Starting a goat dairy

ford_man · #1 01/01/08, 11:27 AM

I would like to know if anyone could give me some pointers in how to start a goat dairy. I live in Illinois and am trying to find the regulations on the dairy but if anyone alreaday has the information it would safe me alot of time in trying to find it all on the web.

So if an one has any information it is welcomed

thanks

Daniel Smith

Freeholder · #2 01/01/08, 11:31 AM

Hi, Daniel -- talk to your local Agricultural Extension agent. Number should be in the phone book, but I can never remember whether they are in the US govt. pages, or the State govt. pages. He, or she, should be able to help you find the person to talk to about dairy regulations.

Kathleen

Alice In TX/MO · #3 01/01/08, 12:17 PM

Keep in mind that he may know NOTHING about dairy goats or the regs. I wound up getting help here on the board because the local Texas ag agent was clueless.

Setting up a dairy by the books in Texas would have cost me about $50,000 start up for building and equipment.

BlueHeronFarm · #4 01/01/08, 12:25 PM

In Texas, it is the department of health that does dairy inspections and licensing. There is a "milk group". Might try starting there in IL as well.

HazyDay · #5 01/01/08, 06:36 PM

Start SMALL! See if you can sell a small amount of raw milk. How long have you had goats?? I wouldn't even try to go big with out 5 years of breeding and care under my belt! It is a ton of work trust me! Have you worked on a cow dairy farm?? Try that out for the next year! It is fun till you have to start breaking cows to milking!

DocM · #6 01/01/08, 07:12 PM

I am currently thinking of changing over from a small unlicensed dairy (legal in Oregon) to a larger licensed dairy, and let me tell you - it's a freakin' nightmare. In Oregon, the regulatory board is the Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Safety board.

For the time being, I'm going back to keeping just the maximum number of lactating goats on the property to keep myself unregulated. It's just too much hassle. I have more than enough customers for a larger operation, and can fill additional orders by keeping some of my goats in a neighbor's barn. Not quite legal, but not quite illegal either. My biggest market is senior citizens who grew up on goat's milk. Just put up a notice at your local senior center. Those gray-hairs love their goat's milk.

Some helpful links:
http://goatdairylibrary.org/Pages/Se...0a%20dairy.htm
http://www.smalldairy.com/