Agricultural niche market risk-takers: analysis of production practices and information sources of Texas meat goat producers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, educational preferences, and current production practices of Texas meat goat producers. This study also sought to use the above information to make inferences about technology adoption among niche market producers. This information was used to make recommendations to agricultural educators for use in training and educating unique groups of agricultural producers. The sampling frame consisted of Texas producers who use the Farm Service Agency as well as producers within the American Meat Goat Association. A needs assessment survey was sent to a sample of 1,500 meat goat producers. Data from this study were provided by 779 respondents. Demographic results reveal that producers: 1) own over 1,000 acres of land; 2) are employed in agricultural fields; 3) are highly educated; and 4) have over 10 years of experience producing meat goats. Education technology results reveal that producers: 1) own personal computers and internet connections; 2) prefer hands-on training; 3) generally would not pay for up-to-date educational materials; and 4) prefer to gain their information from extension specialists, county agents, veterinarians, and fellow meat goat producers. Production practice results reveal that producers: 1) do not use assisted reproductive technologies; 2) use Boer and Spanish goat crosses; 3) are concerned about predation and internal parasites; 4) do not use niche marketing; 5) sell their live animals at local auctions; 6) supplemental feed their herds; and 7) graze their herds on native brushy rangeland. Innovativeness of producers and its relationship to demographic, educational, and production variables were examined. The data revealed that more innovative producers: 1) were more likely to have primary occupations outside agriculture; 2) raised more registered, feedlot, and club goats; 3) were willing to invest in up-to-date meat goat information and to travel to meat goat informational conferences; and 4) use niche marketing to sell their chevon products.