Many people want to become more self-sufficient but may not know how to get started. A half-hearted garden or a few chickens in the backyard can be a good introduction, but those who are more serious about self-sufficiency can turn to an unlikely combination. Goat farming and gardening go hand-in-hand, and the rewards include everything from a source of milk, cheese, and food to attentive, playful family pets. Getting started is easy and affordable, since all you need is a patch of land that you don't know what to do with. This website is dedicated to walking you through every aspect of raising goats and small-scale farming or gardening.
What Is Goat Farming?
Goat farming is the practice of raising goats for dairy, textile, or meat products. Humans have been raising goats for these purposes since 7000 BC, and today, more people drink goat milk than cow milk worldwide. Thanks to their small size, you don’t need a lot of space to raise goats. As many as eight animals can comfortably graze on an acre of land. For some, small-scale goat farming is an engaging, rewarding hobby with the benefit of producing some food and wool on the side. For more dedicated farmers, selling goat milk to larger manufacturers can be a viable source of income.
What Is Small-Scale Farming?
Small-scale farming or gardening refers to growing plants or crops on a small piece of land. Many homeowners already engage in a form of this with a backyard garden. Landowners can take this a step further by dedicating a portion of their land to gardening or row farming, saving themselves and their families hundreds of dollars on food that would normally be purchased. Whether it’s a mixture of salad vegetables or rows of potatoes, small-scale farming is a great way to help families, communities, and the environment.
Why Do Both?
A farm with both goats and crops is more sustainable in the long term. As goats graze in a pasture, their droppings help to fertilize and reinvigorate the soil. Goats also love variety in their food, and weeds make up some of their favorite selections. By alternating farm and grazing land, it's possible to keep up continuous production without ever depleting the resources available. Plus, farmers can enjoy the variety and stimulation that comes from raising both crops and livestock.