Choosing Livestock for Your Homestead
If you are trying to decide which animals to add to your homestead, that is exactly what this live training will cover!
- Want to have your own milk supply but aren't sure about the difference between cows, goats, and sheep as dairy animals?
- Wondering whether you should add ducks to your homestead to provide eggs?
- Is it really worth it to raise sheep to have your own supply of wool?
- Should you just buy weaner pigs to raise your own bacon and ham, or is it better to breed your own pigs?
- How do broad-breasted turkeys compare to heritage breeds?
We will answer all of these questions and more!
Since 2002, we have been producing 100% of our meat, eggs, and dairy by raising a variety of poultry, goats, sheep, and even cattle and pigs.
For the various species, I'll be talking about what you need in terms of acreage, housing, fencing, and feeding, and why we continue to raise some breeds year after year while avoiding others.
Course Curriculum
Your Instructor
In 2002, Deborah and her family moved to 32 acres on a creek in the middle of nowhere to grow their own food organically. With the help of goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry, they produce 100% of their meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as a large percentage of their vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Deborah is the author of six books, including Homegrown and Handmade, Ecothrifty, and Raising Goats Naturally, as well as her latest book, Goats Giving Birth. She also teaches sustainable agriculture courses online for the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. She has been teaching Raising Dairy Goats Sustainably since 2013 and Pastured Poultry since 2015.