The Perfect Livestock for the Homestead: Dexters, American Guinea Hogs, Katahdin Sheep

[@fullerhomestead2022]

We are just beginning our homesteading journey; thanks for sharing your knowledge and encouragement!

[@BobbleheadHomestead]

Thank you to Katie for all that knowledge. Local real estate companies should be paying you. These videos are a great advertisement showing off the great people and great farms and great scenery and great wildlife you have. Oh look, a moose, lets pull off and get a selfie with it. Wow.

[@TealHouseFarm]

Peoria Dude hahaha "look a moose"...I thought the same thing...so freaking cool!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

haha! I know better than to get too close to a moose though. The selfie was at a safe distance ;)

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

You never forget your first moose!

[@katelynbray5531]

I just recently found your channel and have been binge watching every video, I absolutely love how you take your little boy with you and teach him all about homesteading ❤️

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Bray!

[@isaaclinscheid4273]

I'm glad that little buddy got to get involved, and seeing little buddy reminds me of when I was a kid holding baby animals

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Me too. It's great for him to be around these great farms and animals. Did you get my reply to your email?

[@isaaclinscheid4273]

The Grass-fed Homestead yes and thank you

[@CleoCastonguay47]

Thanks for taking us out to Katie's place. It was nice to see the different breeds of animals. I didn't know Dexter cattle were so small. I thought they were calves at first. Enjoyed the American Guinea Hogs and the sheep. Nice visit.... Thanks

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I sure did, too!

[@CogHillFarm]

We can attest to how great the American Guinea Hog is for a small homestead...we have less than 7 acres & we raise the AGH & absolutely LOVE them! thanks for sharing! Just found your channel

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Awesome! Thanks for checking out our channel. How many AGHs do you have?

[@CogHillFarm]

The Grass-fed Homestead we have a full grown boar & sow....and her first litter, 8, which are very close to 1yr old & 3 piglets she had in November....so a total of 13.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

That's great! We hope to be joining you soon in AGH husbandry :)

[@CogHillFarm]

You are not going to be disappointed, we absolutely love the breed!

[@ginoy007]

How small is a small homestead 🙂 ?

[@Brifromscratch]

Beautiful farm. Beautiful snow. Great video. Thank much. Just looking at AGHs today online.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks guys! I think the AGHs would be a great fit for most small homesteads. We're getting some in the spring.

[@cariepickerell3214]

Beautiful scenery.... Thank you for showing us Idaho's beauty.... I enjoy your videos.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

you're welcome! :)

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

Woo! Look at the snow-snakes all over the road. Wow! I love the Guinea hogs. I'll have to show my husband those. We're going to be homesteading on the family farm up in ND and I'd love to have those on the property. The Llama is so awesome. Thank you for sharing this video with everyone. 🌾Merry meet 🌿

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked the video. Yes, definitely get some AGHs!

[@carolv8450]

What is a snow snake?

[@janinesimon6076]

I grew up in the inland northwest for 18 years and have never seen a moose! That was an awesome video! Thanks to Katie for sharing so much great information! Would love to see how she pastures the pigs in the summer.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Wow...18 years without seeing moose! I thought I was the only one who hadn't seen one living here. Remind me next summer and I'll go back to see how she pastures them

[@carolv8450]

We have been visiting Vermont and have never seen a moose!

[@anthonysanchez9746]

I just discovered your channel. Great work! You have tons of valuable content and ask all the right questions. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

thank you Anthony!

[@Charmedpsycho]

Great video and informative.The Katahdins stole my heart already.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

The new born lambs will get you every time ;)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Another great video!

