Kentucky celebrated Goat Month in April
Kentucky goat producers and industry stakeholders joined Kentucky Department of Agriculture officials in April at Lakeview Park in Frankfort to proclaim April as Goat Month in Kentucky.
“Goats bring diversity to our agricul- tural landscape across Kentucky and more and more farmers are choosing to add them to their livestock,” said Agriculture Commis- sioner Jonathan Shell.
“They add a uniqueness to farm life but they are also an excellent source of protein and dairy products. This month we salute all that goats add to our state’s agricultural out- look.”
In the United States, goats are primarily used for producing dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and meat called che- von. Kentucky has 5,800 dairy goats produc- ing quality breeding stock, and healthy, all natural skin products, such as soaps and lo- tions, ranking the state 23rd in the U.S. for milk goat production.
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 sixth in the nation for meat goat inven- tory with 57,000 head, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous year.
In addition to their nutritious value, goats can increase property values. Across the world, farmers use them to combat nox- ious weeds on their property, promote healthy forests and prevent wildfires. With nearly 3,524 Kentucky farmers having goats as part of their livestock, the Kentucky goat industry adds more than $3.6 million in revenue to Kentucky’s agriculture receipts. Warren County is the top county in goat production with nearly 2,800 head, fol- lowed by Crittenden, Barren, Clinton and Nelson counties rounding out the top five. A variety of goat products can also be found at local farmers’ markets or consumers can purchase directly from a producer. The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Devel-
opment Office offers information on its website with tips for cooking this lean, nu- tritious meat. The website also offers a buyer’s guide at:
kysheepandgoat.org/on- your-plate. n
May 2026 | Goat Rancher 35 Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Kentucky Department of Agriculture employ- ees and goat pro- ducers celebrated Goat Month in a cere- mony in Frankfort.
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