Hey there, I am thinking that after I graduate from college I would like to start a dairy and was wondering what the pluses and minuses were for each breed. I would sell the kids as either doelings who would be milkers themselves (after I picked the best as herd replacements), and bucklings as either packgoats, pets, future bucks, or as chevon. I would make cheese, and all of the affilitated pharphanela (Sp?) along with actual milk. How many does would an average dairy need? Thanks again...
Vote for your Goat (which milking goat breed should I pick and why)
- Thread starter BW&RAO
- Start date
Roll farms
Spot Master
Dairy goat journal does a profile on a goat dairy every month...might check their back issues for info. I've learned a lot about it and I don't even intend to run one, just find it interesting.
While a lot of us have dairy goats and use the product, I don't think any of us posters have a commercial dairy / would be able to give you truly knowledgeable help.
Most I've read about in DGJ keep 40 or so does, assorted breeds (Nubs for butterfat, Saanens for volume, etc) and from what I've read there's around $250,000.00 start up costs for the commercial equipment for cheese, milking, pasteurizing, etc...unless you already have a sterile milking parlor and USDA-approved kitchen set up.
While a lot of us have dairy goats and use the product, I don't think any of us posters have a commercial dairy / would be able to give you truly knowledgeable help.
Most I've read about in DGJ keep 40 or so does, assorted breeds (Nubs for butterfat, Saanens for volume, etc) and from what I've read there's around $250,000.00 start up costs for the commercial equipment for cheese, milking, pasteurizing, etc...unless you already have a sterile milking parlor and USDA-approved kitchen set up.
freemotion
Self Sufficient Queen
Some states have given grants to help with start-up costs. I know of two goat dairies in CT that got grants. One started with 30 does (Saanen) and couldn't keep up with demand, so the next year they had 60 does, couldn't keep up, and the next year they had 90. That was all they could handle, so that is what they have now.
They keep the goats in those semi-clear quanset buildings that look like greenhouses. Maybe they are greenhouses. They milk 9 at a time. The milking parlor and cheese room and the farm store are all in the same little building....the goats enter to be milked in the back, the cheese room is in the middle, and the farm store is at the far end with a couple of coolers and a money box bolted to the wall (honor system set up.) They put large picture windows between each room so customers can come into the store and watch cheese making or milking. It is very nice.
They keep the goats in those semi-clear quanset buildings that look like greenhouses. Maybe they are greenhouses. They milk 9 at a time. The milking parlor and cheese room and the farm store are all in the same little building....the goats enter to be milked in the back, the cheese room is in the middle, and the farm store is at the far end with a couple of coolers and a money box bolted to the wall (honor system set up.) They put large picture windows between each room so customers can come into the store and watch cheese making or milking. It is very nice.
helmstead
Goat Mistress
My father in law thinks we should become a Grade A Dairy...to which I giggle and wonder who's buying me the bulk tank?! I have 34 Nigerians and 5 Nubians...and usually have to dump milk because we have so much more than we can use. I kinda doubt it would spell much in profit, but it would be fun nonetheless.
Livinwright Farm
Goat Fancier
Dump the milk????helmstead said:
"NOOOO!!!!!" You could make soaps with the excess & sell them!!! Around here 3 bars of goat's milk soap goes for $10(on sale)!!!
helmstead
Goat Mistress
If you've got the time, I've got the milk 
Livinwright Farm
Goat Fancier
Hey, Kate...
You should check into the feasibility of selling the raw goat's milk for use as "animal feed". There are pig farmers who would love to feed the butterfat rich milk to their stock. Just a thought. In NH, you can sell raw milk as pet feed without issue.
You should check into the feasibility of selling the raw goat's milk for use as "animal feed". There are pig farmers who would love to feed the butterfat rich milk to their stock. Just a thought. In NH, you can sell raw milk as pet feed without issue.
freemotion
Self Sufficient Queen
Dog breeders use it to supplement large litters, too. Maybe an animal shelter or zoo would want it for baby animals, too. I wish I lived next door to you......I can never have enough milk. Have you considered raising a couple of pigs? Yowza. Dumping milk..... 
helmstead
Goat Mistress
When I say 'dumping milk' it refers to feeding it to my dogs, cats and chickens LOL so it's not a complete waste...but they don't always finish it!
- Thread starter
- #10
Wow that is way more goats than I thought... I was thinking of maybe ten milking goats and ten milking cows... Hmm... I might have to think about this... How much land would you need to pasture that many goats if you were doing grassfeed??? Thanks...
