Get Goat Wise | Meat Goats, Dairy Goats, Self-Sufficiency, Sustainable Farm, Homesteading, Off-Grid, Livestock

Millie Bradshaw - Animal Scientist, Rancher, Homesteader
  • 4.9 (65)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

** TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST ** Are you concerned about the current food supply? Do you want to be more self-sufficient? Are you longing to raise goats and other animals for food but don’t know where to start? Do you wish you had a mentor to walk you through raising livestock? I’m so glad you’re here! In this podcast you’ll learn all about raising goats and other livestock, sustainable management systems that will keep you and your animals happy and healthy, and strategies to get self-sufficient by raising your own livestock for food. Hi, I’m Millie. Animal Scientist, cattle girl turned goat rancher, co-owner of Dry Creek Livestock, and simple living enthusiast. Fifteen years ago, I began having severe joint pain that limited my mobility and affected every aspect of my life. With no answers from the medical community, I got to work researching and found that chemicals in our food supply were causing my problems. I removed them from my diet, and gradually my health and mobility were restored. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to raise all of our own meat, eggs, and dairy. I’ve put three decades of experience and a Master’s Degree in Animal Science together to teach you how to confidently raise livestock and give them the best life possible while fulfilling their ultimate purpose of nourishing your family, and I’m ready to share it with you! If you’re ready to take control of your food supply, raise livestock with confidence, and provide your family with clean, healthy food, you’re in the right place! Kick off your muck boots, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s talk livestock. Email us: millie@drycreekpastures.com Get premium meat fresh from the ranch: drycreekheritagemeats.com See what’s happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures

  1. 3D AGO

    95 | A Simple Self-Sufficiency Strategy: Build Food Storage Based on What Your Family Actually Uses

    Self-sufficiency looks different for every family, yet many people feel stuck trying to follow generic food storage lists that don’t reflect how they actually eat or live. Over time, I’ve learned that the most effective food and household storage plans aren’t built from someone else’s checklist — they’re built by paying attention to what your family already uses. In this episode, I share a simple, practical self-sufficiency strategy for building food, household, and personal care storage that actually fits your life. Instead of fear-based prepping or rigid rules, this approach starts by tracking what your family uses over the course of a month and letting that information guide your storage decisions. I explain why this method works for both planners and freestyle cooks, how it naturally adapts as seasons and family needs change, and why self-sufficiency doesn’t require extremes or isolation. This is about stewardship, resilience, and reducing dependence on fragile systems — without overwhelm. You’ll also hear why food storage has been most valuable for our family during job changes and unexpected financial or medical seasons, not hypothetical emergencies. This system supports healthier eating, fewer last-minute grocery runs, and the quiet security of having what you need already on hand. If you want a realistic, adaptable way to build self-sufficiency through food and household storage without panic buying or complicated systems this episode will give you a clear, manageable place to start. In This Episode, I Cover: Why generic food storage lists often fail real families working toward self-sufficiency The difference between fear-based prepping and practical self-sufficiency through stewardship A simple month-long method to track what your family actually uses for food storage planning How to track food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items to build household self-sufficiency Turning real-life consumption data into a custom family food storage plan Why seasonal food audits are key to long-term self-sufficiency and preparedness How this food storage system works for both menu planners and freestyle cooks Saving money through bulk buying, shopping sales, and intentional household planning How food storage supports healthier home cooking and reduces reliance on takeout Using pantry, freezer, and food storage inventory to confidently plan bulk meat purchases Key Takeaways: Self-sufficiency starts with understanding what your family already uses Effective food storage plans should reflect real habits, not generic preparedness lists Tracking household usage for one month provides clarity without overwhelm Food storage systems should adapt as seasons, schedules, and family needs change Practical self-sufficiency creates resilience, financial stability, and peace of mind Related Episodes: 25 | Concerned About the Food Supply? Simple Ways to Ensure That Your Family Will Be Fed in the Event of a Food Availability Crisis 49 | 3 Strategies to Make the Best Use of Bulk Meat Storage and Avoid Freezer Overwhelm 64 | Healthy Food, Self-Sufficiency, and Homesteading: How to Make Lasting Changes and Ditch the Overwhelm All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    13 min

