What Makes a Successful Goat Operation?
Written by David Carter
Everyday someone that I have never met pulls into the farm and wants to start raising goats. The overall interest in this market is astounding as people are trying to find ways to remain true to their heritages and in some form, remain in the agricultural sect. The fast pace of today’s society is truly weighing on the fabric of people’s beliefs and how they wish to live.
I listen to people talk, read the various magazines with question and answer forums, and receive word of postings on Internet Chat groups from friends. The one thing that just screams out to me is that no one is thinking long term and they are glossing over many facts that are pertinent to raising goats.
I have found, remembering back to 4-H days, what it all boils down to, is the four “H’s”.
Head
If you want to raise meat goats, use your head! Think in advance on your fencing and housing needs. Sit down and write up a business plan. This should include both marketing and advertising plans. Determine how and where you wish to market your animals. Determine if you want to raise breeding stock, show animals, or commercial animals. Do Your Research First!!!
Heart
If you do not enjoy raising meat goats, don’t do it! If your heart is not into what you are raising, you will never prosper! It will be nothing but work and you will dread having to do the constant chores and maintenance on the herd.
If you really like one breed of goat over the other, or you enjoy raising the painted goats or solid reds or blacks, then by all means do it. You must like the looks of what you go out and feed everyday. I will guarantee that you will prosper far more by doing that than trying to follow the fads to try and make money.
Hands
Raising Meat Goats is a hands on job! If you are not dedicated enough to take time and observe the goats while you are feeding each day, then don’t get started. These are living animals that can get colds, diarrhea, hurt legs, and so on just like people do. They will tell you what is wrong with them if you will slow down and observe and listen. You must be willing to work long hours during the winter time while it is bitterly cold, especially if you decide to kid during that time. This will be your difference between profit and loss.
Health
The lifestyle that my wife and I enjoy is priceless. We receive countless bounties that nature has to offer throughout the year. Newborn babies and the miracle of life, the beauty that comes with each changing season, we stay fit with the ever changing work load that comes with each season.
The greatest gift that this lifestyle has given us is all of our wonderful friends from nearly every state in this country. The social interaction at different meetings, shows, sales and other
events are truly a reward without compare.
To raise meat goats can be a very rewarding process both financially and personally. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Mother Nature has been raising goats for thousands of years with not half the headache we bring upon ourselves. If you want to be successful, just use the Four “H’s”.