The market for dairy goat products is expanding.
The use of goat's milk is steadily growing in the United States because consumers appreciate that it has more protein and less cholesterol than cow's milk. It's also easier to digest. Goat's milk can be used for making cheese, yogurt, ice cream and soap. As of January 1, 2010 the United States had 355,000 milk goats and the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AMRC) predicts the market for dairy goat products will continue to expand. However, there are several things you should know before you begin your own goat milk business.
Instructions
Business Plan
1. Do a feasibility study to see if there are any issues that will keep your farm from being successful.
2. Develop a business plan. You will need a business plan if you want to apply for a loan. Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses is a free online publication from the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.
3. Contact local cooperatives for help with marketing, buying in bulk, funding and other issues. The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service maintains extensive information for each State on its website.
Regulations
4. Contact your state's Department of Health inspector about regulations controlling the sale of milk in your state.
5. Contact your state veterinarian about scrapie. Scrapie is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. Producers are required to participate in the Scrapie Eradication Program.
6. Contact your state department of agriculture for information about state regulations controlling the sale of raw milk.
Research
7. Research goats before you buy them. Different breeds are known for producing different amounts and kinds of milk.
8. Buy from a reputable breeder. Ask the breeder why he's selling the goat and compare the goat to other animals in the barn.
9. Ask to see the goat's milk records and pedigree, if available.
Housing
10. Provide dry stalls or pens. Make sure they're free of drafts.
11. Provide goats with access to an outdoor pasture or paddock, if possible.
12. Provide a manger that keeps the goat's hay off the ground, and fresh, clean water.
Care
13. Vaccinate your goats against enterotoxemia and tetanus.
14. Use wormers as needed, on the advice of your vet. Different worm infestations require different medications.
15. Control parasites like lice and fleas but consult your vet first since some products shouldn't be used on pregnant or milking animals.
16. Trim hooves every four to six weeks.
Feeding
17.Let your goats browse or graze in the pasture during the summer.
18. Feed the goats hay and grain in the winter. Milking goats should have all of the second cutting alfalfa, clover or trefoil hay they want to eat. In addition, they'll each need about 3 pounds of grain per day.
19. Ensure that your goats have access to a trace mineral salt lick all the time.
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