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Institute of Agricultural & Environmental Research Tennessee State University |
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Seminar Series Abstract
Evaluating Strategies to Promote the Goat Meat Industry in Tennessee Safdar Muhammad and Anonya Amenyenu Tennessee State University Institute of Agricultural & Environmental Research
The demand for goat meat has continued to increase significantly over the last few decades due to rapidly growing ethnic population. The goat meat production in the U.S. has also increased significantly over the years. Despite an increase in domestic production, United States is a net importer of goat meat. An increase in domestic production, import and ethnic population indicates that prospects for the goat meat industry in the United States are promising. A survey of goat producers was conducted and reveals that there are not any organized goat meat markets available in Tennessee. Lack of competitiveness in the local goat markets is main reason for receiving low prices for their animals. Producers showed strong interest in forming local goat marketing pools, followed by target specific ethnic markets, goat buyers and seller listing, e-marketing and pool goats for transport to a terminal market. Goat producers also indicated that herd health and parasite management is very important issues for overall profitability of their goat farming. Goat consumers survey showed that majority purchase their goat meat from specialty stores, direct from producers or farmers’ markets. Those goat meat outlets are not enough, small operations, lack of food safety practices and requirements, and inefficient in providing goat meat to rapidly growing demand in the U.S. The goat meat consumers are also willing to pay more for freshness, convenience, food safety and other attributes. This indicates opportunity for local retail stores to focus on consumers’ needs and preferences which will result in higher return for their products. The results can be used to design programs and activities that will promote goat industry among small and limited resource farmers.
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