Economic impact of goat and sheep production in Georgia

Production of goats and sheep in Georgia was distributed among more than 140 of Georgia’s 159 counties in 2005 according to the Georgia Farm Gate Value Report compiled by the Center of Agribusiness and Economic Development. County agents reported total production of 156,374 goats with a value of $12.5 million and 8,005 sheep with a value of $680,931. Figure 1 shows goat production and Figure 2 shows value of goat production for Georgia counties in 2005. Input requirements of goat and sheep production stimulate economic activity throughout the Georgia economy. Wages and benefits earned by producers and employees of indirectly effected businesses are another source of economic impact from production.