| Moneymaker™ goats are meat goats developed by careful crossbreeding of Saanen, Nubian, and Boer goats.
These are not just any crossbred goats, their breeders Bob and Dusty Copeland are determined and dedicated
in their pursuit of creating a whole new breed.
Bob grew up on a cattle farm, and he vividly remembers talking to his dad while weaning calves; how did
the small Shorthorn wean a calf just as big as the Charolais? Those first lessons in breeding became a
life's passion to make the best better, a dream he now shares with his wife Dusty. The couple raised cattle
for years; eventually improving their stock enough that they weaned calves at ten months weighing 763 lbs.
A move brought the Copeland's to a ninety-eight acre ranch in the Shasta Valley near Gazelle, CA. Cattle
were not compatible with such a small ranch, and the Copeland's wanted to raise animals without irrigation.
They settled on sheep, and within four years were weaning lambs weighing 130 lbs at just four months.
In 1997 the Copeland's began thinking and praying about switching direction to meat goats. They knew there
was an ethnic market, but believed mainstream America , being more health conscious, was ready for meat
goats. Using sound business principles, they determined the product they wanted to sell, high quality lean
red meat. Most American consumers dislike the smaller cuts from goats, particularly the smaller chops.
To create the product they wanted to sell, Bob and Dusty needed to create a goat that could meet their
needs.
Bob and Dusty began by purchasing several meaty type Nubian does, and purchased the best Saanen buck they
could find. They crossed these animals, using the Saanen to add size and milk production, and kept all
of the doe kids for two years. At this time the Copeland's suffered a major setback when several does tested
positive for CAE. These does were culled and the herd was put on a strict CAE eradication program. All
doelings were hand raised on pasteurized milk and regular tests were performed, the herd has tested 100%
negative now for several years.
Although it is unusual, another priority was early freshening. The does were bred for December kids, so
kids are old enough to take advantage of the strong spring feed. Kids are weaned and processed in June.
Producing "Saanubians" was only the first stage in the Copeland's breeding program. Next a full blood
Boer buck was added and bred to all the does. They kept a half Boer buckling the next spring, and he in
turn bred all Saanubian the does that fall. These 25% Boer crosses were bred back to the fullblood Boer
buck, Buster. All of the wethers out of the 25% does had colored heads; the wethers out of the Saanubians
were light headed, as 100% of Saanubians are white. The doelings produced by Buster, 3/8ths Boer and 5/8ths
Saanubian, were the does the Copeland's wanted. Even the triplets were weaned at high weights, up to 83
lbs! By continuing to use top quality Saanen, Nubian, and Boer genetics the Copeland's will continue to
produce that 3/8, 5/8 cross that works so well, the "Moneymaker" goat. The Copeland's began selling their
Moneymaker breeding stock in 2005.
Today the Copeland ranch is home to four separate breeding herds.
The first herd is Saanens. Dusty comments that any good Swiss breed with top genetics could be utilized.
Living in Saanen country the Copeland's had their pick of genetics.
The second herd is Saanubian does; kids from the Saanen does crossed with meaty Nubian bucks.
Third is a group of 25% Boers, kids produced by breeding Saanubian does to a half Saanubian, half Boer
buck. These does are carefully selected and culled, and indexed to determine quality. Twinning, fertility,
and ease of kidding are essential traits, and the Copeland's also select for good size and substance.
Finally, the fourth breeding herd is " Moneymakers" these are the 3/8ths Saanubian 5/8ths Boer doe that
are the foundation production does. The three breed terminal cross is considered the best use of hybrid
vigor. These does are produced using the best Boer bucks with superior ADG on test; bucks bred for production
who are correct on their feet and legs and have fast rate of gain. While the Boer buck tests are done on "feed",
the Copeland's do not grain their goats; they feed only the high mountain meadow grass and alfalfa mix
hay. They feel their percentage gains are similar to grained goats because of their does superior milking
abilities. Milk, growth, rib eye, fertility, kidding ease and mothering ability are the most important
areas to be considered when making culling and breeding decisions. Does are jugged or penned up for kidding;
and there are no second chances.
Bob and Dusty are working towards freshening their does three times every two years. Nearly all of the
Moneymaker does bred and settled before turning six months of age. These ten month old does successfully
raised and weaned large twins. When a buck jumped the fence, four of these does were bred two weeks after
freshening and kidded successfully. It was not a planned event, but it is a good example of the fertility
and hardiness of these does.
All of the Moneymaker does are bred to a Boer buck with fast weight gains and the resulting progeny are
harvested at 4-6 months of age. Ideally the kids weigh at least 80-100 lbs. Bob and Dusty market to the
American consumer, someone looking for bigger steaks and filets, and large legs that are boned out. The
goal is to produce large, but lean grass-fed cuts of meat. The sheep industry has made similar changes
over the years to produce a consumer friendly product, and the Copeland's believe the future of the goat
industry will depend on these changes too.
Bob and Dusty were new to goat meat too, after years as cattle ranchers. Dusty remembers being amazed
at her first taste, more like elk than lamb, and a wonderful texture. They knew this was a product that
could be enjoyed by the average American household. Goat meat has great health benefits; being lower in
fat and cholesterol, and naturally leaner than both beef and lamb.
The Copeland's spent two years researching meat markets, doing feasibility studies, designing labels and
an informative website before opening their store, Copeland Meats, in November of 2004. They
were inspected, certified, and ready for business. The demand for their product has been incredible. In
the last year sales have increased by 800%. Unable to meet the demand, the Copeland's are working with
other producers in their "Partnership for Excellence" Program. These producers must meet rigid requirements
and use all natural, organic practices. Any goat that is ever medicated is double tagged and slaughtered
as meat for the Copeland's pets. They do not sell any meat that could contain antibiotic residues, even
for pet use.
The Moneymaker loin chops are so much larger than normally found, that the Copeland's differentiate by
calling them steaks. When placed side by side with sirloin tip beef steaks and boneless pork chops, the "certified
American Chevon" was pretty similar in size and weight.
The Chevon Boneless Leg Roast is a top selling item. These roast are 2-3 lbs and sell for $14.99. Ground
chevon is $5.99 per pound, and Tenderloin Fillets are about $12.99 per pound. The online store also markets
products made from chevon, including bratwurst and breakfast links, plus sauces and marinades. You will
find cuts of beef and lamb for sale, and organic pet meats are also available.
Business has been so good that the Copeland's are considering franchising their business in five years.
Bob and Dusty have two daughters with special needs. An important goal for them has been to develop a business
that their daughters could manage as adults. They believe they have accomplished that goal with the success
of their Moneymaker goats and chevon sales.
For more information please visit www.goatmeats.com or call 1-866-WOW-GOAT.
As Bob and Dusty say, grab a cup of coffee and stay as long as you like. Learn more about Certified American
Chevon™ where, "Finally, what tastes good is good for you!" |
