Cashmere Goats: Breed Profile
A fiber type, not a single breed, with a soft undercoat.
Cashmere is a fine undercoat produced by many goats, and cashmere goats in North America are often selected from Spanish and other goats for fine fiber. The fiber is combed or shorn in spring.
Purpose
Cashmere goats are raised for fiber and sometimes meat.
Where the breed stands today
Cashmere goats are kept in small numbers, with associations and fiber shows.
What to look for in a Cashmere project animal
Look for a dense, fine undercoat, a balanced body and a calm temperament. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Cashmere at 4-H and FFA
Fiber goats are judged on fleece quality, structure and breed type, and in showmanship on the handler. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- A valuable fiber product
- Fleece classes
- Great story for record books
- Fiber goats can compete in fleece classes as well as in showmanship and breeding classes.
- Mohair, cashmere and fiber blends give students a product to sell, spin or weave.
Cons
- Low fiber yield per goat
- Special processing needed
- Few classes at small shows
- Shearing, skirting and fleece handling take skill and time.
- Few county shows have fiber goat classes, so check the premium list first.
Caring for your project
Plan for shearing, parasite control and protecting the fleece from hay and dirt. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Cashmere. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
- How old is she, and what has she been fed?
- What are her fleece weight, fineness and shearing history?
- Has she been handled and halter trained?
- Does my show have a fiber goat class?
Bottom line
Cashmere goats are a niche fiber project.
To see how the contests work, read Fleece, Egg and Fiber Competitions. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Goat Becomes Life Coach, Charges in Corn, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.