5 Veterinarians Are Online! Ask a Question, Get an Answer ASAP.
JustAnswer.com/Goat
Best Value for For Sale Goats. Find NexTag Sellers' Lowest Price!
www.NexTag.com
Providing resources and information for goat health, maintenance and markets, including an online community and message board.
www.biggoat.com
Farmer-owned co-operative that manufactures and markets products derived from goat milk.
www.dgc.co.nz
Farm breeding naturally colored and white angora goats with stock and mohair fiber available.
www.highlandridgefarm.com
Raises American Alpines, Purebred Nubians, Purebred and American Saanens goats.
www.seasongoat.com
Columbus, Ohio based farm raising quality White and Colored Angora Goats.
www.threewillows.com
Online ram catalog for artificial insemination along with flock management and consulting.
www.toprams.com
Breeders of Nigerian and Miniature Goats for high production, with great dairy character.
www.valleyofblessings.50megs.com
Producing fiber animals and providing Information on Shetland Sheep, naturally colored Angora goats, a guardian llama, a small farm.
www.windwhistle.com
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Guide to Goats
Launch your goat breeding and goat product business with the best resources
By R.N. Dolgener, Special Education Teacher
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.
Action Steps
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.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Find the most up-to-date information about goats from breed organizations and national show results, and stay on top of your genetics mix to reflect current marketability trends. One year, you may see show winners that are heavily muscled, but the next may exhibit more of an emphasis on coat quality or fat finish. Adjust your artificial insemination choices slightly ahead of any perceived curve, and your kids will be just right for next season's market.
