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.
Livestock
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.
Some Factors to Consider
Before bringing animals to your hobby farm, consider:
Shelter – You will need to consider protection from cold or hot weather, rain, and more. Animals also need protection from predators and somewhere safe to sleep.
Feeding – How much do they eat and how often to feed them.
Guarding – This includes information on livestock guardian animals and guardian dogs; fencing; and their overall area to live and roam.
Overall health and wellness
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.
Homesteaders raise Merino sheep for their high-quality, soft, fine wool as well as their meat. They are medium-sized and manageable which makes them popular for small-scale farming. With quality pasture, you can raise two Merinos … Read more
There are many types of goats, and each are bred for different purposes. They fall into three primary categories: dairy, meat, and fiber. Dairy breeds like Saanen, Nubian, and Alpine provide substantial amounts of milk. … Read more
Whether you have a few sheep or several in your flock, find the best sheep names with this ultimate list. I’ve included funny sheep names; cute and creative names; pun sheep names; names for lambs, … Read more
Welcome to an udderly delightful adventure into the world of cow names! Whether you’re looking for names for newborn calves or mature cows, finding the perfect name adds a touch of personality and character to … Read more
As a goat owner, you know these curious and active animals are always on the lookout for new adventures. While goats are generally known for their agility and their ability to climb, jump, and explore, … Read more
Cows are domesticated mammals raised primarily for their meat, milk, and hides. Raising cattle can be a profitable and sustainable source of income for farmers and ranchers. Here I explain how much does a cow … Read more
Meat sheep breeds are bred specifically for meat production. They have a high growth rate and weight gain, good meat quality, efficient feed conversion, and strong immunity. When raising sheep, choosing the right breed for … Read more
Goats are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, including extreme cold and heat. Domesticated goats, however, need shelter to remain healthy, safe, and productive. There are plenty of goat barn ideas you can … Read more
Cow udders are some of the most fascinating organs for several reasons. To begin with, they are hardly ever visible until the cow goes through some physical transformation, in which case, they are unmissable. Some … Read more
Also known as Dutch Belted cattle, Lakenvelder cattle are a highly-prized breed of cattle raised mainly for its milk production but can also double as a dual-purpose breed for meat. Lakenvelder cattle are believed to … Read more