Kamil Perry
Starting a goat cheese farm requires careful thought and preparation. It's important to do your research, understand local regulations, and decide on the purpose of your farm. Will you sell raw milk to dairies, or produce cheese and yoghurt for a farmer's market? You'll need to plan how to contain your goats, and how to feed them. Goats are social animals, so you'll need at least two, and you'll need about an acre of land for every 5-7 goats. You'll also need to decide on a breed, with factors like milk production and butterfat content being important if you're making cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land | You will need about an acre per every 5-7 goats at a minimum. |
| Number of Goats | It is recommended to start with 2-3 goats. |
| Goat Breeds | Meat goats: Boer or Spanish goats. Milking goats: Nubians or Saanens. Fiber goats: Angoras. Miniature goats: Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarfs. |
| Goat Products | Meat, milk, fiber, and land maintenance. |
| Goat Cheese | Goat milk can be used to make cheese and other dairy products. |
| Business Plan | Research breeds and local zoning ordinances. Learn about the market for goat products and develop relationships with potential buyers. |
| Costs | The start-up costs of a goat farm can vary depending on factors such as the price of land, the number of goats, and the cost of supplies. |
| Feeding | Grazing is the first choice, but supplemental grain and nutritional supplements may be needed due to depleted soil quality. |
| Containment | Goats are known to escape, so a secure enclosure is necessary. |
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Choosing a breed
Choosing the right breed of goat is an important step in starting a goat cheese farm. All goats have distinct characteristics, whether they are kept for meat, breeding, milk, fibre, or as pets. Goats are social animals and do not like to be alone, so it is recommended to have at least two goats. If you are planning to have only one goat for milk, a neutered male goat, or a "wether", can be a good option.
There are several breeds of goats that are known for their high milk production, which is ideal for making cheese. Nubian goats, for example, are a popular choice for dairy farms. The Aiellos, owners of Belle Terre Farms, have a small herd of Nubians that they use to produce feta goat cheese. Nigerian Dwarf goats are another breed that is smaller in size but still produces high-quality milk. Saanen goats, which originated in Switzerland, are a larger breed with high milk production and lower butterfat content.
When choosing a breed, it is also important to consider the purpose of your goat farm. Meat goats, such as Boer or Spanish goats, are known for their fast growth and muscular build. Fiber goats, like Angoras, produce valuable mohair, while Cashmere goats yield luxurious cashmere wool. Miniature goats, such as Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarfs, are often kept as pets due to their small size and friendly nature.
In addition to breed, other factors to consider when starting a goat cheese farm include the cost of land, supplies, and feed. Goats require about an acre of land per 5-7 goats, and grazing is typically the first choice for feeding, although supplemental grain and nutritional supplements may be necessary.
By choosing the right breed of goat and carefully planning the logistics of your farm, you can be well on your way to starting a successful goat cheese farm.
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Planning your farm
Planning your goat cheese farm requires careful thought and preparation. Here are some key considerations to help you get started:
Land and Housing:
Determine if you already have suitable land for your goats. As a general rule, you will need about an acre of land for every 5-7 goats. This will ensure they have enough space to graze and roam. Consider the housing requirements for your goats, taking into account the number of goats you plan to keep and their specific needs. Goats are social creatures and do better in groups, so plan to have at least two goats. Decide on the breed of goats, considering factors such as milk production, adaptability to your local climate, and ease of care.
Infrastructure and Supplies:
Prepare the necessary infrastructure, including fencing to contain your goats. Goats are notorious for escaping, so ensure your fencing is secure and well-maintained. Set up a feeding area and decide on their feeding regimen, which will likely include grazing and supplemental feed. Research and procure the necessary supplies for goat care, such as nutritional supplements, grooming tools, and any equipment needed for milking and cheese-making.
Business Plan:
Develop a clear business plan for your goat cheese farm. Decide on the products you will offer. Will you sell raw milk, or focus primarily on cheese and yogurt production? Identify potential buyers or markets, such as local dairies, farmer's markets, or direct sales to consumers. Establish relationships with other businesses or individuals in the industry, as this can provide valuable insights and connections.
Regulatory Compliance:
Research and understand the local regulations and zoning ordinances that apply to your goat cheese farm. Ensure that you have the necessary licenses and permits, especially if you intend to sell dairy products to the public. Adhere to any specific guidelines related to the handling and processing of milk, as well as the standards for producing and selling cheese.
Financial Planning:
Create a financial plan that outlines the start-up costs, ongoing expenses, and projected income. Consider the cost of purchasing goats, constructing or renting facilities, and purchasing supplies. Factor in the cost of feed, veterinary care, and any labour required for the day-to-day operations. Estimate your potential revenue streams, including the sale of cheese, milk, breeding stock, pet animals, or meat.
Remember, successful goat cheese farming requires a well-thought-out plan that addresses the specific needs of your business and adheres to relevant regulations.
