Livestock

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.

Livestock

Learn about the benefits of raising animals and choosing the right animals. We have extensive information on why miniature cattle may be perfect for you. Whether you consider goats, cattle, pigs, or other livestock, you must consider:

Shelter – You will need to consider protection from cold or hot weather, rain, and more.
Feeding – How much do they eat and how often to feed them.
Guarding – This includes information on livestock guardian animals and guardian dogs; fencing; and their overall area to live and roam.
Overall health and wellness

Many homesteaders choose to raise animals for milk and 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.

Suffolk Sheep ~ The Breed to Raise for Meat and Wool

As the name suggests, Suffolk sheep hail from the county of Suffolk in England. This beloved breed stretches back to the 1700 and has provided countless families with fresh mutton and warm wool. If you’ve been looking to purchase backyard sheep or pasture stock, you’ll want to take a moment to consider these unique beauties. Additionally, if you’re not familiar with sheep terminology, here’s a head’s up: Adult females are called ewes Males are known … Read more

Californian Rabbit ~ Learn Why It’s the Breed to Raise

The Californian rabbit has been a favorite among homesteaders and others looking to supply their own meat with minimal space and resources. They’re ideal for small backyards and are easy to care for. Here’s what to know to get started raising Californian rabbits for meat, breeding, or as pets. Californian Rabbit The California rabbit is one of the most popular breeds used for meat. It’s right up there with the New Zealand White, both beloved … Read more

What Do Pigs Eat | Here’s What to Know

What Do Pigs Eat – There is a common misconception that pigs can eat scraps or thrive on any available food. Swine need a well-balanced diet to grow and reproduce. Pigs are omnivores meaning they eat plants and meat. If you are interested in adding pigs to your farm or just curious, here’s what to know about what pigs eat. What Do Pigs Eat In the wild, hogs have access to a more diverse diet … Read more

Goat Horns ~ What to Know about Horned Goats

Goat horns are unique anatomical features that can be beautiful and a bit hazardous, depending on how you plan to care for your goats. Learn why goats have horns, the difference between disbudding and dehorning, the pros and cons of disbudding, and the essential information on handling a goat with horns to ensure you handle them correctly. Do All Goats Have Horns? All goat breeds have horns. This includes the males (bucks and billies) and the … Read more

Hampshire Pig ~ Raising a Meat Source on Your Farm

The Hampshire pig is a breed of pig that was first imported from England. It has been bred and raised in the United States since the 19th century and quickly became one of the country’s most prominent breeds. With a unique appearance and proven durability, the Hampshire has proven itself to be superior to the everyday common hog. Its characteristics speak for themselves. Why Raise Hampshire Pigs? The primary purpose of breeding and raising Hampshire … Read more

Kiko Goats | Easy Way to Add Meat to Your Farm

Are you looking for a new way to produce meat? Consider raising Kiko goats. While their primary purpose is meat production, you can get some milk from them as well. They are low maintenance and hardy. Keep reading to learn about the Kiko goat and what it takes to raise this breed. Kiko goats The Kiko goat is a crossbreed of goat with a New Zealand origin. The breed name Kiko comes from the Māori … Read more

Scottish Highland Cattle | A Hardy Breed Worth Raising

Raising cattle is on your homestead is a way to earn money and provide for your family. One breed to consider is Scottish Highland cattle. They are very hardy, easy to train, docile, interesting, adorable, and intelligent. With property and the means to care for them, they can be a good investment and choice for livestock to raise. Scottish Highland Cattle Aptly named, Scottish Highland cows originated from Scotland and were commonly seen in the … Read more

Mangalitsa Pig | Are They the Best Choice for Your Homestead?

Adding a Mangalitsa pig to your homestead can bring plenty of diversity. Not only do they have an incredibly rich history, but you can also use them for a wide assortment of things. Mangalitsa pigs have a unique appearance, fabulous meat, and offer many other impressive benefits. Mangalitsa Pig To get to know this pig breed better, here’s a brief look into its interesting history. Early 19th Century Depending on where you are in the … Read more

Homemade Dog Food | How to Make Dog Food

Learning about homemade dog food is an exciting experience for pet parents. With personally-sourced ingredients, you can have complete control over your dog’s diet. Homemade dog food can be nutritious and tasty. By knowing how to make dog food, you can know exactly what you are feeding your dog. It can help save money or for the same money, you will have higher-quality ingredients. By learning how to make homemade dog food that is safe, … Read more

Difference Between Sheep and Goats To Guide Beginners

Knowing the difference between sheep and goats will help you decide which type of livestock to choose for your farm. When choosing between sheep and goats, it’s important to consider the environmental conditions in which they’ll thrive in. This way, it will be easier to care for them, prevent diseases, and more. Do you think you could immediately tell the difference between sheep and goats just by looking at them? Some varieties look similar. With … Read more