Goats are gaining in popularity in Fannin County.  This could be due to their versatility, handling ease and a growing market for these animals. Goats are hardy and adapted to the area.  The smallest family members can help herd them and are not subject to as much danger as with larger animals such as cattle and horses.
 
Goats can be pastured in small paddocks that are not suitable for larger animals. They will roam freely, even through your garden, without proper fencing.  Net wire is the traditional fence for containment; however, electric fencing is successfully being used by Joel Nash of Leonard.  His fences are effective in keeping his goats and dogs separated from all else, even coyotes.

Mr. Nash conservatively estimates that the market price for young goats averages around $65-$70 a head. Four lactating nannies equal one lactating cow for carrying capacity of pastures and feed requirement.  Sales of six kids from these 4 nannies should bring in about $400.00. At current prices, the sale of a calf from a 1,000 Lb. cow could be more than $500.

Joel Nash’s goat operation is used for natural weed control.  Joel feels that the goats and a shredder would be effective in controlling weeds and would give him more latitude in the use of legumes for improving his soil and producing more pounds of meat per acre.

Mr. Nash is successfully implementing a water quality management plan on his small farm west of Leonard.

...........Goats love hats

The five wire electric fence will stop coyotes, dogs, goats and people.  Goats don't get their head hung in this fence.