Calling all meat goat producers!

A new meat goat producer’s organization is now forming. Snake River Meat Goat Association (SRMGA) is open to producers in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, California, New Mexico and beyond. Meat goat production is one of the oldest and most wide-spread of the animal enterprises in the world. At this point, it is the fastest growing animal enterprise in the United States.

Why raise meat goats?

The total goat market in the U.S. is growing at a rate of 10-15% annually. By all measures, there are not enough goats produced in the U.S. to meet domestic goat needs. Case in point; of the over 16,000 metric tons of goat meat exported from Australia in 2003-2004, over 48% came to the U.S. and another 6% went to Canada. Approximately 65% of the red meat consumed globally is goat meat.

Why Goat meat is a healthier choice then Lamb, Beef, Pork and Chicken?

Meat goats are generally leaner and more muscular than dairy goats and have different proportions.

A 3 oz portion of roasted meat contains:

Meat Calories Fat in Grams
Goat 122 2.5
Beef 245 16
Pork 310 24
Lamb 235 16
Chicken 120 3.5

In the United States, meat goat productions are increasing because of goats’ economic value as high-performance converters of low-quality forages into quality meat, mile, and hide products for specialty needs.

An extensive number of ethnic groups have settled in this country, and have a preference for goat meat, milk, and cheese products. According to census figures, almost 18% of Florida’s population is Hispanic, yet 85% of dressed goat meat marketed in Florida is imported.

Compared to most livestock ventures, entry level commercial meat goat enterprises costs are modest indeed. Moderately-priced does of mixed meat breed (Boer, Kiko, Tennessee Meat goat, Genemaster, Texmaster, Savanna and Spanish) ancestry are readily available. Purebred or high percentage meat breed bucks cost about the same as a registered bull.

Snake River Meat Goat Associations’ purpose is to promote and expand the meat goat industry, through education, presentations, networking, shows and marketing. Our main goat is to produce the highest quality product to satisfy most goat consumers ever-growing demand for years to come.

Contact us for more information on meat goat production or to become a member of this ground-level organization.