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: [e-mail]
• 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.