LEXINGTON, Ky. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), there are 60,000 goats in Kentucky. Only Texas, Tennessee, California, Georgia, Oklahoma and North Carolina have more goats. By comparison, there are 119,583 horses on 16,290 horse farms in the Bluegrass State, so goats are not likely to change Kentucky’s image as horse country.

Still, ownership of goats in Kentucky is quickly on the rise. For starters, goats produce dairy products like milk and cheese. Raising a dairy goat supplies milk for the family and can be an income source. They even make great pets and get along with livestock of all kinds.

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles recently signed a proclamation declaring April as Goat Month in Kentucky. “Creating diversity in our livestock throughout the commonwealth is key to keeping relevant in today’s consumer trends,” Quarles said. “Goats add that variety, along with being an excellent source of protein and dairy products.”

Since the late 1990s, the goat production in Kentucky has increased 500 percent.

“With more than 12 million acres of agriculture land in Kentucky, the commonwealth has more than 4,000 goat producers who are dedicated to producing high quality products for consumers,” said Kelley Yates, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. “We’re excited to showcase the versatility of goats in Kentucky.”

Donna Slack, owner of Creative Farm in Harrodsburg, Ky., is a strong proponent of goats in Kentucky. Her personal preference are Boer and Savanna, both of which are meat goats.

“I have always wanted a farm, ever since I was knee high to a grasshopper,” Slack said. “Being born allergic to milk, I was raised on goat milk. Goats are something I always knew I wanted.”

Slack moved from Colorado to Kentucky in 2006 in order to farm and make her goat dream come true.

“There is really no room to farm in Colorado,” Slack said. “So, in 2007 my best friend and I partnered up. I had the land; he had the funds. We bought our first goats, and the venture began. I eventually bought his half and continued to grow my investment.

“I bought my goats for $75 apiece. They’re much higher now, close to $275 each. You’ll pay $4 per pound for a 60-pound goat these days. A breeding nanny can cost you $300 and higher and show stock goats can fetch up to $1,000.”

“The U.S. has a lot of people of ethnic background,” Slack said. “Their primary meat is goat, and it’s a niche market. Producers like myself can accommodate their needs. We’re learning how they like their goats processed. I would like people to try goat meat. It is amazing. It’s very tender, very mild and extremely healthy. Their meat is comparable to venison, a lean cut known for being healthy and lower in fat. It is also even higher in protein that beef.”

Slack is a member of the American Boer Goat Association and works close with her veterinarian to ensure the highest quality herd possible.

“Being hooked on goats I went through many learning curves as many do,” she said. “I learned to be part vet, midwife, caretaker, surrogate mom, hoof trimmer, feeder and stable hand. I spend many nights in the barn at kidding time. Raising goats is not for the faint of heart. While there are lots of ups and downs, I found that the rewards outweigh any of the downs.”

Slack has seven working dogs to protect her flock from predators. “I have 100 goats and my goal is to have 150 breeding nannies,” Slack said.

She resides on 56 acres, all of which is pasture and woods. She utilizes rotational grazing. “Goats are very much like deer,” Slack said. “Deer eat and browse, so they like things like wheat, poison ivy and they like the bramble. They like the things that cows and sheep don’t like. Goats can cohabitate with other livestock, too.”

Goat breeds are generally divided into three types: dairy, meat and fiber. There are also some breeds that are considered dual purpose, generally utilized for milk and meat production.