Q&A for How to Start a Goat Farm

Depending on the goat and season, goats need hay, greens, and some sort of feed, usually higher in protein.

Attend agricultural exhibitions organized by your state; there are always successful farmers with experience who can offer free training with vivid examples. You can also consult your regional veterinarian for specific questions, or just do some general research online or at your local library. If you have the means, you could even attend a school for an agricultural program.

Yes. My herd of Nubians have been eating pinion pine for years and I can't tell any difference in their health or in the taste of the milk. We only have a few on our property but they all seem to enjoy it.

Starting a goat farm is easy, just buy some goats. However, if you want to sell the dairy products or meat from the goats, then you have to get your goats vaccinated, which will likely be one of your biggest expenditures. You will also need land to graze your goats (not a lot, but some), watering troughs (which can be made out of improvised materials), harnesses and milk stands (if using goats for dairy), and butchery equipment (if using goats for meat). You will also need some manner of enclosure to house the goats at night and during cold weather.

Green leaves, protein-rich tree leaves (ones safe for goats), oil extracted deoiled cakes, groundnuts, cereals and millet will encourage the goat to grow rapidly. Always check the leaves and plants are safe for the goat to eat before feeding.

It depends on where you reside since it's often cheaper in rural areas. Also, you will find that food for the winter will be cheaper if you buy it ahead of time.

That depends on how many goats you plan on starting with. A well-bred goat will go anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on its age and if it's a meat, dairy, or show goat. There's also the food and the housing, as well as medicine, cleaning tools, wages for farmhands (if you want them), vet bills, vaccinations, etc... If you want to sell milk and meat, you will also need to pay legal fees.

The best way is to find a breeder near you. At many feed stores they will have places where people post animals for sale in the area.

Yes, if you really want a safe castration, a veterinarian that cares for livestock will be happy to do so for you, but keep in mind going to the vet costs a lot. A way that gets the job done as well would be to use rubber bands, which is a cheaper process.

Probably at least 15-20, although you could start smaller if need be.

Around 400 to 500 sq. ft for comfortable movement.

The amount you make all depends on how many goats you have and the quality of your goats.

Not always. Your local livestock veterinarian will be glad to help you discern the difference.

It depends on what you need them for. Meat goats would be Boer, dairy goats would be Nubian (in my opinion), and Angora for fiber.

Check for local livestock consignment sales, post advertisements in local feed stores, and look on the internet. Online posting is a great way to network with farmers from all over the country.

There are many different parasites when it comes to goats. When it comes to goats and parasites, it is so much easier to prevent them then to try and get rid of them. By administrating doses of vaccinations including CD/T and dewormer twice a year, you can drastically decrease chances of your goats getting these parasites. Feeding your goats well, keeping stalls clean, keeping them well groomed, and keeping them well hydrated are also great contributing factors. Finally, if you participate in a fair or competition, make sure that your goat stays away from other goats. No sniffing. Choose breeding pairs carefully.

Your best bet is finding a certified breeder near you. Some feed stores have a place where people can put advertisements for animals for sale. You could also find goats for sale online.

In my opinion, banding a goat is the best way to castrate. Burdizzo is cutting, and if you’re wanting to castrate the goats yourself, I’d band them.

Until she's in heat and it’s breeding season. From what I’ve heard from other goat breeders, November is the best month to breed so the kids are born in April. In my opinion that’s the best month for baby goats to be born so they have the highest chance at surviving.

I would recommend either Boers or Kikos. They are both excellent meat goats. I would recommend wethers (fixed males ) because they get bigger than does (females) and are not as aggressive as bucks (males not fixed).

Goats don't need to be milked unless recently pregnant. If you aren't breeding goats, then no, they won't be needing milking. If they have been pregnant, then yes for certain goats who produce more milk than the average doe, you may even need to do it twice a day.

If you have a proper gate system then yes, they can openly wonder around safely as long as you know there is no way for them to escape or leave their enclosure.