Raising Goats Naturally, 2nd Edition

“With endearing personal stories and layman’s scientific explanations, Raising Goats Naturally lays an enjoyable and empowering foundation for goat-rearing success on the self-reliant farmstead. Deborah Niemann exemplifies the best spirit and action in homestead animal care. What a great contribution to self-reliance.” — Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm

“Now with even more detail and information, Raising Goats Naturally is a companion to anyone considering or keeping goats. Neimann is knowledgeable and her information complete, but she also brings a heartfelt love for her herd to her writing. Her passion for goats translates into excitement throughout the book, and will surely make readers eager for goats.” — Kirsten Lie-Nielsen, author, The Modern Homesteader’s Guide to Keeping Geese, hostilevalleyliving.com

“Back in 2009, I wanted to start raising goats. I thought it would be fun to add a small herd to our small farm. My husband didn’t quite see eye to eye with me and long story short, we ended up raising chickens and ducks instead. But my dream of a herd of goats still lives on. Raising them naturally would of course be of utmost importance to me and after reading Deborah’s book, I feel confident about being able to do just that. From choosing a breed, birthing and raising babies, to feed, supplements, and health issues, Raising Goats Naturally is an easy to read, all-encompassing guide to getting started with goats. Now to convince my husband..” — Lisa Steele, author, Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens Naturally and Duck Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Ducks

“Naturally I’ve always been a fan of Deborah Niemann’s no-nonsense holistic approach to keeping goats. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of the species and this book is a direct reflection of that amazing expertise. Raising Goats Naturally is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned owners and a definite must for any goat keeper’s library.” — Jeannette Beranger, Senior Program Manager, The Livestock Conservancy

“Raising Goats Naturally thoroughly covers all aspects of what goat owners need to know to succeed with their goats. We have owned goats on our homestead for many years and I was impressed with how much information is packed into this book. I would highly recommend it for those just starting out with goats, but it’s got enough detail for experienced goat keepers too.” — Lesa Wilke, farmer and blogger, betterhensandgardens.com

“In Raising Goats Naturally, Deborah Neimann cuts through the formulaic and often inflexible so-called “expert advice” and encourages us to get to know our animals and listen to what they tell us. Drawing on vast experience, Neimann offers an upbeat, authentic glimpse of what life with dairy goats is really like. This book is important because it brings animal husbandry back to the fore and delivers the goods in a highly integrated manner that’s every bit as enjoyable to read as it is important for goatherds of all experience levels.” — Oscar H.“Hank” Will III, Editor-in-Chief, GRIT Magazine and author, Plowing with Pigs

Deborah Niemann is a homesteader, writer, and self-sufficiency expert who presents extensively on skills for living a more self-reliant life. She has raised livestock for over 16 years and is the administrator of a popular online forum and social network focused on Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. She is the author of Homegrown and Handmade: A Practical Guide to More Self-Reliant Living, and Ecothrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life, along with the first edition of Raising Goats Naturally. Deborah and her family produce all of their own meat, eggs, and dairy products, while an organic garden and orchard provide fruit and vegetables. She lives and farms with her family in Cornell, Illinois.