Raising goats for milk and meat in Maine..... (Anson, Hope: health insurance, homes)

[MissPat]

Hello:
I know this may sound crazy, but my husband ( who has an agricultural degree and background--currently in the dairy industry) and I are considering moving to Maine, and are seriously considering starting a business raising goats for either milk or meat ( or both). We live in Virginia now, near enough to the DC/ No. VA area for my husband to see a growing demand for chevon ( goat meat) due to a growing population of muddle eastern peoples and other cultures ( Mexican/Central America) Chevon is naturally lower fat/ high protein than beef or pork, and goats need much less room than cows or pigs. In addition, goat's milk is high prized for making cheeses.

We have been to Maine on vacation both in the spring and fall, and just think it is a great place!

anyway, I am posting to inquire if anyone else out there has made a success of raising small scale "niche" farming in Maine. We are checking out the Ag extension offices in Maine for further info. Our two sons are college age now, and may or may not come with us. I have a social work background, and would like to get a job to get health insurance and income until the business becomes profitable....Any suggestions on where to find appropriate land for this endeavor--we would need 5-10 acres near enough to highways and a medium sized town or city ( this would also increase my employment possibilities...) Any comments on the pro's and cons of such an adventure is appreciated!
Thanks for any replies...we are serious about this to the extent we will be back in Maine in the fall to check out potential areas
Miss Pat

[Coaster]

Miss Pat, the dairy and meat goat business is growing in Maine -- sheep dairy, as well -- and there are several groups you should contact. You're already started with Extension Service and Maine Dept. of Ag. I would add:

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Maine Alternative Agriculture Association (Ma3), RR 1 Box 1450, Anson, ME 04911-9727, (207) 696-5831 (no website that I could find quickly)

The Homesteading Today website:
Homesteading Today - powered by vBulletin
has a goat subforum where some Mainers hang out, as well.

Hope this helps.

[Submariner]

Our Farmer's Market: http://snakeroot.net/orono/

Has a goat / sheep dairy that markets cheese. They belong to a cheese guild and do fairly well marketing their cheeses.

One of them is: www.appletoncreamery.com

We have a number of folks who raise, butcher, market their own meats too.

[janmaine]

Hi - I applaud your plan. Word of caution: Maine is a very difficult state in which to do business, so also look into/ask about laws, taxes, licenses, permitting, and general issues that stall getting started. We're hoping the new governor will be an impetus to change this - he understands that Maine has made small business the enemy and that this has to be changed or the state will self-destruct.

As a social worker, you'll find there are mental health jobs in all areas of the state, but the upper half, where land is cheaper, has fewer employment opportunities right now.
JD

[mensaguy]

Originally Posted by janmaine

..... We're hoping the new governor will be an impetus to change this - he understands that Maine has made small business the enemy and that this has to be changed or the state will self-destruct. .....

How'd you find out who the next governor is going to be?

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I expect that janmaine is connected with the grass roots and the grass roots have awakened.

[msina]

I suspect that some have been smokin' that grass.

[mainebrokerman]

i'd call the maine usda food inspectors,(dept. of agriculture) to see what the requirements/laws are for processing the goats

there are state laws, and federal laws, depending on how and where you sell goat meat