  2. JAN 26

    94 | Winter Feeding Goats: How Growth Rate Changes Hay Needs and Marketing Plans

    Fast growth is something we’re genuinely excited about on our ranch. This winter, a stretch of unusually mild weather reduced maintenance energy demands, allowing our weaned goat kids to put more of what they were eating toward growth instead of staying warm. As a result, they’re running 15–20 pounds ahead of where we’d normally expect them to be this time of year. In this episode, I walk through how that weather-driven growth changed our winter feeding plan. I explain how we recalculated hay needs, what a 30–44% increase in feed demand looks like in real terms, and how we adjusted our marketing plan to match what the goats were actually doing instead of forcing the original timeline. I share what we noticed early, how we ran the feed calculations, and why additional weight matters so much during winter feeding. I break down dry matter versus as-fed hay, how waste factors into real-world feeding systems, and why those details add up quickly when you’re feeding a large group of goats. You’ll also hear how we evaluated our options, why buying more hay didn’t pencil out, and why selling earlier than planned was the most responsible decision given our feed inventory and the current market. This episode is a real ranch example of adjusting plans early, before a good situation turns into a costly one. If you’re feeding goats through winter and trying to balance growth, hay supply, and marketing decisions, this episode will help you think through those trade-offs with clarity instead of guesswork. In This Episode, I Cover: A ranch update and how winter breeding conditions affect management decisions How mild winter weather shifted energy use and increased growth in weaned goat kids Why faster growth directly increases winter feed requirements Calculating feed intake based on body weight Converting dry matter intake to as-fed hay requirements Accounting for hay waste in winter feeding systems How increased growth led to a 30–44% increase in hay consumption Evaluating winter feeding options: buy more hay or sell early Why return on investment matters when feed requirements increase How predictable goat markets factor into winter marketing plans When adjusting a plan early is better than sticking to the original one Key Takeaways: Mild winter weather can significantly increase growth rates in young goats Faster growth increases winter feed needs more than most people expect Winter feeding decisions should be based on math, not assumptions Hay inventory creates real limits on how long animals can be retained Selling early can be a proactive, responsible management decision Mentioned Episodes: 28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy to Save Money Related Episodes: 35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste 78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock 71 | Livestock Management Decisions and Why We Are Selling Part of Our Goat Herd All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    12 min

  3. JAN 19

    93 | Winter Livestock Care Without Burnout: Chores, Water, and Simple Systems

    Winter chores don’t have to take all day, but they do require good systems. In this episode, I’m sharing what a typical winter day looks like on our ranch, how we divide chores, manage water in freezing temperatures, and keep winter from turning into constant crisis mode. I walk through what’s happening on the ranch right now, from breeding season updates to moving chickens into the barn, and how winter changes the pace and priorities of daily management. I share how and why we assign consistent chores, what a realistic winter chore timeline looks like in a moderate year, and why letting winter be slower is not a failure, but a strategy. You’ll hear a detailed breakdown of how we handle winter water, hay feeding, and livestock care, including what adjustments we make when temperatures drop well below zero. I also talk about the reality of hard winters, when snow and weather dictate everything, and why even the best systems can’t eliminate difficulty, but they can keep hard days from becoming every day. This episode isn’t about doing winter “right.” It’s about building simple, repeatable systems that protect your time, your energy, and your animals during the coldest season of the year. If winter chores feel overwhelming or unpredictable, this episode will help you think more clearly about flow, responsibility, and how to simplify what you can without ignoring reality. In This Episode, I Cover: A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily chores Why we don’t rotate chores in winter and how consistency prevents problems What a realistic winter chore schedule looks like in a moderate year Managing livestock water in freezing temperatures How we adjust hay feeding and grouping during breeding season The difference between moderate winters and hard winters and why systems still matter Why winter is a season for maintenance, not maximum output Key Takeaways: Consistent chore assignments save time and prevent small problems from becoming emergencies Water management is one of the most critical winter systems Good systems reduce friction but can’t control the weather Slower winter rhythms are intentional and necessary If winter chores take all day, that’s a systems issue, not a personal failure Mentioned Episodes: 09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid Related Episodes: 28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money 35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste 40 | How to Help Your Goats Thrive in Winter 42 | Surviving Extreme Cold with Livestock When Your Animals Aren’t Adapted to Freezing Temperatures All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    11 min

  4. JAN 12

    92 | Breeding Goats with the Long Game in Mind: How We’re Making Herd Decisions This Season

