Kentucky goat producers and industry stakeholders joined Kentucky Department of Agriculture officials this week at Lakeview Park in Frankfort to proclaim April as Goat Month in Kentucky.
“Goats bring diversity to our agricultural landscape across Kentucky, and more and more farmers are choosing to add them to their livestock,” said Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. “They add a uniqueness to farm life, but they are also an excellent source of protein and dairy products. This month we salute all that goats add to our state’s agricultural outlook.”
In the United States, goats are primarily used for producing dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and meat called chevon. Kentucky has 5,800 dairy goats producing quality breeding stock and healthy, all natural skin products, such as soaps and lotions, ranking the state 23rd in the U.S. for milk goat production.
The popularity of goat meat is increasing each year as consumers recognize its benefits. Goat meat is lean with low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, high levels of iron, and packed with proteins and vitamins.
Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation for meat goat inventory with 57,000 head, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous year. Although the number represents a slight decline, Kentucky still ranks sixth nationally for goat inventory, a ranking consistently held for a decade.
In addition to their nutritious value, goats can increase property values.
Across the world, farmers use them to combat noxious weeds on their property, promote healthy forests and prevent wildfires.
With nearly 3,524 Kentucky farmers having goats as part of their livestock, the Kentucky goat industry adds more than $3.6 million in revenue to Kentucky’s agriculture receipts. Warren County is the top county in goat production with nearly 2,800 head, followed by Crittenden, Barren, Clinton and Nelson counties rounding out the top five.
A variety of goat products can also be found at local farmers’ markets or consumers can purchase directly from a producer.
The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office offers information on its website with tips for cooking this lean, nutritious meat.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture