Summary
There is an increased interest in goat meat and milk consumption in the United States. Goats slaughtered in the USDA-inspected plants, as well as goat meat imported from Australia and New Zealand, have sharply increased since 1999. The United States has changed from a net exporter to a net importer of goat meat during the last decade. Increases in ethnic populations in the United States -- especially Hispanics, Asians and Muslims -- have contributed to this development. Also, goat meat is healthy meat and fits the designer diets of health-conscious Americans, a concept that needs additional publicity. Goat production provides a significant opportunity for small farm producers in United States to target these markets and diversify their farm products. There is a great opportunity for value-added products. However, greater emphasis needs to be on consumer awareness of goat meat products as well as producer education; additionally, marketing structure for goat meat must be strengthened.
