Goat Wise | Meat Goats, Feeding Goats, Goat Fencing, Livestock Management
Ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally.
Are you serious about raising goats but tired of advice that doesn't hold up in real life? Are you adding goats to your ranch or homestead and realizing they require different infrastructure, nutrition, and management than other livestock? Do you want fencing, feeding, and production systems that work under pressure?
You're in the right place.
I'm Millie Bradshaw, Animal Scientist and rancher. I grew up in the commercial cattle world, earned a Master's Degree in Animal Science, and now run a forage-based meat goat operation integrated with cattle in the high desert. We've built the infrastructure, refined the genetics, managed the forage, and learned firsthand what works — and what fails — when you're responsible for animals in a demanding environment.
On Goat Wise, we talk fencing that actually contains goats, feeding and mineral strategies that make sense for your operation, genetics that match your environment and your goals, and the kind of steady decision-making that holds up when conditions aren't ideal. Production-minded livestock management for people who are in this for real.
If you're ready to build systems that last, welcome to Goat Wise.
Episodes
Feb 24, 2025
Feb 24, 2025
10 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about early versus late banding of buck kids, things you should consider, the pros and cons of early banding, and the results of our experiment we did last year testing out early banding on a handful of kids. They’re 11 months old now, so it’s time for an update! Let’s dive in!
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Feb 17, 2025
Feb 17, 2025
17 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about goat meat and other ruminant meat vs monogastric meat, the health benefits and the “why” behind it all. I’m going to dive deep into ruminant digestion and show you why ruminants are magical. Ruminant Nutrition is my specialty and I’m excited to share how the uniqueness of the ruminant digestive process positively impacts the meat they produce. This is a good one! Let’s dive in!
Related Episode:
44 | Small vs Large Ruminants on the Homestead: Why Raising Goats First Will Help You Raise Cattle Later
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
14 min
Hi friends! Today we're talking about the benefits of starting out your livestock raising journey with small ruminants like goats and sheep instead of starting with cows. We'll compare the investment and risks and the reasons why getting started with goats might be a good decision, even if your ultimate goal is to raise cattle. There's a lot of valuable insider tips in this episode, so let's get to it.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
14 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about entropian or inverted eyelids in goat kids and how to treat it. We’ll go over what causes it to happen, how to recognize it quickly, and the options for treatment, both with a veterinarian or on your own at home. This episode will teach you how to easily handle what can be a scary situation, so let’s dive in!
Mentions:
Wound Clips and Forceps: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/wound-clips-forceps-for-inverted-eyelids?criteria=clips
My favorite Eye Patch Kit: https://jefferspet.com/products/shut-eye-patches-cow-size-kit?_pos=1&_sid=aae872319&_ss=r&variant=44374467543229
Eye Patch Kit that comes with a bottle of Curicyn (but I like the patches in the first kit better): https://jefferspet.com/products/curicyn-pink-eye-solution-3-oz?_pos=4&_sid=4a8d0e84e&_ss=r&variant=44379621327037
Terramycin Eye Ointment: https://amzn.to/4jHN2DY
Curicyn Pink Eye Solution: https://amzn.to/4jCJtz7
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
*Some links and codes in these notes are affiliate. I earn a small commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting Goat Wise.
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
13 min
Hi friends! A couple weeks ago, we talked about how to help goats thrive in winter, and right after that, a good portion of the United States started experiencing extreme cold temperatures for their typical climate. So today I want to talk specifically about how to support your livestock during extreme cold when you and your animals are not accustomed or adapted to it. Let’s dive in!
Episode Mentions:
40 | How to Help Your Goats Thrive in Winter
Related Episode:
31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Jan 20, 2025
Jan 20, 2025
19 min
Hi friends, it's time for a chicken episode. Today we're talking about meat birds because it's time to order if you're going to raise chicks this year and you want to be able to get the exact birds you're looking for. We'll be talking about the different types, pros and cons of each, and by the time we're done you'll be ready to decide what is going to work best for you and whether it's Cornish Cross, a hybrid, or a dual-purpose heritage breed. Grab a pencil and notebook and let's get to it.
Episode Mentions:
06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals
“Pastured Poultry Profits” by Joel Salatin (affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/40mw8lB
Related Episode:
31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
17 min
Hi friends! Today we're talking about how goats adapt to winter weather, things you can do to help them thrive in the winter, and some things you shouldn't do that seem helpful but end up being problematic. We'll talk about winter coats and shelters, and how other animals compare in their ability to tolerate cold and snow. In ranch terms, we use the word winter to not only indicate the season, but as a term to describe how an animal performed through the winter. You'll hear phrases like "How did they winter?" "Are the cattle wintering well?" and "That goat wintered well!" meaning she might be a little on the chubby side. Let's get to it!
Related Episode:
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?
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab your free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.goatwise.com/kidding-chart
Join the insider email list: https://www.goatwise.com/join
Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com
Instagram: @drycreekpastures
More from the ranch: https://www.drycreekpastures.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
12 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about the social needs of livestock and why they need to be raised with others, preferably of their own kind, to make sure they are happy, healthy and productive. Listen in to find out why you don’t want to raise animals alone whether you’re raising them for food or breeding purposes.
All the Best!
Millie
Related Episode:
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?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000670395623
Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com
Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise
Connect with me:
Email: hello@getgoatwise.com
See what’s happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock
Dec 30, 2024
Dec 30, 2024
14 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about breeding season and buck management. I’ll share our management plan for bucks through the year, some mistakes we’ve made and tips to avoid making the same mistakes, as well as some simple things you can do that make a big difference when dealing with common buck problems. With adequate space and good fencing, you can have a great buck experience.
All the Best!
Millie
Mentions:
"The 12 Week Year" by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington: (affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/3WpZ7Uv
"The 12 Week Year Field Guide" by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington: (affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/42lFkJE
Related Episode:
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?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000670395623
Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com
Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise
Connect with me:
Email: hello@getgoatwise.com
See what’s happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024
12 min
Hi friends! Today we’re talking about replacement does and how and why our management system has changed over the past couple of years. Should you breed your does to kid as yearlings or 2-year-olds or something in between? It’s a question we hear a lot, and every breeder does it differently, so I’m going to walk you through the evolution of our breeding plan and what we’re doing now. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to plan your doe management with confidence.
All the Best!
Millie
Mentions:
Advent books we love: (affiliate links)
Jotham's Journey https://amzn.to/3PGspKL
Bartholomew's Passage https://amzn.to/3PIqwgO
Tabitha's Travels https://amzn.to/40zP01P
Ishtar's Odyssey https://amzn.to/4hkj8E6
Episode Mentions:
26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready Have Their First Kids
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000672044152
27 | Which Goats Should I Keep for Breeding? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-goat-wise-meat-goats-dairy-goats-self-sufficiency/id1743448724?i=1000673014490
Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://getgoatwiseinsider.grwebsite.com
Join the FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getgoatwise
Connect with me:
Email: hello@getgoatwise.com
See what’s happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/dry.creek.livestock
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases