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.
There’s a popular Dad joke about cows: Why do cows have hooves instead of feet? — Because they lactose. As far as painful jokes go, this one is up there with the best of them. … Read more
What is herding cattle? Depending on who you ask, it could be all about the gentle movement of cows from one pasture to another. Or it could be a chaotic experience that comes with lost … Read more
Shorthorn cattle are well-muscled. They are a popular cow breed across the globe and the first established beef breed in the United States. Known for their high fertility and excellent mothering ability, this cow is … Read more
Belgian Blue cattle go by many names depending on the circle. They are also known as Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White Blue, Blue Belgian, and Blue as Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique. These cows … Read more
Rambouillet sheep, developed in France, was initially bred to produce wool and meat. However, it’s now frequently used as an exhibit animal. This breed has distinct traits, like its thick wool coat. If you’re looking … Read more
Let’s talk about why pigs like mud. Wallowing in mud is a favorite pastime that cuts across all types of pigs. The adorable oinkers love luxuriating in wet sludge. If you’ve even seen a pig … Read more
Learn what is a truffle pig, and why are they valued for their skills in truffle hunting in culinary circles. Some people know about truffles, mostly because of their delicious aroma and high price. Truffle … Read more
One of the newest arrivals in the hog family, the Idaho Pasture pig, is a favorite among small-scale farmers for several good reasons. Commonly referred to as the IPP, “Pasture Pork,” “Grazing Pig,” and “Natural … Read more
When people think of intensive pig farming, some breeds that come to mind include the Hampshire pig, the Duroc pig, and the Yorkshire pig. However, the Chester White pig is just as wonderful an option … Read more
A pregnant pig requires special treatment in terms of food, housing, and overall handling. During pregnancy, the sow’s health has a huge impact on the health of the piglets she will give birth to. This … Read more
Known as the oldest purebred sheep in the world, Icelandic sheep are valued across the globe due to their sturdy wool and fibers, dairy products, and delicious meat. If you are wondering whether they are … Read more
Sheep are incredibly cute and productive animals and depending on the breed, can be raised for milk, meat, wool, and more. If you don’t know much about sheep, keep reading to learn how long do … Read more
Learn all the differences between lamb vs sheep. Sheep were among the first and most successfully domesticated animals across the globe. Human beings have been rearing sheep for thousands of years for their meat production, … Read more
Here we explain what to feed goats to gain weight. Goats are not the easiest animals to fatten, which you may realize if you raise them for meat. They are very active and will burn … Read more
Whether you are thinking of breeding or just raising goats, or just curious, keep reading to learn how long do goats live. While they have an average lifespan, there are things you can do to … Read more
Breeding and raising goats can be both fun and complicated. Like with the young of almost every animal, the first few days of a baby goat’s life are extremely crucial to its survival. So, when … Read more
Finding the optimum balance between the size of your goat herd and the available forage is critical for successful grazing management. Regardless of whether your farm is on a continuous or a rotational grazing system, … Read more
Here we explain why do goats headbutt. It may seem barbaric, strange, and dangerous to you, but headbutting is a natural part of goat behavior. The slamming of heads together has several functions, including establishing … Read more
Feeder cattle are a valued product across businesses like farming, fashion, sporting materials, and musical instruments. In this article, we explain what is feeder cattle, why it’s important, what we need it for, how to … Read more
You’ve probably wondered what a cattle shed is. It provides a separate “loafing” area for cows and helps you control the climate inside the barn. Sheds can protect cows from rain and different diseases by … Read more