Get Goat Wise | Meat Goats, Dairy Goats, Self-Sufficiency, Sustainable Farm, Homesteading, Off-Grid, Livestock

96 | Commercial Meat Goats, Pet Goats and the Management Mistakes That Cause Burnout

Raising goats successfully isn’t about having more animals or fewer animals — it’s about having management that matches your goal. Too many people jump into goats with good intentions, only to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and eventually sell out because their goats, systems, and goals were never aligned.
In this episode, I break down a pattern I see over and over: people either start with too many goats before they’ve learned how goats behave as a herd, or they start with just a couple of goats that function more like pets and never teach real herd management. Both extremes create problems — just in different ways.
We talk honestly about why goats magnify mistakes, how scale multiplies management challenges, and why learning at the right herd size matters. I also share how and why we intentionally scaled our own herd back last year to protect animal health, forage, and infrastructure — not as a failure, but as good management under real-world constraints.
We’ll dig into the difference between pet goats and commercial goats, including a candid discussion about bottle babies, learned behavior, and why management sometimes has to change to keep animals safe — even when that management isn’t ideal. Throughout the episode, everything comes back to one central truth: management depends on your goal.
If goats have ever felt harder than you expected, this episode will help you step back, clarify what you’re actually trying to build, and make decisions that lead to healthier goats and a more sustainable operation.
In This Episode, I Cover:
Why people often quit goats within the first year or two
How scale magnifies mistakes in fencing, grazing, nutrition, and parasite management
Why starting with just two or three goats teaches pet management, not herd management
The risks of scaling too fast before understanding goat behavior and systems
Our experience selling goats to let infrastructure and management catch up
The difference between pet goats and commercial goats — and why neither is “wrong”
How bottle baby behavior affects herd flow, boundaries, and daily management
Why goat management should work with goat nature, not against it
What “enough goats to be a herd, but not a crisis” actually looks like
Practical starting numbers for building a commercial meat goat herd based on experience
Key Takeaways:
Goat management must match your end goal to be sustainable
Too few goats can teach the wrong lessons for commercial herd management
Too many goats magnify mistakes and accelerate burnout
Bottle babies are not bad goats, but they require different management considerations
Healthy goat systems guide behavior while protecting animal welfare
Clear goals lead to calmer goats and better long-term decisions
Related Episodes:
71 | Livestock Management Decisions and Why We Are Selling Part of Our Goat Herd
68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep
24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option?
03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

95 | A Simple Self-Sufficiency Strategy: Build Food Storage Based on What Your Family Actually Uses

Self-sufficiency looks different for every family, yet many people feel stuck trying to follow generic food storage lists that don’t reflect how they actually eat or live. Over time, I’ve learned that the most effective food and household storage plans aren’t built from someone else’s checklist — they’re built by paying attention to what your family already uses.
In this episode, I share a simple, practical self-sufficiency strategy for building food, household, and personal care storage that actually fits your life. Instead of fear-based prepping or rigid rules, this approach starts by tracking what your family uses over the course of a month and letting that information guide your storage decisions.
I explain why this method works for both planners and freestyle cooks, how it naturally adapts as seasons and family needs change, and why self-sufficiency doesn’t require extremes or isolation. This is about stewardship, resilience, and reducing dependence on fragile systems — without overwhelm.
You’ll also hear why food storage has been most valuable for our family during job changes and unexpected financial or medical seasons, not hypothetical emergencies. This system supports healthier eating, fewer last-minute grocery runs, and the quiet security of having what you need already on hand.
If you want a realistic, adaptable way to build self-sufficiency through food and household storage without panic buying or complicated systems this episode will give you a clear, manageable place to start.
In This Episode, I Cover:
Why generic food storage lists often fail real families working toward self-sufficiency
The difference between fear-based prepping and practical self-sufficiency through stewardship
A simple month-long method to track what your family actually uses for food storage planning
How to track food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items to build household self-sufficiency
Turning real-life consumption data into a custom family food storage plan
Why seasonal food audits are key to long-term self-sufficiency and preparedness
How this food storage system works for both menu planners and freestyle cooks
Saving money through bulk buying, shopping sales, and intentional household planning
How food storage supports healthier home cooking and reduces reliance on takeout
Using pantry, freezer, and food storage inventory to confidently plan bulk meat purchases
Key Takeaways:
Self-sufficiency starts with understanding what your family already uses
Effective food storage plans should reflect real habits, not generic preparedness lists
Tracking household usage for one month provides clarity without overwhelm
Food storage systems should adapt as seasons, schedules, and family needs change
Practical self-sufficiency creates resilience, financial stability, and peace of mind
Related Episodes:
25 | Concerned About the Food Supply? Simple Ways to Ensure That Your Family Will Be Fed in the Event of a Food Availability Crisis
49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm
64 | Healthy Food, Self-Sufficiency, and Homesteading: How to Make Lasting Changes and Ditch the Overwhelm
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

