Linking Downstate Illinois Small-Scale Goat and Sheep Producers

Linking Downstate Illinois Small-Scale Goat and Sheep Producers

Summary

Linking consumers and producers by direct marketing can provide a quality product to consumers and economic benefits to both. The objective of this project was to direct market lambs and kid goats in northern Illinois metro areas. The coordinator intends to locate processors near metro areas who would work with producers and ethnic consumers; identify consumers who desire sheep and goat meat products; publish a directory of consumers, processors, and products; and pool animals to reduce transportation costs. Initial pooled marketing of lambs and goats to a Chicago processor was successful, until the processor lowered the price paid to producers. The producers are now seeking buyers in the Chicago area for approximately 500 animals that will be available in 2000. The project will be extended one year to allow additional time for producers to achieve their objectives.