Small ruminant livestock include goats and sheep. The 2002 Census of Agriculture reported that the value of Mississippi sales of goats, sheep and their products was $673,000 annually. State goat inventory as of January 1, 2008 was 18,600 meat and other goats and 1,400 milk goats. An unofficial survey of livestock markets in Mississippi conducted in August 1995, indicated approximately 14,000 head of goats were sold in the year of August 1994 to July 1995. The majority of goats were sold by the head on a year round basis, with the largest runs coming from the late spring to July. In addition to agricultural production of goats and sheep, many youth livestock projects in Mississippi focus on goat and sheep production. Various educational programs are in place to ensure good husbandry and continued progress for producers.
Goats produce milk for drinking or for cheese production, gourmet meat (commonly called cabrito in the Southwest and chevon in the North), leather, and fiber for clothing (cashmere or mohair). An economically inviting aspect of goat production is the raising of animals for meat. Goats of all sizes worldwide produce more meat (in excess of 1.2 million tons per year) than do cattle or hogs. In 1993, statistics show more than 300,000 goats were processed for meat in the U.S. compared to less than 80,000 a decade earlier.
In Mississippi, the addition of Boer breeding stock to the native mix of goats spurred new interest in the Meat Goat industry. Since the first survey in 1995, a large number of special sales bringing in outside goats, as well as locally raised goats came into existence. The opening of receiving stations or special goat auctions provided producers with yet another outlet for their goats. It is quite possible that sale numbers surpassed 20,000 head per year in Mississippi by 2000, and this did not reflect on-farm or private treaty sales between individuals.
In the beginning of this new industry goats reached new highs at auction and private sale prices soared. Today it appears that the commercial market has leveled off somewhat, but at prices that would indicate a viable industry has been created here in the state. There have been successful goat sales, field days and open shows over the past few years. More numbers are being sold for commercial purposes than registered breeding stock for the first time in the industry. Successful producers often create their own local markets and are operating at manageable levels. In Mississippi today, most goats are sold through various outlets such as the auction barn, to specialty market buyers in adjoining states, or to other commercial goat breeders looking to upgrade their breeding stock.
Small Ruminant Livestock Educational Video Presentations
Educational videos and slides on market goat evaluation, selection, and showmanship are available on the Mississippi State University Extension Service small ruminant website. Click on the links below to view these videos and slides.
Market Goat Evaluation and Selection Video and PowerPoint Presentation
Market Goat Showmanship Video and PowerPoint Presentation
To order a copy of these goat videos, go to the following website:
http://estore.adec.edu/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=208
Mississippi Disease and Disaster Preparedness Program
Do your part to protect the health of Mississippi's livestock herds. It is very important that Mississippi goat and sheep owners move forward as an industry to safeguard the health of our livestock. The danger of a contagious disease outbreak among goats or sheep, whether by natural occurrence or terrorist attack, makes it imperative that the location of goats and sheep be readily available to animal health officials. Small ruminant livestock owner cooperation is essential for rapid disease response in the instance of a contagious disease outbreak. In the event of an animal health emergency, basic livestock owner information will be used to rapidly respond to the emergency to protect individual animals and Mississippi's livestock industries through the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.
Mississippi Animal Disease and Disaster Preparedness Program Brochure
Mississippi Hay and Commodity Feed Source Directories
A Mississippi Hay Directory is now online available to assist Mississippi horse owners in locating hay supplies. The list provided includes information from individuals and businesses who have submitted a Mississippi Hay Directory Listing Submission Form indicating that they have hay for sale. Listings expire after 60 days.
A Mississippi Commodity Feed Source Directory is available online to assist Mississippi livestock producers in locating feed supplies. It is comprised of commodity feed manufacturer, broker, and dealer listings compiled by Mississippi State University Extension Service personnel.
Small Ruminant