    Breeding season is underway on the ranch, and this year our breeding decisions look a little different than they have in the past. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening right now at Dry Creek and walking you through how we’re thinking about herd genetics, maternal traits, and long-term direction—not from a textbook perspective, but from real-world experience. I talk through why we sold our longtime Boer buck, how that decision reshaped this year’s breeding plan, and why we’re intentionally slowing down instead of rushing to replace him. We dig into how past experience with show goats changed the way I think about first kiddings, mothering ability, and how breeding decisions can either set does up for success—or make their job harder from the start. You’ll hear how and why we’re using Spanish bucks across the Boer herd this year, what we’re watching for in the resulting kids, and how data collection—not trends or pressure—is guiding our next steps. I also share some of the longer-term options we’re considering, including terminal crossing, maintaining two distinct herds, and what market demand may influence moving forward. This episode isn’t about having the perfect breeding plan. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that keep options open, protect herd function, and align with the season of ranching and life you’re actually in. If you’re raising goats, planning future breeding decisions, or trying to balance improvement with practicality, this episode will help you think more clearly and move forward with confidence—even if you don’t have every answer yet. In This Episode, I Cover: A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily management Why we sold our Boer buck and how genetic concentration affects breeding decisions How past show goat experience reshaped our approach to first kidding does Using Spanish bucks to improve mothering and functional traits The pros and tradeoffs of slowing genetic progress for long-term herd success What a terminal cross is and why we’re considering it How market demand, data, and personal goals influence herd direction Key Takeaways: Breeding decisions should support function, not just appearance or speed A doe’s first kidding experience is important for long-term doe success Slowing down can preserve options and prevent genetic dead ends Data collection beats trend-chasing every time It’s okay to move forward without having every future decision locked in Related Episodes: 22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 1 23 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 2 27 | Which Goats Should I Keep to Breed? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season 37 | Replacement Doe Management: Later Selection to Choose the Best Does for Your Herd 76 | How to Choose Future Breeding Bucks for Your Goat Herd   All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    11 min

  5. JAN 5

    91 | Seasonal Planning for Livestock: How We Plan a Ranch Year Without Burning Out

    Planning with livestock isn’t about filling a calendar—it’s about working with seasons, weather, animals, and real life. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening on our ranch right now, how we plan a full livestock year, and why I’ve stopped trying to force rigid schedules that don’t fit the reality of ranch life. I walk through our annual rhythm with goats, cattle, fencing, meat sales, and family life, breaking down what each season typically holds and how those rhythms shape our planning decisions. From winter breeding and paperwork to spring kidding prep, summer grazing and county fair, and fall weaning and breeding plans, this episode gives you a realistic look at how a working ranch year actually unfolds. We also talk about what’s changing for us in 2026—adjustments in breeding decisions, pasture and seeding experiments, a major perimeter fence project, and shifts in meat sales and time commitments. I share why flexibility has become a priority, how over-scheduling creates frustration, and what it looks like to plan with wider margins instead of tighter timelines. If you’ve ever felt behind because your plans didn’t survive weather, animals, kids, or life in general, this episode is here to give you permission to plan differently. Seasonal planning isn’t less disciplined—it’s more honest. And for many of us, it’s the only way to stay steady long-term. In This Episode, I Cover: What’s happening on the ranch right now and how weather affects daily decisions How we plan a livestock year around seasons instead of rigid schedules A realistic walkthrough of our ranch year, from breeding to weaning What’s changing for us in 2026 and why flexibility matters How infrastructure projects reduce labor and stress long-term Why overplanning creates frustration—and what we’re doing instead Key Takeaways: Livestock planning works best when it follows seasons, not calendars Weather, animals, and family life will always change the plan Rigid timelines often increase stress instead of progress Planning with margin creates steadiness and resilience Seasonal rhythms support long-term stewardship and sustainability Related Episodes: 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for Adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully 06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals 30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress 53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    10 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    90 | 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats (Hint: They Are NOT Sheep)

