How to Start a Goat Farm: Step-by-Step Business Guide

Starting a goat farm can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Whether you’re interested in dairy, meat, or fiber production, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step of starting your goat farming operation.

Is Goat Farming Right for You?

Before investing time and money, honestly assess your situation:

You’re Ready If:

• You have or can acquire suitable land
• You’re comfortable working with animals
• You have time for daily chores (twice daily for dairy)
• You’re physically able to handle livestock
• You have startup capital or financing
• Your local zoning allows livestock

Challenges to Consider:

• Daily commitment (goats need care every day)
• Initial learning curve
• Health emergencies happen at inconvenient times
• Market development takes time
• Profit margins can be thin

Step 1: Choose Your Goat Enterprise

Your choice affects everything from breed selection to facility design.

Meat Goats

Market: Growing demand, especially ethnic markets

Best breeds: Boer, Kiko, Savanna, Spanish

Pros:

• Less daily labor than dairy
• Simpler facilities
• Growing market demand
• Can use marginal land

Cons:

• Lower profit per animal
• Need volume for significant income
• Seasonal market fluctuations

Startup scale: 20-50 does minimum for commercial viability

Find meat goat breeders →

Dairy Goats

Market: Milk, cheese, soap, cosmetics

Best breeds: Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, LaMancha, Alpine, Saanen

Pros:

• Multiple product options
• Higher value per animal
• Year-round income possible
• Strong niche market

Cons:

• Twice-daily milking commitment
• More equipment needed
• Dairy regulations (if selling)
• Higher management requirements

Startup scale: 5-10 does for small operation; 25+ for commercial

Fiber Goats

Market: Angora (mohair), Cashmere

Best breeds: Angora, Cashmere goats

Pros:

• Less labor than dairy
• Premium fiber prices possible
• Unique niche market

Cons:

• Specialized market
• Shearing skills required
• Weather sensitive

Startup scale: 20-30 goats for viable operation

Step 2: Write a Business Plan

A business plan forces you to think through critical decisions.

Key Sections

Executive Summary:

• Farm overview
• Products/services
• Target market
• Financial projections

Market Analysis:

• Local competition
• Customer demographics
• Pricing research
• Marketing channels

Operations Plan:

• Land requirements
• Facilities needed
• Equipment list
• Labor needs
• Production schedule

Financial Projections:

• Startup costs
• Operating expenses
• Revenue projections
• Break-even analysis

Sample Budget: 25-Doe Meat Goat Operation

Startup Costs	Amount
Breeding does (25)	$7,500
Buck (2)	$1,000
Fencing (5 acres)	$8,000
Shelter/barn	$5,000
Equipment	$2,000
Working capital	$3,000
Total	$26,500

Annual Revenue (Year 2+)	Amount
Kids sold (50 @ $200)	$10,000
Cull does (5 @ $150)	$750
Total	$10,750

Annual Expenses	Amount
Feed	$3,000
Hay	$2,000
Veterinary	$500
Supplies	$500
Marketing	$300
Total	$6,300

Estimated annual profit: $4,450 (not counting labor)

Step 3: Secure Your Land

How Much Land?

Operation Type	Land Needed
Small dairy (5-10 does)	1-2 acres
Medium meat (25-50 does)	5-15 acres
Large commercial (100+ does)	25-50+ acres

Land Considerations

Must-haves:

• Legal for livestock (check zoning)
• Water source or access
• Adequate drainage
• Accessible year-round

Nice to have:

• Existing structures
• Multiple pastures/paddocks
• Browse/brush for goats
• Close to markets

Lease vs. Buy

Leasing:

• Lower upfront cost
• Flexibility
• Landlord may limit improvements

Buying:

• Long-term investment
• Full control
• Equity building
• Higher upfront cost

Step 4: Plan Your Facilities

Essential Structures

Shelter/Barn:

• 15-20 sq ft per goat minimum
• Good ventilation
• Dry bedding area
• Separate kidding area

Fencing:

• 4-5 feet high minimum
• Woven wire or cattle panels
• Electric hot wire recommended
• Secure gates with latches

Handling Facilities:

• Catch pen
• Sorting area
• Squeeze chute or stand
• Scale (for commercial operations)

For Dairy Operations

Additional needs:

• Milk room (separate from barn)
• Milk stand(s)
• Refrigeration
• Cleaning area
• Meets health department requirements if selling

Step 5: Select Your Breeds

For Meat Production

Breed	Growth Rate	Hardiness	Availability
Boer	Excellent	Moderate	Common
Kiko	Good	Excellent	Good
Spanish	Moderate	Excellent	Good
Savanna	Good	Excellent	Limited

