tips on how to successfully make butter from sheep milk!

#dairy #dairysheep #sheepmilk #butter #sheep #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

In this episode Liv & Rachel interview guest Amy Rapphun at Linden Lane Farm. Amy discusses her sheep operation, what she does with her flocks fleeces & how she milks her dairy sheep + what she does with her milk. Amy is also the person who handled the importing of purebred East Friesian semen to the USA for NADSA.

Linden Lane Farm --> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064779124049

North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA) --> www.northamericadairysheep.org

#dairysheep #dairy #gotmilk #nadsa #northamericadairysheepassociation #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

This episode covers the comparison between hand milking and machine milking, addressing concerns related to cleaning, contamination, and equipment considerations. It also explores the benefits of milking machines, their role in cheese making, microbial control, and cost considerations.

Additionally, it discusses the use of milking machines in specific farming situations, farm management, and the impact on milk production and animal behavior.

Simple Pulse --> https://simplepulse.com/

Takeaways

In this episode, Liv and Rachel catch up on what is going on in their flocks. Rachel discusses a treatment for parasites that involves alkalyzing sheep feed with lye and a coccidiea treatment. The primary discussion then shifts to explaining why Liv prefers polled sheep (no horns) and Rachel does like horned sheep.

Links from discussion:

The Shepherdess Grace's Coccidea treatment:

https://www.shepherdess.com/product/the-most-effective-coccidia-treatment-for-my-lambs-toltrazuril-2/

Poopah's Farm Lye treatment videos: https://youtu.be/3l44mpJRBt4?si=u5OpUyq2YN3lpakY

https...

In this episode Liv & Rachel dive into what makes a dairy sheep a dairy sheep and where to find them using the North America Dairy Sheep Association. Plus, a brief overview of other uses for sheep (meat, milk & wool).

Rachel chats with Liv Fox, the current North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA) about association accomplishments in 2025; PLUS exciting news about the future of The Wooly Whey in 2026!

Guest Tiffany Hartung shares her personal experiences making cheeses with cow milk and sheep milk.

Curious about curing meats as a form of preservation? Our guest Cora explains how!

Elaine a shepherd in Michigan shares how she manages her flock of dairy sheep on small acreage.

Sally Fallon Morell, author of the Nourishing Traditions Cookbook and founder of the Weston A Price foundation, joins us today to share what grass-fed dairy is. She explains how dairy animals were traditionally raised, why grass-fed fell out of favor, and how it resurged in America. We discuss animal husbandry practices and health for our family's as well. You can find more about Sally and her organization at: https://www.westonaprice.org https://nourishingtraditions.com http://realmilk.com @TheWestonAPrice Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com Like our...

My good friend Marissa Gutierrez joins us today as we discuss desert breeds of dairy sheep. We also discuss being savvy to the nuances of dairy breeds and how that effects homestead management. Our conversation led to sharing burnout and discouragement, and how we dealt with it (spoiler alert: calling each other!!) and how imperative it is to build community and support when homesteading, shepherding and dairying. This is part one of our conversation - because when my friends are on my podcast, we tend to go long! You can find Marissa at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desert.shepherdess...

My good friend Marissa Gutierrez joins us today as we discuss desert breeds of dairy sheep. We also discuss being savvy to the nuances of dairy breeds and how that effects homestead management. Our conversation led to sharing burnout and discouragement, and how we dealt with it (spoiler alert: calling each other!!) and how imperative it is to build community and support when homesteading, shepherding and dairying. This is part one of our conversation - because when my friends are on my podcast, we tend to go long! You can find Marissa at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desert.shepherdess...

In this epsiode we meet Sari Fulbright, a Homesteader and Cheesemaker in Montana. Sari started out with Dairy Cows, but as her family and cheesemaking has grown, she has realized that sheep may fit better than cows. Listen along as we discuss animal husbandry, motherhood, cheesemaking catastrophes, and our deep love of sheep. Find Sari: on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fulbright_farmstead/ Check out their website at https://fulbrightfarmstead.com Subscribe to their youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@FulbrightFarmstead Books mentioned in this episode: Dairy Sheep Nutrition: https://www.amazon.com/Dairy-Sheep-Nutrition-Giuseppe-Pulina/dp/0851996817/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DUI5...

The founder of Homesteaders of America Amy Fewell joins us today to share how she made the decision to transition away from dairy sheep and focus on dairy cows for the time being. Follow Amy on Social Media and check out her websites! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefewellhomestead Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.fewell/ Website: https://thefewellhomestead.com https://homesteadersofamerica.com?ap_id=WHOOPSYDAISY - join Homesteaders of America and get early ticket alerts as well as an incredible online library of the recordings of their workshops from several years of HOA conferences Sign up for our email...

In this Episode, Mysti Arnold shares about a brand new breed association for North America for the Awassi Dairy Sheep Breed! She also shares about her shepherding journey and what her motivation is behind raising dairy sheep. Find Mysti on Facebook and Instagram! Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com Like our content? Let us know! Want to see something in particular on our channel? Tell us what it is! Send us a message at: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088451235571 ...

Listen to Vicki and I chat about how sheep milk brought a huge change to her health and helped her avoid surgery, adjusting to homestead life, usees of dairy sheep wool, and generally just how much we love sheep!!

Find Vicki Here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FatDragonFarm?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6IGtQx1SEIgV57UK8CHx_qwI-hcZfzYt7PRRHAYZiy9Zjx43PNQJJfW8_aem_KaaWuKXhXDKhO4sTmCo9lg

https://www.instagram.com/v.o.2.max/

https://www.instagram.com/fatdragonfarmapothecary...

Listen to Vicki and I chat about how sheep milk brought a huge change to her health and helped her avoid surgery, adjusting to homestead life, usees of dairy sheep wool, and generally just how much we love sheep!! Find Vicki Here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FatDragonFarm?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6IGtQx1SEIgV57UK8CHx_qwI-hcZfzYt7PRRHAYZiy9Zjx43PNQJJfW8_aem_KaaWuKXhXDKhO4sTmCo9lg https://www.instagram.com/v.o.2.max/ https://www.instagram.com/fatdragonfarmapothecary/followers/mutualOnly https://www.facebook.com/vicki.otmani/ Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at...

Listen to Vicki and I chat about CSA’s and how one can have a homestead business without losing your mind!

Find Vicki Here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FatDragonFarm?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6IGtQx1SEIgV57UK8CHx_qwI-hcZfzYt7PRRHAYZiy9Zjx43PNQJJfW8_aem_KaaWuKXhXDKhO4sTmCo9lg

https://www.instagram.com/v.o.2.max/

https://www.instagram.com/fatdragonfarmapothecary/followers/mutualOnly

https://www.facebook.com/vicki.otmani/

Si...

Listen to Vicki and I chat about CSA’s and how one can have a homestead business without losing your mind! Find Vicki Here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FatDragonFarm?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6IGtQx1SEIgV57UK8CHx_qwI-hcZfzYt7PRRHAYZiy9Zjx43PNQJJfW8_aem_KaaWuKXhXDKhO4sTmCo9lg https://www.instagram.com/v.o.2.max/ https://www.instagram.com/fatdragonfarmapothecary/followers/mutualOnly https://www.facebook.com/vicki.otmani/ Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com Like our content? Let us know! Want to see something in particular on our channel? Te...

Alex Daugherty from Little Ch'aska farm in Northern New Mexico tells us why she is switching from Dairy Goats to Dairy Sheep, as well as some of her management practices on a High Desert Homestead with Navajo Churro sheep. Find Little Ch'aska farm at: https://littlechaskafarm.comhttps://www.instagram.com/little.chaska.farm/Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com Like our content? Let us know! Want to see something in particular on our channel? Tell us what it is! Send us a message at:Instagram:https...

Alex Daugherty from Little Ch'aska farm in Northern New Mexico tells us why she is switching from Dairy Goats to Dairy Sheep, as well as some of her management practices on a High Desert Homestead with Navajo Churro sheep. Find Little Ch'aska farm at: https://littlechaskafarm.com https://www.instagram.com/little.chaska.farm/ Sign up for our email newsletter and get updates on our homestead and farm products at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com Like our content? Let us know! Want to see something in particular on our channel? Tell us what it is! Send us a message at: Instagram:https...

This week we interview Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms and discuss 'The Sheepness of the Sheep.' You may have heard him talk about the Pigness of the Pig, but we dive into the Sheepness of the Sheep - what makes animals unique, sheep and animal psychology, and how understanding their unique differences helps us practice good animal husbandry and Earth Stewardship. As Kyle and I had just experienced on of the worst farm emergencies to date, this conversation's timing was so applicable as we dove into when to make the hard choice and cull an animal, and how...

This week we interview Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms and discuss 'The Sheepness of the Sheep.' You may have heard him talk about the Pigness of the Pig, but we dive into the Sheepness of the Sheep - what makes animals unique, sheep and animal psychology, and how understanding their unique differences helps us practice good animal husbandry and Earth Stewardship. As Kyle and I had just experienced on of the worst farm emergencies to date, this conversation's timing was so applicable as we dove into when to make the hard choice and cull an animal, and how one...

Join us as we interview Emily from Mountain in the Mist, a homestead in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Their homestead raises quite a few animals and among them are East Friesian dairy sheep. We discuss their animal husbandry practices and how they utilize the different products their sheep produce.

Find out more about Drake and Emily at https://mountaininthemist.com/

In this episode we interview Emily from Mountain in the Mist, a homestead in the Williammette valley, OR, that raises East Friesian Dairy sheep. Find out more about their homestead at https://mountaininthemist.com or check them out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mountaininthemist/ Follow us on Instagram or facebook @whoopsydaisyfarm check out our website at www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com