[@notthistime2492]

I love Katie's farm! Thanks for the tour. We are looking into Dexters for our farm, too.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Awesome! I'm glad you liked the tour. I really like the dexters and hope to be able to add them here sometime

[@hgils]

Wow guinea hogs are nice! I loved the grazing part ☺ .in the past years ago I had Yorkshire and Durok .. only 6 of each. all your videos are good but I really enjoyed this one... 😄 oink oink!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks trebor! :)

[@ChezGra]

Loved this video!! What a beautiful area!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks Chez

[@user-ov4bb8ii3w]

❤Wow, it is absolutely beautiful where you live❤ Very informative and interesting video❣ New subscriber watching from Houston, TX

[@5050TM]

Great video! Fantastically informative!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you :)

[@ashlieneevel2708]

You sure can't beat that scenery!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

👍

[@TractorsandTireSwings]

Fun video! I just found this, so I am not sure if you already decided, but we have Dexters on our small homestead and love them! They are perfect for a small scale homestead.

[@TractorsandTireSwings]

We are in southern Idaho. I look forward to seeing more of your videos!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Hello fellow Idahoans! We definitely want some dexters. It's just a matter of when.

[@charlesvanhowardflorendo7219]

Little buddy is such a gentleboy...

[@HomesteadDad]

We have American Guinea hogs and love them so far. We are also breeding down from a full sized jersey to mini jerseys. We have shetlands, they are great for smaller areas as well.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

That's awesome! I wonder how the mini jerseys compare to dexters in milk production. I should look that up

[@HomesteadDad]

I believe I heard that mini Jerseys are still supposed to produce 3.5-4 gallons. Which makes them nice because they provide a good amount of milk but eat less. We will see if that actually happens in real life. Keep up the good work.

[@onedazinn998]

Loved it! What a beautiful place to live. Too bad you couldn't get the goats in too (my passion) but it was real nice to see the hogs (perfect size & care for small homestead) & of course the lambs...that black and white one was sooo cute. Little Buddy adorable as always...don't worry, by next year you'll be a pro holding all the wiggly animals. o.-

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

I got a little of the goats but the video was getting long so I cut it. I accidentally cut some good info on the hogs as well. I'll have to find a way to get it out in another video

[@catherinepostmus]

Great interview! I had no idea that there was such a thing as a Dexter cow. This would be a great breed to obtain some day.

[@keandric2765]

I Just learned about them today. Seems like a Great cow. If I ever have my own homestead, I don't think I'll ever have anything Other than miniature cows :))

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you! :)

[@candicechristensen1753]

fun video. Good information on the different breeds

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Candice

[@1wolfpup]

That was awesome. She has a nice farm.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

We really enjoyed it! It was great

[@buckshot_honeymoon]

Soooo cool. And what a cute kid!

[@GaryHardin]

That's beautiful country. I live down at the opposite end, border city San Diego, Ca. to Mexico. I learned a lot from this. Thank you,

[@keandric2765]

Heya sorta neighbor. I'm in San Bernardino County. Lol :)

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You're welcome. I've been through San Ysidero before. I suppose that is close to where you are

[@brianphilbrook5262]

That's quite some scenery especially that cow moose. If I ever have the land I'd be getting dexters. When we had our guinea hogs I kept them confined with a four foot high chicken wire fence. They were so easy to care for. Little buddy looked a little nervous around the cows lol

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

He was. He wound up liking the jersey but he was intimidated by the dexters. He hasn't been around such big animals much

[@PrattFamilyHomestead]

Man this is a killer video. Lots of info, very cool. Beautiful scenic drive!! Reminds me so much of growing up in Alaska...including the moose. Growing up they were always in my backyard. I will echo what she said (from my very limited experience) that if the pigs have enough food...the rooting will be minimal. Now, I had some exceptions on certain areas last year as you may recall. I am now interested in that breed of pig. Gonna do some research. Those cows look perfect size for us. I don't see how we can avoid having cows (or a cow) in the very near future. Anyway, thanks for the great info. - Mike

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

No problem Mike. I'm glad you liked it. I accidentally cut out some of the info she provided on the hogs growth rate - she said they take about 12-14 month to finish. Good for homestead but not as good for market. Your hogs are the faster maturing kind, right?

[@PrattFamilyHomestead]

Most when commercially fed are about 6 month after getting them as piglets. But true pasture feeding does take longer. I saw that this summer.

