Publisher's Synopsis
One of the biggest problems facing someone getting into the dairy or meat goat business is recognizing that it is not a quick easy business to get into and operate. Too many people see goats as nice, easy to manage animals that take little in the way of facilities, land, or labor.
While some of this may be true in comparison to a bovine dairy, much is just blue sky speculation based on wants, not realities. We must determine what our dreams and desires are in the context of the sober realities of the real business world. A lack of knowledge and planning has caused the short-term run of more than one goat operation, in particular new dairy goat start- ups.
Anyone interested in goats needs to spend some time with several people in the business. You need to be knowledgeable about the business needs, husbandry needs, markets, and do a careful assessment of financial needs.
Key Questions
What are your goals?
-Is this a supplemental income or intended as a family support activity?
-Do you plan on all family labor to be concentrated in the business or will you
expect outside income for the short term or long term? -How much money do you need for family living?
-Can you really make money doing this?
These and other question you may have has been addressed in this book
Chapters in this book are:
Introduction1
Personal Assessment3
Goal Setting6
Researching the Industry and Determining Feasibility13
Identifying Your Support Team18
Keeping a Healthy Herd24
Assessing Farm Land28
Determining Labor Needs32
Practical Facilities37
Financing Your Farm42
Writing a Business Plan50
Culls, Kids, and Breeding Stock60
Producing High Quality Goat Milk68
Marketing Milk 75
Working with Your Processor79Exit Strategies82
