No kidding. We’ve got some places where you can learn more about raising goats.
Reader response to Tracy Lacina’s recent article on getting your (first) goat was so strong that we asked her for a list of additional resources. (Apparently all that trendy goat yoga is sparking interest!) You’ll find what Tracy personally recommends to aspiring goatherds below.
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Web
From raising dairy goats to the art of cheesemaking, this website covers it all. Recipes, books, and photos illustrating problems one may include round out the offerings. (Plus, we really love the name!)
We’d never heard of Noodle, Texas, but it turns out this tiny rural community up near the panhandle is home to a thoughtful blog featuring a mix of factual, how-to information on tending goats alongside a little storytelling.
Books
Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying, Marketing by Jerry Belanger and Sara Thompson Bredesen (Storey Publishing, 2018)
From Amazon.com: “This best-selling handbook is packed with detailed information on housing, feeding, and fencing dairy goats. It’s been the trusted resource on the topic for farmers and homesteaders since it was originally published in 1975, and the new edition — completely updated and redesigned — makes Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats more comprehensive and accessible than ever. In-depth sections explain every aspect of milking, including necessary equipment, proper hand-milking techniques, and handling and storing the milk. New color illustrations show each stage of kidding, and substantial chapters on dairy goat health and breeding include the most up-to-date research and practices.”
Natural Goat Care by Pat Coleby (Acres U.S.A. Publishers, 2001)
From Amazon.com: “Goats thrive on fully organic natural care. As natural browsers, they have higher mineral requirements than other domestic animals, so diet is a critical element to maintaining optimal livestock health. In Natural Goat Care, consultant Pat Coleby shows how to solve health problems both with natural herbs and medicines and the ultimate cure, bringing the soil into healthy balance. Topics include: correct housing and farming methods; choosing the right livestock; diagnosing health problems; nutritional requirements and feeding practices; vitamins and herbal, homeopathic and natural remedies; psychological needs of goats; breeds & breeding techniques. An invaluable resource for anyone with goats.”
Raising Goats Naturally: The Complete Guide to Milk, Meat and More by Deborah Niemann (New Society Publishers, 2013)
From Amazon.com: “Complete self-sufficiency may seem out of reach, but for more and more of us, increasing our self-reliance as much as possible is the order of the day. Incorporating dairy goats as the centerpiece of a diversified homestead can be the key to achieving this goal, and Raising Goats Naturally will show you how . . . Packed with personal experiences backed up by expert veterinary advice and scientific studies, Raising Goats Naturally brings together a wealth of practical information on raising goats for the love of it and using their milk and meat to become more self-reliant.”
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