Bentley Bros. Farms in Lewis County, Kentucky, has gained international recognition for its Dappled Boer goats, exporting breeding stock and genetics to countries across four continents, according to an April 8 announcement.
The farm’s global reach highlights the role of Kentucky agriculture in international markets. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture supports such efforts by providing resources and programs across all counties in the state, according to the official website.
Farm owner Joe Bentley said his operation began after he transitioned from tobacco farming two decades ago. “I raised tobacco up to 2005 and never dreamed I would be doing this,” Bentley said. He explained that a cost-share program helped him start with seven Boer goats: “My first big doe, I paid $300 for. The following year, I found a nice buck in Henry County. I’ve been reinvesting into our herd for over 20 years.”
Over time, Bentley Bros. Farms has exported live breeding animals to Canada, the Bahamas, the Philippines, Thailand, St. Lucia and entered a contract with Jamaica to ship 1,500 breeding animals over five years. Semen products from the farm have reached Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and European Union countries.
Bentley partners with small producers throughout Boone, Campbell, Carter, Lewis, Morgan, Perry and Taylor counties but noted his own farm raises only about ten percent of what is exported: “We have a lot of nice producers around the state.”
Social media has played a significant role in promoting their goats internationally; Bentley said their Facebook page attracts about 1,000 visits daily from followers worldwide: “Goats are a common language all over the globe. Every culture has an appreciation for the goat.”
The farm is currently expanding its headquarters—a former tobacco barn—with help from a grant covering half of its $102,600 cost provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board.
In addition to farming duties during summer months Bentley continues his family’s tradition as an educator at Garrison Elementary School: “It fit for me…farming in the summer and a nice peaceful job rest of year…Elementary kids appreciate you,” he said.
According to the official website of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture,
the agency strengthens agriculture through partnerships focused on regulation,
animal health support,
and marketing assistance,
as well as grants like those received by Bentley Bros., serving all counties with educational initiatives.