94 | Winter Feeding Goats: How Growth Rate Changes Hay Needs and Marketing Plans

Fast growth is something we’re genuinely excited about on our ranch. This winter, a stretch of unusually mild weather reduced maintenance energy demands, allowing our weaned goat kids to put more of what they were eating toward growth instead of staying warm. As a result, they’re running 15–20 pounds ahead of where we’d normally expect them to be this time of year.
In this episode, I walk through how that weather-driven growth changed our winter feeding plan. I explain how we recalculated hay needs, what a 30–44% increase in feed demand looks like in real terms, and how we adjusted our marketing plan to match what the goats were actually doing instead of forcing the original timeline.
I share what we noticed early, how we ran the feed calculations, and why additional weight matters so much during winter feeding. I break down dry matter versus as-fed hay, how waste factors into real-world feeding systems, and why those details add up quickly when you’re feeding a large group of goats.
You’ll also hear how we evaluated our options, why buying more hay didn’t pencil out, and why selling earlier than planned was the most responsible decision given our feed inventory and the current market. This episode is a real ranch example of adjusting plans early, before a good situation turns into a costly one.
If you’re feeding goats through winter and trying to balance growth, hay supply, and marketing decisions, this episode will help you think through those trade-offs with clarity instead of guesswork.
In This Episode, I Cover:
A ranch update and how winter breeding conditions affect management decisions
How mild winter weather shifted energy use and increased growth in weaned goat kids
Why faster growth directly increases winter feed requirements
Calculating feed intake based on body weight
Converting dry matter intake to as-fed hay requirements
Accounting for hay waste in winter feeding systems
How increased growth led to a 30–44% increase in hay consumption
Evaluating winter feeding options: buy more hay or sell early
Why return on investment matters when feed requirements increase
How predictable goat markets factor into winter marketing plans
When adjusting a plan early is better than sticking to the original one
Key Takeaways:
Mild winter weather can significantly increase growth rates in young goats
Faster growth increases winter feed needs more than most people expect
Winter feeding decisions should be based on math, not assumptions
Hay inventory creates real limits on how long animals can be retained
Selling early can be a proactive, responsible management decision
Mentioned Episodes:
28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy to Save Money
Related Episodes:
35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste
78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock
71 | Livestock Management Decisions and Why We Are Selling Part of Our Goat Herd
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

