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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.
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:
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.
With long, floppy ears, a noble bearing, and inquisitive eyes, the Nubian goat is an adorable mammal. However, this animal has more to offer your homestead than just its cuteness. Nubians are raised for their milk as well as their meat, giving you several revenue possibilities for the homestead when you raise them. There are many reasons that the Nubian goat is the most popular breed of goat in the United States. Nubian Goat History … Read more
The oldest known breed of goat, the Toggenburg goat, is generally raised to give milk. A smaller sized goat, these goats are a wonderful choice for the homesteader because they require less feed than some other breeds of dairy goats. You can also use them for meat, but this isn’t their primary purpose. These dairy goats are also very hardy, particularly in cooler climates. If you are interested in a moderately producing milk goat, the … Read more
What do llamas eat? As herbivores, they eat plants, including grasses, forbs, shrubs, tree leaves and fruit. They thrive in pasture settings and are excellent grazers and browsers. A llama diet staple is hay. In addition to plants, hay and other vegetation, llamas eat other foods as well. What you feed llamas will depend on why you are raising them. Learn more about this below. You can supplement llama diets with herbivore pellets, salt and … Read more
Smaller than a cow and needing less feed, the Alpine goat is a good homestead choice for those who have small properties and limited means. They give excellent quality and plentiful milk and the males can be used for meat. The Alpine goat is as close to a dual-purpose dairy goat as you can get. These ruminant mammals are heavy milkers and will help you achieve a sustainable lifestyle. Alpines, especially the wethers, are also … Read more
With their unusual looks and soft fur, alpacas are one of the more unique animals that you will see on homesteads. If you are considering starting an alpaca farm, you will find that they are interesting, friendly, gentle and beautiful creatures. They are easily domesticated and easy to keep and feed. While they aren’t considered guardian animals, they are quite useful around your property. Additionally, you can earn money raising alpacas. Learn about the purpose … Read more
As the name suggests, Suffolk sheep hail from the county of Suffolk in England. This beloved breed stretches back to the 1700s 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. Like most all sheep, Suffolk sheep offer a good ROI and don’t take a lot of room to raise. They … Read more
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 – 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 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 … Read more
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