Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

BC Goat Industry Overview

  • There are approximately 1,040 goat farms in British Columbia. Farmers reported having 18,759 goats in the 2001 census.
  • The farm gate value of BC’s goat industry is estimated at approximately 5 million dollars, which generates roughly 8 million dollars in economic impact to the province.
  • Around 10 thousand goats are slaughtered each year. 
  • The average size of a goat operation is around 18 goats.
  • The majority (44%) of goats in 2001 were located in the Lower Mainland. The Thompson Okanagan raised 19%, Vancouver Island 11%, the Peace River 7% and the remainder of production spread throughout the province.
  • Goat prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. On average an 18-20kg goat may sell for about $80-$150.
  • BC produced around 2.5 million litres of goat milk per year.
British Columbia 1996 2001 1996 to 2001 1996 2001 1996 to 2001
  Farms reporting Animals
  number % change number % change
All farms in the province 21,835 20,290 -7.1
Goats 1,135 1,040 -8.4 13,121 18,759 43

Source: Statistics Canada Census Data 1996, 2001

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