Livestock Guardian Dogs: The Night Shift That Keeps My Herd Alive
Livestock guardian dogs are the night shift on my farm—the steady, independent workers who keep coyotes, cougars, and the occasional black bear from turning my goats and sheep into a meal. In a place where predators are part of the landscape, these dogs make decisions on their own, stay bonded to their herd, and quietly keep everyone alive. Choosing the right breed mattered, and Anatolian Shepherds have proven to be the perfect fit for our predator load, our climate, and our steady stream of visitors.
Working Barn Cats for Rodent Control: Why Good Mousers Matter on a Farm
I didn’t want cats. I wanted fewer rodents. Working barn cats turned out to be the most effective, low‑drama solution to a barn that had become rat paradise.
Hay Feeders I’ve Tried, Loved, and Retired
Feeding hay on a goat farm sounds simple until you actually try it. Over the years I’ve tested just about every setup—cages, troughs, nets, and a few things I probably shouldn’t admit—and my goats have had opinions about all of them. Here’s what’s worked, what absolutely hasn’t, and what I’m using now.