    There are a lot of misconceptions about goats that set new owners up for frustration before they ever bring animals home. In this episode, I’m walking through five things I really wish I had understood before I got goats—lessons that would have saved me time, money, stress, and a lot of hard-earned mistakes. We start by resetting expectations around goat behavior and management, including why goats are not sheep and why treating them like they are leads to fence failures, nutrition problems, and constant headaches. I break down the common myth that goats will eat anything, why that idea causes disappointment and even safety issues, and how understanding goat selectivity can actually make them a powerful management tool when used intentionally. We also talk through the difference between poor management that forces goats to eat through hunger and strategic pressure that can be used carefully to influence forage selection. I explain why hunger-driven eating is often a sign that stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, or minerals are off—and when it can make sense to intentionally encourage goats to consume less-preferred plants without compromising health or welfare. Finally, we cover why fence isn’t just one piece of goat ownership but the entire system, why minerals are not optional for goats, and why bottle babies—despite being cute—are not the best place for beginners to start. If you’re planning to get goats, or if you already have them and things feel harder than you expected, this episode will help you step back, reset expectations, and build systems that actually work. In This Episode, I Cover: Why goats are not sheep and how their behavior, grazing style, and nutrition differ How managing goats like sheep creates fence, feeding, and safety problems The myth that goats will eat anything—and why it sets people up for disappointment How goats actually browse, sample, and select forage Why hunger-driven eating is usually a sign of management problems When and how goats can be strategically encouragedto eat less-preferred plants The role of stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, and minerals in forage selection Seasonal changes in plant palatability and how that affects grazing plans Why fence is not a detail but the foundation of goat management Common ways electric fence fails and why you need a secure backup enclosure Why goats have higher mineral demands than many people expect The problems caused by feeding sheep mineral to goats Why mineral availability does not always equal mineral intake Why bottle babies are emotionally appealing but management-intensive The higher risks and behavioral challenges of bottle-raised goats Why bottle babies make the learning curve steeper for beginners Key Takeaways: Goats require different management than sheep or cattle Expectation mismatches are at the root of most goat problems Goats are selective browsers, not garbage disposals Hunger-based eating is a warning sign, not a management strategy Strategic pressure can influence forage use when applied carefully and intentionally Fence is the system that everything else depends on A solid, goat-proof enclosure relieves pressure when electric fence fails Minerals are essential to long-term goat health and performance Feeding sheep mineral to goats will cause deficiencies over time Bottle babies are not the easiest place to start learning goats Clear expectations and intentional systems make goats much easier to manage Related Episodes: 03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats 10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive 17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy 07 | Should My Goats Have Horns or Not? Pros and Cons of Disbudding Goats 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    13 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    89 | How to Prepare Your Goat Herd for Breeding Season: Feed, Flushing, Mineral, and Water

    Breeding season success doesn’t start when the buck goes in—it starts weeks earlier with intentional management decisions around feed, body condition, mineral, and water. In this episode, I’m walking through how we prepare our goat herd for breeding season on our ranch, and why flushing is less about grain and more about timing and rising energy intake. I explain how our does typically come off pasture somewhat thin due to declining forage quality and demands of lactation, how we use a gradual hay-based recovery phase after weaning, and why we don’t rush into flushing too early. You’ll hear how we intentionally set the stage so that a modest energy increase 2–3 weeks before breeding actually produces a favorable reproductive response. We also dig into forage-based flushing using high-quality hay, why mineral intake is often the hidden limiting factor in breeding success, and how winter water access quietly controls feed intake, mineral consumption, and overall herd health. If breeding hasn’t gone the way you expected in the past, this episode will help you evaluate the foundational pieces before blaming genetics or the buck. In This Episode, I Cover: What flushing really is—and why it’s primarily an energy strategy, not a grain strategy Why flushing needs to start 2–3 weeks before breeding, not the day the buck shows up How our does come off pasture thin from limited forage and lactation—and why that matters Our post-weaning feeding strategy to gradually rebuild body condition without overdoing it Why flushing works best when does are moderate condition or slightly thin, not fat How forage-based flushing works with high-quality hay like sainfoin Why intake—not just feed quality—determines whether flushing is effective The critical role of mineral intake in estrus expression, conception, and early pregnancy Why bucks are often overlooked in mineral programs—and how we handle that The trace minerals most closely tied to reproductive success How winter water access limits feed and mineral intake Why water is often the most overlooked nutrient in breeding prep Signs that water intake may be holding your herd back reproductively How consistency—not perfection—sets the stage for a successful breeding season Key Takeaways: Breeding success starts weeks before breeding with intentional preparation Flushing works because of rising energy intake, not because of grain Gradual post-lactation recovery sets the stage for an effective flushing response High-quality forage can support flushing when intake truly increases Mineral intake—not just availability—can make or break reproductive success Bucks need mineral too, even when feeders don’t cooperate Without adequate winter water, goats won’t eat enough feed or mineral Water is often the limiting nutrient in cold-weather breeding preparation Consistency and timing matter more than aggressive feeding Related Episodes: 14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition 17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy 09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid 24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option? 26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready to Have Their First Kids All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

