🐐 Top 10 Best Milk Goats + 3 Time-Blocking Hacks for Homemakers ⏰

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Top 10 Goat Breeds for Milk Production 🤓

4. Personal Development: Time-Blocking for Homemakers 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Overwhelmed by modern life? It doesn’t have to be this way…

I know how it feels—being pulled in a million directions and still wondering why it’s so hard to control what goes into your family’s bodies. If you’ve ever wished you could just get back to basics and make life a little simpler (and healthier), you’re not alone.

I’m Lexi, and I’ve been there. I grew up on a farm where we spent long hours picking weeds, shelling beans, and preserving food for the winter… only to watch my grandparents nearly lose it all due to circumstances beyond their control. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others take back control over their own lives, no matter what.

And that’s exactly what The Homestead Movement is all about.

Each month brings a fresh skillset challenge, like learning to preserve food, create DIY remedies, and even get your garden thriving—no expensive equipment required, no overwhelm. Just real, simple skills that make life so much easier.

Here’s what’s coming up this year:

• February: Natural Skincare & Self-Care

• March: Gardening Basics

• April: Spring Cleaning – All-Natural Cleaners

• Plus: Tallow & Beeswax Projects, Food Preservation, Fermented Drinks, and much more...

You don't need to feel lost anymore. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, we’ve got your back.

Join us now and start your journey today! Get access to all challenges (including the pre-recorded January lessons) and watch your homesteading skills grow with each month.

Let's do this, together.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

What’s your favorite winter homesteading task?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Organizing seeds and tools

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Planning next year’s projects

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Preserving or using stored food

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Resting and recharging!

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Top 10 Goat Breeds for Milk Production 🤓

When it comes to raising goats for milk, choosing the right breed is key to your success. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 goat breeds that deliver on both quality and quantity.

1. Saanen: The Cream of the Crop

Saanen goats are the go-to for serious dairy farmers. Known for their impressive milk output, these all-white goats can produce between 1,134 and 1,360 liters per lactation. They have a butterfat content of 3.5% to 4%, which is solid for making cheese or butter. Saanens are adaptable, easy-going, and friendly, making them perfect for both small homesteads and larger farms.

2. Alpine: The Hardy Worker

Alpine goats are your versatile, no-fuss workers. With milk production ranging from 946 to 1,360 liters per lactation, they thrive in both cold and hot climates. These goats give you good quality milk, with butterfat ranging from 3% to 4%. They’re hardy, curious, and love to explore, making them perfect for free-range systems or pasture grazing. If you need reliable goats, Alpines won’t let you down.

3. Nubian: The Flavor King

Nubian goats are famous for their rich, high-butterfat milk. They typically produce 681 to 1,134 liters per lactation, with butterfat content as high as 5%. This makes their milk perfect for creating creamy cheese or delicious yogurt. Their unique looks, including long ears and a sweet, sociable nature, make them a favorite for homesteaders. Nubians are also pretty adaptable, handling both hot climates and cooler regions.

4. LaMancha: The Quiet Overachiever

Don’t let their small size fool you—LaMancha goats are big on milk. They usually produce between 681 and 1,134 liters per lactation, with butterfat ranging from 3.5% to 4%. LaManchas are known for their calm demeanor and short ears (they don’t need all that ear fluff to be awesome). Their milk is creamy and rich, and they adapt easily to various farm setups, whether you’re using a barn or letting them roam.

5. Toggenburg: The Classic Producer

Toggenburgs are the oldest known dairy goat breed, and they’re still rocking the farm. These goats have solid milk production of 946 to 1,360 liters per lactation, with butterfat ranging from 2.9% to 3.8%. Their steady temperament and beautiful brown coats are a hit with both farmers and backyard homesteaders. If you’re looking for a dependable breed with a long history of success, Toggenburgs fit the bill.

6. Oberhasli: The Beautiful Milk Maker

Oberhasli goats are known for their striking chamois-colored coats, but don’t let their beauty distract you—these goats are excellent milk producers. They typically produce 946 to 1,134 liters per lactation, with butterfat content around 3% to 4%. Their sweet personalities and manageable size make them a favorite for homesteaders with limited space. Plus, they adapt well to various farm setups and weather conditions.

7. Sable: The Colorful Overachievers

Sable goats are a fun addition to any goat herd. Their colorful coats—ranging from black to brown to gray—are eye-catching, but their milk production is what really stands out. They typically produce between 681 and 1,134 liters per lactation, with butterfat content around 3.5% to 4%. Sables are calm, adaptable, and great at converting feed into milk. Whether you have a small homestead or a larger farm, these goats are a reliable choice.

