[oldmanfarmer]

I've been thinking about getting some Yaks and Goats to try some thing different, has anyone ever raised any?
and if yes how did/is it going?

Yak meat is good. Its leaner and has more vitamins than Bisson or cow. It has more flavor than beef and Bisson.
Not Gamey tasting.
Yaks graze slower than cows.
Yak coat can be sold for yarn.

Goat milk is great tasting.
Goats eat all grasses and weeds.
Goats will jump and climb so a good fence will be needed, electric fence?


That's my extent of knowledge on the two.

I'm not sure if I could sell it to the local restaurants or not?

I don't even know if any one would buy the hair from the yaks.
How do you make goat cheese?
Any Ideas?

 

[RC Wells]

Depending on where you are located there are many resources on raising goats. They run the gambit from dairy to meat breeds. If you are in the US your local USDA folks can point you in the right direction, or try here (http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/twentytruths06.html) to start the learning process on meat goats, or here for the same with dairy (https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/raising-goats-zmaz83jaznet). Goats have recognized and known buyers, as does goat dairy products, get to know the local experts and pick their brains.

Yaks are a different story. It is an emerging livestock, and like the fad of Ostriches and Llamas of a few years ago it is easy to be had in the pocketbook. Start with research in the breeder community (http://www.theyakranch.com/Yak-Facts-Info-About-Yaks/Raising-yaks-Why-Raise-Yaks/), judge carefully and then do the research on breeds (http://www.yakbreeder.com/whyaks.html). Check your local market for demand.

Tread cautiously, it is easy to be had by Aaron Slick pushing dream stock for which there is no commercial market.

 

[oldmanfarmer]

no oil here. I have a lot of people to talk to and a lot of research to do before any decisions are made. im hopeing the hair will be sold to some of the artist, Amish, stores around Berea Ky(large artsy population) for yarn. Talking to some restaurants for the meat and looking what(who) i can find to take the milk, cheese(dairy) and leather. A long ways to go before the 1st cent is spent.
Thank you for your input.