In 2001, there were approximately 180 commercial goat milk producers in Ontario, ranging in size from 600-head Grade "A" dairy farms, to smaller producer-processor cottage industries who usually make their own cheese. It is estimated that at least 40,500 of Ontario's 62,300 goats or 65% reside on the province' s commercial dairy goat farms. With the increasing pressure on the goat milk industry to produce larger quantities of milk, many new operations are aiming for 300 does milking. It is our opinion that producers need at least 150 milking does if goat milk sales are to be the sole or primary source of income.
These statistics gathered by the government, do not include the many small numbers of goats that are kept by so many individuals for their own milk supply, or for feeding a variety of other livestock. Some veterinarians consistently recommend goat milk for all sorts of orphaned or sick animal babies of other species.
Unlike the dairy cattle industry, the amount of goat milk produced is not regulated through a supply management system. But the same high quality milk is ensured through strict laboratory testing and analysis.
Approximately 10 million litres of goat milk was produced by the province's producers in 2001 and processed at one of approximate thirteen processing plants throughout the province. A portion of that goat milk is pasteurized and packaged, then sent to stores as fresh fluid milk. The remaining milk is further processed into a wide range of other products, including different kinds of goat milk yoghurt, butter, a variety of delicious cheeses, and several flavours of refreshing ice cream.
Goat milk is increasingly available at many of the larger chain stores across Ontario as well as the many specialty and health food stores. Some stores may not have the product on the shelf, but will order it for customers if requested. Just ask for it!
Consumer interest in, and demand for goat milk continues to increase as people begin to better understand the high quality and nutritional value of these excellent dairy products as alternatives to cow milk products.
Goat milk can be used in any recipe that includes milk.