January 14, 2011
Issue #034, January 14, 2010
Leaving the Cubicle
Raising Meat Goats
This is the first in a series of articles on how you can earn a living off the land. This month's article discusses raising meat goats, one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
They're cute, they're fun, and they're part of a rapidly growing industry catering to the growing ethnic community in the United States. I'm talking about goats, specifically meat goats, and while you might not have thought about goat meat for dinner, a lot of other people in the world have.
More than 70% of the people in the world eat goat meat, and when it comes to the choice of meat, they're smarter than we are. Goat meat, also known as chevon, is low in fat and far healthier than beef or pork. Because chevon is different on a molecular level, it is also far easier to digest than other meats.
Growing Market for Chevon
So how can growing meat goats be so profitable? The answer lies with the growing number of ethnic communities in the United States, including Middle Easterners, Asians, Africans and Latin Americans. These people are used to having goat meat in their diet, want to continue eating it, and are willing to pay higher prices to get it.
Ethnic meat markets as well as ethnic restaurants have such a demand for goat meat, they are paying high prices to have this meat imported into the United States from other countries. These local businesses would love to buy locally produced, good-quality meat from your homestead.
Far Easier than Dairy Goats
Keep a dairy goat and you soon realize how much work is involved in keeping a dairy farm. It can take anywhere from five minutes to half an hour to milk a dairy goat. A dairy farm will have five to ten goats who need to be milked twice a day, meaning you could be spending anywhere from two to ten hours at the milking pail. Compare that with meat goats, who will require far less time and equipment.
Ready to learn more? Check out this informative source.
What's New?
Building Your Own Homestead CabinA reader writes, "Hi, I just purchased 30 acres to start a homestead. I already own a home, and am afraid that I will not be able to sell it in the current housing market." Read More.
Cordwood Cabin
A cordwood cabin may be just the ticket if you're looking for a low-cost way to build your own home. Read more.
Herb Flavored Oils Make a Great Gift
Herb flavored oils make a great gift and can also be a home income opportunity. Here's how to make an olive oil infusion using organic spices for a delicious salad dressing or to drizzle on freshly baked bread. Learn more.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Homemade eggnog recipe may sound complicated, but it really couldn't be easier, and it's a great way to incorporate your fresh eggs and goat's milk into a delicious treat your children will love. Learn more.
Beekeeping Hive - The Right Home for Your Bees
Beekeeping hive is one of the absolute essentials you will need with beekeeping, and today's hive is a bit different from the ancient beekeeping one. Read more.
Organic Gardening Planning
Organic gardening planning is one of my favorite wintertime activities. When the winds are howling, and your windows are covered with frost, nothing warms the soul quite as well as you start making plans for what you plan to grow in the spring. Read more.
Where Do I Start?
One reader writes, "I have 22 acres of pasture with a home site. I still owe on the land. I don't have a lot of bills to pay off; just the land. I don't have a lot of money." Read more.
Spider Web of Paths
A major snow storm can be a thing of wonder and beauty, especially out at Goose Poop Farm. Read more.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work?
How does diatomaceous earth work? How can a powder do so many amazing things without hurting you or the environment? The answer lies in the power this substance has at a microscopic level. Read more.
What is CCD?
What is CCD? It's the acronym for colony collapse disorder, a mystifying condition causing millions of bees to simply vanish, threatening the world's food supply. Read more.
The Way I See My Barn
A moment of reflection on the beauty of homesteading at Goose Poop Farm. Read more.
Top Bar Beekeeping
Top bar beekeeping is a great, low-cost way to keep bees, especially if you want to harvest extra beeswax for making candles, lotions and lip balms. Read more.
Sea Salt vs Table Salt
Sea salt vs table salt; so what's the difference? The answer is lower blood pressure and better health can be yours by adding sea salt to your diet on a regular basis. Read more.
Safe Table Saw
Safe table saw use is not only possible, but occurs on a routine basis on homesteads and in workshops across the country. Read more.
Home Grain Mill - A Review of Some of the Best on the Market
A home grain mill is one of the best investments you will ever make. Not only will it help you make the best, most nutritious bread out there, but you can also make your own fresh corn meal, rice and oat flour. Read more.
Best Hydroponic System
Best hydroponic system for those starting out in hydroponics. Read more.
Yeast Free Diet Basics
Yeast free diet basics such as the ones listed here are a great way to promote your health and are beneficial in amazing ways. Read more.
And as always, happy homesteading!
You Can Build a Chicken Tractor
If you’ve ever thought of keeping free range chickens in a chicken tractor, this book is for you! In addition to providing full plans and giving you step by step instructions on how to build your own chicken tractor, this handy guide gives tons of great tips, including great sources of free wood, how to recover your costs by selling chicks, chicken care and egg recipes. Click here to purchase.
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