Tips on starting a goat business

Start up costs - Housing, fencing, animal stock, livestock guardian, medications, kidding kit, feeders, water tubs, hoof trimmers, collars, leads, books, magazines and website designer.

Decide who will be your target market- Who do you plan to sell your livestock to.  Replacement does, Fullblood and percentage show does, Fullblood show bucks, 4H and FFA wethers and does, market kids or working goat wethers.  Most breeders can target several markets.

Be prepared to doctor your own goats- This is not for the faint of heart.  Vaccinations, medicating, diagnosing, trimming hooves, assisting with difficult births and disbudding.

Set goals- example: Start with 10 does and add 5 more does by the end of the year.

Add two percentage show does by the second year.

Add a second buck for 4H wether and doe kids by third year.

Have a strategy for promoting your business: website, business cards, free online livestock classifieds, embroidered t-shirts and classifieds.

Keep excellent records: keep records of all expenses and income.  Keep good records of all you livestock: wormings, kiddings, health treatments, show record ect...  Makes a great selling tool.

Ways to keep your cost minimal: You already have housing, process your own hay, fencing is in place.  Purchase used or reconditioned equipment.  Grow some of their feed source.

Purchase books and magazines: Read up and be informed.  The more information you acquire the better prepared you will be for any problems that may arise.

Make sure you have adequate time to care for livestock:  Kidding in winter months will mean numerous barn trips in the middle of the night.  bottle babies will need to be fed every four hours.  General up-keep hooves trimmed, health problems, ect..  Cleaning barns and fighting erosion and mud; this can be very time consuming.

Summary: Raising goats can be fun and great experience.  Goats are very comical and can be affectionate.  You will always have a target market even in bad economical times.  There are lots of books, magazines, websites and mentors to supply you with lots of information so you can start your own goat Business.