Adding small grazers like goats to a property can have several benefits—and experts with the Langston University Extension say, the market is very enticing right now.
“Right now, the market prices for goats is very, very good,” said Dr. Terry Gipson with Langston University Extension. “When we look at an economic analysis of goat production [...] there is a greater return on investment on goats over cattle. I am not saying that you make more money on goats than you do cattle, but for the investment that you put into it, you get a greater return.”
According to Dr. Gipson, goats can be especially beneficial to a cattle operation because they eat different vegetation. However, they do not share the same parasites and must be handled differently.
“Cattle are more resistant to internal parasites than goats, by far—so goat producers needs to be aware of the health status of the goat,” Gipson said. “We would do that predominantly with what’s called a FAMACHA checkup [...] that you would look at the mucus membranes of the eye and be able to ascertain the anemia level of the goat.”
When it comes to purchasing goats, he suggests staying away from a sale barn and instead finding them at a reputable breeder.
