FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky agriculture leaders, goat producers and industry partners recently gathered at Lakeview Park in Frankfort to officially recognize April as Goat Month across the state, according to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“Goats bring diversity to our agricultural landscape across Kentucky, and more and more farmers are choosing to add them to their livestock,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “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 outlook.”

Across the United States, goats are commonly raised for dairy and meat production, the department said. Products such as milk, cheese and yogurt remain popular, while goat meat, known as chevon, continues to gain attention among consumers.

Currently, Kentucky is home to approximately 5,800 dairy goats, supporting breeding programs, and the production of natural skin care items like soaps and lotions. The state’s industry also adds more than $3.6 million to Kentucky agricultural receipts, the department said.

Kelley Yates, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Association in Winchester, told Farm World, “Goats are one of the most versatile animals on the planet. They provide us with meat, milk, fiber, and forage management.

“Therefore, events like KY Goat Month give us the opportunity to highlight not only their contribution to the state’s agriculture economy, but the health benefits of the lean meat, nutritious cheese, luxurious fiber, and growing benefits of milk-based products like soaps and lotions,” she added.

She said the association started the celebration with Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Warren Beeler and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture with a showmanship show for the department staff on April 1: “We are doing a lot of a Facebook promotion, as well as teaming up with local restaurants like Kentucky Millstone (Restaurant) to host goat specials.”

She said the “Secrets of the Bluegrass Chefs” TV show in Louisville is also posting recipes, and the association is highlighting more recipes and facts, as well as a giveaway, on its website at: www.kysheepandgoat.org/ky-goat-month.

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, 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 is packed with proteins and vitamins.

Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation for meat goat inventory with 57,000 head, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous year, the department said. Although the number represents a slight decline, Kentucky has held its nationwide ranking consistently for a decade, the department added.

Beth Johnson, DVM, president of the Kentucky Goat Producers Association, also in Winchester, said, in addition to their nutritious value, goats can increase property values. Across the world, she added, farmers use them to combat noxious weeds on their property, promote healthy forests and prevent wildfires.

“Kentucky provides an environment, abundant in grass and forage, that allows goat producers within the state to raise a nutritious meat, milk and/or fiber animal,” she said in the department’s media statement. “Our goat producers within the state have learned how to care and nurture their animals to overcome some of the management concerns, primarily parasite control.

“During Kentucky Goat Month, we invite everyone to learn more about the benefits and impact that our industry provides through the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office,” she added.