What size herd are you thinking? Have you looked into meat and fiber prices in your area?
Thinking about 150 head as a start, with the goal of increasing that to 300.
I have researched meat prices quite a bit, mostly through the economic data reported by USDA and Oklahoma State University. Based on that info and assuming about a 160% reproduction rate, a herd of 200-300 *should* bring in a humble but liveable annual income. I understand there are a lot of other factors that could come into play with that assumption but it's what I'm working from. I'd be very appreciative for any financial advice from those who've succeeded - or those who've failed!
Fibre is something I've only started to consider recently after reading a USDA report that said 60% of goat producers with ten or more years experience focus solely on fibre goats. (This was a large percentage in relation to other avenues: dairy, meat, breeding stock, etc.) I reckon that the experienced producers know best how to make a profit and keep a simple, cost effective operation, which is why I started to research fibre goats. Fibre seems much more complicated than a meat operation but, as with any value added commodity, it seems there's a higher profit margin if done right. I have tons of questions about how to best make profit from the fibre but I'll save those questions for another thread. (And will search older threads for advice already provided.)
I'm inexperienced but have been plotting a career change for years now, researching how to make a profit with goats. My intention for this thread is to see what you experienced producers think about an operation that raises goats with two markets in mind, the meat and fibre markets. From an operational perspective, would it be wise/efficient/cost effective to raise, say, Angora and Kiko side by side (of course separating them at breeding times, not running bucks with the does, not crossbreeding)? From a financial perspective, is focusing on two different markets feasible? Would such diversification make financial sense? What would be the pros and cons of such an operation?
Thanks, all! Sorry for being so long-winded.
- Mike