Circle of Life
Written by David Carter
How many times have you asked yourself, “How can I market my goats for a higher price?” Should I try to find a way to direct market my goats? How do I go about direct marketing? In about any goat association meeting how many times has someone asked, “What is the association doing to promote the goat, or goat meat? How is this association helping me to make my goats more profitable?”
These are very applicable questions, but I have one thought for you. How often are you, or other goat producers you know, consuming goat meat in a week? How many serve goat meat to their guest for dinner, whether it is family or friends? I think the answer to this question would astound you. In fact, in general conversations that I have had with individuals across the country, only about 1 in 50 consumed goat meat, and most not regularly.
Another thought, right now the main consumers of goat meat are the people of the many different cultures from around the world that have come to the United States. As their children grow up in an American society, with American views and lifestyle, how many will continue with their heritage and eat goat meat? How many will fall into the habit of fast food and quick microwaveable meals? These are just a few things that can affect the future goat market.
Now, who or what is going to be the driving factor to insure the goat market continues to grow? The answer, You Are! If every producer that raises goats, makes goat part of their weekly food menu, consumes what they grow, introduces goat meat to friends and neighbors, the industry will grow. Oh, and just think they will be starting a circle that will continue on. Children follow the patterns they learn as they grow up.
For example, a child is grown up active in 4-H. They graduate high school, maybe college, and have a family. When their children are old enough, they introduce them to 4-H because of the fond memories they have growing up. Thus, the circle continues.
The easiest way to grow the goat meat market is to look towards the future. We may not benefit as much as our children, but don’t we often work to benefit our children. Here is one scenario; we introduce goat meat to our friends and neighbors. They enjoy so much they request it at their local supermarket. They request it at their local restaurants. Businesses will not stock a product unless there is a demand for it. You have the ability to create the demand in your neighborhood. It is a very simple process and the end result will have enormous benefits for all. Just think, over 20,000 goat producers marketing goat meat nationally. Wow! What an incredible market!