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Goats nibbling their way into hearts of Arkansans
"Arkansas residents have really taken to goats," he said, noting that the number of goats in the state increased 20 percent this year over last year, making it the fastest growing livestock industry. By comparison, the national increase is 4 percent. A USDA report states there are nearly 40,000 goats in Arkansas, but Pennington estimates the actual number is closer to 60,000. "Some people don't fill out the USDA voluntary survey," he said. "Many small producers don't think it's important to fill it out, but it's important because it provides a clearer picture of how many goats are in Arkansas." The survey helps the government decide how to allocate resources that can help improve the industry. "Goats are used mainly for milk and meat, with about 85 percent used for meat," Pennington said. "A handful of people in the state sell goat's milk to a milk plant in Yellville. Most dairy and meat goats are raised by smaller producers, many of whom have them as 4-H projects for their kids." Here are some other goat facts: --Many meat goat producers have more than 100 animals, while most dairy producers have four to 12 goats and show goats at local and state fairs. --Most producers with less than 10 or 12 goats have them as a hobby and treat them as companions. --Producers are scattered throughout the state, but two-thirds of them are in the northwest part of the state. --More than 50 percent of producers have been in business less than five years. --Goats are common in suburbs of residential areas since they don't take a lot of space. A half-acre can usually support a few goats, depending on vegetation. Here's another fact: It's legal for an Arkansas dairy goat producer to sell up to 100 gallons of milk off the farm. Goat's milk doesn't have to be pasteurized to sell off the farm. Pennington recommends pasteurization to guarantee disease prevention and maintain quality, unless the seller and the goats' surroundings are well known to the buyer. "We get quite a few calls from people trying to buy goat's milk or cow's milk directly from the farm," he said. "One new trend in goat production is multi-species grazing or grazing cattle and goats side-by-side in the pasture. Producers are learning that they can graze goats at the same time as cattle since goats eat brush and weeds that cattle don't usually eat. They coexist peacefully and the practice really helps clean up a pasture," Pennington noted. A downside to raising goats is that the animals have more problems with predators and parasites than cattle. It's almost essential that you have a guard dog with goats, he said. Typically, predator problems are caused by a neighbor's dogs. "Goats are lovable creatures, but older males can get mean. They're friendlier than some pets and not as large as some pets, so they're not as likely to hurt you," Pennington said. "They're good companions--they can really get attached to people and people attached to them. Pigmy goats are the most common kind of goat kept as pets. They don't get over 20 or 30 pounds." What about that myth about goats eating tin cans? Goats are inquisitive, and they're attracted to tin cans, Pennington explained. They will sometimes eat the glue on cans, but they don't eat the can itself. Extension conducts educational meetings about the major problems from parasites and predators and to discuss feeds. Nearly 1,000 people attended meetings across the state last year. To raise goats, contact your county extension agent and ask for the names of successful producers who can help mentor them about goats. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture. 9/1/08 Date: 8/22/08 Advertisement
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They won't eat your tin cans, contrary to popular belief, but goats are an excellent source of milk, meat or companionship, said Dr. Jodie Pennington, extension dairy specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.