How to Sell Goat Meat
Goat meat has always been favored among certain cultural groups, particularity Hispanics and Muslims. In recent years goat meat has begun to appear on menus at trendy restaurants. Although many breeds of goats can be used for meat, the Boer goat breed is known as the meat goat and primarily raised for that use. Whatever breed of goat you raise to sell for meat, you will first need to decide your market.
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Instructions
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Analyze the goat meat demand in your area. Find out if there is a large ethnic culture that favors goat meat. If there is, and it is a religious-based culture, interview a leader about supplying goat meat to the group. Some groups, like Muslims, require the goat meat be slaughtered and processed according to Muslim dietary guidelines. Also contact trendy restaurants in your region to discover if there is an interest or demand for your goat meat.
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Contact your local county agricultural extension office to inquire as to what laws, regulations, and permits are required to sell goat meat. Every state and county will have specific rules and regulations concerning selling goat meat. Additionally, if you plan to market your goat meat pre-packaged in a retail type situation, you will need to find a USDA-certified slaughterhouse for processing. Your county agricultural extension office will be able to tell you where USDA-approved slaughterhouses are located.
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Decide what market you are going to sell your goat meat to. For individuals and small cultural groups, you can sell your goat alive to your customer. Many goat farmers offer their customers the option of selecting the goat, then either the farmer butchers the goat on site, or allows the customer to butcher it.
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Visit the USDA-approved slaughterhouse and processing center in your area, even if you are not planning to sell to the restaurant or retail market. There may come a time when you decide to sell processed and packaged goat meat. It is important you begin to build a relationship with the processing center and feel comfortable with the facility. This will also help you sell your goat meat because you can verify to your customers that the process facility is clean and professional.
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Tips & Warnings
When you butcher goats be sure you keep everything clean and sanitary.
Raising your goats organically may command a higher price. Investigate the requirements to have your farm certified organic.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit goat with a smile image by Charlene Bayerle from Fotolia.com
