New Arrivals at the Farm Pygoras!

After years of raising angora goats, we have decided to start a new line of softer, smaller goats--Pygoras!!  Our first set of twins was born Sunday morning, early. VERY early. And it was cold. The first-time nanny mom, Julia, strongly objected to motherhood.  After hours of fruitless toil, dirt and tears, I called Beth Dougherty, our own goddess of the farm (to whom I resort in dire barnyard calamities.) With Beth's coaching, the twins rallied and now under the heat lamp in the barn, happily ply their mother for milk.

PS-- If you have a farming crisis--flora or fauna, I recommend Beth. Here's some of her writings:

onecowrevolution.wordpress.com
twosisterscreamery.wordpress.com

Check out our new book, The Independent Farmstead
Library Journal starred review:
" A solid choice for those embarking on a serious animal-based hobby or enterprise, aspiring homesteaders, and sustainable farmers who already have basic knowledge of animal husbandry and agriculture. The authors’ blog provides a nice supplement."—Amanda ­Avery, Marywood Univ. Lib., Scranton, PA

 

Modern Farmer Magazine:
"Expect clear-eyed advice on rotational grazing methods, improving soil fertility, and much more."
Booklist: 

"As mortifying and implausible as creating one’s own self-sustaining farmstead might sound to most city folk, the Doughertys, who embarked on their own farmstead 20 years ago, make the venture entirely feasible—even ennobling in the face of climate change—on as little as a half-acre of land. In a conversational style that is both welcoming and reality-based, the authors offer a big-picture plan—selecting property, sourcing water, building soil, choosing ruminants (chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, or cattle)—that is fully supported by a level of detail both practical and comforting to anyone new to the idea. Some examples: milking techniques for cows and goats, what grasses or fencing to consider for which animals, slaughtering techniques, watering tanks, and using paddocks for livestock. Highly recommended for libraries where such farmsteads are even remotely possible.”