Goat Farming Business! Cost of raising Goats in JAMAICA.

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to starting a goat farming operation in Jamaica, covering the history of goats, market demand, and key breeds. It outlines initial setup costs, operational expenses, and potential earnings, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and security against theft. With rising local consumption and significant annual imports, goat farming presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers. The analysis includes practical advice on budgeting, feeding, and healthcare, making it an essential resource for anyone considering entering the goat farming industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Goat farming is a significant agricultural sector worldwide, with over 924 million goats globally, primarily raised for meat, milk, and fiber.
• 😀 Jamaica's goat meat market is growing, with local production only meeting 25% of consumption needs, leading to substantial imports.
• 😀 Popular goat breeds in Jamaica include the Creole goat, Boer goat, and Anglo-Nubian, each suited for specific environmental conditions.
• 😀 Pradia larceny, or the theft of livestock, poses a major challenge for Jamaican farmers, causing significant financial losses.
• 😀 Initial setup costs for a goat farm in Jamaica can vary widely, with housing expenses ranging from 100,000 to 2 million JMD.
• 😀 A budget should be created to determine the number of goats to start with, balancing financial constraints with operational goals.
• 😀 For effective goat breeding, a male-to-female ratio of 1 buck for every 20 does is recommended to ensure healthy reproduction.
• 😀 Regular health checks and good hygiene practices are essential to maintaining goat health and productivity on the farm.
• 😀 The potential revenue from goat farming can be substantial, with net incomes from live sales reaching over 893,000 JMD.
• 😀 Understanding the dynamics of feed costs, housing, labor, and market prices is crucial for successful goat farming operations.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of raising goats in Jamaica?

In Jamaica, goats are primarily raised for meat production.

How many distinct breeds of goats exist globally?

There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats worldwide.

What percentage of goat meat consumption does Jamaica currently supply locally?

Jamaica is able to supply only 25 percent of the local goat meat demand.

What is the estimated annual import cost for goat meat in Jamaica?

Jamaica spends approximately 15.2 million USD annually to import goat meat.

Which goat breeds are most popular in Jamaica?

The most popular goat breeds in Jamaica are the native Creole goat, Boer, and Anglo-Nubian.

What is 'praedia larceny' and how does it affect goat farming in Jamaica?

'Praedia larceny' is the theft of agricultural produce, significantly impacting goat farmers by leading to losses and causing many to abandon their operations.

What is a recommended initial land requirement for raising goats?

To raise approximately 500 goats, about 10 acres of land is typically required.

How much does it cost to build a goat housing facility?

The cost to build a goat shed can range from 100,000 to 2 million Jamaican dollars, depending on materials and size.

What are the expected total costs for feeding adult goats in a semi-intensive system?

Total feed costs for adult goats in a semi-intensive system can amount to around 233,454 Jamaican dollars annually.

What are the potential earnings from goat farming in the first year?

If selling processed goat meat, earnings could reach approximately 2.7 million Jamaican dollars, with a net income of about 688,842 Jamaican dollars after expenses.