What's needed to interest consumers in a line of American cashmere sweaters is more goat breeders willing to produce quality cashmere in higher quantities, she explained. They decided to raise goats on their 80 acres in Virginia Dale after studying many livestock options, Kris McGuire said. Since then, she has acquired goats from several other states to obtain the genetics she wants for high quality cashmere. After getting started in the goat business, the McGuires also purchased a ranch in Wyoming, about 20 miles north of Virginia Dale, where they raise goats and cattle. At one time, they had 700 breeding goats, but they have reduced that number to 40.
All goats grow cashmere, except the Angora goat, which grows mohair.
Goats can live anywhere, McGuire said, and they will find something to eat no matter where they live. Eating habits are one of the best incentives for raising goats, according to McGuire. Leafy spurge is a noxious weed that chokes out native grasses, but goats love it, and even prefer it. By grazing on the weed, they can prevent it from producing more seed and spreading. McGuire noted one downside, however.