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Tucked conspicuously off Interstate 85 in Macon County, the Tuskegee University (TU) George Washington Carver Agricultural Experimental Station serves as the home for top-notch goat research in Alabama. Surrounded by acres of lush green pastureland, TU’s small ruminant (hoofed animal that chew cuds) research and education program facilities exist. By the number of interested people onsite at the facility and the happy herd of goats living there, evidence proves Alabama’s premier goat research program must be flourishing.

There is an increasing economic importance of goat production throughout the United States, attributed mainly to goat meat demand. Goats have been raised for centuries, providing meat, milk and leather. Their adaptability and availability has made them popular in nations around the world. Goat meat is increasing in popularity in the United States, particularly among Hispanic, Muslim and Caribbean ethnic groups.

Each year on the third Saturday in April, TU hosts Goat Day. A day of presentations, demonstrations, trainings and exhibits complete the jam-packed schedule.

(L-R) Mel Jones, Ag Experimental Station unit manager; Scott Hartley, Taleecon Farmers Co-op manager; and James Caldwell, Taleecon Farmers Co-op employee, stand by the many Billy Goat Gruff panels purchased by Tuskegee University from Taleecon Farmers Co-op.

Each year on the third Saturday in April, Tuskegee University hosts its annual Goat Day. A day of presentations, demonstrations, trainings and exhibits complete the jam-packed schedule.

Research on Boer goats is necessary as these goats grow more rapidly, put on more meat and have a calmer disposition than other breeds. The Boer goat originated in South Africa and was imported to the United States in recent years.

The Kiko is a New Zealand breed selected for survival and growth rate. They are large-framed goats, excellent mothers and very hardy. The Kikos are excellent foragers under tough conditions; females have a high twinning rate.

Moving outside to the green pastureland, it is easy to see why any goat would be glad to live here. Jones tells of how he works with staff and students to keep the farm in order. The wire on the fence is pulled straight and taut and the fence is kept "hot" to deter any predators that may come to call.

Scattered throughout the pasture, several covered areas provide shelter for the goats. They were built in such a way they can be easily transported as needed.

As Jones continued his guided tour of the property, he proudly showed off one of the lush fields of Marshall ryegrass with Coker oats. Any farmer would be pleased with the growth results.

Walking further down the dirt road, Jones stops and called to the goats. They suddenly appeared – running happily in a chaotic group. Bleating and delighted to see him, they greeted him with what seemed like smiles on their faces. The herd included one wether

Running happily in a chaotic group, the goats greeted the visitors with what seemed like smiles on their faces.

(castrated male) along with several does (females), billy goats (young males) and doelings (young females). Cutest were the little goats – one set of triplets, a set of twins and several other babies. After a few minutes of photographs, they retreated to the wooded area from where they came. They immediately resumed their snacking, technically known as foraging. Some even attempted to climb the trees to reach the new, bright green leaves just beginning to uncurl!

Before the walking tour continued, a pair of donkeys sauntered their way into view.

"These are our attack donkeys," said Jones in a serious voice. "While they may not look like it, those two can get quite vicious when predators come to bother the goats. We keep them in with the herd to protect them. The donkeys and the goats get along just fine."

For just over two years, Jones has worked as the unit manager at the experimental research station. He gets along easily with others while his farm skills and knowledge serve the facility well. He keeps the pastures planted and the tractors operating. Jones understands goat farming and realizes the animals’ nutritional needs. He is also familiar with the area and knows where to buy the best products for the Experimental Station.

One of his favorite places to shop is Taleecon Farmers Co-op in Notasulga. Whether it is for the solar powered Gallagher electric fence, goat feed or the seed and fertilizer for the fields, Jones finds the products and service he needs and wants at the local Co-op.

"I have been very satisfied with the Co-op," said Jones. "I believe in their products and in the good folks who work there."

Taleecon’s Manager Scott Hartley is pleased to have Jones and the Tuskegee University Ag Experimental Station as customers. Whatever the size of your goat herd, be sure to stop by your local Co-op store for all of your small ruminant shopping needs. From feed to seed, the Co-op has you covered.

By the close of the guided tour, more vendors have arrived on the scene for the 2008 Tuskegee University Goat Day. People mingled and visited, awaiting the afternoon activities. With the number of individuals involved, goat production must certainly be on the increase. According to Dr. Sandra Solaiman, director of the Tuskegee University Small Ruminant Research Program, the goat industry is one of the fastest-growing animal industries in the United States. For decades, TU has had a small ruminant research program. Over the years, interest has grown from only a few farmers attending the annual Goat Day to well over 200 individuals. The workshop is beneficial to both goat enthusiasts as well as beginners. If you are interested in attending, be sure to mark your 2009 calendar for the third Saturday in April for Tuskegee University’s annual Goat Day.

Ashley Smith is a freelance writer from Russell County.