According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Minnesota can expect one hundred and ninety thousand foreign immigrants between 1995 and 2025. During a similar period, the United States is expected to increase in population by 44 million due to foreign immigrants. This increase in ethnic populations will likely increase the demand for ethnic foods, including goat meat.
Emerging demand for fresh goat in Minnesota’s Somali and Hispanic communities prompted AURI to take a close look at the meat goat industry. In January of 2001, AURI completed a two year long study on the feasibility of producing, processing, and marketing meat goats in Minnesota. The study examined production costs, processing requirements, marketing channels, and product demand.
