Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell has declared April as Goat Month in the state. The proclamation was signed with the presence of goat farmer Donna Slack from Creative Farms, Beth Johnson, president of the Kentucky Goat Producers Association, and dairy goat producer Logan Stoltman from Stoltman Family Farm.
“This month we celebrate the diversity goats bring to our agricultural landscape across Kentucky,” said Commissioner Shell. “They certainly add a uniqueness to farm life, but they are also an excellent source of protein and dairy products. This month we salute all that goats add to our state’s agricultural outlook.”
In the U.S., goats are primarily used for producing dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as meat known as chevon. Kentucky ranks 23rd in the nation for milk goat production with 5,800 dairy goats. The state is sixth in meat goat inventory with 60,000 head.
Kelley Yates, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, said: “From chevon to mohair to soaps, Kentucky’s goat industry has a place on every farm and in every home.”
The state’s goat industry contributes over $3.6 million in revenue annually. Warren County leads in production with nearly 2,800 head.
To mark Goat Month, Farmer and Frenchman Winery and Café will host a dining event featuring chevon from local farms on April 24 in Robards, Ky.
Information from this article can be found here.