93 | Winter Livestock Care Without Burnout: Chores, Water, and Simple Systems

Winter chores don’t have to take all day, but they do require good systems. In this episode, I’m sharing what a typical winter day looks like on our ranch, how we divide chores, manage water in freezing temperatures, and keep winter from turning into constant crisis mode.
I walk through what’s happening on the ranch right now, from breeding season updates to moving chickens into the barn, and how winter changes the pace and priorities of daily management. I share how and why we assign consistent chores, what a realistic winter chore timeline looks like in a moderate year, and why letting winter be slower is not a failure, but a strategy.
You’ll hear a detailed breakdown of how we handle winter water, hay feeding, and livestock care, including what adjustments we make when temperatures drop well below zero. I also talk about the reality of hard winters, when snow and weather dictate everything, and why even the best systems can’t eliminate difficulty, but they can keep hard days from becoming every day.
This episode isn’t about doing winter “right.” It’s about building simple, repeatable systems that protect your time, your energy, and your animals during the coldest season of the year.
If winter chores feel overwhelming or unpredictable, this episode will help you think more clearly about flow, responsibility, and how to simplify what you can without ignoring reality.
In This Episode, I Cover:
A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily chores
Why we don’t rotate chores in winter and how consistency prevents problems
What a realistic winter chore schedule looks like in a moderate year
Managing livestock water in freezing temperatures
How we adjust hay feeding and grouping during breeding season
The difference between moderate winters and hard winters and why systems still matter
Why winter is a season for maintenance, not maximum output
Key Takeaways:
Consistent chore assignments save time and prevent small problems from becoming emergencies
Water management is one of the most critical winter systems
Good systems reduce friction but can’t control the weather
Slower winter rhythms are intentional and necessary
If winter chores take all day, that’s a systems issue, not a personal failure
Mentioned Episodes:
09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid
Related Episodes:
28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money
35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste
40 | How to Help Your Goats Thrive in Winter
42 | Surviving Extreme Cold with Livestock When Your Animals Aren’t Adapted to Freezing Temperatures
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

92 | Breeding Goats with the Long Game in Mind: How We’re Making Herd Decisions This Season

Breeding season is underway on the ranch, and this year our breeding decisions look a little different than they have in the past. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening right now at Dry Creek and walking you through how we’re thinking about herd genetics, maternal traits, and long-term direction—not from a textbook perspective, but from real-world experience.
I talk through why we sold our longtime Boer buck, how that decision reshaped this year’s breeding plan, and why we’re intentionally slowing down instead of rushing to replace him. We dig into how past experience with show goats changed the way I think about first kiddings, mothering ability, and how breeding decisions can either set does up for success—or make their job harder from the start.
You’ll hear how and why we’re using Spanish bucks across the Boer herd this year, what we’re watching for in the resulting kids, and how data collection—not trends or pressure—is guiding our next steps. I also share some of the longer-term options we’re considering, including terminal crossing, maintaining two distinct herds, and what market demand may influence moving forward.
This episode isn’t about having the perfect breeding plan. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that keep options open, protect herd function, and align with the season of ranching and life you’re actually in.
If you’re raising goats, planning future breeding decisions, or trying to balance improvement with practicality, this episode will help you think more clearly and move forward with confidence—even if you don’t have every answer yet.
In This Episode, I Cover:
A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily management
Why we sold our Boer buck and how genetic concentration affects breeding decisions
How past show goat experience reshaped our approach to first kidding does
Using Spanish bucks to improve mothering and functional traits
The pros and tradeoffs of slowing genetic progress for long-term herd success
What a terminal cross is and why we’re considering it
How market demand, data, and personal goals influence herd direction
Key Takeaways:
Breeding decisions should support function, not just appearance or speed
A doe’s first kidding experience is important for long-term doe success
Slowing down can preserve options and prevent genetic dead ends
Data collection beats trend-chasing every time
It’s okay to move forward without having every future decision locked in
Related Episodes:
22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1
23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2
27 | Which Goats Should I Keep to Breed? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season
37 | Replacement Doe Management: Later Selection to Choose the Best Does for Your Herd
76 | How to Choose Future Breeding Bucks for Your Goat Herd
 
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

91 | Seasonal Planning for Livestock: How We Plan a Ranch Year Without Burning Out

