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Article: No kidding; America's booming goat industry.
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- August 27, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Lunch
Cuter than sheep, healthier than steak
"GOATS are by far the fastest-growing segment in agriculture," claims Bob Duke, chairman of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA). On the 5,500-acre goat ranch he runs in Texas's beautiful Hill Country, business is booming. Last year, he says, prices for goat meat rose by 50%, and demand shows no signs of slowing. The bearded Boer billygoats grazing in the shade are much sought-after, and even the ageing nannies will get a good price.
Should cattlemen fear for their jobs? Not just yet. America has almost 40 times as many cows as goats. But as the ranchers explain, "ethnic" (meaning non-WASP) ...