Goat Production Practices Focused on California
California historically has led the nation in agricultural production for more than 50 years. Its moderate Mediterranean climate, fertile soils and progressive farmers have contributed to this success. More than 250 commodities are produced in California, and this state is the national leader in the production of 75 of them. It is a perfect place to produce fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal products such as milk and meat. Its farmland covers 1/3 of the total state’s land and the rangeland covers more than 2/3 of the farmland.
More than 61% of farms in California are less than 50 acres in size and more than 80% of farms are less than 180 acres. Most importantly, more than 97% of farms in California are family owned, another key factor conducive for excellent goat production.
California reported only 4.4% of total U.S. goat farms but claimed almost 10% of the total U.S. sale of goat products. In addition, California has an abundance of agricultural products and small-sized farms making it especially suitable for small grazing units like goats.
Also, its abundance of rangeland caters to the browsing ability of goats and mixed grazing. The mostly dry, mild, Mediterranean climate in California may help to effectively manage gastro-intestinal parasites in goats with low capital and labor input.
California has the highest product value per acre in the U.S. and a large variety of agricultural products are grown on its fertile land. Energy-source cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and sorghum are grown locally. Protein feeds such as cotton seeds, sunflower meal, and other by-products are readily available. Roughages such as good quality hays and silages and by-products such as rice bran, wheat bran, and sugar beet pulp are common. All kinds of leftover garden produce, sometimes sold in farmers’ markets as compost, are a goat’s favorite meal. California’s diverse topography, valleys, foothills, coastal areas and deserts, make this diverse western state suitable for production of a variety of agricultural products including goats.
