Wisconsin once had the highest number of dairy cows in the US, but that accolade has been taken over by California with Wisconsin now in second place. Now Wisconsin has the highest number of dairy goats in the US as well as having one of the largest goat farms in the world.

The growth in Wisconsin as well as California, which is in second position for goat and sheep milk sales, is driven by existing infrastructure and a growing appreciation for goat’s milk in the US.

Goat’s milk in the US is mostly used for cheese production. Retail sales are up by 8% from last year’s levels to $142 million (€126.78m), according to Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Quality of Wisconsin goat’s milk products is now winning awards over similar products made from cow’s milk.

There are 267 licensed goat farms in the state, twice as many as in 2004. The number of goats has increased by 70% to 44,000 during the same period.

The increase in goat milk production is still falling far short of demand. Cheese-makers have to import frozen curds from the EU and fresh milk from Canada to help keep their customers supplied.