The Feasibility of Meat Goats in Minnesota
Summary Report

Conclusions

Conclusions based on information presented in this report as well as general perceptions gained from reviewing available published literature, discussions with leading U.S. researchers, consumer surveys, and marketing chain players are listed below.  Additional information may result in changes in the conclusions presented below.

1. The meat goat industry is generally not well defined.   Very few official statistics are kept on goats and even less on meat goats.   In addition, much of the information concerning the number of goats produced in the United States is contradictory in nature.  Little information concerning goat production in Minnesota is found in the published literature.
   
   
2. While general statements concerning ethnic preferences for goat meat can be found, specific information regarding meat characteristics and qualities desired by ethnic consumers is lacking.
   
   
3. Given current demand and production techniques, using a simple enterprise budget with a set of reasonable assumptions concerning market prices and production costs, it appears that meat goat production may provide positive returns to land, labor, and management.  While it appears that the industry may be feasible from a value-added standpoint, it appears that demand and production limitations would limit the industry as a stand alone business.

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