Texas appetite for goat meat growing

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Demand for goat meat is rising in Texas, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Part of this increase is attributed to migrants who come to the U.S. from regions where goat meat is more commonly consumed. A&M notes that citing specific numbers for goat sales is challenging compared to other livestock, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn’t track goat sales with the same detail as it does for cattle and hogs.

But there are some ways to get an idea of the appetite for the animals in Texas. The four largest livestock auctions in the state are in San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite and Hamilton. On average, about 8,000 goats are sold per week, according to the press release.

“Texas accounts for 33% of the nation’s meat goat inventory, and those four auctions make up the bulk of Texas sales, so it gives us a rough idea about total nationwide,” said Jake Thorne, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension sheep and goat specialist.

While demand increases, so do prices. Texas A&M Agrilife reported prices of about $2 a pound 10 years ago, with prices now around $3.50.

Goat producers aren’t just in it for the meat. In addition to their milk, the animal's hair can actually fetch a pretty penny. It's used in scarves, hats and sweaters. Hair from young goats (kid goats) is fine and can fetch $13-$17 per pound, while hair from older goats is slightly cheaper at $6-$8 per pound.