A Thousand Strong

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Currently Happening on the Farm
We just hit 1,000 subscribers! Thank you to every single one of you who has joined this community, shared your stories, and supported this newsletter. My mission has always been to build a community of like-minded homesteaders who support and teach each other, and this milestone proves that it is happening.

On the farm, we have been cleaning out our garden and getting it ready for the next season. We are redoing the water setup. For years, we have used T-tape, but since we downsized our garden a bit, we needed to adjust. We recently had to get a new pump for our well, and with the better pressure, it is now shooting off the end caps on our T-tape, spraying water everywhere every morning. So we are switching to some tubing that uses the same drip method but can handle the pressure better.

I will have more info and maybe a YouTube video soon showing what we use. If you have any recommendations, reply to this email. We already tried pressure reducers, but it was still too much for the T-tape.

With that said, let’s get into today’s newsletter.

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Goat Health: Catching Problems Before They Start

Healthy goats don’t just happen by chance. The best way to keep them healthy is to stay ahead of problems before they grow. Goats are great at hiding illness, so you have to look closely every day.

What to Watch For

• Coat condition: A dull or rough coat often means poor nutrition, parasites, or copper deficiency.

• Eyes and gums: Pale color can signal anemia, usually from worms.

• Body condition: Check along the ribs and spine. Goats should feel firm but not bony.

• Droppings: Pellets should be firm and separate. Clumps mean digestive upset.

• Behavior: A goat that stands alone, moves slowly, or avoids food is telling you something is off.

Parasite Control

Worms are the biggest health challenge in most areas, especially in warm, humid climates. Regular fecal checks through your vet are worth the cost. Herbal wormers can help maintain balance, but sometimes you still need chemical dewormers. The key is using the right one at the right time.

Rotate pastures if possible. Goats that graze close to the ground are more likely to pick up parasites. Raising feeders and keeping hay off the ground can also make a big difference.

Minerals and Nutrition

Deficiencies weaken goats and make them more likely to get sick. Keep minerals out 24/7 and refresh them often. Clean water is another huge factor. Dirty water grows bacteria fast, especially in heat.

When to Call the Vet

If a goat stops eating for more than a day, is bloated, has a high fever, or seems off balance, call your vet. Goats can go downhill fast, and early treatment saves time and money later.

Tool I Recommend
One of the best tools we use to keep an eye on herd health is a digital thermometer. Simple, cheap, and it tells you a lot fast.
iProven Digital Farm Thermometer
A normal goat temperature is between 101.5°F and 103.5°F. Anything outside that range means it is time to act. Using this link helps support the newsletter if you find it helpful.

Fun Fact
Goats’ heart rates increase when they see their favorite humans. So yes, they really do like you.

Closing Thoughts
Thank you again for helping Start My Homestead reach 1,000 subscribers. This community is growing faster than I could have imagined. I hope these newsletters remind you that even a small start can lead to something real and lasting.

Bonus: Why I Write This Newsletter
I started Start My Homestead because I wanted to share what real farming and homesteading look like, the wins, the mistakes, and everything in between. I am 20 years old, and my goal is to help inspire more people my age, and even those older than me, to start homesteading. It connects us to our roots, builds real skills, and reminds us where our food comes from. My hope is that these newsletters show how possible it is to build something meaningful right where you are.

Next week we will wrap up the goat series and talk about breeding, raising kids, and what I would do differently if I started over.

-Tim Parker
Start My Homestead