[@pippad531]

Great video, loads of info thanks.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You're welcome :)

[@amyjohnson7834]

awesome video! very interested in dexters and guinea hogs :)

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

aren't they intriguing?!

[@goldencroaker9718]

I enjoyed her expertise. can you visit in the summer

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

We'll be going back in the spring

[@butterking1523]

Great video

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

thanks :)

[@shanehartley1957]

We raised our first AGH's last year , two feeders. By far the best tasting pork I've ever raised. I did learn that you have to be really careful not to feed to much grain because they will become overweight. Very docile easy to raise and they do graze on pasture.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Awesome! Thanks for the confirmation. What other breeds did you raise? Did you think that the 2 AGHs were about the same as one larger hog like a berkshire?

[@shanehartley1957]

We had previously raised some hampshire X yorkshire ,and a Duroc cross. Yes the two were probably about the same as a regular size hog but the grow out time was much longer, a year and a half vs six to eight months for the other breeds. And there was a lot of fat, but like i said that was mostly my fault. We did make a lot of nice lard though. I will definitely raise again and cut back on the grain.

[@lesleypettit9461]

Great informative video.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Lesley

[@littlehomesteadnearthebigc6574]

Great video!

[@l.b.walker7516]

Omg the scenery itself look like a winter wonderland my God Mother Nature is amazing I live in Houston Texas and we never get this type of snow it’s always hot and humid,muggy and raining we barely have a Winter season down here

[@crittert7828]

Really nice video🎈

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I really enjoyed making this video. One of my favorites

[@angelabryant6141]

Wonderful information, thanks

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You're welcome :)

[@quilterjanet]

Wow Katy is amazing!!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

agreed!

[@bobhomestead7396]

Great Info.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks bob

[@kevinsinclairsk]

Beautiful area...

[@philhershberger5359]

Thanks for the tour. . . very interesting and enjoyed everything except that white stuff you were driving in! ha! P.H. South Carolina

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Ha! Sorry about the snow :)

[@unkwm128]

thanks Katie

[@OldesouthFarm]

Were the dexters polled or dehorned? I see some beautiful cows without horns and hate horns... LOL Are this gal's cattle polled or dehorned? How about how to contact Kelly Creek Farm. There are a crap load of them out there. Thank you.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Some were naturally polled and some were dehorned. Contact: facebook.com/KellyCreekFarm/

[@portugeeprepper6821]

Thanks for the video. Does Katie have a KZbin channel.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

No, she doesn't. She has a FB page though: facebook.com/KellyCreekFarm/

[@Homesteadhow]

Great video i sub!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Mate2Frio]

Looking at GOS (Gloucester Old Spot) as well as AGH. AGH non registered feeders are going for as low as $40 this season in this area.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

I looked at them as well as kunekune. I'll start with AGHs and see how it goes

[@s.g8913]

Yes! We raise dexters and guinea hogs! Love them!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

That's awesome! I hope to be adding at least the guinea hogs soon :) Do you milk you dexters?

[@ronsmith1364]

This is very cool. I have been armchair farming and these breeds are sooo right for a homestead. However, after investing thousands of dollars in great animals what if you lose your breeding stock? Is there such a thing as livestock insurance to replace lost animals?

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

I haven't looked into that but I bet there is. My preferred form of insurance is a livestock guardian dog. We're working on that

[@ronsmith1364]

ty Read about donkeys or llamas are supposed to help with keeping coyotes/feral dogs away from livestock. bol

[@371508129]

Why was the dog crying?

[@dawnfiniff9338]

The hogs seem very small. I get that they can be pastured, but what is an average slaughter weight? Enough return for the input?

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

slaughter weight is approximately 150-200 lbs and I think you get about 50% back in pork. To me, that is worth it since I wouldn't have to have a lot of grain for them once my pastures are better. Very appealing.

