Geeking out on Goats with Cass

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 56 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Get ready to geek out about goats with me and my friend Cass from Semojo Homestead in today's exciting episode! We've welcomed goats back to Roots and Refuge Farm, and the excitement is palpable. Together, Cass and I are diving deep into the world of goats to answer a question we often hear: "Are goats for me and my farm?" Cass shares her own journey with goats, which began five years ago when her family decided to add them to their homestead. From the benefits of goats' milk to the secondary advantages of goat ownership, we'll explore why goats might be the perfect addition to your farm or homestead. We'll discuss the importance of the kind of land you have for goats, the unique qualities of goats' milk (including A2A2 milk), and the various products you can make from goat's milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and soap. Choosing the right breed is crucial, and we'll delve into the different personalities and traits of various goat breeds, from Nigerian dwarves to full-size goats. Plus, we'll explore the friendly and affectionate nature of goats, which can make them wonderful companions on the homestead. But it's not all fun and games – we'll also cover practical considerations like hoof trimming, parasite resistance, and the need for a dry lot to prevent parasite issues. Ultimately, having a home dairy with goats can bring a sense of freedom and joy, as you enjoy the superior quality of fresh goat's milk compared to store-bought dairy. So if you've ever wondered if goats are right for you, tune in to learn everything you need to know about adding these charming creatures to your homestead. And be sure to check out Cass's channel, Semojo Homestead, on YouTube for more insights into homesteading and goatkeeping. You can also join their Homesteading from Scratch Facebook Group to learn more about their farm life.  Thanks so much for listening. If you'd like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.