A Goat Farmer In The Catskills

Goat Farmer - with Victoria Balentine

7/22/25

How much can you make as a goat framer?

In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, we talk with Victoria Balentine. owner of Shady Farms, about owning a goat farm, including dairy goat farming and Agritourism. Learn how to start a goat farm, what equipment and land you need, how farmers sell their products, and what the daily work really looks like. We talk about Agritourism, which is a high-margin way to maximize the value of land.

Goat farming can range from a small homestead operation to a profitable agricultural business, with income depending on scale and specialization. Small goat farmers may earn $20,000–$50,000 annually, while mid-size operations selling milk, cheese, meat, or breeding stock can bring in $50,000–$100,000+. At the higher end, established farms with value-added products like artisan cheese, Agritourism, or direct-to-consumer sales can exceed $150,000+, especially with strong local demand.

How much can you make in Agritourism?

A successful mid-sized Agritourism operation can realistically net a profit of $50,000  to $150,000 annually in addition to their standard agricultural earnings, provided they have the marketing savvy to attract visitors from nearby urban centers.

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FAQ

• How much can a goat farmer make?
  Goat farmers typically earn between $20,000 and $100,000+, with larger or diversified farms earning $150,000+ depending on products and scale.

• What are the main ways goat farmers make money?
  Income comes from selling milk, cheese, meat, breeding stock, fiber (cashmere or mohair), and agritourism experiences.

• How much land do you need to start a goat farm?
  It varies, but small operations can start on a few acres, while larger farms require more land for grazing and feed production.

• Is goat farming profitable?
  It can be profitable with the right niche, efficient operations, and direct-to-consumer or value-added products.

• What skills are needed to become a goat farmer?
  Animal care, basic veterinary knowledge, farm management, marketing, and business skills are all important for success.