History of the U.S. Goat Industry

Goats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and then spread throughout the world. Goats were brought to North America into the southwestern U.S. in the 17th century by early Spanish explorers and clergy. These goats are the ancestors of the Spanish goat of Texas and the Lamancha breed of California. English and other European settlers also brought their goats as they moved into the eastern U.S in the 18th century. Angora goats were first imported in the U.S. in the mid-19th century and the earliest importation of officially recognized dairy goat breeds occurred in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Most recently the Boer and Kiko goats were imported into the United States in the late 20th century. The numbers of goats have fluctuated over the years but generally, have increased. However, Angora numbers have plummeted precipitously after the repeal of a production incentive program.