Goat Production Systems for the Midwest

In the Midwestern region of the United States there is an increased interest in raising dairy goats (Solaiman et al., 2007). This region boasts five of the top ten states in the country in dairy goat production. Wisconsin and Ohio rank first and second to lead the region followed by Michigan, Missouri and Iowa. In addition, Missouri is 10th in the nation for the number of meat goats.

The Midwest, already known as the agriculture heartland of the country, has locations that provide model conditions for raising goats. The average daily temperature ranges from 15 to 45° F in the winter and a comfortable 65 to 80° F in the summer. Rainfall is plentiful in places, averaging 100 to 200 inches annually.

The lower Midwest region has more moderate temperatures and higher precipitation compared to a colder and dryer climate in its upper region. With proper management and because of the lower precipitation and humidity, farmers experience fewer problems with goat internal parasites and less frequent de-worming as compared to Southeastern states.

The Midwest region also produces the best quality pastures and forages. Good quality forages can be used for meat goat production which reduces the requirement for supplemental grain feeding. Although the lower part of this region enjoys winter pastures with cool season grasses and legumes; the mid and upper Midwest is not as fortunate. This section experiences cold winters and grazing can only be accomplished with cool season grasses a few months out of the year, mainly in May and June. In July and August, sudan grass or corn can be fed to goats.

Harvested hay or silage can be used when the pasture is not available. Silage and haylage making is a common practice in this region; however, use caution when feeding silage or haylage to goats.