Final Report for FNE97-180

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE97-180

This is a continuation of Ms. Ratcliff’s earlier project (FNE96-149) concerning development of export markets for goats and goat semen. Her work so far has involved 1) contacting potential exporters– goat owners and their associations and cooperatives throughout the Northeast– as well as veterinarians, livestock brokers, and various personnel in Extension and state departments of agriculture, whose assistance is required in exporting goats and semen, 2) compiling information about goats from the Northeast U.S. into promotional literature, 3) contacting potential buyers overseas, and sending them this literature, 4) gathering information that will be needed by exporters, e.g. shipping costs, and foreign regulations governing imports, and 5) building up a bank of frozen semen taken from goats whose dams were exceptional producers of milk.

After working on this project for two years, Ms. Ratcliff feels she is now beginning to see a payoff. Inquiries are becoming more frequent, and she has made her first sales. She will continue this project for another year, as FNE98-217.

• FNE97-180 Final Report