They adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions and are easily integrated into wheat and sheep farms or grazing enterprises in most agricultural areas. A decision to start any new enterprise must be based on its relative profitability and potential for development. Goat farming offers a number of benefits. World market prospects for cashmere and mohair fibre have improved significantly since early 1994, due to reductions in world stockpile and a resurgence in demand from consumers. Western Australia's large population of feral goats has the potential to stimulate rapid growth in the goat industry through their capture, domestication and upgrading.
Farmers can enter the goat industry by simply including goats in their farming system.
Initially, goats could comprise 10 per cent of total farm stock numbers. Over time the output per animal will increase due to herd improvement. Other benefits include diversification of production, use of existing sheep handling skills and facilities, non-chemical weed control and pasture management. The husbandry and management of goats and sheep are similar. Stock owners with some sheep and cattle experience can adapt readily to handling goats.