Urban Farming, Part II: Urban Goats

By Hannah G.

The second part of my Urban Farming series (following chickens in Part I) examines another – albeit bigger – animal that has gained popularity in recent years as a useful and lovable addition to urban farming.  Milk is just one of the many uses goats can provide.

The following knowledge was drawn from a very informative guide by Sue Weaver: The Backyard Goat: An Introductory Guide to keepingProductive Pet Goats.

Goats are undeniably a bigger project to undertake than chickens, but one that is worth it for many people. They do need a bigger range than chickens, so be ready to delegate the scope of your backyard if need be.  Adult goats of full size breeds need 20 square feet of protected and sheltered living space. Miniature varieties need comparatively less.  Additionally, all goats need a penned area to play, roam, and exercise in. According to Weaver, “goats thrive in refurbished chicken coops, homemade A-frames, extra-large doghouses, calf hutches…”, so you do not need to spend a fortune on constructing housing – it just needs to be safe-guarded against predators as well as draft-free and dry.

The following are some of the many benefits of the urban goat:

• Milk. The most common use of the backyard goat (beyond companionship) is milk. When organic cow’s milk runs at $5.00 or more a gallon, goat’s milk from your own backyard can be a great alternative.  More than being cost saving, goat milk is highly nutritious too. It “contains less fat than the other types of milk consumed worldwide…and it has more calcium, protein, riboflavin, and vitamins but less lactose and saturate fat”.  Note: be sure you can commit to the milking schedule before undertaking such a project.
• Cheese. Making cheese from your goat’s milk is not only delicious and a source of food for the family, but can bring supplemental income if sold.
• Wool. Specifically the Angora, Pygora, and Nigora breeds produce fiber than can be used or sold.
• Harnessing & Packing. Goats are well adapted to pulling carts and carrying packs because humans domesticated goats through the past millenniums.  Goats can be harnessed for cart pulling, which can be both useful (hauling groceries, etc) and fun (giving rides to neighborhood children or the elderly).  Additionally, goats can have packs attached to their backs (up to 25% of their body weight) to help carry items locally (e.g. groceries).  Some enthusiasts like to take goats on day hikes or camping, as goats are agile and do well on terrain.
• Companionship & Connection. As mentioned in the previous part on chickens, animals often aid us in connecting and grounding us to the land and to ourselves. They can provide comfort, routine, and satisfaction, which are therapeutic and healing.  Working with animals can help teach kids responsibility along with providing satisfaction from their work.

An Alpine goat.  This goat breed is described as "productive milkers, hardy, agile, uncommonly friendly, and easily adaptable to a variety of climates. The breed also comes in a miniature variety.

A mini-Nubian nurses her kids. Nubians are "intelligent and inquisitive with endearing, quirky personalities". They also can be either full-size or miniature.

Please Note: As with bringing any animal into your family, make sure to do your homework first. Goats have specific needs beyond diet and shelter, so please research thoroughly before beginning.  Also, please buy from responsible, humane breeders or farmers. Do not buy from a sale barn – they can be badly treated, sick or cull. Please – do not contribute the cycle of animal abuse.