    13 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    88 | Regenerative Ranching Is a Process, Not a Destination: How We Actually Make Decisions

    Regenerative agriculture can feel like a buzzword, a badge, or a list of practices you’re supposed to follow. But in real life, and especially in a challenging climate, regeneration is a process of learning, comparing ideas against your own environment, testing small changes, observing what your land and animals are telling you, and adjusting as you go. In this episode, I’m sharing the decision-making loop we use on our ranch with both goats and cattle, and why I see multi-species grazing as a long-term benefit—even though it adds complexity in the beginning. I also walk through our big-picture goal of reducing supplemental hay by extending the grazing season, and the real constraints we have to work within, like limited moisture, fragile pasture, frozen ground, predators, and wildlife pressure. You’ll hear how we’re approaching water infiltration and soil building in a dry climate, why we’re testing straw bales to slow runoff first, and what we’ve already observed from years of intensive rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and summer bale grazing. I also explain why certain popular practices don’t translate well to goat management in our conditions—and how we adapt without abandoning the principles. In This Episode, I Cover: Why regenerative agriculture is a process, not a destination The decision-making loop: Learn → Compare Context → Clarify Goals → Test → Observe → Adjust → Repeat How to learn from other producers without copy-pasting their practices Shifting from “this won’t work in my climate” to “how do these principles apply here?” Why nature is the best teacher and how to use observation as your guide Our big-picture goal: reducing hay by extending spring and fall grazing The resource bottleneck in dry country: water infiltration and water-holding capacity Why soil cover and organic matter are critical in moisture-limited environments Using straw bales to slow runoff as a low-risk way to test water flow paths What we’ve observed after 5 years of intensive rotational grazing The forage improvements we’ve seen from chicken tractors and summer bale grazing Why winter bale grazing is risky/not feasible for us right now (electric netting in frozen ground, elk pressure) A winter feeding strategy that works within predator pressure and management reality A soil-building feeding approach we’re preparing to test (and why snow cover matters) Why we’re not buying a no-till drill right now—and what we want in place first Why starting with annuals can make sense before investing in expensive perennial seed Key Takeaways: Regenerative practices aren’t universal—principles transfer, but application must fit your climate and animals. Nature is the best teacher: observation turns theory into real management decisions. Start with clear goals and real constraints, then break big objectives into small, testable steps. Moisture-limited land requires prioritizing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and soil cover. Testing small and reversible ideas (like straw bales) can prevent expensive mistakes. Multi-species grazing is a long-term benefit, but it adds complexity—especially in the beginning. “Not yet” is a valid answer on tools and investments; timing matters. Progress comes from repeated cycles of learning, testing, observing, and adjusting—not from perfection. Mentions: Gabe Brown — Dirt to Soil Related Episodes: 84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris 78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock 53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them 21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset All the Best, Millie   Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    18 min
See All (96)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

** TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST ** Are you concerned about the current food supply? Do you want to be more self-sufficient? Are you longing to raise goats and other animals for food but don’t know where to start? Do you wish you had a mentor to walk you through raising livestock? I’m so glad you’re here! In this podcast you’ll learn all about raising goats and other livestock, sustainable management systems that will keep you and your animals happy and healthy, and strategies to get self-sufficient by raising your own livestock for food. Hi, I’m Millie. Animal Scientist, cattle girl turned goat rancher, co-owner of Dry Creek Livestock, and simple living enthusiast. Fifteen years ago, I began having severe joint pain that limited my mobility and affected every aspect of my life. With no answers from the medical community, I got to work researching and found that chemicals in our food supply were causing my problems. I removed them from my diet, and gradually my health and mobility were restored. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to raise all of our own meat, eggs, and dairy. I’ve put three decades of experience and a Master’s Degree in Animal Science together to teach you how to confidently raise livestock and give them the best life possible while fulfilling their ultimate purpose of nourishing your family, and I’m ready to share it with you! If you’re ready to take control of your food supply, raise livestock with confidence, and provide your family with clean, healthy food, you’re in the right place! Kick off your muck boots, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s talk livestock. Email us: millie@drycreekpastures.com Get premium meat fresh from the ranch: drycreekheritagemeats.com See what’s happening on the ranch: www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures

Information

You Might Also Like