Goat: The Other White Meat

When you think of goats, you probably don’t think of them in the same respect that you do cows, pigs or chickens. You may even believe that goat meat isn’t that popular in the United States. However, you would be mistaken.

The preference for goat meat in the United States is rapidly increasing, as reflected by record prices the past two years.

The USDA reports that the goat industry in the United States is expanding, both regarding inventory and markets for goat products. The changing demographics of the United States’ population are credited with increasing demand for goat products at the same time that increased hobby farming has resulted in more goat farms.


“This increase in consumption is primarily related to a rapidly growing population from traditional goat-consuming residents,” said Jodie Pennington, small ruminant educator with Lincoln University Extension.

According to an article in Farm Talk, the Hispanic population provides a significant consumer base for goat-meat products, particularly fresh goat meat served during festivals or significant occasions. In addition, the United States is also experiencing an increase in religious groups that prefer goat meat, particularly those of the Muslim and Islam faiths.

Easter has the strongest goat-meat demand in the United States. Jodie Pennington states that market kid and goat meat prices tend to reach their peak just before Easter in March and April, decrease significantly in June, October and November, but begin increasing again during the Christmas season.

In addition to changing demographics causing an increase in goat consumption, urban goat farming has become part of a nationwide movement to eat food produced locally.

Jennie Grant, an urban goat farmer in Seattle, discussed urban goat farming in a recent USA Today article.

“I wasn’t a stranger to urban farming. I already had chickens, bees and a large vegetable garden before I added my goats. After doing some research, I cleared a 20-by-20-foot patch of my yard, fenced it in and added a shed, feeding stations and the goat equivalent of a jungle gym.”

Grant states that besides gathering a gallon a day of fresh milk per goat, she also uses their manure to fertilize her vegetable garden.

As the United States’ population continues to increase and urban farming continues to gain in popularity it will be interesting to see what it will mean for the goat industry.

Do you or do you know a farmer who raises goats? Would you ever consider raising goats for meat or dairy purposes? What are your thoughts about urban farmers raising goats?

Photo obtained from: blogs.menupages.com

A New Kid in Town: American Goat Federation Debut

When one thinks of a traditional farm, images of cows, pigs and chickens typically come to mind, but not images of goats.

Maybe they should?

Goats are becoming more and more integrated into the modern farming industry, as evidenced by the recent inauguration of the The American Goat Federation (AGF).

On November 10, AGF became the national trade association for goat producers.

Goats were first domesticated by neolithic farmers because they’re a great source of milk and meat. Their dung was used as fuel and their bones, hair and sinew for clothing, building and tools.

Since then, goats have been raised primarily to process their milk for cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and body products. Their hair is used in the textile industry and their meat is becoming more popular in cuisines.

According to its website, “The American Goat Federation promotes and facilitates the development of all segments of the goat industry including dairy, meat and fiber, by encouraging sound public policy, enhancing production and marketing of goat products, and promoting research beneficial to our member organizations and all producers.”

Goat Facts
• More than 300 breeds
• Produce approximately 2 percent of the world's total annual milk supply
• Cheaper to manage than cattle

Ohio has the potential for a blossoming goat industry.

“Traditonally, Ohio is not a goat state, and goats raised in Ohio are mostly for the local 4-H markets. However, with the tremendous influx of immigration and increasing health consciousness of the population, there seems to be a large market for goat meat in Ohio,” states an Ohio State University Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center paper. “This, along with the fact that many previous tobacco farmers have spare land and goats are easy to raise, trigger an increasing interest on the farmers’ side for production and processing.”

The Ohio Valley Dairy Goat Association and the Mid-Ohio Goat Dairy Goat Association are examples of state groups that promote the potential and the success of Ohio goat farming.

Ohio Goat Facts (2007 Census of Agriculture)

• Ranked 13 in the nation
• Ranked 50 globally
• Generates $14,186,000 annually

As years progress, it will be interesting to note how the goat industry expands to become a contender in the traditional livestock market, especially in Ohio. However, market infrastructure (ex: no goat processing plants) requires a major overhaul for the Ohio goat industry to really flourish.

Have you prepared or eaten anything made with goat? Do you know anyone who raises goats?

Photo obtained from: newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org