[@dawnfiniff9338]

The Grass-fed Homestead makes sense! Thanks. They certainly would be less intimidating for someone new to livestock. Some of those larger breeds are just frightening because they are so large!

[@isaacpullan]

Im thinking of getting some kune kune pigs. Do you know how long it would take till i could butcher them? Thanks

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

You can harvest whenever you want but market weight is usually reached between 12-18 months

[@isaacpullan]

Ok thanks alot.

[@welshharlequin7722]

It is nice to see Katie doing this. It gives us women the feeling we might be able to have a dexter. :) Kelly Farms looks beautiful. I've never seen a guinea hog before. (let alone heard of one) The hog wouldn't roll over because she had a guest. lol. This is an excellent interview/ visit. I like how you're standing still with her, and allowing her to talk and explain. (OMG, with all the homestead channels I won't get anything done throughout the day.) Are you going to put this link in your page too? patreon.com/ IT seems like a great way to help you and your homesteading art. Is her dog OK? lol. (whining) Very sweet lambs. (I've never held a lamb, so I'm envious!)

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

The dogs were ok. The rest of the litter of pups was watching the one that got out run around and have all the fun. I'm assuming that's why they were whining. But I can assure you, they weren't hurt. I've not really considered patreon. I don't know that I have the viewership to really support that yet.

[@welshharlequin7722]

Patreon- I am learning about KZbin from you all and it seems to me that 'if you build it, they will come.'

[@oldchickenlady]

Are all Dexters naturally polled?

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

No, not all.

[@boss442mustang8]

awesome channel bro, hey does katie have a youtube channel?

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks! No, she doesn't have a channel. I'll let her know folks are asking....maybe she'll start one

[@lerouxeverson925]

i know this is an animal that wasnt mentioned, but does anyone know about ostriches. i am considering getting 4 or 6 for the homestead and would like to know what i can feed them and are they beter to raise than beef cattle.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

the only thing I know about ostriches is are they can be violent and very dangerous.

[@lerouxeverson925]

so can cows. i know there is a bit of danger but every part of the ostrich can be sold and is valuable. the feathers,hide,eggs and meat.

[@adelelashmawy2156]

What state do you live in ?

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Idaho

[@mariedelozier2530]

Nuthin' cuter than lambs!!

[@keandric2765]

What *Great* timing for this video. I was Literally just today reading up on pygmy and miniature livestock. Haha :) If you guys ever Do get cows / cattle, since you guys have a small homestead, is that they way you would go? Miniature cows? It seems like a Much more cost effect and less wasteful way to go. If *I* ever am able to have my own homestead, I don't know if I would have ANY livestock, other than fowl, that won't be pygmy / miniature..................... I'm also 4'11"...so......there's That too............ XD XD XD XD Great video, Thanks! :)

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

yes - I really would like to get some dexters for beef an dairy. I don't intend to sell dairy but it would be perfect for our consumption.

[@madginger3634]

Lol you totally have a predator energy everytime they run from you

[@jo-annlamberti1732]

That car seat moved way to much when you son got out, may need to tighten things.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks for point that out. I didn't notice it

[@jo-annlamberti1732]

I am a real stickler for safety. After an accident is to late. All four of my grandchildren were rear facing until three yrs. old or whatever the max was rear facing. Now they wear their 5 point harness to 65lbs. and then the same seat turns into a full booster until 120lbs. they have the Britax click tight. Glad I could help.

[@kurgan322]

13:49 the comment about free choice feed and putting on nothing but fat is pure bull crap. I have freshly butchered hogs that prove otherwise. Genetics and feed nutrient analysis determine the fat to muscle ratio.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Were yours guinea hogs? Everything I've ever heard and read about AGHs is consistent with what Katie said. They are a "lard" hog and they will get obese VERY quickly if given access to free-choice grain.

[@kurgan322]

You must have missed the part of my comment about genetics.

[@Brifromscratch]

Justlivin, were you raising AGHs?

[@goldencroaker9718]

They know that you are a stranger.

[@shawnhall6066]

Great video

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thanks Shawn