8. Nigerian Dwarf: Small but Mighty

If you’re working with limited space or looking for a smaller goat, Nigerian Dwarfs are a great option. Despite their small size, they produce 378 to 567 liters of milk per lactation with a butterfat content that can reach up to 10%. Their milk is rich and creamy, perfect for those who love making homemade cheese or soap. They’re also social and friendly, making them ideal for family farms or hobbyists.

9. Jamnapari: Heritage with Benefits

Jamnapari goats come from India and are known for their striking appearance and excellent milk production. They produce between 473 and 946 liters of milk per lactation, with butterfat ranging from 4% to 5%. Though they’re not as widely available as other breeds, they’re known for their strong genetics and ability to adapt well to different environments. If you’re after something unique, Jamnaparis can be a great choice.

10. Toggenburger: Resilient and Reliable

Toggenburgs deserve another mention for their consistency. They’ve been around for a long time and are still a favorite among dairy farmers. These goats can produce between 946 and 1,360 liters per lactation with butterfat between 2.9% and 3.8%. Their calm nature and high productivity make them a favorite for both new and experienced goat farmers.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Time-Blocking for Homemakers 💚

Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Between cooking, cleaning, laundry, and somehow keeping everyone alive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The to-do list never ends, and before you know it, the whole day is gone, but the house still looks like a tornado hit it.

That’s where time-blocking comes in. It’s a simple way to structure your day so you can get things done without running around like a headless chicken. Think of it like meal prepping for your schedule! You plan tasks in chunks, so you're not constantly switching gears.

Let’s break it down into three easy steps:

1. Create Themed Days

Instead of trying to do everything every day, group similar tasks together. This stops you from feeling scattered and makes chores feel more manageable.

• Laundry Day: Knock out all the laundry at once, rather than washing random loads throughout the week.

• Meal Prep Day: Chop veggies, marinate meats, and plan meals ahead to avoid last-minute cooking stress.

• Deep Cleaning Day: Instead of trying to clean the whole house in bits and pieces, tackle one big cleaning job each week.

• Errands Day: Grocery shopping, post office runs, and appointments all happen on one day—less time wasted running back and forth.

👉 Example: Instead of tossing in a load of laundry every time someone yells, “I don’t have socks!”—just handle it all on Monday and be done with it.

2. Batch Similar Tasks

Task-switching wastes time and energy. Batching means you do similar tasks together, so you stay focused and get through them faster.

• Chores: Sweep and mop back-to-back instead of doing one now and one later.

• Cooking: Make double batches of meals, so you cook once but eat twice.

• Emails & Calls: Handle all your messages at once instead of replying throughout the day.

👉 Example: If you’re already making dinner, why not prep breakfast for the next day too? Same kitchen, same mess—just double the productivity.

3. Set Priorities & Stick to Them

Some tasks need to happen daily, while others can wait. Instead of trying to do everything, focus on what actually matters.

• Must-Do: Meals, dishes, and basic tidying.

• Should-Do: Laundry, deeper cleaning, and meal prep.

• Could-Do: Organizing, home projects, and hobbies.

👉 Example: If guests are coming over, cleaning the bathroom matters more than alphabetizing your spice rack (even if it’s been bugging you for months).

Make Your Own Time-Blocked Schedule

Now, put it all together into a simple plan. Here’s an example:

🕘 8:00 – 9:00 AM → Morning Routine (breakfast, dishes, quick clean-up)
🕙 9:00 – 11:00 AM → Housework Block (laundry, vacuuming, deep cleaning)
🕚 11:00 – 12:30 PM → Meal Prep & Lunch
🕑 1:00 – 3:00 PM → Errands or Projects
🕞 3:30 – 5:00 PM → Family Time or Relaxation
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM → Dinner & Evening Cleanup

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why don’t scarecrows ever get cold?

They’ve got plenty of straw layers!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. Yep, just some classic winter homesteading struggles! 😅❄️

@nicole.lyn_

I have icicles coming out of my nose and for what? Two eggs? #fyp #chickens #homesteading #chickensoftiktok #chickentender #byc #fyp #cre... See more

2. If you can find the sneaky imposter among these lambs, you're a legend! 😂

@pubity

Can you spot the imposter? 🤣🤣 #RoadTo17Million #Pubity (Pamela Maggioni Transumando via ViralHog)

ENGAGE WITH US

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