Planning with livestock isn’t about filling a calendar—it’s about working with seasons, weather, animals, and real life. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening on our ranch right now, how we plan a full livestock year, and why I’ve stopped trying to force rigid schedules that don’t fit the reality of ranch life.
I walk through our annual rhythm with goats, cattle, fencing, meat sales, and family life, breaking down what each season typically holds and how those rhythms shape our planning decisions. From winter breeding and paperwork to spring kidding prep, summer grazing and county fair, and fall weaning and breeding plans, this episode gives you a realistic look at how a working ranch year actually unfolds.
We also talk about what’s changing for us in 2026—adjustments in breeding decisions, pasture and seeding experiments, a major perimeter fence project, and shifts in meat sales and time commitments. I share why flexibility has become a priority, how over-scheduling creates frustration, and what it looks like to plan with wider margins instead of tighter timelines.
If you’ve ever felt behind because your plans didn’t survive weather, animals, kids, or life in general, this episode is here to give you permission to plan differently. Seasonal planning isn’t less disciplined—it’s more honest. And for many of us, it’s the only way to stay steady long-term.
In This Episode, I Cover:
What’s happening on the ranch right now and how weather affects daily decisions
How we plan a livestock year around seasons instead of rigid schedules
A realistic walkthrough of our ranch year, from breeding to weaning
What’s changing for us in 2026 and why flexibility matters
How infrastructure projects reduce labor and stress long-term
Why overplanning creates frustration—and what we’re doing instead
Key Takeaways:
Livestock planning works best when it follows seasons, not calendars
Weather, animals, and family life will always change the plan
Rigid timelines often increase stress instead of progress
Planning with margin creates steadiness and resilience
Seasonal rhythms support long-term stewardship and sustainability
Related Episodes:
02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for Adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully
06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals
30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress
53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

90 | 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats (Hint: They Are NOT Sheep)

There are a lot of misconceptions about goats that set new owners up for frustration before they ever bring animals home. In this episode, I’m walking through five things I really wish I had understood before I got goats—lessons that would have saved me time, money, stress, and a lot of hard-earned mistakes.
We start by resetting expectations around goat behavior and management, including why goats are not sheep and why treating them like they are leads to fence failures, nutrition problems, and constant headaches. I break down the common myth that goats will eat anything, why that idea causes disappointment and even safety issues, and how understanding goat selectivity can actually make them a powerful management tool when used intentionally.
We also talk through the difference between poor management that forces goats to eat through hunger and strategic pressure that can be used carefully to influence forage selection. I explain why hunger-driven eating is often a sign that stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, or minerals are off—and when it can make sense to intentionally encourage goats to consume less-preferred plants without compromising health or welfare.
Finally, we cover why fence isn’t just one piece of goat ownership but the entire system, why minerals are not optional for goats, and why bottle babies—despite being cute—are not the best place for beginners to start. If you’re planning to get goats, or if you already have them and things feel harder than you expected, this episode will help you step back, reset expectations, and build systems that actually work.
In This Episode, I Cover:
Why goats are not sheep and how their behavior, grazing style, and nutrition differ
How managing goats like sheep creates fence, feeding, and safety problems
The myth that goats will eat anything—and why it sets people up for disappointment
How goats actually browse, sample, and select forage
Why hunger-driven eating is usually a sign of management problems
When and how goats can be strategically encouragedto eat less-preferred plants
The role of stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, and minerals in forage selection
Seasonal changes in plant palatability and how that affects grazing plans
Why fence is not a detail but the foundation of goat management
Common ways electric fence fails and why you need a secure backup enclosure
Why goats have higher mineral demands than many people expect
The problems caused by feeding sheep mineral to goats
Why mineral availability does not always equal mineral intake
Why bottle babies are emotionally appealing but management-intensive
The higher risks and behavioral challenges of bottle-raised goats
Why bottle babies make the learning curve steeper for beginners
Key Takeaways:
Goats require different management than sheep or cattle
Expectation mismatches are at the root of most goat problems
Goats are selective browsers, not garbage disposals
Hunger-based eating is a warning sign, not a management strategy
Strategic pressure can influence forage use when applied carefully and intentionally
Fence is the system that everything else depends on
A solid, goat-proof enclosure relieves pressure when electric fence fails
Minerals are essential to long-term goat health and performance
Feeding sheep mineral to goats will cause deficiencies over time
Bottle babies are not the easiest place to start learning goats
Clear expectations and intentional systems make goats much easier to manage
Related Episodes:
03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats
10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive
17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy
07 | Should My Goats Have Horns or Not? Pros and Cons of Disbudding Goats
02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the free community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

