Goats

 
 

Kentucky's Goat Industry

As of January 1, 2023, there were 56,000 head goats in Kentucky; this is up 2,000 head from 2022. Goats, much like cattle, are primarily used for either meat or milking, depending on the breed. 

Kentucky ranks 7th in the nation for meat goat production and 19th in milk goat production. Of the total number of goats in Kentucky, 5,500 are milk goats. Although we don’t think about eating goat cheese often, many popular cheeses can be made from goat milk, including feta, mozzarella, and ricotta. 

In 2017, there were 4,330 farms with goats in Kentucky.

Top goat counties in Kentucky (per 2017 Census):

  1. Warren

  2. Crittenden

  3. Barren

  4. Shelby

  5. Hart

Source: National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission

 
 

Related Articles & Web Sites

Meat or Milk? Why not both?

Goats are a versatile and valuable commodity to Kentucky. When you have questions about the Kentucky goat industry, reach out to the Kentucky Sheep & Goat Development Office!

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Featured
Kentucky goat producer/breeder featured during Goat Month
Kentucky goat producer/breeder featured during Goat Month

“Our mommas either bring meat to the hill, or they become the meat.” That’s the no-nonsense motto of Ramey Watkins, a goat producer and breeder in Metcalfe County who runs Rafter W. Farms near Edmonton, Ky.

Commissioner Shell proclaims April as Goat Month in Kentucky
Commissioner Shell proclaims April as Goat Month in Kentucky

Goat producers and industry stakeholders join Commissioner at proclamation signing.

4-H helps young man share love of animals with others
4-H helps young man share love of animals with others

The Trigg County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is helping one young man fulfill his dreams.

The 'Singing Goat Lady'
The 'Singing Goat Lady'

Had someone told Nancy Hayes that at age 59 she would be known as "The Singing Goat Lady," she would have told them they had to be kidding.

Sheep and Goat Inventory Updated

According to the Kentucky Field Office of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service both sheep and lamb inventories and goat inventories decreased in Kentucky from last year. 

Four-Legged Mowers: Goats are Green, Economical Alternative for Clearing Land
Four-Legged Mowers: Goats are Green, Economical Alternative for Clearing Land

Before last spring, David Neville always cleaned up his farm the old-fashioned way.

Neville had invasive weeds to eradicate, but he didn’t want to use herbicides.

“It took a lot of time and expense,” he said. “I thought, ‘There’s got to be a better way.’”