We are featuring a sample meat goat budget worksheet, based on certain production assumptions. You should replace the values highlighted in yellow with your own figures in this printable worksheet. Budget terms are defined below.

HERD COMPOSITION

Number of Does - Number of does in breeding herd. Only include does of breeding age. Raise own replacements.

Number of Bucks - Number of bucks maintained for breeding. One mature buck per 30 does is recommended.

Percent Adult Death Loss - Percent adult goats that die. 5 percent is typical.

PRODUCTION PARAMETERS

Percent Kid Crop Raised - Percent kid crop raised to market age. Percentage varies. Goal should be 2 kids per doe.

Doe Replacement Rate - Percentage of herd replaced each year. An average replacement rate is 15 to 20 percent of the herd.

Buck Replacement Rate - Percentage of bucks replaced each year. A replacement rate of 33% means a buck is used for three years.

INCOME CALCULATION - Average Income (total and per doe) in a year of production.

Market Kids - (No. of Does x Replacement Rate) - (No. of Does x  Replacement Rate). Price varies by demand, weight, sex and condition.

Cull Does (No. of Does x Replacement Rate) - (No. of Does x Adult Death Loss).

Cull Bucks (No. of Bucks x Buck Replacement Rate)

OPERATING COSTS - Out-of-pocket or cash costs. Does not include fixed costs, such as fence repair, taxes and depreciation.

Hay varies by farm. 1/4 ton per head = 120 day winter feeding period x 4 lbs./head/day.

Grain - varies by farm. 135 lbs. = 60 day lacation (2 lbs/head/day) + 30 day flushing period (0.5 lbs. /head/day)

Salt and Minerals - Estimate 1 lb. per goat per month.

Supplemental Feed for kids - pounds grain fed (per kid) x feed cost (per lb.).

Pasture Maintenance - Varies by plant species, yield goals, and management. Estimate $30 per year.

Deworming Adults: No. of doses varies by farm, year and animal.

Deworming Kids: No. doses varies by farm, year and animal.

Vaccinations for adults: Does should be vaccinated for CD-T prior to kidding.

Vaccination for kids: Kids should receive two doses of CD-T at approximately 6 and 10 weeks of age.

Other Vet Costs - Include figure to cover cost of needles, syringes, antibiotics, veterinary services, etc. Estimate $4 per doe.

Buck Replacement - Purchase price of new buck, based on years of use 33% replacement rate means new buck needed every 3 years.

Bedding - Varies by length of confinement and type of bedding.

Marketing and Hauling - Varies by location and type of market. No cost for on-farm sales. Can be as high as $5 per head at stockyards.

Supplies - Include figure to cover cost of ear tags and other supplies that are used up.

Additional Costs - Include additional costs of advertising, nutrient management, hired labor, etc.

Interest on operating capital - Total operation costs x interest rate x 6 months. Cost of using money.

RETURN TO LAND, LABOR AND CAPITAL - Total Income - Operating Expenses. Return on labor and investment.

COST PER LIVE WEIGHT - Total Operating Costs / (No. of market kids x market weight). Break-even price for kids.

YIELD (DRESSING PERCENTAGE) - Dressing percentage vary by age, fatness, and what's left on the carcass (e.g. Head). Avg. is 46 to 52%.

COST PER CARCASS WEIGHT - Cost per live weight x Dressing percentage . Break-even price for goat kid carcasses.