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Preparing the land
Land Requirements:
Firstly, determine the amount of land needed based on the number of goats you plan to have. As a general guideline, you'll need about an acre of land for every 5-7 goats. This ensures they have sufficient space to graze and roam.
Fencing and Containment:
Goats are notorious for their curiosity and escapist tendencies, so a secure and well-fenced enclosure is essential. Decide on the type of fencing that suits your budget and landscape. Electric fencing is an effective option to consider.
Shelter:
Provide adequate shelter for your goats, especially during harsh weather conditions. The shelter should offer protection from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Ensure the shelter is well-ventilated and spacious enough to accommodate your herd comfortably.
Grazing and Feeding:
Goats primarily rely on grazing, but supplementary feeding is also necessary. Assess the quality of your pasture and soil to determine if additional nutritional supplements are required. Consult with experts or experienced goat farmers to understand the specific nutritional needs of goats and how to meet them effectively.
Water Sources:
Ensure a reliable and accessible water source for your goats. Develop a plan for providing water to your herd, including the installation of water troughs or pipes and the regular cleaning and maintenance of water sources.
Breeding and Birthing Areas:
Designate specific areas for breeding and birthing. These spaces should offer privacy, comfort, and easy access for monitoring and assisting during the birthing process. Prepare these areas with the necessary equipment and supplies to ensure the safety and well-being of both the goats and their offspring.
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Buying livestock
The number of goats you need will depend on the size of your farm. As a rule of thumb, you will need about one acre of land for every 5-7 goats. One acre can typically accommodate 6-8 goats for milking, meat, soaps, and other goat milk products. If you are starting with a small herd, it is recommended to have two does (females) and a buck (male). Does should be picked with a gentle and friendly disposition.
When selecting your goats, it is important to consider the breed. Different breeds are suited for different purposes, such as meat, milk, or fiber. Meat goats, like Boer or Spanish goats, are known for their fast growth and muscular build. Milking goats, such as Nubians or Saanens, are prized for their high-quality milk production. Nigerian Dwarf goats, a smaller breed, are excellent producers of high-quality milk and are often sought out by families. Saanen goats, on the other hand, are one of the larger dairy goat breeds and have high milk production with lower butterfat content. Angora goats produce valuable mohair, while Cashmere goats yield luxurious cashmere wool. Miniature goats, such as Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarfs, are often kept as pets due to their smaller size and friendly nature.
In addition to the breed, good genetics and breeding history are important factors in the performance of any breed. It is crucial to know when your goats are in heat to plan for breeding. Typically, goats have a breeding cycle of about two months, and gestation lasts around five months. Knowing the breeding dates will help you predict the birth dates of the kids (baby goats).
Finally, consider the cost of the goats. The price of goats can vary, and it is important to factor this into your startup costs. If you are planning to start with a small herd, it may be more cost-effective to begin with 2-3 goats and gradually expand as your farm grows.
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Making cheese
Making goat cheese is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients. The process is called "coagulation", where goat's milk is combined with heat and acid.
Firstly, you will need to source some fresh goat's milk. It is best to use full-fat goat's milk, and avoid ultra-pasteurized milk as it will not curdle in the same way. You can use raw goat's milk if you are able to source it.
The next step is to add an acid to the milk. You can use citric acid, lemon juice, or vinegar. If using citric acid, dissolve it in water first. Then, gently heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 85ºC/185ºF. You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Once the milk has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in your chosen acid. You can also add herbs and spices at this stage for extra flavour.
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, then stir until the curds separate from the whey. If the milk hasn't separated, add a little more acid until it does. This could take anywhere from half an hour to several hours, depending on the firmness of the curd.
Once the curds have separated, drain the whey using a jelly strainer or a clean cloth. Hang the bundle over a pot or jar so the liquid can drip out. Then, transfer the curds to a bowl and mix in salt and baking soda to taste.
Finally, shape the cheese into a wheel, log, or ball using your hands or a cookie cutter as a mold. You can then roll the cheese in herbs, spices, or nuts for extra flavour. The cheese can be refrigerated for a few hours to improve its flavour and texture before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need about an acre per every 5-7 goats at a minimum. One acre can hold about 6-8 goats, which can be used for milking, meat, soaps and other goat milk products, brush clearing, or for their hair.
The start-up costs of a goat cheese farm can vary depending on several factors. The first cost is the land, followed by the price of the goats and the supplies you'll need. If you want to start out small, 2-3 goats are recommended.
First, research breeds and learn your local zoning ordinances. Each type of goat farming serves a different market and requires specific care and management. Then, decide how you will contain your goats and how you will feed them. Finally, decide where your goat milk will go. Are you planning to sell the raw milk to a local dairy for processing? Or will you produce cheese and yoghurt for sale at a farmer's market?
