Goats and Sheep
Mississippi Small Ruminant Livestock
Small ruminant livestock is a term used to describe goats and sheep. Goat numbers in the state have continued to grow at a steady pace over the years. Most recently sheep numbers are on the rise as well. In the future we could see sheep numbers match or exceed goat numbers in the state due to the popularity of hair sheep.
The addition of Boer breeding stock to the mix of native goats spurred new interest in the meat goat industry. A large number of special sales bringing in outside goats, as well as locally raised goats came into existence with the introduction of the Boer goat. The opening of receiving stations or special goat auctions provided producers with viable outlets for their goat production. Most recently interest in Kiko and Spanish bred goats has increased due to desirable traits such as parasite resistance and hardiness.
The fastest growing segment of the small ruminant industry today is hair sheep production. The addition of Dorper breeding stock and an upsurge in Katahdin and Katahdin cross sheep in the state has spurred an increase in sheep numbers. Native sheep have been crossed successfully to provide a meat type sheep that has high demand at market. Desirable traits such as economical production make the hair sheep a popular choice in our state.
The majority of goats and sheep are sold by the head on a year round basis. However, peak market for sheep and goats range from early to late spring. It appears that the market for sheep and goats has leveled off at prices to indicate a viable industry has been created in the state. More numbers are being sold as commercial rather than registered breeding stock for the first time in the industry. Successful producers have created their own local market and are operating successfully at manageable levels. In Mississippi today, many goats and sheep are sold through various outlets such as auction barns, to specialty market buyers in adjoining states, or to other commercial breeders looking to upgrade their breeding stock.
In addition to the commercial production of goats and sheep, many youth livestock projects in Mississippi focus on goat and sheep production. These producers are small in number compared to commercial producers but are still an integral part of production none the less. There are limited traditional wool sheep producers in the state today with most of these flocks involved in club lamb production. The club lamb and club goat market commands a much higher price than commercial markets and targets the junior livestock program. The quality of club goat and club lamb producers continues to increase, thereby expanding these markets to areas outside the state. Though these are niche markets, both are highly competitive and provide significant economic impact to the overall goat and lamb market.
Small ruminants such as goats and sheep are a popular choice for small farm and limited resource producers. Likewise, other livestock producers see the opportunity to diversify by adding small ruminants to their operation. The future of the meat goat and hair sheep industry in Mississippi is bright.
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.
eXtension Goats and Sheep Information
eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. It is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.
Publications
News
LEAKESVILLE, Miss. -- Most goat meat sold in the U.S. is imported, but a group of Mississippi meat goat producers wants to see that change. A first-of-its-kind test in the state is underway to help them meet that goal. The Southeastern Buck Performance Test aims to improve the profitability of the meat goat industry in the region by improving meat goat genetics.
Some people use lamb and sheep interchangeably to identify the animal, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. Learn some of the differences between the two.
Some people use lamb and sheep interchangeably to identify the animal, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. So, what’s the difference between them? Yes, lambs are baby sheep -- that’s the main distinction. But here are some other differences between the two:
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Not so long ago, goats were niche livestock animals in Mississippi. But these small ruminants have grown in popularity in recent years, especially dairy goats. Farmers who have limited acreage or want to diversify their livestock operations often choose goats. Others want goats for their meat or milk. Regardless of the purpose, people who want to join the ranks of goat owners should understand some important aspects of goat ownership before bringing one home.
VERONA, Miss. -- Producers come across issues each season that need to be addressed, whether they require new research on a problem or a commodity specialist who can help identify timely solutions.
For those people, February is the month to speak up. Specialists and scientists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station are available specifically for them at three different MSU Research and Extension Center locations throughout the state during annual Producer Advisory Council meetings.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Agricultural producers and industry professionals met with Mississippi State University personnel in the coastal region to discuss research and education priorities at the 2022 Producer Advisory Council meeting. The annual event aims to help clients improve their productivity. Attendees gathered in small commodity groups at each event to share their ideas with agents, researchers and specialists with the MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
