You have some land and want to learn about raising livestock. Is it for you? There’s much to learn, including the best animals for larger acreage or more compact farms and backyards.
With firsthand experience raising animals, we discuss the importance of choosing the right animals for your space, property, time, and goals. We provide extensive information on miniature cattle, goats, pigs, and other livestock.
Before bringing animals to your hobby farm, consider:
Many homesteaders choose to raise animals for milk or meat. They may want them for a more off-the-grid lifestyle or to earn money. Others keep animals as part of a larger survival or prepping plan.
Whatever your reasons for considering them, learn what you need so you can make an informed decision.
Homesteaders raise Merino sheep for their high-quality, soft, fine wool as well as their meat. They are medium-sized and manageable which makes them popular for small-scale farming. With quality pasture, you can raise two Merinos … Read more
There are many types of goats, and each are bred for different purposes. They fall into three primary categories: dairy, meat, and fiber. Dairy breeds like Saanen, Nubian, and Alpine provide substantial amounts of milk. … Read more
Whether you have a few sheep or several in your flock, find the best sheep names with this ultimate list. I’ve included funny sheep names; cute and creative names; pun sheep names; names for lambs, … Read more
Welcome to an udderly delightful adventure into the world of cow names! Whether you’re looking for names for newborn calves or mature cows, finding the perfect name adds a touch of personality and character to … Read more
As a goat owner, you know these curious and active animals are always on the lookout for new adventures. While goats are generally known for their agility and their ability to climb, jump, and explore, … Read more
Cows are domesticated mammals raised primarily for their meat, milk, and hides. Raising cattle can be a profitable and sustainable source of income for farmers and ranchers. Here I explain how much does a cow … Read more
Meat sheep breeds are bred specifically for meat production. They have a high growth rate and weight gain, good meat quality, efficient feed conversion, and strong immunity. When raising sheep, choosing the right breed for … Read more
Goats are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, including extreme cold and heat. Domesticated goats, however, need shelter to remain healthy, safe, and productive. There are plenty of goat barn ideas you can … Read more
Cow udders are some of the most fascinating organs for several reasons. To begin with, they are hardly ever visible until the cow goes through some physical transformation, in which case, they are unmissable. Some … Read more
Also known as Dutch Belted cattle, Lakenvelder cattle are a highly-prized breed of cattle raised mainly for its milk production but can also double as a dual-purpose breed for meat. Lakenvelder cattle are believed to … Read more
Your cattle can’t tell you what is lacking in their diet, so it’s up to you to figure it out. While you can ideally monitor nutrition factors using protein and calorie intake calculators, some nutrients … Read more
There are a few pertinent questions that anyone looking to raise goats needs to ask themselves. One of the most important ones is how much space do goats need? This is also known as the … Read more
Here is what to know about raising a Vietnamese potbelly pig, whether you are interested in them for meat, pets, or both. Many hobby farmers raise them for meat because of their smaller size. This … Read more
Few things are quite as exciting to most cow breeders as having pregnant cows in the herd. This often means that, with the right management, the herd size and milk production will increase as soon … Read more
Ossabaw Pigs, or Ossabaw Island Pigs, come from a breed of feral pigs that were originally found on Ossabaw Island off the coast of Georgia. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy recognizes this breed of pigs … Read more
Pigs are known by various names, from hog to boar and swine. In fact, in many places, these names are interchangeable. However, you will most likely come across the name pig more often than not. … Read more
Small breeds of pigs have existed for about as long as any breeds of pigs have existed. As you can imagine, these miniature pigs don’t get the same treatment as most other hogs. This is … Read more
Genetics plays an important role in a pig’s meat quality and overall performance. That’s one of the main reasons commercial and private pig farmers pay close attention to their breeding stock. As a pig producer, … Read more
If you intend to raise pigs, you will need fencing for pigs on your farm. There are several reasons why this is important. For starters, even the most domesticated pig breeds can go feral when … Read more
Certain goat breeds, such as the Alpine goat, have distinctive beards on their faces. Going by traditional gender rules, it would be natural to assume that the bearded goats in any breed would most likely … Read more