Production
Goats play many roles in agriculture, producing everything from meat and milk to the highly sought-after Angora fibers. That said, meat goats account for 78% of the total of goats produced in the United States. Goats are typically only raised as small-scale livestock because they require special attention to maintain their health and nutrition.
Despite this, goat production in Kentucky boosted by over 500% from 1997-2002, and April has been declared Goat Appreciation Month in the state. Outside of what goats can produce, they are useful to have around because of their foraging abilities - they really can eat a lot of stuff that other animals won’t! Some people have capitalized on this, and you can rent goats as a brush removal service.
Check out the links below to learn more. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/goat-farm-table
Learn more about goat fiber products: https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/livestock/goats/goats-for-fiber
Dairy goat production: https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-goat-production
Kentucky goat production: https://www.kysu.edu/academics/college-acs/school-of-ace/co-op/publications-goat-production.php
Selection
Goat is another of the less common meats to come across in America, but its popularity in South American cultures means that it is slowly gaining traction. Many places even consider it a delicacy.
Goat is red meat with a flavor similar to beef but lighter and more tender. It is also lower in fat and high in iron and zinc, so if you find it available, goat meat might just be your best option. When it comes to goat milk, it is fattier and has lower vitamin and lactose values.
Fresh goat meat will generally be bright, even red, with white fat, and bones should be white and/or gray. The age and sex of a goat can impact the appearance, taste, and texture of its meat. Learn more here: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/goat-farm-table
Goat Meat 101 - https://www.priceofmeat.com/262/goat-meat/
Preparing goat meat - https://onestophalal.com/blogs/info/a-beginners-guide-to-cooking-with-goat-meat-tips-and-delicious-recipes
Using goat milk - https://morningchores.com/goat-milk-uses/
Safety Information
Goats and all their meat are mandatorily inspected under the Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906. Because of how much goat meat varies, even when fresh and healthy, it is not graded.
Hormones and antibiotics are illegal in goat production, although antibiotics are often necessary to help sick animals. If these medicines are administered in any meat industry, the animal has to pass the withdrawal period before being processed so that none of the drugs is present in its body.
Meat should always be stored below 40 degrees F and cooked to 160 for ground goat or 145 internally for steaks and chops. Always wash your hands and surfaces when using raw meat products!
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/goat-farm-table
Goat Recipes
Farmer Profiles
Mayse Farms Goat Milk
Mayse Farms is operated by Chesey Mayse, an Agricultural Sciences graduate from Morehead State University. Mayse Farm raises mainly La Mancha dairy goats and uses their milk to make all-natural goat milk products, including soap, lotion, and shampoo bars. https://us.placedigger.com/mayse-farms-goat-milk-products-9601116720.html
Valley of Hope Farms
Despite being a small family farm, Valley of Hope offers a wide variety of fresh meats and products to their local community. This includes goat milk soaps, homemade jewelry, wood crafts, baked and jarred goods, and hand-woven accessories. https://www.valleyofhopefarms.com/s/order
Rustic Charm Farm
On the grassy fields of Jackson, Kentucky, lives the Hall Family and their herds of Nigerian Dwarf Goats. These goats are the biggest part of Rustic Charm Farm, which breeds and sells goats. The family-owned and operated farm business focuses on raising healthy goats, which other farms can buy. Rustic Charm Farm also milks their goats to create many products, such as goat milk soap, lotion, and even shaving cream. https://www.rusticcharmfarm.com/