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What happens when a medical career ends—but a passion for something totally different begins? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kandice Marchant, a retired physician who traded her lab coat for a cheesecloth. After years of serving patients, Kandice now crafts artisan cheese, bringing a scientist’s precision and a cheesemaker’s creativity to every batch.

We talk about:

• How her medical background turned her on to cheesemaking
• What sparked her interest in artisan cheese to begin with
• Creating her own signature cheeses
• Opening a retail shop
• Why it's never too late to start a second act

If you’ve ever dreamed of changing careers, getting into cheesemaking, or just love hearing from people who follow their passion—you’ll love this episode.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/from-lab-coat-to-cheesecloth/

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

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Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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Description

Goat polio is a serious and often misunderstood condition—frequently mistaken for other neurological diseases like listeriosis, meningeal worm, or even rabies.

In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a small ruminant veterinarian, goat breeder, and former lecturer and research assistant at Washington State University. As a breeder of Nigerian Dwarf and Alpine goats herself, Dr. Holahan brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and hands-on experience to this important conversation.

Dr. Holahan explains that goat polio isn’t technically a disease on its own, but rather a syndrome caused by brain swelling (cerebral edema), often linked to a disruption in thiamine (vitamin B1) production. You’ll hear why early diagnosis and veterinary involvement are critical—and why relying solely on Facebook advice or over-the-counter B complex may not be enough to save your goat. She also shares what recovery can look like, along with potential long-term side effects.

Key Takeaways:

• What goat polio is and why it’s more accurately considered a syndrome
• How it differs from listeriosis, meningeal worm, and rabies
• Early signs and symptoms to watch for, including blindness, nystagmus (eye twitching), and mobility issues
• The role of thiamine in treatment—and the risks of incorrect dosing
• Environmental and dietary factors that can contribute, such as moldy feed, grain overload, and toxic plants
• Prevention tips, including proper nutrition, clean feeding practices, and feed security

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?

Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for tuning in!

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Send us a text - we love hearing from you! Just a heads-up: this is a one-way inbox, so we can’t respond here!

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-goats-in-canada/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

In this episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Mallory Kaiser, president of the Alberta Goat Association and vice chair of the Canadian National Goat Federation. Mallory shares insights into the goat industry in Canada, including available breeds, import/export challenges, traceability regulations, and the demand for goat products. Whether you're curious about how goat farming differs in Canada or considering expanding your own herd, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Key Takeaways:

• Canada has a strong demand for goat meat, but local production struggles to meet consumer needs.
• Strict import regulations limit genetic diversity, making it difficult to bring in new bloodlines from the U.S. or Europe.
• New traceability requirements could open doors for better disease monitoring but are met with resistance from producers.
• Goat farming in Canada comes with unique challenges, from frigid temperatures to predator threats, requiring strategic planning and infrastructure.
• The future of goat farming in Canada depends on better regulation, improved record-keeping, and stronger trade relations with the U.S.

Correction Notice:
In this episode (at 01:05), the guest mentioned that the Canadian Meat Goat Association is in the process of having Spanish goats recognized as a designated breed in Canada. This was incorrect. The correct information is that the Canadian Meat Goat Association is working on having Savannah goats registered in Canada, not Spanish goats.

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

Want to support the content you love?
Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

Thanks for tuning in!

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