Goat Cheese Production: Tips For Maintaining Supply

Raising goats for milk and cheese can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to do your research first. Before you start, check your local zoning and homeowner regulations to ensure you're allowed to keep goats and how many you can legally own. Goats are hardy, intelligent, and friendly, but they're also notorious escape artists, so you'll need to plan how you'll contain them. You'll also need to decide how you'll feed them—grazing is ideal, but you may also need to supplement with grain and nutritional supplements. Choosing the right breed is important, as some breeds produce more milk, while others have higher butterfat content. Once you've got your goats, you'll need to periodically breed your does to refresh their milk cycle, and you can turn to an experienced goat keeper for any medical issues. Finally, when it comes to making cheese, you can follow the lead of small goat dairy businesses and create products like feta, gouda, or goat milk soap to sell through a wholesaler.

How to keep goats producing cheese

Check local zoning and homeowner regulations to see if raising goats is permitted

Before you start raising goats, it is important to check local zoning and homeowner regulations to see if it is permitted. Each state and locality has its own regulations on farming and livestock, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The first step is to determine whether your property is zoned as "'residential' or 'agricultural', as this will have a significant impact on whether you are allowed to keep goats. Contact your local zoning board or zoning office, which most cities or counties have, to find out about your property's zoning and any relevant regulations. They may then direct you to a separate state or city agency that can provide more specific information on keeping livestock. For example, in Michigan, this is the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, whereas in California, it varies by city, with San Diego having an extensive guide for those interested in starting goat farms.

Even if your city or town allows goats, you may be subject to stricter regulations if you are part of a homeowners association or condominium development, so be sure to check with them as well. Some cities specify the types of goats allowed and have other rules that you need to adhere to. For example, San Diego's municipal code specifies that only miniature goats such as Pygmy or Dwarf goats are permitted, and that no less than or more than two goats are allowed on the property. Additionally, the goat's shed must meet specified design, size, and setback requirements, and proper waste disposal methods must be implemented to prevent health issues, pests, and water contamination.

It is also important to consider the impact on your neighbours, as goats can produce noise and smell, and may even eat your neighbour's expensive landscaping! Finally, make sure that your homeowners' insurance policy covers potential risks associated with keeping goats, and if not, whether the carrier offers this coverage via riders for agricultural or hobby farm use.

Choose the right breed of dairy goat for your needs

There are hundreds of goat breeds worldwide, but only a few are commonly found in the United States. The six primary breeds that dominate the dairy goat arena are Alpines, Oberhaslis, Saanens, Toggenburgs, LaManchas, and Nubians.

When choosing a breed, it is important to consider the goat's size relative to your own, as a smaller person might prefer a smaller breed. The amount of space you have available for keeping goats is also a factor. Climate is another consideration—for example, the Swiss breeds (Alpines, Oberhaslis, Saanens, and Toggenburgs) have shaggy coats that are better suited for cool climates. On the other hand, Nigerian Dwarfs, Nubians, and LaManchas are "desert breeds" that thrive in warm climates.

Other factors to consider include the goat's milk output and butterfat content. Swiss breeds tend to produce more milk with less fat, while desert breeds produce less milk with more fat. Milk output also varies with age, diet, and stage of lactation. To get an idea of how much milk a particular goat will produce, you can check the herd's performance and the goat's mother's record.

Finally, don't forget that goats are social animals, so you will need at least two, even if they are not the same breed.

Plan how you will contain your goats

Goats are agile, active, and curious creatures, so it's important to plan how you will contain them. While they don't need as much space as cows, they are known to be escape artists, so you'll need to put some thought into fencing. A common saying among goat owners is that "a fence that won't hold water won't hold a goat". Goats are skilled at climbing over, under, or through inadequate fencing, so you'll need to ensure your fences are secure and tall enough to prevent escapes.

The number of goats you plan to keep will also influence your containment plan. Check your local zoning and homeowner regulations to determine whether raising goats is permitted, and if so, how many you can legally have. As a rule of thumb, two goats will produce enough milk to feed your family all year, and a few more will provide enough milk for cheese-making. However, keep in mind that a dairy doe typically produces one or more kids every 15 months, so you'll need to plan for dealing with these offspring, whether through selling or butchering them.

