About the Author

Janet Garman

Janet Garman is a farmer, writer, instructor, and fiber artist living in central Maryland on the family's farm. She loves all subjects related to small farms and homesteading. Raising chickens, ducks, sheep, and fiber goats led her to write her most recent books, 50 Do it Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens, (Skyhorse Publishing 2018) and The Good Living Guide to Raising Sheep and Other Fiber Animals, (Skyhorse Publishing -February 2019)

10 Pig Breeds for the Homestead

August 4, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

Has the time come to add pig breeds to your list of homestead goals? With the proper homestead fencing and pig shelter, the quick grow out time for most pig breeds makes them an ideal protein to raise on a small farm. If you are ready to take on the project of raising pigs, learn which of the pig breeds is right for your family.

How to Start Raising Pigs on Pasture

July 24, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

The latest project here on our farm is raising pigs on pasture. In the last year and a half, seven litters of piglets have arrived, showed off how cute they can be, were weaned, and fed for a few weeks (and even months in some cases).

Farm Piglets for Sale in Today’s Market

July 20, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

Finding you have extra farm piglets for sale can happen occasionally. Pig breeders have a product that is more popular at certain times of the year.

How to Spin Wool Using a Commercial Mill

June 22, 2020 · Janet Garman · Homesteading

Learning how to spin wool using a commercial mill is an option. When we first began raising fiber and wool animals, I had grand dreams of producing yarn myself.

How to Make a DIY Barrel Smoker

June 18, 2020 · Janet Garman · Self-Reliance

Barbecue competitors know all about building a DIY barrel smoker. Smokers can be built from many different humble beginnings.

A Pig Feeding Guide for Raising Hogs

June 10, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

Many times the only pig feeding guide you can find states that pigs can eat everything. While this may be true, pigs shouldn’t necessarily eat everything.

How Much Hay Does a Cow Eat?

June 9, 2020 · Janet Garman · Cattle

After you unload the first cattle onto your property, your next biggest concern will be how to keep up with the demand for food. Knowing a

Best Dairy Sheep Breeds for a Farm

June 3, 2020 · Janet Garman · Sheep

There are a few dairy sheep breeds you could add to your farm. The East Friesian sheep is considered the best breed of dairy sheep by researchers.

Try Suffolk Sheep for Meat and Wool on the Farm

May 30, 2020 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Suffolk sheep were first recognized in 1797 in sheep breed books. Since 1888, the Suffolk sheep have traveled to new continents and become a staple of American and Canadian sheep farms.

Important Piglet Care Facts to Know

May 29, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

What kind of piglet care should you be prepared for when raising pigs? Fortunately, the sow normally does all of the hard work for you.

How to Shear a Sheep and Other Fiber Animals

May 14, 2020 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Learning how to shear a sheep takes practice and time. Before you head out to buy sheep shearing supplies try to observe a professional sheep shearer and ask questions.

Hair Sheep Breeds – The Right Choice for You?

April 18, 2020 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Hair sheep breeds are growing in popularity as consumers look for economical ways to raise homestead meat animals. Hair breeds have many positive traits that make them an ideal animal for small farms, homesteads, and of course, larger commercial farms. If you have space to corral a few sheep, you can fill the freezer with a healthy alternative to beef and chicken.