How to Sell Goat's Milk

Humans have used goat's milk for many things over the centuries. People use the milk for purposes such as cleaning and culinary products, although it is most common as a diet staple for people around the world. It is rich in digestible fats, is hypoallergenic and does not need to be homogenized like cow's milk. Despite all this, selling goat's milk can be challenging because goat's milk is not as well known or as mainstream as cow's milk.

Things You'll Need

  • Lactating Dairy Goats
  • Milking Equipment
  • Large Steel Containers
  • Resealable Glass Jars
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your local United States Department of Agriculture office to determine the milking regulations in your state. It is illegal in many areas to sell goat's milk without being a fully licensed and USDA-certified dairy because of health concerns. The USDA representative will advise you on whether you will be able to market your goat's milk for human or animal consumption.

    • 2

      Evaluate the milk market and determine what a fair asking price is. To stay competitive, check local prices for fresh goat's milk. Do not price your milk too high or your customers will look elsewhere. Pricing your milk too low prevents you from maximizing your profit, and you will lose money. Draw a contract to present to your customers. Outline quantities, purchase prices and delivery dates to prevent confusion and disputes with your customers.

    • 3

      Decide how to market your milk. Sell goat's milk for human consumption to local shops, delis, small grocery stores and specialty stores. To hook customers, offer samples. Milk meant for only animal consumption is often sold to veterinarians' offices, breeders and feed stores.

    • 4

      Determine what type of milking equipment you need. An electronic milking setup provides much better results for a large operation consisting of 20 or more does. Most electronic setups sterilize themselves, milk the goats for you, and deliver the milk to a storage unit for you, preventing spills, saving you time and possible contamination issues. If you only have a few goats, then you can milk by hand. An electronic setup will cost you more money up front but is well worth the hours you will save milking by hand.

    • 5

      Set up your milking area. This should be a large, quiet, clutter-free area in which you can secure your goats while they are milked. A large stall with a concrete floor or other easy-to-disinfect section of your property is sufficient. Be sure that the milking area can be easily cleaned and disinfected to prevent contamination of your milk supply.

    • 6

      Milk your goats daily and refrigerate the milk to keep it as fresh as possible. Goat's milk is stable and does not spoil as quickly as cow's milk, but is best when kept between 32 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing the milk in large stainless steel containers makes it easy to transport and dispense to each of your clients. Separate the milk into individual containers if your clients prefer. Large glass jars with resealable lids, such as canning jars, work very well for storing your milk.

    • 7

      Deliver your milk as agreed upon with your clients. Some clients prefer a morning delivery, while others prefer afternoon or evening. Plan your delivery routine to keep your milk as cool and fresh as possible, milking your goats either in the morning or evening depending on the needs of your customers.