Got a question? 🤔

Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/the-science-of-goat-milk-and-skin-care/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

Goat milk has been used for centuries to soothe and nourish skin—but now science is catching up to explain why it works so well. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Brent Ridge, physician and co-founder of Beekman 1802, to explore the research behind goat milk’s unique skin benefits. From maintaining the skin’s pH to supporting a healthy microbiome, Dr. Ridge shares insights from more than a decade of clinical studies and product development.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why goat milk’s pH is so important for protecting sensitive skin.
• How gentle cleansing with goat milk helps preserve the skin’s barrier.
• The role of oligosaccharides in nourishing beneficial bacteria on the skin.
• What the skin microbiome is—and why balance matters more than “good” or “bad” bacteria.
• How lactic acid in goat milk provides gentle daily exfoliation without irritation.
• The discovery of goat milk exosomes and their potential in advanced skin care.
• The science behind peptides in goat milk and how smaller fragments may deliver targeted benefits.
• Why Beekman 1802 lists “kindness” as an ingredient in every product—and how it’s linked to overall wellness and longevity.

Whether you make your own goat milk soap or simply want to understand the science behind it, this episode offers fascinating insights into how nature’s original moisturizer works at a cellular level.

Resources:

• Beekman 1802
• Goat Wisdom by Brent Ridge & Josh Kilmer-Purcell
  • Buy on Amazon
  • Buy on Bookshop

Thanks for tuning in!

If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔

Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/goat-packing-and-public-lands/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Chris Gifford, president of the North American Packgoat Association (NAPgA), to talk about the growing challenges that pack goat owners face when it comes to accessing public lands.

Chris explains what goat packing is, how it works, and why goats make excellent trail companions. He also shares the history of NAPgA and its advocacy efforts to keep public lands open to pack goat users in the face of increasing restrictions—most of which stem from unproven concerns about disease transmission between goats and wild bighorn sheep.

If you’ve ever wanted to take your goats hiking or are curious about the barriers pack goat users face, this episode offers both inspiration and insight into an issue that affects animal lovers, hikers, and land use advocates alike.

What You’ll Learn:

• What goat packing is and how it works on the trail
• How Chris got involved in goat packing and NAPgA
• Why some public lands are closed to pack goats—and what the science does not say
• How to find out if a specific public land is open to pack goat use
• What NAPgA is doing to protect access to public lands
• The differences between pack goats and domestic sheep, and why that matters
• Where goat packing as a sport is headed in the future
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• North American Packgoat Association (NAPgA)
• NAPgA Facebook Page
• Mycoplasma In Goats - podcast episode

Thanks for tuning in!

If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔

Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/packing-with-goats/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

If you're considering adding pack goating to your goats’ resumes, this episode is packed with practical tips and essential insights. Deborah Niemann chats with Nathan Putnam, a board member of the North American Pack Goat Association and owner of Putnam Pack Goats. Together, they dive into the world of pack goats, from choosing the right goats to the gear you'll need for your trips.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The history of pack goating and how it started in the 1970s.
• Why pack goats are a growing alternative to horses and llamas for backcountry hiking and camping.
• What to look for in a goat for packing: from breed preferences to physical traits and characteristics.
• The age at which to start training your goats and how to gradually increase their load capacity.
• Essential gear for pack goating, including saddles, panniers, and leads.
• How to train adult goats, even those already in your herd, to become pack goats.
• What to expect on a typical pack goating trip: daily routines, feeding, and water strategies.
• Dealing with predators and other considerations when hiking with goats in the backcountry.
  
  

Whether you’re looking to start pack goating or just want to learn more about it, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration. Nathan shares his experience and knowledge, making it easier than ever to embark on your own pack goat adventure.

Resources:

• North American Pack Goat Association (NAPgA)
• Putnam Pack Goats

If you’ve ever thought about earning an income with goats, check out our list of goat business ideas to spark your own inspiration.

Thanks for tuning in!

If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy

🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