Business Management
Goat production can be an exciting and profitable enterprise for many small-scale operations. On this page, discover valuable resources on raising meat and dairy goats, including pricing meat cuts, taking advantage of existing markets, and buying livestock.
Raising Goats for Profit
With emerging demand for goat meat and dairy products in the US, producers are becoming increasingly aware of the profitability of raising goats.
To successfully raise goats for profit, prospective farmers need to pay special attention to providing the herd with enough nutrients and ensuring a stress-free environment. In addition, it is sensible to select and maintain animals that can, ideally, kid twice a year.
Whether raising meat or dairy goats, keeping good records and knowing the costs of production is key to determining the price of your end products. When pricing goat meat cuts, the costs – as well as the carcass weight – can vary depending on the breed and production method.
To learn more about the importance of estimating production costs, join Penn State Extension’s Marketing Meat Goats Through Contracts workshop. During the meeting, participants can meet potential buyers and discover more about how contracts benefit producers and how prices are set.
Goat Farm Business and Management
To run a thriving goat farming operation, producers need to have a solid business plan. The document should outline your goals, startup and ongoing costs, emergency response plan, and marketing strategy. A sample budget worksheet can help you ensure all expenses and receipts are included in the cost estimates.
Along with farm budgeting, the business plan should address goat management practices in regard to health and nutrition, fencing, shelter, feed, and veterinary care. A goat kid marketing strategy should be considered, as well. Both meat and dairy producers can benefit from kid goat crop income. Kid goats can be raised to different market weights and for different market seasons.
Goat Products Marketing
Finding a buyer for your goat products is critical to the enterprise’s success in making a profit. Therefore, it’s essential to research available markets and plan accordingly.
Marketing options for goat products include direct marketing off the farm, producing kids for commercial marketing firms, and supplying products for specialty markets.
When setting up a marketing strategy, prospective dairy goat farmers should focus on finding commercial processors of raw milk. Alternative solutions may be investing in pasteurizing equipment and using goat milk as an on-farm substitute.
In this section, find further information on goat farm business management, including budgeting, marketing, and management practices.
- Articles
Marketing Lamb and Goat for Holidays
Throughout the year, lamb and goat is often the main course at holiday celebrations for many people. - Articles
Buck Selection Principles for Meat Goats
Quality buck selection principles can improve genetics within the herd. - Articles
Breeding Season Preparations for Meat Goats
A successful kidding season starts with good management practices to prepare goats for the breeding season. - Articles
What You Should Know About Buying Livestock
What a bargain! The price looks great, but are you really getting a bargain? - Articles
Building an Emergency Response Plan for Livestock Producers
Whether you raise pigs, sheep, goats, or cattle, having an emergency plan for their care is critical for animal welfare and business continuity. - Articles
Integrating Grazing into Cropping Systems: Infrastructure
Considerations about fencing, watering systems, animal handling and loading, and shade all need to be resolved before animals are placed on the cropland to increase the likelihood of the success of the grazing program. - Articles
Meat Goat Production
Demand for goat meat, milk, cheese, and hide has steadily increased in the United States along with the proliferation of ethnic and specialty markets. - Articles
How Much Should You Charge? Pricing Your Meat Cuts
Pricing meat for direct-to-consumer sales. - Articles
Dairy Goat Production
Dairy goat production is an alternative livestock enterprise suitable for many small-scale or part-time livestock operations. - Articles
Exploring Two Ways to Direct Market in Pennsylvania
Producers have two options to pursue when marketing livestock post harvest in the U.S.: Selling under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection, or custom sale of live animals, harvested by the buyers butcher. - Articles
Why Aren't All Meat Processors the Same in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, livestock slaughtered can be "Inspected" or "Custom". Meat from livestock harvested under custom slaughter are exempt from inspection but cannot be sold, donated, or given away. - News
Do Your Sheep and Goats Have ID Tags?
Date Posted 3/26/2020Penn State Extension educator issues reminder about state, USDA regulations on scrapie. - Workshops
Meat Goat Production and Management Home Study Course
Interested in running a meat goat operation? The Meat Goat Production and Management Home Study Course is for beginning producers and a great review for seasoned producers. -
Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Program
This program provides a comprehensive source of information about the Nutrient Management Act (Act 38, 2005), and associated technical guidance and educational information. - Articles
Crianza de Caprinos
La carne del ganado caprino se consume ampliamente en todo el mundo, especialmente en los países en desarrollo.