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)
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Articles by Janet Garman

Hair Sheep Breeds – The Right Choice for You?
April 8, 2022 · · Sheep

Hair sheep breeds are growing in popularity as consumers look for economical ways to raise homestead meat animals. Which is right for you?

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Cattle Shed Design for a Small Herd

The lure of the wide open range and the romance of ranching may entice you to search cattle breeds and cattle shed design ideas. You live on the east coast or some other busy area of the world.

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Downsizing as a Way to Continue the Homestead Lifestyle
March 12, 2022 · · Homesteading

Terry Garratt grew up knowing that she was going to live off the grid. Smaller scale is one way to continue the life she loves.

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Natural Dyes for Wool and Clothing
March 5, 2022 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites Natural dyes for wool have been used for hundreds of years. Harvesting plants and extracting the color from the leaves, berries, and flowers is an enjoyable way to …

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Raising Piglets – Off to a Successful Start
February 25, 2022 · · Pigs

Your first time raising piglets is about to start. The sow you cared for is ready to farrow. When the sow begins to ready for farrowing pigs, she will stay more to herself.

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8 Pig Diseases the Small Producer Should Know
January 24, 2022 · · Pigs

While pigs are hardy livestock to raise, you should know about certain pig diseases and how to proceed. Pigs raised with good hygiene, appropriate shelter, and nutritious food will have few problems but can still become infected.

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Choosing Yarn for Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Projects
January 4, 2022 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites When learning to weave, the rigid heddle loom is a good choice. It’s easy to work and you will quickly master the basics of weaving. Plus, setting …

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Raising Pigs for Profit
January 3, 2022 · · Pigs

Finding the best return on your investment when raising pigs for profit is the ultimate goal. Piglets are cute and fun to watch, but they grow quickly and require a lot of grain to grow to market weight.

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10 Pig Breeds for the Homestead
December 14, 2021 · · 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.

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How to Raise a Barn Cat Right
December 6, 2021 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites It’s a tale as old as time. Cats go with barns. Our hard working barn cats are essential as a natural way to get rid of mice. Not …

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Becoming a Shepherd
November 29, 2021 · · Sheep

Shepherding has been part of humanity for thousands of years. And I was drawn to this lifestyle. I do not come from a background of shepherding. My family roots are deep …

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Best Barns, Coops, and Hutches for Homesteads
November 29, 2021 · · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Building the best barns, chicken coops, hutches, and other shelters adds value to your homesteading land. How do you know what to pick for housing your animals?

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Homesteading After Retirement: Part 6
November 28, 2021 · · Homesteading

A popular notion about retirement is that we leave our past lifestyle behind and adopt a new, less stressful existence. In reality, choosing to homestead may trade some stresses for others.

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Best Dairy Sheep Breeds for a Farm
November 23, 2021 · · 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.

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Flystrike Treatment for Livestock and Poultry
October 5, 2021 · · Homesteading

Animals and flies seem to go hand in hand on a farm. So what is flystrike? If you have livestock, you most likely battle the common stable fly, and you’re always on the hunt for effective fly deterrent strategies.

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