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.
What does clover do to cattle? You may be wondering, can your cow eat clover? If so, how much? Or perhaps you’re wondering, “How much clover can I feed my cow?” Clover is a short-lived … Read more
The Brown Swiss is a breed of dairy cattle in the United States. Cows produce milk that is high in butterfat. Over the centuries, Brown Swiss cattle have diverged from the original breed in many … Read more
Limousin cattle is an ideal breed to raise for meat. About 60% of beef cattle live in the USA. The beef cattle manufacturing industry is more popular than the dairy production sector, but production costs … Read more
The funny looking pig with a funny sounding name, Kunekune pigs are a great choice for smaller homestead operations. These pigs provide high quality meat in smaller quantities and are easier on the fields because … Read more
Learn how many sheep per acre you can successfully raise. The size of your flock depends on how much land you have. There is an inclination to overestimate your property’s carrying capacity, particularly if you are … Read more
One of the oldest breeds of swine, black Berkshire pigs go back at least 350 years in history. The quality of the marbled meat that the Berkshire can provide for your homestead is unmatched. If … Read more
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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, … 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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 produce excellent quality beef and are very hardy, easy … Read more
Mangalitsa pigs are a heritage breed with an interesting history. They’re known for their tasty meat and distinctive appearance. Consider adding one to your homestead if you’re interested in raising a unique breed Mangalitsa Pig … Read more
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 … Read more