About us

The Norhwest Cashmere Association is dedicated to provididng update and correct information to those who are interested in raising Cashmere goats. Our goal is to help our members to define attributes for breeding purposes and fiber quality for the best cashmere fiber possible. History of Cashmere goats; Hardy multif purpose goats have been raised for centuries in other countries, Central Asia being one of them. The soft undercoat down of these goats was prized for it's warmth and softness. In the early 1970's, researchers began investigating the down produced by American goats. They found that many goats did produce Cashmere, but not enough to make it economically viable. Because there was potential for Cashmere in North Americaanimals have been imported from Australia and New Zealand to establish herds here, either as pure import flocks, or crossed with selected domestic goats. The Cashmere goat industry in North America is in it's infancy, but has tremendous potential for growth. Why should I should Cashmere over another breed? You have several reasons to pick cashmere over another breed.

1. Cashmere is one of the finest fibers in the world and a new growing market in
this area of the world.

2 Goats are great eaters of brush, blackberries and weeds, so less dangerous chemicals
used in our "green conscious " society.

3. Goat meat is very lean and has been eaten for centuries in other ethnic groups.
Their pelts are of value, goat skin being one of the softest leathers on the market.