January 28, 2009

New niche market created an increase in the demand for goat meat

It will be at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ind.

"The purpose of the workshop is to figure out ways to make Indiana's goat market stronger and try to bring up the price farmers get when they send their goats to market," said Mark Kepler, Purdue Extension educator in Fulton County.

The workshop will begin at 11 a.m.

Topics will include the appropriate time to breed purebred and commercial goats for market, processing rules, animal health, forages and finding the right market.

Wonder Hills Farm, located in Owen County, is owned by goat producer Mitch Pearce, who will speak about niche marketing.

"Right now there is a major increase in the demand for goat meat because of the ethnic population living in the United States who want goat meat during religious holidays," Pearce said.

Goat meat also is very popular because some consume it throughout the year much like others consume beef or pork, he said.

"We hope after attending the workshop participants are aware of the rules, regulations and marketing of meat goats in Indiana," Kepler said.

For more information, contact Mark Kepler, (812) 223-3397, mkepler@purdue.edu  or Mark Evans, (812) 829-5020.

Writer: Ashley Bechman, (765) 494-8402, aabechma@purdue.edu

Sources: Mark Kepler (574) 223-3397, mkepler@purdue.edu

Mitch Pearce (877) 282-0585, wonderhillfarms@aol.com

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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