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.
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