Goats
Kentucky's Goat Industry
As of January 1, 2023, there were 56,000 head goats in Kentucky; this is up 2,000 head from 2022. Goats, much like cattle, are primarily used for either meat or milking, depending on the breed.
Kentucky ranks 7th in the nation for meat goat production and 19th in milk goat production. Of the total number of goats in Kentucky, 5,500 are milk goats. Although we don’t think about eating goat cheese often, many popular cheeses can be made from goat milk, including feta, mozzarella, and ricotta.
In 2017, there were 4,330 farms with goats in Kentucky.
Top goat counties in Kentucky (per 2017 Census):
Warren
Crittenden
Barren
Shelby
Hart
Source: National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission
Related Articles & Web Sites
Meat or Milk? Why not both?
Goats are a versatile and valuable commodity to Kentucky. When you have questions about the Kentucky goat industry, reach out to the Kentucky Sheep & Goat Development Office!