How stakeholders in the goat industry in western France view grazing

Because of their constant demand for milk, dairy goat subindustries in western France are highly dynamic. Goat systems are rarely feed self-sufficient, so they are greatly affected by any increase in feed prices. In western France, 90% of goats do not graze. This study examined how industry farmers and stakeholders view the role of pastures in goat systems. The surveys revealed that grazing was seen as having benefits (e.g., allowing feed self-sufficiency and meeting societal expectations) as well as disadvantages (especially exposure to parasites). Another challenge is that stakeholders have different ideas about the form that dairy goat farming should take. Some dairies seek to establish certified organic farms based on larger herds. In contrast, those taking over established operations want to put into place small systems that produce farmstead cheese.