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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.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

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Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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

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

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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.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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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

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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.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/dewormer-resistance-goat-owners-experience/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

In this insightful and eye-opening episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Tammy Gallagher of Shady Paddock Farm in Texas to discuss the challenges of dewormer resistance and parasite management in goats. Tammy, a certified FAMACHA instructor and Nigerian Dwarf breeder, shares her personal experience of losing goats to barber pole worms and the lessons she learned in regaining control of her herd’s health.

Tammy’s story underscores the importance of understanding parasite biology, pasture management, and responsible dewormer use. Through trial, research, and adaptation, she has successfully built a herd with strong parasite resistance and implemented effective strategies to reduce worm loads without over-reliance on dewormers.

Key Takeaways

• Dewormer resistance develops from overuse and improper use of dewormers, leading to ineffective treatments.
• Farm environment plays a significant role in parasite management—what works in one location may not be effective in another.
• A combination of selective breeding, pasture management, and strategic dewormer use can help reduce worm burdens.
• Learning how to perform fecal egg counts at home allows goat owners to identify high-risk animals and make informed deworming and culling decisions.

Lessons Learned from Tammy’s Experience

• Parasite management is not one-size-fits-all—what works for one farm may not work for another.
• Identifying and culling high-risk goats can make a significant difference in reducing parasite loads.
• Sustainable parasite control involves a mix of breeding, nutrition, and pasture improvements.
• Understanding the biology of parasites and how they spread is crucial for effective management.

Related Resources

• FAMACHA training is available in the Goats 365 membership

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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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.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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

Description

In this fascinating episode, Deborah Niemann sits down with Mark Hicks, an author and adventurer, to discuss his unforgettable experience with goats during a trip to Kenya. Mark’s journey was part of his seminary doctorate program, where he stayed with a pastor who also happened to be a goat farmer. What he encountered there was a completely different approach to goat farming—one that challenged his understanding of how these animals are raised and utilized in different cultures.

During his stay, Mark observed that goats were a primary source of nutrition for the local community. He and his group had the rare opportunity to witness a goat being butchered, an experience that provided valuable insight into how food is prepared and consumed in different parts of the world.

One of the most surprising moments of Mark’s journey came when he learned about the local tradition of eating raw goat kidney. In this region, the kidney is considered a delicacy, often given as a treat to children. Curious about the experience, Mark and one of his fellow travelers decided to give it a try. Beyond the kidney, he was struck by how every part of the goat was utilized, including the blood, which was given to the farm’s dogs as a food source.

Reflecting on this experience, Mark gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural differences in food practices. What might seem unusual or even unappetizing to one person can be a cherished tradition in another part of the world. His time in Kenya also reinforced the importance of sustainability, as the local farmers ensured that no part of the animal went to waste.

Through this conversation, Mark shares not only his incredible journey but also the broader lessons that travel can teach us about food, culture, and the different ways people sustain themselves around the world. Tune in to hear his full story and gain a new perspective on the role of goats in global communities!

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/americans-experience-with-goats-in-kenya/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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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.

🔹 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!

As goat owners, understanding diseases that can affect our herds is crucial for maintaining healthy animals and preventing the spread of illnesses. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Linda Detwiler, staff veterinarian on the sheep and goat health staff at the USDA APHIS Veterinary Service, to discuss scrapie, a neurological disease affecting sheep and goats.

Dr. Detwiler provides an update on the current state of scrapie in the United States, including its history, transmission, symptoms, testing methods, genetic resistance, and efforts to eradicate it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What scrapie is and why it matters to sheep and goat breeders
• How scrapie is transmitted and its long incubation period
• Symptoms of scrapie in sheep and goats
• Testing methods for live and deceased animals
• The role of genetic resistance in controlling scrapie
• Challenges in eradicating the last few cases of scrapie in the US
• The importance of slaughter surveillance and official ID in disease control
• Current progress toward declaring the US scrapie-free

Key Highlights

• Scrapie is a prion disease with a long incubation period (2–5 years) that affects the brain and spinal cord of sheep and goats.
• The US has not had a reported case of scrapie since January 2021. To be declared scrapie-free by international standards, seven years without a case must pass.
• Genetic resistance plays a significant role in controlling scrapie. Certain genetic markers in sheep (e.g., RR at codon 171) and goats (e.g., K at codon 222) indicate increased resistance.
• Slaughter surveillance has been instrumental in identifying cases. Since its inception in 2003, over 765,000 samples have been tested.
• Official ID is critical for tracing positive cases back to their source and preventing further spread.

Resources Mentioned

• USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
• World Organization for Animal Health

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/scrapie-in-goats-and-sheep/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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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! 🐐

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Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hermaphroditism-freemartinism-goat-infertility/
-- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

When our does have trouble conceiving, our minds often tend to go toward infectious causes. But there are non-infectious causes of infertility to consider as well.

In this episode, Dr. Fauna Smith, Assistant Professor of Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses in detail the non-infectious causes of infertility. She explains the difference between true hermaphrodites and pseudo-hermaphrodites and explains the genetic reasons behind why breeding polled to polled can lead to sexual abnormalities.

Dr. Smith talks about freemartinism and how freemartins could be more common in goats than we think. She also touches on the process of fetus mummification in utero and how retained fetuses, as well as anatomic abnormalities from previous problem kiddings, can also negatively impact fertility.

See full show notes here >>
https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hermaphroditism-freemartinism-goat-infertility/

To see the most recent episodes, visit ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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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/c-section-in-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

In this episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the emotional and educational story of Caboose, the first goat on her farm to undergo a C-section. As part of the podcast’s fifth-anniversary celebration, Deborah reflects on the challenges, lessons learned, and how this experience helped her understand the critical importance of timely veterinary intervention during kidding complications.

Deborah details what led to Caboose’s C-section, including the initial signs of trouble, her attempts at manual intervention, and the decision to take Caboose to the University of Illinois for surgery. She also addresses common misconceptions about manual dilation and the danger of attempting at-home C-sections.

This episode is a valuable resource for goat owners, providing insights into recognizing when a goat might need a C-section and how to ensure the best possible outcome for both mom and kids.

Key Takeaways

• C-sections should always be performed by a veterinarian in a clinical setting for the safety of the goat and her kids.
• Failure to dilate (ringwomb) usually requires surgical intervention.
• Kids don’t go from healthy to dead instantly. Oxygen deprivation occurs over time, and delayed veterinary intervention can lead to complications or loss.
• Timely veterinary care is essential—don’t wait too long if things aren’t progressing during labor.

Resources Mentioned

• Deborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth: What to Expect During Kidding Season
• Learn more and join the Goats 365 community at www.goats365.com

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/c-section-in-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! 🐐