U.S. Meat Goat Operations

Excerpts from the report: The meat goat industry is one of the fastest growing segments of livestock production in the United States. The majority of all U.S. goats and kids are raised for meat. The rise in popularity and demand for goat meat is the primary reason for the industry’s rapid growth. The growing demand for goat meat reflects an increase in Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean populations in the United States, as well as the growing niche markets interested in the unique flavor and health benefits of goat meat. These factors will likely continue to be the driving force for the U.S. meat goat industry. The NAHMS Goat 2009 study was the first national study of the U.S. goat industry and was conducted in 21 of the Nation’s major goat-producing States. These States represented 75.5 percent of U.S. goat operations and 82.2 percent of U.S. goats. Data for the study were collected from a stratified random sample of goat operations that kept at least one goat for meat, dairy, fiber, or other purposes.