Goat Meat - the other Red Meat?
Last month, Time Magazine ran a "Top 10 of Everything" segment, including "Top 10 Food Trends." I wasn't surprised, but you may be, to learn that goat meat made the list at #7.
Goat meat is rapidly becoming popular in all areas of the United States. Goat meat has a low fat content, compared to beef and pork and a high protein count. When cooked property, goat is very tender and tasteful.
Currently, the United States imports most of its goat meat into the country from New Zealand and Australia. But, consumers are looking for a more economical product as well as one that is fresh - not frozen and shipped half way across the world. Consumers are looking for product that is American made, if you will.
In 2006, a USDA survey placed Missouri in the Top 10 among states producing goats. Updated results are scheduled to be released the first week of February 2009. I expect Missouri to be in the top 5.
“Goat production for meat and milk continue to be the fastest expanding segment of Missouri’s livestock sector” according to Gene Danekas,
Director of USDA-Missouri Agricultural Statistics.
In 2006, a USDA survey placed Missouri in the Top 10 among states producing goats. Updated results are scheduled to be released the first week of February 2009. I expect Missouri to be in the top 5.
So Why goats and Why Missouri?
- Missouri terrain is goat friendly. Goats will not only graze in a pasture, but they will help clean up most brushy areas. The terrain is easy to fence to keep the herd where they need to be.
- Smaller statue: goats are less intimidating than a cow or bull; they are smaller and thus easier to handle and they are more calm than most other livestock.
- Friendly disposition: goats are for the most part, kid friendly. Goats mix easily with cattle and some other livestock.
- A variety of products: Not only can the meat be processed and sold, but there is a market for the milk (to drink, for lotion, for soap) and a market for some kinds of hair. (Angora goats produce Mohair)
- Goats and goat products can easily be shipped from St. Louis or Kansas City
If you've been toying with the idea of a small farm, raising livestock and getting back to a more basic lifestyle, Missouri offers you that opportunity. You may just find that goats are the perfect match for you. And, you just may find yourself promoting Goat as the other red meat!
You'll find recipes for goat HERE.
---------------------------------------------------------- Debbie DiFonzo, is the Broker/Owner of United Country VIP Realty, located in Lebanon MO and Marshfield MO. She specilizes in rural properties in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, and Buffalo Missouri. To view Debbie's listings, and search two local MLS systems, visit: If you're thinking of selling your Webster, Laclede, or Dallas County property, contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com Copyright © 2009 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved. The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
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Love the photo Mary! Thanks for adding it to your comment.
We had two pet goats when the kids were younger. They had horns but overall were really cute and friendly. Then, one day, my son decides to ride one of them. Not a good idea! After that, whenever he walked up to the fence, Cinderella would butt the fence. We gave them away to a neighboring farm!
Some high fire-hazard areas out here have been using goats to clear the steep hillsides. They can go anywhere and they'll eat just about anything.
Great green idea Russel! As you say, goats will eat just about anything. Good use of our natural resources to clean up the area.