Goat, sheep farming could help dairy industry through economic challenges

By WNYT

[anvplayer video=”5137922″ station=”998132″]

RANDOLPH, Vt. – As consumers increasingly look to explore locally-produced and artisan food options, and with goat cheese remaining quite popular, agriculture officials in Vermont say they are getting more and more calls from people looking to explore goat or sheep farming.

Such a path is also one of many possible solutions to bolstering the dairy industry through economic challenges.

The cow’s milk sector has long been battered by low prices paid to producers, high operational costs, and rising competition from plant-based substitutes.

Some farmers believe goats are easier and more affordable to care for than cows, and cleaner too.

Hear from some of them by watching the video.

As consumers increasingly look to explore locally-produced and artisan food options, and with goat cheese remaining quite popular, agriculture officials in Vermont say they are getting more and more calls from people looking to explore goat or sheep farming.