Goat farming in South Africa is gaining popularity—and for good reason. It’s one of the most versatile and profitable farming ventures, especially for small-scale and emerging farmers. If you’re looking to turn goats into gold, here are five proven ways to make money farming with goats in South Africa.
1. Sell Goat Meat (Chevon)
One of the most direct ways to generate income from goat farming is through meat production. Goat meat, also known as chevon, is in high demand across South Africa due to its taste, health benefits, and cultural significance.
Why it works:
High demand during religious festivals, weddings, and traditional ceremonies.
Growing market in urban and rural areas.
Faster growth rates and early maturity of indigenous breeds.
Tip: Focus on fast-growing meat breeds like the Boer goat, and partner with local butcheries or supply directly to consumers for higher profit margins.
2. Milk Production and Value-Added Dairy Products
Goat milk is a lucrative niche market in South Africa. It is known for being easier to digest than cow’s milk and is popular among health-conscious consumers and people with lactose intolerance.
How to profit:
Sell fresh goat milk locally or to health stores.
Make and sell goat cheese, yoghurt, butter, or even soap.
Tip: Consider breeds like the Saanen or Toggenburg for higher milk yields, and ensure proper hygiene and cold chain storage for premium pricing.
3. Breeding and Selling Goats
Another profitable strategy is breeding quality goats and selling them as breeding stock to other farmers. This includes bucks and does for reproduction purposes or young kids for startup farmers.
What you need:
Strong genetics and disease-resistant bloodlines.
Good record-keeping and traceability.
Proper marketing to goat farming groups and agricultural expos.
Tip: Register your goats with a breeders’ association to build trust and command higher prices.
4. Goat Manure for Organic Fertilizer
Don’t overlook the value of goat waste. Goat manure is rich in nutrients and makes excellent organic fertilizer, which is in high demand among organic vegetable growers and garden centres.
Ways to sell:
Bag and sell composted manure.
Create a partnership with local nurseries or crop farmers.
Tip: Turn this byproduct into an additional income stream with little effort.
5. Agritourism and Goat-Related Experiences
With the growth of agritourism in South Africa, farmers can turn their goat farms into tourist attractions by offering educational tours, goat yoga, or cheese-making workshops.
Monetization ideas:
Offer weekend farm tours for school groups and families.
Open a farm shop or tasting room for your dairy products.
Create social media content to build an audience and attract visitors.
Tip: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to market your agritourism services locally.
Final Thoughts
Goat farming in South Africa is more than just raising livestock—it’s a business with multiple income streams. Whether you focus on meat production, milk, breeding, manure, or agritourism, goats can provide consistent revenue with the right strategies and planning.
Start small, learn continuously, and reinvest your profits. With dedication, farming with goats can be a highly profitable venture in South Africa.