How Goats Can Provide for Your Family in Many Ways
Another animal you may want to consider raising for your homestead are goats. Most people think of this animal as being able to provide both meat and milk, but they have other uses that will come in handy, too.
With some goats, you will be able to use the fibers of their fleece to make clothing. Another thing they are good for is in helping with landscaping. Keep in mind that during a survival situation, you may not have access to electricity or gasoline, so your property may become overrun with natural vegetation.
You can use goat milk
for all of your cooking needs, including the creation of cheese. They don’t take up a lot of space and are happy in most living situations where they have access to grass, plants, and trees.
However, you will want to provide them with some sort of shelter that will protect them from both predators as well as extreme weather elements. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but enough to protect them from wind, rain and cold.
Just as chickens have certain breeds that are best for eggs or meat, goats have certain breeds that are best for meat or milk. And just like chickens, there are some breeds of goats that can provide both.
You might want to consider the Nubians or Saanens, which can be used for both meat and dairy. If you are looking for a goat that will provide fiber for clothing that you may need to make for survival purposes, then you’ll want to consider raising some Angoras, which can also be used for their meat.
When raising goats, you’ll find that they are very easy to take care of. One thing you may need to watch is that they don’t accidentally graze on any of your important food sources that you are growing in a garden.
Popular Questions
What are practical ways homestead goats can help clear overgrown land?
Goats can reduce brush, weeds, and low-growing vegetation in areas that are difficult to mow. Move them through small fenced sections so they focus on one patch without damaging desirable plants. Provide fresh water, minerals, and protection from poisonous plants while they browse.
How can homestead goats help provide natural garden manure?
Goat manure can be added to compost and later used to improve garden soil. Compost bedding and droppings until they are dark, crumbly, and no longer smell strongly before applying them around plants. Mix the finished compost into beds or use a thin layer as mulch, keeping fresh manure away from edible crops.
Can goats be part of practical homestead weed-control methods?
Goats are useful for browsing many weeds, vines, and thorny plants that other livestock may ignore. Use temporary fencing to control where they feed and check the area first for toxic vegetation, treated plants, and hazards. Repeat browsing as needed because goats usually reduce plant growth rather than eliminate established roots immediately.
What other practical ways can homestead goats help a small farm?
Beyond brush control, goats can supply milk for household use when you keep suitable dairy breeds and follow clean milking practices. Some homesteaders also use goat fiber from breeds such as Angora or cashmere goats for spinning and crafts. Plan for shelter, hoof trimming, parasite management, secure fencing, and regular veterinary care before adding goats for these purposes.