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This month, we're going to revisit some of the economics of raising dairy goats. If you wish to read more about this topic, just click on the "Archive" button, above. There reside several more articles discussing the profitable operation of a goat farm. Most of this article comes from an letter I pilfered (with permission) from Paul Hamby off the goatslite list.

Many people have difficulty setting fair market prices on their animals, so it helps to have a few guidelines. Most importantly, the farmer must know the customer base he/she is trying to reach. Some possibilities include the homesteader (family milker), the commercial dairyman, the ADGA showperson, the 4H youngster, and the ethnic meat market. The type of animal you raise will depend largely upon the individual to whom you wish to sell. I'll tell you right now that you don't get as much money selling your animals for meat as you will selling the stock as milkers or show stock. And I'm assuming you want to make a reasonable return on all your effort. So lets make a list of the factors which add value to your product.

So, from this last bit, you can tell that you need to add value to your product in order to get a good return on your labor. Of course, there are outside market forces that also help to determine the prices you get for your products. Always, the Laws of Supply and Demand will affect your entire operation. And right now, there is good news on both these fronts.

So all of this is pretty good news for the dairy goat producer. The supply is down and the market is up. And he has many ways to increase the value of his/her product in order to command premium prices. Of course, none of this comes without effort, and any farmer will put in a LOT of blood, sweat, and probably tears. But the rewards are really worth it. The lifestyle is wholesome, and its is a fiscally sound venture. Lots of work and a modicum of common sense work wonders. Next month, we'll cover a few observations on commercial goat dairying.


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Welcome PageDescription of Dairy HerdWhat's New at the Site?Crafts and Nifty StuffAlchemy's MenagerieTip of the MonthPrevious Tips of the MonthOther Resources of Interest