Goat Yoga: A Story of Connection, Calm, and Cuddly Goats
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-yoga/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionWhen 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 how a simple idea for “Goat Happy Hour” transformed into a viral global phenomenon featured on CNN, People Magazine, The New York Times, and more.You’ll hear how she built her business from her farm to multiple licensed locations across the U.S., what makes goats perfect partners for yoga, and the practical realities—like insurance, zoning, and goat care—that many people overlook when they try to start goat yoga on their own.Whether you’ve thought about starting goat yoga yourself, or just want to understand why the world fell in love with it, this episode is full of heart, humor, and inspiration.You may also enjoy:Ep #85 Goat Business Ideas: How to Make Money With Your GoatsEp #159 How Beekman 1802 Used GOAT Wisdom to Build a Beloved Brand Ep #142 Rent a Goat: Turning Goatscaping into a Thriving BusinessEp #127 Success with Dairy Goats: Goat Milk StuffEp #132 Farm Stays: The Key to a Diversified FarmThanks 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! 🐐
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Uterine Tears in Goats
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-tears-in-goats/-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn 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 management of uterine tears.If you raise goats, are anticipating kids, or want expert insight into kidding emergencies, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll Learn:Why uterine tears happen in goats and why they’re often misunderstoodThe challenges of researching goat reproductive disordersStudy findings: prevalence, risk factors, and survival rates for uterine tearsWhy small breed goats are at greater risk—especially with on-farm interventionThe warning signs of uterine tears and how they differ from vaginal tearsWhen to call a vet and how to reduce the risks during kiddingWhat goat owners can do to help prevent serious complicationsWhy veterinary involvement can save livesWhat’s still unknown about rebreeding goats that survived a uterine tearAreas where more research is needed on goat reproductive healthResources:Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitalsPregnancy Toxemia in Goats (podcast)University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - FacebookUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - InstagramThanks 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! 🐐
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The Science of Goat Milk and Skin Care
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/the-science-of-goat-milk-and-skin-care/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionGoat 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 more than a decade of clinical studies and product development.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why goat milk’s pH is so important for protecting sensitive skin.How gentle cleansing with goat milk helps preserve the skin’s barrier.The role of oligosaccharides in nourishing beneficial bacteria on the skin.What the skin microbiome is—and why balance matters more than “good” or “bad” bacteria.How lactic acid in goat milk provides gentle daily exfoliation without irritation.The discovery of goat milk exosomes and their potential in advanced skin care.The science behind peptides in goat milk and how smaller fragments may deliver targeted benefits.Why Beekman 1802 lists “kindness” as an ingredient in every product—and how it’s linked to overall wellness and longevity.Whether you make your own goat milk soap or simply want to understand the science behind it, this episode offers fascinating insights into how nature’s original moisturizer works at a cellular level.Resources:Beekman 1802Goat Wisdom by Brent Ridge & Josh Kilmer-PurcellBuy on AmazonBuy on BookshopThanks 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! 🐐
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Goat Packing and Public Lands: How NAPgA Keeps the Trails Open
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-packing-and-public-lands/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn 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 public lands open to pack goat users in the face of increasing restrictions—most of which stem from unproven concerns about disease transmission between goats and wild bighorn sheep.If you’ve ever wanted to take your goats hiking or are curious about the barriers pack goat users face, this episode offers both inspiration and insight into an issue that affects animal lovers, hikers, and land use advocates alike.What You’ll Learn:What goat packing is and how it works on the trailHow Chris got involved in goat packing and NAPgAWhy some public lands are closed to pack goats—and what the science does not sayHow to find out if a specific public land is open to pack goat useWhat NAPgA is doing to protect access to public landsThe differences between pack goats and domestic sheep, and why that mattersWhere goat packing as a sport is headed in the futureResources Mentioned:North American Packgoat Association (NAPgA)NAPgA Facebook PageMycoplasma In Goats - podcast episodeThanks 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! 🐐
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Packgoats 101: Getting Started with Hiking Companions on Hooves
Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/packing-with-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIf 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 episode, you’ll learn:The history of pack goating and how it started in the 1970s.Why pack goats are a growing alternative to horses and llamas for backcountry hiking and camping.What to look for in a goat for packing: from breed preferences to physical traits and characteristics.The age at which to start training your goats and how to gradually increase their load capacity.Essential gear for pack goating, including saddles, panniers, and leads.How to train adult goats, even those already in your herd, to become pack goats.What to expect on a typical pack goating trip: daily routines, feeding, and water strategies.Dealing with predators and other considerations when hiking with goats in the backcountry.Whether you’re looking to start pack goating or just want to learn more about it, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration. Nathan shares his experience and knowledge, making it easier than ever to embark on your own pack goat adventure.Resources:North American Pack Goat Association (NAPgA)Putnam Pack GoatsIf you’ve ever thought about earning an income with goats, check out our list of goat business ideas to spark your own inspiration.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! 🐐
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 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 stories about goats and the people who love them. Learn more on our website, fortheloveofgoats.com