Goat breeders in today's world, like many livestock producers, are finding that raising crossbred goats for general sales is far less lucrative due to the rise of the commercial farm. Specialty production is the wave of the future for small producers. No matter what arena of goat production you choose, you'll need to school yourself on your niche market for your goats to avoid getting lost in the shadow of big business.
Produce purebred goats with proven genetics for one of three distinct goat markets:
1. Buy breeding goats for the advancement of your favorite meat goat breeds.
2. Produce dairy goats and associated milk and cheese products.
3. Create a breeding line dedicated to fiber-goat production.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Research different goat breeds to buy the best breed for your market
Buy nanny goats from among different breeds of goats specific to your production focus. Milk goats include Nubians, LaManchas, Alpines, Oberhaslis, Togenburgs and Saanens. Goats bred for fiber are Angora, Pygora, Kinder and Pygmy goats. Meat goat breeds are primarily Boer, Kiko, Spanish Meat Goats and Tennessee Fainting Goats. Steer clear of "scrub goats" -- a breed designation that is actually assigned to goats of unknown or crossbred origins.
I recommend: Find goats for sale by breed using
Cyber Goats and
Goatfinder.com, both national breeder listing sites.
Join national goat breeding associations to network within your niche market
Connect with other goat breeders to benefit from the expertise of associates in your field. Also, keep up with industry news according to your primary products. Whether your goats are dairy, meat, fiber or multipurpose stock, you may have more than one international product market to watch.
I recommend: Find a local branch of the
American Dairy Goat Association. Visit
FiberArt.com to find small cashmere producer organizations, marketing help, shearing services and even guard dogs. The
American Meat Goat Association is one of several groups with vast resources and information for the meat goat producer.
Keep up with the show goat circuit to watch trends, and adjust your production accordingly
Most show goat breeders are also cash market producers, whether intentionally or by default. Show goats are primarily purebred, but any kids that aren't showing material will likely be bound for market. Goat breed shows are the best place to track market trends, since show judges select the winners based on currently desirable breed traits.
I recommend: Plan your goat breeding program around solid genetics by choosing champion foundation sires for artificial insemination. Find potential donors at local or national shows listed on the
Showgoats.net or
ShowPage.com events calendars.
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