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Plans



So, if you have made it this far, you have already realized that writing is not my strong suit. So why blog our journey? I have learned so much from reading other blogs, I felt that I would share our journey. There will be progress, failure, good days, and bad days. If I can encourage just one person or give any helpful hints or advice to others starting out on their journey, I want to do just that. 


That being said, we are very early in our farming journey. Our plan? We are currently fencing in our largest area of open pasture for our pony, Star. We also plan to purchase goats! We may also add sheep to our flock! Before building the fence, there was approximately 15 years of growth to be cleaned off of the barbed wire fence lines. We have encountered bugs, snakes, poison oak, poison ivy, briars, and many other obstacles. To say this process has been exhausting is an understatement! 


Why goats and sheep? There are so many options with goats and sheep. Obviously, you can raise and sell the offspring. There is also the option of selling for meat. I am more interested in goat and sheep milk products. Soap, lotions, and various food products can be made from goat and sheep milk. 


Why goat and sheep milk? First and foremost, I am not a fan of cows. I know, that sounds crazy. BUT they are huge, loud, stinky, and I am just not a fan. Despite my disdain for cows, there are also many health benefits with using goat and sheep milk. Goat and sheep milk have slightly less lactose than cow’s milk, therefore, may be more acceptable for those who are lactose intolerant. Goat and sheep milk may also assist with absorption of nutrients within the body rather than blocking the absorption of nutrients. Sheep milk is preferable for cheese. Both goats and sheep are easily maintained in a smaller plot of land than cows. 


Why not just buy these items from the store? This brings me to my next goal: becoming more self-sufficient. We’ve often discussed ways to be more self-sufficient and how much healthier of a lifestyle it would be. Unfortunately, we never felt we had the time to devote to this. Due to me becoming a stay-at-home mom, I have been able to develop a plan for self-sufficiency. Part of the plan over the next year is to build our flock of goats and/or sheep, build a chicken tractor and have meat and egg chickens, and grow a larger garden. I am so excited to finally start this journey to self-sufficiency!


Proverbs 20:4 (HCSB): “The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.”


https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-goat-milk#Plant-based-milk-vs.-goats-milk

https://www.famu.edu/cesta/main/assets/File/coop_extension/small%20ruminant/goat%20pubs/Sheep%20Facts.pdf

http://adga.org/about-dairy-goats/

http://www.milkingsheep.com/why-dairy-sheep

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