How important is farm profitability to meat goat farmers?1

This study investigates United States meat goat producers' goal structure and examines whether these goals are consistent with farm profitability. Data were collected using a nationwide mail survey, and 7 potential goals of meat goat farmers were analyzed. Results showed that “maximize profit” and “have family involved in agriculture” were the 2 most important goals, whereas “control weeds/vegetation” and “increase farm size” were the least-ranked goals. Regression results showed that farmer demographics, farm characteristics, economic indicators, and regional variables affected farmer goal structure. Results did not support a correlation between farm profitability and profit-maximizing goals such as “maximize profit” and “avoid years of loss/low profit.”