Goat farming is becoming a hot trend, and for good reason. Goats are easier to take care of than other farm animals like cows or pigs. Plus, they’re social creatures with fun personalities. If you’re thinking about starting a goat farm, here’s what you need to know.
Goat farms are places where goats are bred and raised. They’re usually raised for their milk, meat, or fiber, and each breed of goat is typically suited to one of these purposes. Some goats are even used to clear brush – they won’t eat tin cans, but they’ll happily munch on underbrush. Miniature goat farming is also a thing, with the smaller goats often kept as pets or used in petting zoos.
Starting a goat farm can cost anywhere from $100 to $800 for registered breeding stock. The female goats, or does, are usually more expensive. You might pay around $1,200 for a registered milking goat, like a Nubian, or a doe that’s a good meat producer. To get started, you’ll need a male goat, or buck, and several does. You could also buy pregnant goats. You’ll need a barn or shed, goat-proof fencing, and a place to store hay. Milking equipment will set you back at least $1,500. You’ll also need to get state inspection and licensing to produce, process, and sell milk.
So, how do goat farms make money? They can breed and sell goats, sell milk, raise and sell goats for meat, rent out goats to clear land, or raise goats for their fleece, which can be turned into high-quality yarn. They can also sell dairy products like soap made from milk, or sell products made from goat fiber, like fleece or yarn.
If you’re ready to start your own goat farm, here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Research: Learn about different breeds and your local zoning laws before you get started.
- Decide what type of goat farm you want to run: Meat, milking, fiber, miniature, or rental. Each type serves a different market and requires specific care and management.
- Understand the market: Research the local demand for goat products like meat, milk, and fiber.
- Consider the challenges: Each type of goat farming comes with its own set of challenges and requirements.
- Select your goat breed: Dairy and meat are the two main choices, and there are different breeds within those two types.
- Do a market survey: Make sure your new business will be able to compete.
- Make sure you have the necessary qualifications: You’ll need to know how to take care of goats, plan for long-term feed suppliers, maintain the electric fencing, and do other general farm work.
- Create a goat farming business plan: This should include setting up housing and fencing for the animals, setting up reliable food sources, buying good quality new goats, making a breeding schedule, developing a marketing plan, and setting aside money for veterinary costs.
- Name and brand your business: Choose a name that reflects the type of business you’re going to operate.
- Form a legal entity and register your goat business: An LLC is highly recommended.
- Buy the necessary equipment: This includes mangers and hay racks, grain troughs, wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels, hoses, a truck and trailer, a separate area for pregnant females, lactating females and kids, and hoof trimmers.
- Open a business bank account: Definitely have a separate business bank account and a separate business credit card.
- Choose a location and consider zoning: Most likely you will need zoning that is Agricultural.
- Purchase and sort out licenses: You’ll need farm insurance and a business license. If you’re going to sell products you’ll need an EIN.
- Build a pasture and goat house: Your stock needs a shelter where they can stay dry and out of the wind.
- Hire employees: Your hardest challenge will be hiring someone who can take care of your farm when you’re away.
- Purchasing goats: If possible, buy your stock shortly after they had a health check from a veterinarian.
- Care for and raise goats: Stick to a feeding schedule as best you can. Two times a day is recommended.
- Develop a feeding and nutrition plan: Once you have chosen the type of goat farming and the breed, it’s vital to develop a feeding and nutrition plan that is tailored to your specific type of goats.
- Learn goat health management: Understanding and managing the health of your goats is crucial for a successful farming operation.
- Plan your breeding program: Breeding is a critical aspect of goat farming, whether for expanding your herd or improving its quality.
- Set up your farm infrastructure: This includes fencing, water systems, and equipment storage.
- Market the business: Attend farm shows and consider setting up a booth there and at other agriculture-themed events.
- Create your products: Goat meat and milk are common products. The actual animal itself – sold to become part of a petting zoo or brush clearing herd – is a product in itself.
- Choose where to sell your products: Deciding where to sell your goat products is crucial for the success of your business.
- Implement effective waste management: Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining a healthy and environmentally responsible goat farm.
- Develop a risk management plan: Farming involves various risks, from market fluctuations to animal health crises.
- Expand your business: Compared to other livestock, goats are easier to transport.
Goat farming can be a profitable business. Those who supply “grazer” brush clearing goats are currently getting about $800 a week for the service. On average, the annual salary ranges from $34,000 to $49,000. So, if you’re interested in farming, goats might be the way to go!
