11242 - Goat Farming
Introduction
NAICS Code 11242, known as Goat Farming, represents a vital segment within the agriculture industry. This classification covers businesses dedicated to raising and breeding goats primarily for commercial purposes such as meat, milk, fiber, and other goat-related products. As demand for goat products continues to rise globally, understanding NAICS 11242 is essential for farmers, entrepreneurs, and government contractors looking to explore agricultural opportunities.
What is NAICS Code 11242 - Goat Farming?
NAICS code 11242 covers establishments engaged in the production of goats, including their raising, breeding, and management. This includes a broad range of activities focused on generating commercial products like:
- Goat meat (chevon)
- Goat milk and cheese
- Fiber such as mohair and cashmere
- Other goat derivatives and byproducts
These businesses play a significant role in food production, textile supply, and specialty dairy markets.
Sector Overview: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
NAICS 11242 falls under the broader sector of Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting. This sector is centered around natural resource-based production and includes:
- Crop production
- Animal production (livestock, poultry, aquaculture)
- Forestry and logging
- Fishing, hunting, and trapping
Within this context, goat farming represents a specialized form of animal production, focusing on small ruminants valued for diverse products.
Typical Business Types and Activities
Businesses classified under NAICS 11242 exhibit a variety of farming activities, including:
- Dairy Goat Farms: Raising goats specifically for milk production and products such as goat cheese and yogurt.
- Meat Goat Farms: Focus on breeding and raising goats primarily for meat consumption.
- Fiber Goat Farms: Specialize in producing luxury fibers such as mohair (from Angora goats) and cashmere (from Cashmere goats) used in textile manufacturing.
These diversified operations contribute to regional economies and support agricultural sustainability.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 11242
To qualify as a small business under NAICS 11242 for government contracting and other SBA programs, the SBA size standard is determined by:
- Employee-based standard: Typically, goat farming businesses with up to 500 employees are considered small.
- Revenue-based standard: Some cases evaluate maximum annual receipts; however, employee count is most commonly used for this industry.
Understanding size standards helps goat farm operators identify eligibility for federal assistance, grants, and contracting preferences.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 11242
- Artisan dairy farms producing organic goat cheese.
- Meat goat producers focused on sustainable chevon markets.
- Specialty fiber goat ranches harvesting Angora goat mohair.
- Family-owned farms specializing in breeding high-quality breeding stock.
NAICS Code 11242 Details Table
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 11242 |
| Industry Title | Goat Farming |
| Sector | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting |
| Primary Activity | Raising and breeding goats for commercial purposes |
| Typical Business | Dairy goat farms, meat goat farms, fiber goat farms |
| Size Standard | Generally ≤ 500 employees (small business threshold) |
| Products | Meat, milk, cheese, mohair, cashmere, other byproducts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What products come from goat farming under NAICS 11242?
Goat farming produces a variety of products including goat meat, milk, cheese, mohair, cashmere, and other fiber materials.
Can a goat farm producing both meat and dairy be classified under NAICS 11242?
Yes, as long as the primary activity involves the raising and breeding of goats for commercial production, all related activities fall under NAICS 11242.
What is the size standard to qualify as a small business under NAICS 11242?
The common size standard is up to 500 employees, but it can vary slightly depending on specific SBA guidelines and contract requirements.
Which sector does goat farming belong to?
Goat farming is part of the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting sector.
How can I find opportunities related to NAICS 11242?
Farms classified under NAICS 11242 can explore government contracts, agricultural grants, and cooperative extension resources related to livestock production.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 11242 - Goat Farming is an important classification that captures the commercial raising and breeding of goats for diverse agricultural products. From dairy and meat to luxury fibers, goat farming supports many sectors of the economy within the primary industry grouping: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting. Operators and businesses looking to engage with government programs or expand their market presence should familiarize themselves with the characteristics and size standards of this NAICS code for optimal success.
Keywords: NAICS 11242, Goat Farming, goat milk, goat meat, mohair, cashmere, small business size standards, agriculture NAICS codes, goat farm business, agricultural contracting
