About the Author

Marissa Ames

Editor of Goat Journal and Backyard Poultry magazines, Marissa Ames runs a small homestead in Fallon, Nevada, where she focuses on saving and propagating rare breeds of goats and garden vegetables. She and her husband, Russ, travel to Africa where they serve as agricultural advisors for the nonprofit I Am Zambia. She spends her free time eating lunch.
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Articles by Marissa Ames

Vegetable Rennet vs. Animal Rennet in Cheese
February 20, 2020 · · Home Dairy

When making cheese, rennet usually isn’t optional. But, though they do the same thing, animal and vegetable rennet have very different beginnings.

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Goat Journal March/April 2020
February 10, 2020 · · Magazine Previews

The March/April 2020 issue of Goat Journal contains valuable stories on pregnant does in distress and when to intervene during kidding, a Breed Profile on Spanish goats, why you can’t make bread and cheese on the same day!

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Goat Journal January/February 2020
December 10, 2019 · · Magazine Previews

The January/February issue of Goat Journal arrives in-home on December 26th, but Backyard Goats Members can read it now!

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How Much Does a Goat Cost?
November 15, 2019 · · Ownership

How much does a goat cost, from the initial goat purchase and through its lifespan?

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Goat Journal November/December 2019
October 10, 2019 · · Magazine Previews

The November/December issue of Goat Journal arrives in-home on October 24th, but Backyard Goats Members can read it now!

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Signs of Goat Heat
October 1, 2019 · · Goat Notes

Breeds that cycle year around include fainting goats, Kinder, Boer, Kiko, Nigerian Dwarf, Spanish, Pygmy, and sometimes Nubian goats. Alpine breeds experience heat cycles about mid-summer until the end of the year. Seasonal breeders include Alpine, LaMancha, Oberhasli, Saanen, and Toggenburg goats. Angoras are also seasonal.

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Goat Journal September/October 2019
August 21, 2019 · · Magazine Previews

The September/October 2019 issue of Goat Journal is now available! Subscribe for valuable stories on breeding season, predators, 13 goat symptoms you should NEVER ignore, and more!

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Goat Journal July/August 2019
June 28, 2019 · · Magazine Previews

Add to Favorites The July/August 2019 issue of Goat Journal is now available! Subscribe for valuable stories on Johne’s disease, determining goat age, what to do with all those kids, …

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Goat Labor Signs
June 1, 2019 · · Goat Notes

Knowing goat labor signs also alerts you to be available in case the doe should need your help. Unfortunately, not all pregnant goats show signs that kidding is imminent.

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Difficult Birth Presentations
June 1, 2019 · · Goat Notes

STOP and call the vet if: the kid is really stuck, if you note bleeding (bright red blood), any prolapsing of the uterus, if a kid has died some days previous and has become necrotic, or any signs that the doe is in extreme distress.

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