ITT we discuss the best ways of starting an effective homestead,

>>2296588
Cows in my opinion are actually not the best yield for what the require. They need a ton of food, a lot of good, flat land that could be put to better use. They need a large shelter and a lot of water. Generally for small scale (one family) homesteading, goats are the go to because they can use the shitty land, you can just keep them on a tether if needed, don't eat or drink as much as a cow, don't need as much care and are hardy. It's also much easier to sell a single or a few goats rather than a single cow

>>2296605

The biggest issue with goats is that they're some of the most difficult livestock to keep contained. They're curious jumpers and climbers who will test each and every bit of their boundary. And, if something in their pen can be destroyed, it will be.

I second them for a great bang-for-your-buck animal, along with rabbits and chickens, as well as having great personalities and being more fun to watch than your standard grazers. But, if you're going to keep them, make sure you read up very well.

>>2296588
/out/ homegrowman thread is better for this

I have some plans but they aren't extravagant. Once retired and the kids are all reliably out of the house, just having a little home with water access since the husband is into fishing. I was planning on a small movable chicken coop, a few goats, a sizable garden, and hunting and trapping. Also planning on using every last bit of killed animal, hoping to squeeze as much money from it as possible. I probably won't make it off the grid, but at least I'd be making most of my own food. Also a lot less work for just two people.

Also always wanted to have bees, even though I'm not a fan of honey. I was playing with the idea of having some sheep because I actually know how to process wool into yarn, know how to knit, crotchet, and weave. But that would be more of a hobby, and I'd have to learn how to shear a sheep

>>2296607
Would it be inhumane to keep a goat on a long lead? I figured it's a dumb idea but I see goats tied up all the time on pretty short leads

>>2297064
I'd say it's pretty dickish. They're active and smart, so it'd be pretty terrible if you to put it on a lead for its whole life. If you're looking to keep goats long term for milk, it'd be much better to just build them a proper enclosure. They'd be happier and healthier.