89 | How to Prepare Your Goat Herd for Breeding Season: Feed, Flushing, Mineral, and Water

Breeding season success doesn’t start when the buck goes in—it starts weeks earlier with intentional management decisions around feed, body condition, mineral, and water. In this episode, I’m walking through how we prepare our goat herd for breeding season on our ranch, and why flushing is less about grain and more about timing and rising energy intake.
I explain how our does typically come off pasture somewhat thin due to declining forage quality and demands of lactation, how we use a gradual hay-based recovery phase after weaning, and why we don’t rush into flushing too early. You’ll hear how we intentionally set the stage so that a modest energy increase 2–3 weeks before breeding actually produces a favorable reproductive response.
We also dig into forage-based flushing using high-quality hay, why mineral intake is often the hidden limiting factor in breeding success, and how winter water access quietly controls feed intake, mineral consumption, and overall herd health. If breeding hasn’t gone the way you expected in the past, this episode will help you evaluate the foundational pieces before blaming genetics or the buck.
In This Episode, I Cover:
What flushing really is—and why it’s primarily an energy strategy, not a grain strategy
Why flushing needs to start 2–3 weeks before breeding, not the day the buck shows up
How our does come off pasture thin from limited forage and lactation—and why that matters
Our post-weaning feeding strategy to gradually rebuild body condition without overdoing it
Why flushing works best when does are moderate condition or slightly thin, not fat
How forage-based flushing works with high-quality hay like sainfoin
Why intake—not just feed quality—determines whether flushing is effective
The critical role of mineral intake in estrus expression, conception, and early pregnancy
Why bucks are often overlooked in mineral programs—and how we handle that
The trace minerals most closely tied to reproductive success
How winter water access limits feed and mineral intake
Why water is often the most overlooked nutrient in breeding prep
Signs that water intake may be holding your herd back reproductively
How consistency—not perfection—sets the stage for a successful breeding season
Key Takeaways:
Breeding success starts weeks before breeding with intentional preparation
Flushing works because of rising energy intake, not because of grain
Gradual post-lactation recovery sets the stage for an effective flushing response
High-quality forage can support flushing when intake truly increases
Mineral intake—not just availability—can make or break reproductive success
Bucks need mineral too, even when feeders don’t cooperate
Without adequate winter water, goats won’t eat enough feed or mineral
Water is often the limiting nutrient in cold-weather breeding preparation
Consistency and timing matter more than aggressive feeding
Related Episodes:
14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition
17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy
09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid
24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option?
26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready to Have Their First Kids
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the FB community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

88 | Regenerative Ranching Is a Process, Not a Destination: How We Actually Make Decisions

