Meet the Meat Goats of Virginia

When you think of delicious goat meat, you might not picture rolling hills and green pastures in Virginia—but that’s exactly where much of it comes from. Goat meat (or “chevon”) is enjoyed around the world for its lean, flavorful qualities, and here in Virginia, farmers raise several different breeds, each with its own unique story and taste.

Let’s take a quick tour of the most common meat goats you might find on your plate.

sunnraezplace, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boer Goats – The Heavyweight Champs

If goat meat had a “poster goat,” it would be the Boer. These big, muscular goats grow quickly and produce tender, meaty cuts. They have white bodies with reddish-brown heads and are a favorite among farmers for their friendly nature.

Why you’ll love it: Mild flavor, lots of meat on the bone, and perfect for roasts, curries, or slow-cooked dishes.

Kiko Goats – The Tough All-Rounders

Kiko goats come from New Zealand and are basically the survivalists of the goat world. They handle Virginia’s weather with ease and thrive in open pastures. They might not grow as fast as Boers, but their meat is lean, flavorful, and raised with minimal fuss.

Why you’ll love it: Great for those who want goat raised with low intervention—pure pasture to plate.

Spanish Goats – The Heritage Favorites

Spanish goats have been in North America for centuries. They’re hardy, adaptable, and excellent foragers. While they’re usually smaller than Boers, they produce meat with a rich, distinctive flavor.

Why you’ll love it: More “gamey” flavor—perfect for adventurous eaters who like bold-tasting meat.

Myotonic Goats – The “Fainting” Stars

Yes, these are the goats you’ve seen in funny videos—they stiffen up when startled. But beyond the internet fame, they’re also great meat goats with a high meat-to-bone ratio.

Why you’ll love it: Tender meat and a fun backstory to share at the dinner table.

Savanna Goats – The All-White Wonders

Savannas are all-white goats known for being tough and disease-resistant. Their meat is similar in quality to Boer goats, but they’re less common in Virginia, making them a bit of a treat when you find them.

Why you’ll love it: Mild, tender meat that’s great for grilling or slow-cooking.

Nubian Goats – The Dual-Purpose Delights

Nubians are often kept for their milk, but they also produce flavorful meat. Recognizable by their long floppy ears, they’re a bit of a “two-for-one” goat.

Why you’ll love it: A slightly sweeter flavor—great for lighter dishes or Mediterranean-style cooking.

So, Which Goat Is Right for You?

If you want lots of tender meat: Boer or Savanna.
If you like lean and hearty: Kiko or Spanish.
If you want something special: Myotonic or Nubian

At Two Good Goats we primarily source Boer and Kiko goats that are best suited for the South Asian palate.