Windy Bluff Farm

  Simple Blessings: The Traditional Art of Infusing Oils for Potent, Homemade Salves Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. Today, we're stepping away from the daily dairy chores to talk about a vital homestead skill: the traditional art of herbal salves. Learning to make your own healing salves is a quiet skill—one that honors the earth and helps make your home and farm truly sustainable. Fall always reminds me it's time to craft our respiratory salve. This process is deeply special to my heart, as our salves are often the final, beautiful blessing of medicinal plants that God has provided and that we have sustainably wild-foraged right here on our farm. Like all of our farm products , our salves are simple, natural, and handcrafted. They carry the healing power of the herbs, the richness of our oils and butters, and t...

  Coccidiosis in Goats: Scientific Dosing Guide for Oregano Oil and Natural Prevention Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. Author: Sarabeth Richardson. - BS Pre-Vet, Biology & Chemistry, Dairy Goat Farmer, Goat Breeder and Herbalist IMPORTANT HEALTH DISCLAIMER: While I have a formal background in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Biology, and Chemistry, I am not a licensed veterinarian. This information is based on personal farm experience and scientific research. Always consult with your licensed veterinarian before starting any new treatment protocol, especially in cases of severe disease or decline.   A breakout of Coccidiosis in your dairy or meat goats is never fun. Even with the best livestock management practices, cases still occur, especially during times of high stress like weaning . This article provides a...

  Copper Bolus for Goats: The Farmer's Scientific Guide to Safe Usage and Herd Health Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. As a  working farmer  with a B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a background in Chemistry, I approach herd health with a dual focus: ensuring our animals receive precise, scientifically-vetted nutrition while remaining as natural as possible. One of the most critical elements in managing our registered Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats is preventing  Copper Deficiency. Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a massive role in a goat's health. When used correctly, the  Copper Bolus  is an indispensable tool in our herd health management plan. 🔬 The Science of Copper Deficiency Goats are naturally prone to copper deficiency, often due to high iron or sulfur content in cert...

  The Cold Process Soap Method: A Beginner's Guide to Safe and Natural Soap Making Soap making is at the heart of our work here at Windy Bluff Farm. While we are  Farmers  who cater to homestead-minded folks, we approach our craft with rigorous precision. As a former Pre-Veterinary Medicine student with a  Bachelor of Science degree and a double minor in Chemistry and Biology , I understand the precise balance needed to ensure a safe, high-quality, and truly beneficial bar of soap. If you are looking to take that first step into making your own supplies, understanding the Cold Process Method is essential. 🎥 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Cold Process Soap Making at Windy Bluff Farm I. The Science: Why "True Soap" Requires Saponification All true soap is made from the chemical reaction between  lye (sodium hydroxide)  and  fats/oils —a process called  saponification. Farmer + Scientist:  Based on my Chemistry background, I can assure you there...

Lard Soap Benefits for Sensitive Skin: The Old-Fashioned Way to Heal and Soothe Before exotic oils became trendy, lard was the trusted backbone of old-fashioned soap. At Windy Bluff Farm, we carry on this tradition, crafting our handmade goat milk soap with this gentle fat because it is one of the most nourishing ingredients for hardworking and sensitive skin. While many popular natural soaps today use palm oil or tallow, we choose lard—and the science explains why it remains a superior choice for natural skincare. I. The Science: Why Lard is Uniquely Skin-Friendly Lard is not just an old farmstead ingredient; its fatty acid profile is remarkably close to the oils our own skin naturally produces. This similarity is key to its gentleness and effectiveness. Oleic Acid (approx. 44%): This monounsaturated fat allows the soap to penetrate deeply, providing lasting moisture and conditioning without feeling heavy. Palmitic & Stearic Acids: These help strengthen the skin barrier and c...

  The Ultimate Guide to Goat-Proof Fencing: Shelter Design for Nigerian Dwarf Goats Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. When you buy your first goats, the excitement quickly turns to the realization that your entire perimeter is now a challenge. As seasoned goat farmers, we believe goat-proof fencing is the number one thing that determines whether a new owner loves or regrets getting goats. You will always get that one goat that jumps like a gazelle over 6 feet, is a climber, or escape artist! To save yourself weeks of chasing escapees and ensure the health of your new herd, you must over-engineer your initial fencing and shelter. I. Designing Truly Goat-Proof Fencing Goats are masters of finding the weak spot. To save time and frustration, always focus on height, sturdiness, and closing the smallest gaps. A. Height a...

  The Safest and Most Effective Method for Goat Scur Removal (A Step-by-Step Guide) Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. Goat scurs—those small, hardened horn regrowth points often caused by improper disbudding—can become a serious problem. If left unchecked, scurs can grow inward, pierce the goat's skull, or pose a physical danger to other livestock and handlers. As dairy goat owners who have dealt with challenging scur removal on our own herdsire buck, Cash, we know that finding an effective, safe, and reliable removal method is crucial. After attempting various methods (nippers, banding), we've determined that the most effective tool for successful, close-to-the-skull scur amputation is the OB (Gigli) Wire Saw. Why the OB Wire Saw is the Best Tool for Scur Removal Unlike hoof nippers, which can shatter the bone, or ba...

  Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk: Why is Goat Milk So Much Easier to Digest? For many people, dairy milk and digestive comfort simply do not mix. If you experience discomfort, bloating, or sensitivity after drinking cow milk, you are not alone—it’s estimated that roughly 65% of the population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. But before you swear off dairy forever, there is an alternative that often proves gentler on the gut: goat milk. As small-batch dairy goat farmers, we’ve not only seen the digestive benefits in our own family, but we understand the unique science behind why goat milk is superior for sensitive systems. It comes down to three key differences in the milk’s natural composition. 1. The Curd is Smaller and Softer The primary difference between how the two milks behave in your stomach is how they form a curd. When milk hits the stomach's acidic environment, proteins coagulate to form a soft, digestible curd. Cow Milk produces a larger, tougher curd , w...