For Dairy Production

Breed	Milk Volume	Butterfat	Temperament
Saanen	Highest	Lower	Calm
Nubian	Moderate	Highest	Vocal
Alpine	High	Moderate	Active
Nigerian Dwarf	Lower	Highest	Friendly
LaMancha	High	Moderate	Calm

Browse all breeds →

Step 6: Find Quality Foundation Stock

Where to Buy

Reputable breeders (recommended):

• Health testing available
• Production records
• Support after purchase
• Higher quality animals

Livestock auctions:

• Lower prices
• Unknown history
• Health risks
• No support

Other farms:

• Can visit and evaluate
• May get background information
• Prices vary

What to Look For

Health indicators:

• Bright, clear eyes
• Clean nose
• Good body condition
• Sound feet and legs
• No abscesses
• Current vaccinations

Production history (for dairy):

• Milk records
• Kidding history
• Longevity
• Genetics

Request testing for:

• CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis)
• CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis)
• Johne’s Disease

Step 7: Establish Your Herd Health Program

Work with a Veterinarian

Before you get goats:

• Find a vet experienced with goats
• Discuss vaccination protocols
• Establish deworming strategy
• Create emergency plan

Vaccination Schedule

Essential:

• CD&T (Clostridium/Tetanus): Annual, kids at 4-6 weeks

Situational:

• Rabies (required in some areas)
• Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)
• Pneumonia vaccines

Parasite Management

Internal parasites are the #1 health issue:

• FAMACHA scoring
• Fecal egg counts
• Strategic deworming (not routine)
• Pasture rotation
• Don’t overstock

Step 8: Understand Regulations

Zoning and Permits

Check with your county:

• Livestock permitted?
• Number allowed
• Setbacks required
• Manure management rules

For Dairy Operations

Regulations vary by state:

• Raw milk sales may be prohibited
• On-farm sales may be allowed
• Licensed dairy requires inspection
• Cheese/soap may have different rules

Research thoroughly before selling dairy products

For Meat Sales

Options include:

• Selling live animals (minimal regulation)
• Custom processing (buyer pays processor)
• Inspected processing (required for retail)

Step 9: Develop Your Market

Meat Goat Markets

Ethnic markets:

• Large demand
• Specific preferences (age, weight)
• Cultural/religious events spike demand
• Need connections

Direct to consumer:

• Farmers markets
• On-farm sales
• Website/social media
• Higher prices possible

Auctions:

• Easy to sell
• Lower prices
• Commodity market

Dairy Markets

Raw milk (where legal):

• Herdshares
• On-farm sales
• Premium prices

Value-added products:

• Cheese
• Soap
• Lotion
• Ice cream

Wholesale:

• To creameries
• Lower price but steady
• Volume needed

Step 10: Launch Your Operation

First Year Timeline

Months 1-3:

• Finalize business plan
• Secure land
• Order/build fencing
• Prepare shelter

Months 4-6:

• Complete facilities
• Purchase equipment
• Find veterinarian
• Source feed suppliers

Months 7-9:

• Purchase foundation stock
• Quarantine new animals
• Begin breeding (if fall)
• Establish routines

Months 10-12:

• Continue breeding
• Refine management
• Develop marketing
• Plan for kidding season

Keys to Success

1. Start small: Learn before scaling up
2. Network: Join local goat associations
3. Keep records: Production, health, financial
4. Continue learning: Workshops, conferences, mentors
5. Be patient: Profitability takes time
6. Adapt: Adjust based on results

Financial Expectations

When Will I Profit?

Realistic timeline:

• Year 1: Investment year, likely net loss
• Year 2: Approach break-even
• Year 3+: Potential profitability

Maximizing Profitability

• Start with quality genetics
• Focus on efficiency
• Add value when possible
• Minimize purchased feed
• Control veterinary costs with prevention
• Direct market when feasible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting too big: Scale up after you learn
2. Buying cheap stock: Poor genetics cost more long-term
3. Inadequate fencing: Escaped goats cause problems
4. Ignoring parasites: #1 killer of goats
5. No business plan: Hoping isn’t a strategy
6. Underpricing: Know your costs

Resources for New Goat Farmers

Organizations

• American Goat Federation
• American Dairy Goat Association
• State goat associations
• Local extension office

Education

• Extension workshops
• Online courses
• Experienced mentor
• Breed association resources

Conclusion

Starting a goat farm requires planning, capital, and commitment, but can be deeply rewarding. Start with a solid business plan, quality stock, and realistic expectations. Success comes to those who combine passion with good management.

Ready to find goats for your new farm? Browse our breeder directory to connect with reputable breeders in your area.

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New to goats? Start with our beginner’s guide to goat farming.