Ag Marketing Resource Center

Goats for Fiber

Revised March 2026.

Introduction

Although sheep are often associated with wool production, some of the most extravagant fibers are produced by goats. These fibers include mohair from Angora goats and cashmere from many breeds of goats. Cashmere is a fiber in demand for its soft, warm and long-wearing characteristics. It is from the undercoat and is combed off the goat. White, brown or gray solid colored goats are preferred over mixed colored goats. The average yield is between 4 to 6 ounces of underdown per goat per year. The coarse and down hairs are separated by a mechanical process called dehairing. The long fibers are used in knitted garments. Shorter cashmere fibers go into woven fabrics. The fiber diameter must be less than 19 microns to be classified as cashmere. The typical range is 16 to 19 microns.

Marketing

Goat fiber is sold through many different markets including privately, locally, the internet, direct sales to the Mill buyer, cooperative pools, and commercial warehouses.

Production

Many goat operations do not have a primary focus of fiber production. It is most common that meat goat or diary goat operations produce fiber along with their primary products. The two most common fibers produced are mohair and cashmere. Angora goats produce mohair. Cashmere is a type of fiber, not a breed. Cashmere fiber can be clipped from almost any goat other than Angora.

Prices

According to 2026 USDA statistics, the price of mohair in the commercial market was $6.40 per pound in 2025. Adding value to that product creates a higher return. Ways to do this include washing and preparing the fiber for spinners and producing yarn with the fiber.

Sources

USDA NASS, 2026

Other Links

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