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Starting a Goat Farm:
There are several explanations for why goat farming is becoming more and more common. Goats are easier to house and feed than other livestock like cattle and pigs as far as hoofed agricultural animals go.
A goat farmer will also tell you that raising goats is both intriguing and lucrative. They are peculiar creatures that are social.
Here’s how to begin raising goats for food.
Goat farms are what?
Domestic goats are bred and raised by farmers on goat farms.
The main reasons goats are raised are for their milk, meat, or fiber. Although there are some cross-breeds, each breed of goat was developed specifically for one of these objectives (milk and meat goats).
Any breed of goat can be used to remove brush, a relatively new goat farming practice. They won’t eat tin cans, but they will consume underbrush, which will essentially kill it.
Since the smaller goats are used as pets and in petting zoos, miniature goat farming is also very popular.
What Is the Price to Start a Goat Farm?
For registered breeding stock, you should budget between $100 to $800, with the registered female (doe) commanding the highest price. A registered milking goat, like a Nubian, costs around $1,200, as does a doe used for meat production.
You’ll need a male (buck) and a number of does to get started. You could also buy goats that are pregnant.
Definitely have a separate business bank account and a separate business credit card.
10. Choose a Location and Consider Zoning
Most likely you will need zoning that is Agricultural. And there are guidelines for that.
Learn your zoning laws. Zoning can differ by state. Most commonly, hoofed farm stock is counted by “animal unit.” Larger animals, such as horses and cattle, count as one unit each. For smaller animals, such as goats, sheep and swine, it takes four of them to equal one unit.
Commonly, 1 unit is allowed per half acre.
In other words, if you fence off one acre you could keep 8 goats within it.
11. Purchase and Sort Out Licenses
You’ll need farm insurance, which falls under general agribusiness insurance. Each state has a farm bureau, which is a great source of information on this topic.
For instance, you can opt for “blanket” coverage for buildings, equipment and stock.
You’ll need a business license. If you’re going to sell products you’ll need an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, which you’ll use to pay sales tax or taxes you’ll pay if you hire employees.
12. Build a Pasture and Goat House
Your stock needs a shelter where they can stay dry and out of the wind. You’ll need to keep the bucks and does, so the bucks don’t breed the does at the wrong time of year.
Although it may be more cost effective to adapt an existing structure, there are features that make your life easier. Those features include a no-freeze water hydrant, and easily accessible hay mangers and feed troughs. Not having to hand-carry water is an important factor.
Health Food Store
Agriculture themed events and fairs
From your farm
19. Expand Your Business
Compared to other livestock, goats are easier to transport. Do visits to schools, or if you’re selling products at a fair, bring a hoofed friend or two along to drive traffic to your booth.
If your farm is attractive, consider inviting the public to learn more about what you do.
What is the average goat farming profit?
Most who are getting started count on outside income as they build the herd and this should be part of your small farm business plan.
Those who supply “grazer” brush clearing goats are currently getting about $800 a week for the service.
As an industry, on average, the annual salary ranges from $34,000 to $49,000.
