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April is Kentucky Goat Month!
We will spend the month celebrating
the versatile aspects of the KY goat industry.
Goats provide mohair, meat, milk, and forage control.
Did you know?
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There are 4,000 Kentucky farmers who raise goats as part of their livestock operations.
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Annually, the state's goat industry adds over $3.5 million in revenue to Kentucky’s agricultural receipts
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Kentucky ranks 6th nationally for goat inventory, totaling 60,000 head in January 2024
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Market goat numbers increased for 2025, up 2% from 2024
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Milk goat inventory increased 9.4% from 2024
It's Time To Celebrate
The Farmer and Frenchman hosted a fabulous chevon dinner on April 24th. The Fete De Chevon Wine Pairing Dinner included six courses of chevon. The dinner highlighted chevon from these two local farms. Creative Farms and Red Haven Farm.
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Left to right: Donna Slack, Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Dr. Beth Johnson, and Logan Stoltman.
Commissioner Shell celebrates April as Goat Month in Kentucky Proclamation
FRANKFORT (2024) – Kentucky goat producers and industry stakeholders joined Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell today as he signed a proclamation declaring April as Goat Month in Kentucky.
QUOTE FROM COMMISSIONER
In the United States, goats are primarily used for producing dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, and meat called chevon. Kentucky has 5,300 dairy goats producing quality breeding stock, and health, all natural skin products like soaps and lotions. The popularity of goat meat is increasing each year as consumers recognize its benefits. Goat meat is lean with low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, high levels of iron, and packed with proteins and vitamins. Kentucky ranks 6th in the nation for meat goat inventory with 59,000 head. The meat goat inventory has increased 5.4% since 2023, being produced by 4,000 farmers.
In addition to their nutritious value, goats can increase property values. Across the world, farmers use them to combat noxious weeds on their property, promote healthy forests, and prevent wildfires
“Kentucky continues to be a leader in goat production because of our abundant forages and best management practices. Over 4,000 goat producers work very hard to produce high quality products for consumers,” said Kelley Yates, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. “We are excited to showcase the versatility of goats in Kentucky during the month of April and hope more people learn of their benefits and impact in our state.”
The Kentucky goat industry adds more than $3.5 million in revenue to Kentucky’s agriculture receipts. Warren County is the top county in goat production with nearly 2,800 head, followed by Crittenden, Barren, Clinton, and Nelson counties rounding out the top five.
A variety of goat products, can be found at local farmers’ market or consumers can purchase directly from a producer. The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office offers information on its website with tips cooking the lean meat. The website also offers a buyer's guide at: https://www.kysheepandgoat.org/on-your-plate.
Chevon
Meat from a goat is called Chevon. Chevon is considered a very lean meat and has many health benefits.
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Goat meat has 1 gram saturated fat per 3 ounce serving.
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Goat meat contains approximately 3.2 mg of iron per 3 ounces (85 grams).
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Goat meat is high in potassium, containing about 344 mg per 3 ounce (85 grams) or 10% of the DV.
Meet the Farmer
Recipes
Dairy
Goat milk is used for family consumption, cheese, and soaps & lotions.
It is not legal to sell raw milk in Kentucky. However, many families are purchasing their own dairy goats to have fresh milk. According to the American Dairy Goat Association, here are some reasons why:
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Goat milk has the same protein levels as cow milk
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The fat globules are smaller than those in cow milk and the curd is softer and smaller, making the digestion easier. Those who are allergic to cow milk may tolerate and thrive on goat milk.
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Goat milk is higher in Vitamin A and Vitamin B1 than cow milk.
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Goat milk is higher in both calcium and iron than cow milk.
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Goat milk has less cholesterol than cow milk.
Once you know the advantages of goat milk soap and lotions, you will never return to your regular store bought brands.
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Handcrafted goat milk lye soap is its natural, gentle ingredients that don't leave your skin itchy, dry or irritated.
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Goat milk soap contains glycerin which is caused by combining the fats with an alkali. During the saponification process, the fat turns into soap and glycerin.
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All milks contain natural emollients, vitamins and triglycerides that moisturize the skin, but goat milk specifically contains the reputed highly effective moisturizer capric-capryllic triglyceride.
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Goat milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid which help remove dead skin in cells from skin's surface, which leaves skin smoother and younger.
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Goat milk contains important minerals like selenium which is believed to prevent skin cancer.
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Goat milk contains three times as much beta-casein (protein) as cow's milk which moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Meet the Farmer
Mohair
Fiber from Angora goats is called Mohair. According to the American Mohair Council, Angora goats evolved on the Anatolia Plains of Turkey near the city we now know as Ankara and from which the name “Angora” derives.
Mohair is flame resistant and provides wonderful sound absorbency making it an excellent addition to concert halls, hotel lobbies, and theaters.
Mohair yarns have high luster and shine. It is also wrinkle and moisture resistant, and is one of the world's most durable fibers.
Meet the Farmer
Forage Control
Goats are natural browsers, meaning they like to eat with their heads. This allows them to eat brush, tree leaves, vines, and bushes. Using this natural tendency, landscapers and municipal companies place goats in areas that need forage control as a natural way to eliminate invasive species and fire threats.