Regenerative agriculture can feel like a buzzword, a badge, or a list of practices you’re supposed to follow. But in real life, and especially in a challenging climate, regeneration is a process of learning, comparing ideas against your own environment, testing small changes, observing what your land and animals are telling you, and adjusting as you go.
In this episode, I’m sharing the decision-making loop we use on our ranch with both goats and cattle, and why I see multi-species grazing as a long-term benefit—even though it adds complexity in the beginning. I also walk through our big-picture goal of reducing supplemental hay by extending the grazing season, and the real constraints we have to work within, like limited moisture, fragile pasture, frozen ground, predators, and wildlife pressure.
You’ll hear how we’re approaching water infiltration and soil building in a dry climate, why we’re testing straw bales to slow runoff first, and what we’ve already observed from years of intensive rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and summer bale grazing. I also explain why certain popular practices don’t translate well to goat management in our conditions—and how we adapt without abandoning the principles.
In This Episode, I Cover:
Why regenerative agriculture is a process, not a destination
The decision-making loop: Learn → Compare Context → Clarify Goals → Test → Observe → Adjust → Repeat
How to learn from other producers without copy-pasting their practices
Shifting from “this won’t work in my climate” to “how do these principles apply here?”
Why nature is the best teacher and how to use observation as your guide
Our big-picture goal: reducing hay by extending spring and fall grazing
The resource bottleneck in dry country: water infiltration and water-holding capacity
Why soil cover and organic matter are critical in moisture-limited environments
Using straw bales to slow runoff as a low-risk way to test water flow paths
What we’ve observed after 5 years of intensive rotational grazing
The forage improvements we’ve seen from chicken tractors and summer bale grazing
Why winter bale grazing is risky/not feasible for us right now (electric netting in frozen ground, elk pressure)
A winter feeding strategy that works within predator pressure and management reality
A soil-building feeding approach we’re preparing to test (and why snow cover matters)
Why we’re not buying a no-till drill right now—and what we want in place first
Why starting with annuals can make sense before investing in expensive perennial seed
Key Takeaways:
Regenerative practices aren’t universal—principles transfer, but application must fit your climate and animals.
Nature is the best teacher: observation turns theory into real management decisions.
Start with clear goals and real constraints, then break big objectives into small, testable steps.
Moisture-limited land requires prioritizing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and soil cover.
Testing small and reversible ideas (like straw bales) can prevent expensive mistakes.
Multi-species grazing is a long-term benefit, but it adds complexity—especially in the beginning.
“Not yet” is a valid answer on tools and investments; timing matters.
Progress comes from repeated cycles of learning, testing, observing, and adjusting—not from perfection.
Mentions:
Gabe Brown — Dirt to Soil
Related Episodes:
84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris
78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock
53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them
21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset
All the Best,Millie
 
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the FB community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
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Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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87 | Coccidia in Goats: Understanding Coccidiosis, Symptoms, and Practical Prevention That Works

Coccidiosis is one of the most common kid-health problems goat owners face, and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Some herds battle it every year. Others hardly see it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what coccidia actually is, how it functions inside the gut, which strains are the most dangerous, and why stress and environment play such a big role in outbreaks.
I’m also sharing the major shifts we made in genetics, kidding season, and management that completely changed our coccidia situation. After years of losing show goats to coccidiosis, we haven’t had a single case in our main herd in three years—and I’ll walk you through exactly why.
And I’ll touch on some natural, tannin-based supplements that some producers use to support gut health in herds that battle chronic coccidiosis pressure. We’re incorporating one into our mineral mix right now, mainly for our show-goat breeders, and I’ll share updates as we see results.
Finally, if you think a kid might be dealing with coccidiosis, I explain why getting your vet involved quickly makes all the difference.
In This Episode, I Cover:
What coccidia is and how it functions in the intestinal lining
How infection spreads and why kids are most vulnerable
The strains of coccidia that cause the most damage
The genetic component: why some goats struggle more than others
How stress, moisture, overcrowding, and management influence outbreaks
Our real-world experience with coccidiosis in show goats
How shifting genetics and kidding season broke our coccidia cycle
Why chickens donot give goats coccidia
Natural tannin-based supplements some producers use for gut support
When it’s time to call your vet and why timing matters
Key Takeaways:
Coccidia are microscopic protozoa that damage the gut by destroying intestinal cells.
The most pathogenic strains includeEimeria ninakohlyakimovae, arloingi, and 
Stress + moisture + high oocyst load = ideal conditions for coccidiosis.
Genetics and kidding-season timing have a huge impact on resilience.
Chickens cannot give goats coccidia—the strains are species specific.
Tannin-based supplements may support gut health in high-pressure herds.
Bottle kids remain more vulnerable due to stress and barn exposure.
Good management prevents most cases—but if you suspect coccidiosis, contacting your vet early is critical.
Mentions:
86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Do It Right
Related Episodes:
82 | Internal Parasites in Goats: Monitoring, Prevention, and Treatment for Barber Pole and Other Worms
68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep
08 | When Animals Aren’t Working Out on the Homestead/ How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell
All the Best,Millie
Resources & Links:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
Get Dry Creek meat:https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
Join my insider email list:https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
Join the FB community:https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
See ranch life on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/
Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.