Ranch Newsletter | December 2025

Originally sent to subscribers on December 29th, 2025

Farm Update

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

— Albert Einstein

The last week of every year is always an odd one. It's almost as if people give up on the year in anticipation for the new one. Routines are disrupted, work schedules don't seem as rigid, and days just fly by.

I always like to take this time to reflect and analyze. To take a good look at the year, what we lost, what we gained, what we accomplished, what still needs to be done.

I used to be a resolution maker, but I haven't done that in many years because I typically forget all about my resolutions list by February. So instead I like to write out our plans for the coming year. The ideas we have right now for the coming year. And at the end of the year, I like to go back and see if those ideas came to fruition and what else we did or didn't do. Our list for 2025 was pretty vague. We started the year with no plans for any projects on the ranch. I was considering bringing home another female goat, which I did end up doing. I mentioned the possibility of some new skincare items I had ideas for, but mostly we were looking forward to finally having a year where we didn't have a million new projects to do, but could maintain what we've built. And for the most part, that is exactly how the year went. We did a few small projects, and enjoyed our property and animals. For a full breakdown of the year, you can find the link to my blog on the subject at the bottom of this newsletter.

Each week in December I drove down to Millcreek to restock the market there. We had another great year there and I hope this is a market we'll be able to continue to participate in for many years to come.

Craig and I also started a project remodeling his office and hope to have that done before the end of January.

Also in the new year, we are going to be building a barn! We're very excited about this. We've been saving up to build a barn for about five years now and we're finally able to get it done!

In natural skincare news: Soap prices are increasing on January 1st! Starting in January, Goat Milk Soaps will be $6.00/bar instead of $5.50.

I also found new packaging for my facemask powders which make them a little easier to open without spilling. These jars also hold more powder, so I've increased the price on them from $7.00 to $9.00.

And finally, my new Joint & Muscle Salve is now available! This unique blend harnesses the pain-relieving power of cayenne and black pepper, combined with the calming, anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, comfrey, and ginger so you can enjoy natural comfort and support for your body.

My next soap making classes are:

Currently being scheduled! I have been talking with a couple business about hosting my classes and we're still working out the details. I am hoping to have classes at the Monarch in Ogden and at the Mountain Arts and Music building in Huntsville Town. Once those dates have been finalized, you'll be able to see them here: https://www.julbudranch.com/events-1

In Animal News: Craig brought home two new animals just before Christmas for me and it was the best Christmas surprise ever! We are now the proud owners of alpacas! They are both male, one became a gelding shortly after their arrival, but we are going to leave the other intact in case we decide to rent him out or breed ourselves eventually. Their names are Crunch and Munch. Pictures below!

We also still have our two goat babies for sale.

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