Meeting the Needs of Alabama's Goat Producers

Goat farming is a significant nontraditional alternative agricultural enterprise both in Alabama and the United States. Across the nation, the demand for goat meat is increasing as is the country's ethnic diversity. Dr. Maria Leite-Browning, an animal scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama A&M University says about half of the current national demand for goat meat is filled by imports from New Zealand and Australia.

She notes that American farmers have shown great interest in goat production, especially in meat goats.

"Because of these changes, we need to develop research-based outreach programs that help the state’s producers improve their production practices."
Researchers at Alabama A&M University surveyed 700 goat producers by mail to assess current demographics, production practices and producer needs. That survey revealed some interesting data.

• Forty-five percent completed high school, while 37 percent hold college degrees.

• Fifty-three percent live in north Alabama, 24 percent in central Alabama, 4 percent in southern Alabama, 8 percent from bordering states, and 11 percent did not identify their geographic regions.

• Almost 30 percent of the producers are 56-65 years old.

• Eighty-five percent are part¬-time farmers.

• Farmers raise goats for commercial slaughter (28 percent), pets or hobby (25 percent), and brush control (24 percent).

• About 70 percent of producers are crossbreeding their herds.

Survey results are being used to develop programs that will advance the goat industry in Alabama and neighboring states, such as workshops on marketing and breeding stock and managing parasites in goat and sheep herds. Visit www.aces.edu/urban or contact your county Extension office to find out what small ruminant programs are being offered in your area.

Posted by lawremc at June 5, 2008 09:50 AM