Common market outlets of goat operation:
- Stock yards
- Directly to slaughter house
- Directly to consumers
- Through farmers' coop if it is operative in your area
- Farmers' market, flee market - if facility for goat sale is available. It will work better for goat products
- Goat meat and dairy products - local grocery stores, restaurants, and school lunch programs
Some facts about meat goat demand and marketing
- Goat meat is relished and highly prized in many parts of the world, as cabrito by the Spanish and chevon by the French, and also favored by U.S. ethnic and faith-based groups, such as Greeks, Muslims, Jews, Arabs, Latinos, and Puerto Ricans.
- Easter goat kids are in particular demand but require early spring or late winter kidding.
- Goats producing half a gallon of milk per day can raise two kids without supplemental feeding.
- Easter kids should weigh about 25 to 30 pounds and, depending on the price per pound on the hoof, can return a profit.
- Buck kids will grow faster and can be sold ahead of doe kids.
- Some people raise yearling wethers, letting them nurse as long as a half year before letting them graze. They may custom butcher for a fee and charge retail prices for the carcass.
- The cost of hay, feeds, and grazing must be recovered from the meat sales in addition to a reasonable profit.