When it comes to feeding your goats, grazing should be the primary source of nutrition, but it's important to supplement their diet with grain and nutritional supplements, as domesticated animals have been bred for generations to be cared for in this way. You can use grain feeding as a taming strategy, making it easier to catch them for health checks.

To facilitate the movement of goats between different areas, you can create "travel lanes" using fencing. This system will enable you to herd the goats into smaller areas, making it easier to manage and contain them.

Learn how to care for your goats, including finding a veterinarian or experienced goat keeper for medical assistance

Goats are social animals with distinct personalities, and they require a variety of care practices to stay healthy and produce cheese. Before buying goats, it is important to consider your goals for the animals, the facilities, resources, and care required to keep them healthy and productive.

Goats are browsers and will eat grass, leaves, and even bark off trees if they do not have access to other feed. However, grazing alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients, so it is important to supplement their diet with grain and mineral supplements. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health of your goats and ensuring optimal milk production for cheese-making.

Goats require regular hoof trimming to prevent lameness and limping, especially after rain. You can learn this skill or opt for goat breeds like Kiko goats, which require less frequent trimming. Additionally, it is crucial to provide adequate housing and physical structures to contain and manage your goats.

To ensure the well-being of your goats, it is recommended to establish a relationship with a veterinarian specializing in small ruminants (goats and sheep). A veterinarian can guide you in optimizing your herd's health, treating illnesses, and performing healthcare procedures properly. They can also advise on emergency situations and answer minor health queries remotely. However, finding a goat veterinarian can be challenging in some areas, and you may need to consult directories or associations specifically for small ruminant veterinarians.

When seeking veterinary care, observe your goats for signs of illness or injury. These may include lethargy or lack of energy, irregular breathing, changes in gait or stance, high or low body temperature, and irregular consumption of food or water. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a local veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.

Learn how to make goat cheese

Keeping goats for milk and cheese can be rewarding, but there are a few things to consider before you start. Check with your local zoning and homeowner regulations to ensure that raising goats is permitted, and if so, how many you can legally have. Goats are social creatures, so it's best to plan on having at least two. You'll also need to decide how you will contain them and how you will feed them.

Now, let's get into the details of making goat cheese. It's a simple process that uses just a few basic ingredients and some standard kitchen equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious goat cheese at home:

Ingredients:

• Goat Milk: Use full-fat goat milk, preferably pasteurized to ensure safety. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk as it won't curdle in the same way. If you can source raw goat milk, that's an option too.
• Citric Acid: This is the key ingredient that will cause the milk to separate into curds and whey. You can find it at most grocery stores or online.
• Water: Use this to dissolve the citric acid before adding it to the milk.
• Cheese Salt (optional): Use a non-iodized salt like kosher salt. The lack of iodine won't inhibit the needed cultures and bacteria in the cheese.

Equipment:

• 3-6 Quart Pot: Use a non-reactive metal pot (not copper or aluminum) that can hold at at least half a gallon of liquid.
• Thermometer: A clip-on candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer like a Thermapen will help you monitor the temperature.
• Strainer: To strain the cheese and remove excess liquid.
• Beeswax Wrap, Plastic Wrap, or Wax Paper: To shape the cheese into a log.

Instructions:

• Dissolve the citric acid in water.
• Heat the goat milk to 86°F (do not exceed this temperature). You can use a thermometer to monitor the heat.
• Add the dissolved citric acid to the milk and stir continuously for a few minutes. You should see the milk start to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
• If desired, add cheese salt to taste.
• Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the curds to settle.
• Strain the mixture to remove the excess liquid. The longer you strain, the firmer your cheese will be. For a softer cheese, strain for a shorter time.
• To shape the cheese into a log, place it on a piece of beeswax wrap, plastic wrap, or wax paper and use your hands to gently roll and shape it.
• Chill the cheese in the fridge for at least 6 hours or until firm.
• Store the cheese in the fridge, ideally in a drawer to maintain slight humidity. It should last for about 1-2 weeks.

Your homemade goat cheese is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on toast or crackers, crumbling it over salads, or mixing it into pasta sauces. Get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices to flavor your cheese.

Frequently asked questions